The Ultimate Guide to Universal Orlando Hotels
So you’re here looking for a Guide to Universal Orlando hotels. You’re in the right place; we’ve stayed in all of them!
There are currently 11 hotels at Universal Orlando, including the newest 3 hotels that opened with Epic Universe. This guide to Universal Orlando hotels should help you find the perfect one for your family!
Before we get started, let me introduce myself. My name is Amy, and I’m a Universal Travel Agent, a travel blogger, a Florida resident, and a long-time Universal Annual Passholder.
As both a Universal Travel Agent and a mom who’s visited the parks more times than I can count, I’m here to help you plan your visit to Universal! Contact me for more information if you’d like assistance in booking your Universal vacation at no cost to you.
When you’re done here, don’t miss our Universal Orlando Planning Guide.
First, though, let’s start with the names of the different Universal Orlando hotels.
- Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
- Hard Rock Hotel
- Loews Royal Pacific Resort
- Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
- Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
- Universal’s Aventura Hotel
- Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites
- Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites
- Helios Grand Hotel
- Stella Nova Resort
- Terra Luna Resort
Universal Orlando hotels now have three-tier categories – signature, prime value, and value. Each level comes with different perks and amenities.
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Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is one of the Signature hotels at Universal Orlando. The Italian theme is really beautiful and it has some of the largest standard rooms on Universal property.
You’ll find plenty of amenities here, from an arcade to multiple pools (one with a slide) and several restaurants. There are multiple room options, including a select few with balconies (rare at Universal.) There are also Minion-themed kid suites available.
There is an excellent workout center, as well as a spa!
Hard Rock Hotel
This is another one of the Signature hotels at Universal. Hard Rock Hotel at Universal is another hotel that includes Unlimited Express Passes.
Families are encouraged to book the club-level rooms or suites. They offer extra perks like breakfast, snacks, and even drinks for the adults! If you have kids, you know that getting food included is worth a lot!
There are a few different restaurants at Hard Rock Hotel. Quick snacks and coffee can be found at Emack & Bolio’s Marketplace. And you don’t even need to leave the pool area when you’re hungry, thanks to the Beachclub.
The pool at Hard Rock Hotel
The swimming pool features an underwater sound system. It is considered the best pool out of all the Universal hotels. Add in the waterslide, hot tubs, and volleyball court, and you have instant fun! There are also numerous poolside games held each day.
Bodyrock fitness center has all the equipment you need for an excellent workout. There are also walking and jogging paths you can explore.
One of the most popular activities at this Universal hotel is the “Velvet Sessions” rock concerts. They are held approximately once a month.
Loews Royal Pacific Resort
Loews Royal Pacific Resort is the last of the Signature hotels at Universal Orlando that include Express passes-for now. This gorgeous hotel offers a South Pacific theme and sits closest to CityWalk.
There are more than one thousand guest rooms, including suites. You’ll find fun Jurassic World-themed kid suites here.
The entire family will love the lagoon-style swimming pool. And the younger kids will enjoy spending time in the kids’ play area on the beach.
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
Another Signature hotel (but no Express Passes here) at Universal Orlando is Loews Sapphire Falls Resort. This used to be considered Universal’s only moderate resort, but was upgraded (without Express Passes) when the newest hotels opened.
There are over a thousand guest rooms, including one of our favorites – the kid suites.
Cabana Bay Beach Resort
One of the value resorts is Cabana Bay Beach Resort. This retro-style resort will have you traveling back in time. Every inch is designed to look like a Florida beach resort from the 50s and 60s.
The rooms are spacious. The suites have the most space and are a must-have for families. There is even a kitchenette in the suites which is great for snacks or breakfast.
There are two pool areas here, one with a waterslide and the other with a lazy river! Be prepared to bring your own tubes or buy them here.
When you’re ready for more family fun, head over to Ace the Arcade or Galaxy Bowl.
What is the best Universal hotel for Volcano Bay access?
Cabana Bay Beach Resort is the best Universal hotel for when you are spending most of your time at Volcano Bay. You can easily walk to Volcano Bay. Check out 15 Amazing Volcano Bay Tips for everything you need to know about the water park.
You can take the garden walk to CityWalk, but it’s a long way! You can also walk over to Sapphire Falls and take the water taxi. Otherwise, you can take the bus.
Just beware, the hotels are directly across the street from each other, but you have to walk down to the very end of the road to the crosswalk that goes over the road, and back. Do not cross the road directly!
Aventura Hotel
The first prime value hotel at Universal is Aventura. This hotel is modern, and it’s much easier to get around than the others since it’s more vertical than horizontal.
The standard rooms are spacious enough and filled with every amenity you could possibly want. If you choose to stay in one of those, it is best to upgrade to a Skyline View on a higher floor.
Urban Pantry is a food hall that has almost every food you can think of. The other restaurants and bars are excellent as well, so make sure you add them to your list. Especially Bar 17 Bistro. It is a rooftop bar with amazing views.
While the pool is small and not that exciting, there is a splash pad for little kids as well as a play area.
A quick bus ride from this hotel will have you at City Walk. You can also take the water taxi from Loews Sapphire Falls Resort.
If you’re trying to decide between Aventura vs. Cabana Bay, I have a blog post for that too!
Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites
It is all about surfing at Surfside Inn and Suites, which is a value hotel at Universal Orlando. This is a fabulous hotel if you want a relaxed vibe during your vacation at a great price.
The rooms and suites offer a beach vibe with lots of room. Getting a 2-bedroom suite is the best option if you want a kitchenette and a picnic table to eat your meals.
Keep in mind that Surfside and Dockside are both further from the parks and will require a bus. They’re in between Epic Universe and CityWalk, but much closer to CityWalk.
Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites
Dockside Inn and Suites has a coastal vibe. It is another value hotel, but that doesn’t mean you will miss out on any amenities or perks. The 2-bedroom suites are quite spacious, just like over at Surfside. You can check out the full Dockside Inn and Suites Review here!
The two large swimming pools are simple but fun for the family. Both Surfside and Dockside are basic, but are great options, especially if you want an affordable hotel for a family of 5 or 6.
New Universal Orlando Hotels (2025)
Universal Orlando has opened three brand new hotels that opened with or just before Epic Universe. Universal Stella Nova Resort, Universal Terra Luna Resort, and Helios Grand Hotel are the newest Universal hotels.
Universal Stella Nova Resort
Stella Nova Resort opened in early 2025 and was the first of two new Prime Value hotels located right next to Epic Universe. Themed around galaxies, stars, and cosmic colors, Stella Nova feels fresh and modern—perfect for anyone wanting that brand-new-hotel smell.
You’ll find 750 rooms here, each with simple but smart design and cool space-themed touches. There’s a large resort pool, a splash pad, and a quick-service dining area called Cosmos Café & Market for easy meals between park days. The downside to both this and Terra Luna Resort is that the rooms only sleep up to 4, so it’s not great for larger families.
Who it’s best for: Families or couples looking for a budget-friendly stay with easy access to Epic Universe.
Keep in mind: Stella Nova isn’t within walking distance of the main Universal Orlando parks, but complimentary shuttles will get you there.
Terra Luna Resort
Universal’s Terra Luna Resort opened shortly after Stella Nova and continues the “space-themed” look. You’ll notice a lot of earthy and celestial design elements that make it feel unique but still cohesive with Stella Nova.
Like its sister hotel, Terra Luna is a Prime Value resort with 750 rooms, a spacious pool area, and quick dining options. The Luna Bar offers some fun cocktails and mocktails, and the pool area is a relaxing spot for a mid-afternoon break from the parks.
Who it’s best for: Guests who want a fun, brand-new Universal resort at a lower price point, especially if you plan to spend most of your trip exploring Epic Universe.
Keep in mind: Expect to take transportation to the existing Universal parks.
Universal Helios Grand Hotel
If you’re looking for luxury, the Helios Grand Hotel is the clear star. (See what I did there?) This property is part of Universal’s “Signature Collection” and sits inside Epic Universe, offering guests direct access to the park through a private entrance. If you want the most convenient and immersive experience, this is the one.
Helios Grand features Mediterranean-inspired design with celestial decor, elegant dining options, and even themed suites like the “How to Train Your Dragon” kids’ rooms. While this is part of the Signature Collection, Express Passes are not yet included with this resort stay.
Who it’s best for: Guests who want to be closest to Epic Universe and enjoy a higher-end stay with the best amenities.
Which of the New Universal Hotels Is Right for You?
If budget is your main concern, Stella Nova or Terra Luna are fantastic new options that still include perks like Early Park Admission and complimentary transportation to all the Universal parks. If you’re planning to spend most of your time at Epic Universe and love a little luxury, the Helios Grand Hotel is hard to beat.
Which Universal Hotels Have Express Passes?
This is a very important question to ask before you book your hotel at Universal. Express Passes are almost a must if you’re traveling during a busy time of the year.
Express Passes will allow you to skip the line at rides and attractions. You can purchase an Express Pass that can be used once per ride, or Universal Unlimited Express Passes.
When you stay at any of the premier Universal Orlando hotels – Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific, or Loews Portofino Bay, you receive an Unlimited Express Pass for every day of your stay. And yes, it is for every member of your travel party!
Are There Perks to Staying at a Universal Orlando Hotel?
The main perks of staying at a Universal Orlando hotel include:
- Early admission into the theme parks – 1 hour before the general public
- Complimentary transportation to the theme parks
- Complimentary delivery of merchandise purchased at the theme parks
- Charge purchases with your room key throughout the theme parks
The premier resorts, as well as Loews Sapphire Falls, are a short distance from City Walk via The Garden Walk. This is a nice perk if the buses or even the water taxi has a long wait!
Can You Resort Hop at Universal Orlando Hotels?
This is another easy question, because you can definitely resort hop here! All the restaurants are open to the public. So, you can easily head over to another hotel to try one of the restaurants there.
As for the swimming pools, you can use any of the pools at the hotels. The only exception is those guests at the Endless Summer hotels. Those guests can only go swimming at their hotels’ pools.
Which Universal Hotel is Best?
It can be so difficult to determine which Universal hotel is best. This is a great reason to work with a Universal travel agent to figure out which hotel is best for you!
If I had to guess which hotel was my favorite, it would be a three-way tie. If you have the budget for Hard Rock Hotel, it’s pretty incredible! From the giant guitar to the memorabilia to the impressive pool, Hard Rock Hotel is pretty epic.
Sapphire Falls is another favorite of ours. The 2-bedroom family suites have just enough room to sleep 4 comfortably with a little extra room. The pool is another favorite. Lastly, Aventura is great for adults or older kids, and the view is the best at any Universal hotel!
A guide to Universal Orlando Hotels
I hope this guide to Universal hotels was helpful! If you want help booking your trip, contact me!
Check out the links below for the prices of all of the Universal hotels during your dates:
- Hard Rock Hotel
- Loews Portofino Bay
- Loews Royal Pacific
- Aventura Hotel
- Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
- Cabana Bay Beach Resort
- Universal Endless Summer Resorts – Dockside Inn and Suites and Surfside Inn and Suites.
We also have a post about Marriott Cypress Harbor Villas Review near Universal and Disney if your family needs a larger place to stay. I also have tours for every single Universal resort on YouTube.
Planning an Orlando vacation?
If you’re planning an Orlando vacation, make sure to check out more theme park tips and tricks:
- 25 Free Things at Disney World
- Star Wars Land vs. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
- 30+ Movies to watch before going to Universal
- Where to find Dole Whip at Disney World
- Is club level at Universal hotels worth it?
- How to eat vegan at Universal Orlando
- The 20 Best Beaches near Orlando for Families
- 7 things to know about the Disney Skyliner
- Worst rides for motion sickness at Universal
- The problem with Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure
About Florida Travel With Kids
Florida Travel with Kids was started by a family who loves to travel the state of Florida with kids! And as you may have guessed by this guide to Universal hotels, we really love Universal Orlando! This site will help you explore the fun state of Florida and all of the kid-friendly activities you’ll find here.
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