At its most basic level, a hotel is a place to rest your head when you’re on vacation. Well, we blow way past basic around here, so allow me to introduce you to my favorite hotel at Universal Orlando Resort: Loews Sapphire Falls Resort. So much more than just a place to rest your head, Sapphire Falls is chock-full of immaculate theming, delicious dining, theme park benefits, and a pool worth booking an extra day for.
Before we dig in, here are the quick facts:
- Sapphire Falls Resort is a Signature Collection hotel at Universal Orlando Resort. It offers standard rooms with views of its lagoon or pool as well as suites.
- The hotel has multiple dining options including sit-down restaurants, poolside dining, and a grab-and-go area.
- A stay at Sapphire Falls includes Early Park Admission and easy transportation to all four Universal theme parks.
I am an enthusiastic fan of Sapphire Falls Resort, so it is truly my pleasure to say we’ve really only scratched the surface of what this hotel can offer! Here’s everything you need to know about your next stay at Sapphire Falls.
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ABOUT THE HOTEL | WHAT TO DO | WHERE TO EAT | WHERE TO SHOP
About Sapphire Falls Resort
As a Signature Collection hotel, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort offers expansive full-service amenities, next-level service, and immaculate theming throughout the entire hotel, plus theme park benefits that will make your vacation as stress-free as possible.
Price Range: $$$
Perfect for: I can’t imagine anyone who is not suited for this hotel. Families, couples, solo travelers, anyone who likes a great pool, delicious dining, exclusive theme park benefits? This one’s for you.
Need help deciding which Universal hotel to stay in? Read our guide to How to Choose the Right Universal Orlando Hotel for Your Visit here.
Theming:
True to its name, Sapphire Falls is paradise for anyone who takes their tropical theming in blue hues and cascading waterfalls. The lobby — with its high ceilings, subtle floral scent, and giant floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the lush landscape and the theme park — sets the stage instantly for a relaxing, Caribbean-inspired vacation.
Rooms at Sapphire Falls Resort
There are multiple room types at Sapphire Falls, all of which carry that vibrant, Caribbean-theming through to every detail. Your options include:
- Standard Rooms: Two queen beds, a flat screen TV, a coffee maker, and a mini refrigerator. You can choose between Lagoon or Pool View rooms (which also have king bed rooms) to wake up with a view!
- Suites: Live like royalty with multiple suite options! Choose between Kids Suites (one king bed and two twin beds); the King Suite (one king bed and an adjoining living room area); the Hospitality Suite (one king bed and one sofa bed), the Sapphire Suite (one king bed, and an adjoining dining and living area); or the Presidential Suite (large bedroom with adjoining dining room, conference area and study).
I usually opt for a Standard Lagoon View Room and am happy to report that it’s my favorite place to stay when I travel to Universal. With muted blue tones, comfortable beds, a stunning view of the lagoon, and all the things I’m looking for in a hotel room (drawers to store my belongings, a single-cup coffee maker, and Strong Water Tavern right downstairs), these rooms check all my boxes. The atmosphere of all the rooms at Sapphire Falls is so calming; they really are the perfect spot to rest after a busy theme park day.
What to Do at Sapphire Falls Resort
While I love the rooms at Sapphire Falls, there is plenty to do outside of them and around the hotel. I highly recommend adding a day to your itinerary to enjoy the amenities throughout the hotel.
The Pool
Let’s start with the pool, because you really should never miss an opportunity to swim on vacation! The Sapphire Falls pool is seriously fabulous. At 16,000-square feet it is the biggest pool at Universal Orlando Resort and includes a water slide, children’s play area, and a nearby hot tub. It is also zero-entry, because we don’t want you to stress about lifting a finger (or your foot) on vacation.
We’re aiming for peak relaxation energy here, so grab a drink from the Drhum Club Kantine and get comfortable (maybe even book a cabana for your own private oasis!). I also can’t recommend the nachos enough here. They are some of the best on property and eating nachos poolside? I told you this hotel was paradise!
Indoor Activities
If you’ve got some competitors in your family, hit Calypso Game Room for some arcade fun. And for anyone who wants to get in a workout (besides the record-breaking steps count you’re getting in the theme parks), there is a state-of-the art gym, Kalina Health & Fitness. It offers a variety of workout equipment along with locker rooms, a dry sauna, and showers.
Theme Park Benefits
Proximity isn’t the only theme park perk you get staying at Sapphire Falls Resort!
- Early Park Admission: Enjoy select theme park attractions at all four theme parks up to an hour before opening with Early Park Admission.
- Room Key Charging: Your key doubles as your credit card during your vacation — use it for in-park purchases on merchandise and dining.
- Merchandise Delivery: As someone who doesn’t like carrying more than a few necessities, I love this perk. Don’t lug your souvenirs around in a theme park all day; ask the merchandise Team Member for delivery straight to your hotel.
Speaking of the theme parks, below are your transportation options for each of them:
- Water Taxi: One of the most underrated rides in all of Universal, the Water Taxi can take you to Universal CityWalk; once there, it’s a quick walk to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure.
- Shuttle Bus: There are multiple shuttles available that you can hop on to get to Universal Epic Universe, Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Volcano Bay and Universal CityWalk.
- Walking Paths: One of the many benefits of staying at Sapphire Falls is its proximity to all the theme parks, but especially Volcano Bay. Enjoy the scenic walking path to this water theme park, or take the alternate path to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure.
Where to Eat and Drink at Sapphire Falls Resort
The dining at Sapphire Falls is truly euphoric. I’m actually pretty jealous because if you’re reading this, you’re probably planning a trip there soon and/or actively there and deciding what to order, and I just think you’re really lucky for that.
Amatista Cookhouse
With a view of the lagoon from its huge windows, Amatista Cookhouse is stunning. But we don’t go to restaurants for the view, we go for the food — and the food at Amatista is incredible. The Caribbean-inspired menu spans breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the chefs rotate menu items based on seasonality so you’ll be eating fresh ingredients no matter what you order!
For breakfast, I usually opt for either the buffet or the Open-Faced Breakfast Arepa (scrambled eggs, sautéed onions, chorizo, smashed avocado, roasted poblano sauce, heirloom tomato, arugula, queso fresco). For dinner I recommend starting with the Ancho-Chile Chicken Empanadas and ending with Caribbean Rum Cake. You can’t go wrong with whatever you choose in between!
New Dutch Trading Co.
Because every hotel next to a theme park needs a great grab-and-go option. Start your attraction-packed day with a breakfast sandwich, pastry, and coffee from this lobby-adjacent spot. They also have phenomenal gelato that really hits after a hot day in the sun!
Strong Water Tavern
Strong Water Tavern is hands-down my favorite bar (that is so much more than just a bar!) throughout all of Universal, and you can ask anyone who has known me longer than five minutes because I do usually bring it up. Just off the lobby of the hotel, Strong Water Tavern is cool. Whether you sit inside its stylish sitting area or out on the balcony overlooking the lagoon, you’re in for a treat.
For the stand-out experience at Strong Water Tavern, request a Rum Captain who will take you on a rum tasting journey of your choosing. I did this the first time that I visited Strong Water and quickly became a rum enthusiast myself. My go-to order now is one of their excellent rums on the rocks or the Tavern Grog. If you’re hungry, order the Camarones Al Ajillo (shrimp, garlic, white wine, cilantro, tomatoes, lime juice, Cuban bread) and let that bread sit in the sauce and soak it up for a good five minutes. Perfection. Wrap it up all up with the Tres Leches Cake and you’re operating on a whole new level of existence.
Drhum Klub Kantine
I believe I’m already on record recommending the Tampico Nachos, but there are lots of delicious items at this poolside bar and eatery. The Florida Mahi-Mahi Tacos are a standout, and you can also always opt for something simple like a cheese pizza or chicken quesadillas. Pair it all with a frozen cocktail or mocktail and you’ve got a pretty much flawless pool day.
Room Service
Sapphire Falls offers 24-hour room service to its guests which is, in my opinion, pretty extraordinary. So, whether you are coming in late or can’t bring yourself to get out the door in time for breakfast downstairs, you’re set.
Where to Shop at Sapphire Falls Resort
Located right inside the lobby is a Universal Studios Store. Hosting both an array of merchandise from your favorite Universal fandoms and necessities like deodorant and swimsuits, this store is ready to meet your theme park vacation needs.
Want to learn even more about Loews Sapphire Falls Resort? Watch Leyla check in and explore the hotel in this episode of Checked In:
When is your next visit to Sapphire Falls Resort? Let us know in the comments below so we can all live vicariously!
Must be 21 years and older with valid identification to purchase or drink alcoholic beverages.
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