Discover Universal

How to Choose the Right Universal Orlando Hotel for Your Visit 

Arianna Medina
A view of coasters in the background of Royal Pacific

[Your personal online concierge has entered the chat.] 

So, you’re planning a theme park vacation and looking to come stay at Universal Orlando Resort? First off, great idea. But with a variety of hotels to choose from across the destination, it can be daunting to begin the selection process.  

We decided to make it a little easier on you and compile the top things you need to know about each hotel in our three categories when considering the best option for you. Whether you’re more of a Maximizer, Savvy Vacationer or Budget-Conscious Traveler, we’ve got it all broken down for you, along with all the theme park benefits.  

Oh, and we decided to make this a little extra fun by including our favorite hotel secrets and facts — even for our new hotels popping up by Universal Epic Universe. Let’s jump right in! 

For the Maximizer in Search of the Host with the Most 

Signature Collection  $$$ – $$$$ 

Looking for full-service amenities, stellar dining experiences, incredible theming, exclusive theme park benefits, and valet service? OK, we see you, Maximizer. If you want to make the most out of your theme park vacation, one of our Signature Collection hotels is calling your name. Whether you want to treat yourself to a weekend stay or enjoy the most perks across Universal Orlando over several days, these properties are not to be overlooked. Guests who stay here have theme park benefits including Early Park Admission and complimentary theme park transportation. Plus, select Signature Collection hotels – Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and Hard Rock Hotel – include free Universal Express Unlimited for most attractions. This is a huge benefit for anyone eager to swap wait-in-line time with experience-all-the-rides time during their theme park visit.

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort 

Boasting a Caribbean theme with waterfalls and a 16,000-square-foot pool with a sand beach, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is a tranquil paradise. We recommend Amatista Cookhouse for a decadent brunch, and Strong Water Tavern for a chill evening on its outdoor terrace seating with a view of the lagoon. Fun fact: Strong Water Tavern features more than 100 types of rum for guests to taste from all over the world. Let your rum captain guide your voyage and rest assured, you’ll be in for an adventure for your taste buds. 

Some additional features and amenities include a pool, hot tub, cabanas (for rent), water slide, fire pit and children’s play area. Guests can also enjoy the walking and jogging paths near this hotel.  

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Loews Portofino Bay Hotel 

Isn’t life just sweeter along the Italian seaside? Loews Portofino Bay Hotel brings Italy to you with its impeccable theming, beginning on the winding road you take up to the hotel, which resembles a drive in Italy’s wine region. Steven Spielberg himself suggested the recreation of Portofino for a Universal hotel, and our designers traveled to Italy to get the inspiration to build exactly that.  

Upon arrival, you can soak up the views of the harbor, stroll through its walking paths, or plunge into one of three pools. In between theme park trips, cap your day with some authentic Italian eats at Mama Della’s Ristorante and enjoy the strolling musicians who truly elevate the ambience. Portofino Bay Resort is simply *chef’s kiss*.  

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Loews Royal Pacific Resort 

Venture into the South Seas at Loews Royal Pacific Resort. From its wooden bridge entryway to the palm tree canopied walking paths, lagoon pool and sand beach, you will be transported to a tropical paradise through and through. The hotel’s statues were even hand-carved by Indonesian artisans. For extra immersion, guests can book the Jurassic World Kids’ Suites that include details from the movie, like Gyrosphere ride-inspired beds.  

Wind down from your theme park day at Jake’s American Bar with bites and sips, or even catch the Saturday night Wantilan Luau dinner show (tickets required, fees apply). 

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Hard Rock Hotel 

Jam sessions and Universal Orlando just go together. And the experience is ven cooler when you know the California mission-style architecture for the Hard Rock Hotel was inspired by album covers from over the years of music history. You can stay like a VIP in the middle of all the action with live music at the Velvet Bar, a 12,000-square-foot pool with an underwater sound system, hot tubs, walking paths, and sand beach. You can even participate in The Sound of Your Stay program that gets you a Crosley turntable to play records in your room, or borrow a Fender guitar.  

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Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel (Opening 2025) 

As your personal online concierge, I’m thrilled you’ve read this far and landed on this spectacular property. Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel is truly the crown jewel that sits at Universal Epic Universe, inspired by Mediterranean majesty. Read that again. You can stay at Epic Universe.  

Speaking of grand, the rooftop Bar Helios features three areas including an al fresco section with commanding views of Epic Universe. It really can’t get cooler than that. It is your place in the sun, and you can relish all its majestic features, including a zero-entry pool with underwater speakers, fire pit area and poolside movies (weather permitting). As for theme park benefits, if you stay at Helios Grand Hotel you can enjoy your very own entrance into Celestial Park at Epic Universe (theme park ticket required), and complimentary shuttles to hop over to the rest of the Universal Orlando theme parks. 

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For the Savvy Vacationer in Search of the Best of Both Worlds 

Prime Value Hotels $$ 

You want the best of both worlds — that sweet spot in both price and amenities. We hear you, Savvy Vacationer. We’ve got a roundup of hotels that offer a mix of stylish affordability, resort-style comfortability, and fast-casual dining. What’s extra sweet? You still get theme park benefits like Early Park Admission and complimentary shuttle transportation to the parks. Let’s dive in.  

Universal Aventura Hotel 

If chic style matches your aesthetic, this is the hotel for you. With a pool, kids’ splash zone, fire pit, and the fun hotel delivery robot Relay, Aventura Hotel offers just what you need and a little more. Another fun fact: the hotel is in the shape of a fidget spinner, so there are nods to this all around the property! We suggest heading up to the rooftop, Bar 17 Bistro, at golden hour for a gorgeous 360-degree view of the destination and its surrounding areas. If you want, you can get a skyline-view room and have that jaw-dropping view all to yourself from the comfort of your own bed. An extra perk? There’s a walking path that connects you to Universal Volcano Bay, so you can immerse yourself in the tropical vibes in no time. 

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Universal Stella Nova Resort

We cannot get enough of this stellar hotel. Stella Nova Resort, adjacent to Epic Universe, is a celestial spectacle down to its space-travel-inspired windows. Oh, and the images of galaxies featured across the hotel are real. We recommend Galaxy Bar and Galaxy Grill for bites and drinks, as well as the 10,000-square-foot pool, kids’ splash pad, outdoor games, hot tub, fire pit and poolside movies (weather permitting). There will even be a walking path that leads you directly to Epic Universe (opening later in 2025)!  

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Universal Terra Luna Resort (Opening March 25, 2025)

Terra Luna Resort, across from Stella Nova Resort, is rooted in a more terrestrial, otherworldly theme. Like Stella Nova Resort, it too is located by Epic Universe, has space- travel-inspired windows and color-changing tiles on its exterior. Fun fact: The tile pattern on both properties resembles the transposition of a galaxy image! Therefore, the way the light hits both buildings will give it a unique appearance; it is ever-changing, and when the sun sets, little lights become apparent and glimmer across like the night sky. Touch down from your time at the theme parks for a refreshing plunge into a zero-entry pool or hot tub, play outdoor games, and chill at the Luna Bar.  

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For the Budget-Conscious Traveler in Search of the Suite Life 

Value Inns & Suites $ – $$ 

If you are searching for a bigger space for a group of family or friends (hence wanting that suite life on a budget), we have that, too. For our dear Budget-Conscious Traveler, we’ve got cool for the whole crew with affordable rooms and suites including kitchenettes, along with resort-style amenities, fast-casual dining and conveniences. Plus, Early Park Admission and complimentary shuttle transportation are included with your stay. These hotels offer exactly what you need. 

Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Enter your ‘50s and ‘60s retro era. Right as you pull up to Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort, you’ll immediately be transported to another time. There is plenty of fun or relaxation to be had here between your theme park visits. The Shakes Malt Shoppe is a must! This property includes Galaxy Bowl, a lazy river, sand beach, fire pit and two pool areas. You can even get a room with a Volcano Bay view and wake up in a paradise like no other in Orlando. There is also an exclusive entrance directly into Universal Volcano Bay, so you’ll be lounging at Waturi Beach in no time. The guest room buildings were each inspired by roadside motels (Starlight, Thunderbird, Castaway, Continental, and Americana). Every part of your stay interweaves components of an American vacation of a bygone era.  

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Universal Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites 

Since it derived its inspiration from the movie “Endless Summer,” it seems fitting that Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites would have a fun surfboard-shaped pool and poolside activities for all. You can soak up the sun and look over lake views, and head over to Beach Break Cafe for California-fresh options at the property’s three-meal restaurant. Nothing like living the suite life in your ‘60s surf era.  

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Universal Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites 

Summer mode = always on. Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites, the sister hotel to Surfside Inn and Suites, has two large pools, a children’s play area, sand beaches and poolside activities. The Sunset Lounge makes for a great hangout spot, and adults can check out the venue’s very own beer crafted for the hotel. Pier 8 Market has a cuisine for everyone. Fun fact, the pool bars at both Endless Summer hotels serve beverages that pay tribute to Wet ‘n Wild, the iconic water park that thrilled guests for nearly 40 years on this property.

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Final Note from Your Personal Online Concierge 

So. Many. Choices! But we hope this is a helpful starting point for you as you find what is best for you and your group when vacationing with us. There is a hotel for every type of traveler at Universal Orlando Resort, and we know there is one that’ll be just right for you! So, to our Maximizer, Savvy Vacationer, and Budget-Conscious Traveler, we can’t wait to see you soon.  

What hotel are you looking forward to staying at for your next Universal Orlando vacation? Let us know in the comments!   

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