Universal Orlando Hotel Types

Today, we will discuss the Universal Orlando Hotel Types. Universal used to have four room categories (Premier, Moderate, Prime Value, and Value) but has condensed them down to three hotel types: Signature, Prime Value, and Value. What does it all mean?!

Today, I will share all the Universal Orlando hotels, the hotel types, and what it all means for your Universal Orlando vacation.

Before we get started, don’t forget to check out my Universal Orlando Planning Guide.

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I’d love to be your Universal Orlando travel agent. I’m not only a travel agent for Universal but also a long-time annual pass holder and Florida resident! Contact me today to learn how I can add value to your trip.

Signature vs. Prime Value vs. Value at Universal Orlando

Universal used to have a top tier called “Premier” resorts. The premier resorts came with Express Passes. Easy peasy, right? Well, it was. Now, the top-tier hotels at Universal are called Signature Collection. Does that mean they all come with Express Passes? Nope! Not anymore, but there are good reasons.

Helios Grand Hotel (opening in 2025) is part of Epic Universe. We don’t expect Express Passes at Epic anytime soon, so it makes sense that Express Passes would not be included here. Sapphire Falls (one of our favorites) was bumped from “moderate” to “Signature” but still does not have Express Passes. However, you can access the water taxi, which is a nice benefit, and the rooms are great too!

Signature Collection Hotels at Universal

Let’s briefly discuss the Signature Collection hotels and what to expect. They are listed (roughly) in order of average price, from most to least expensive.

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel transports guests to the Italian Riviera. The hotel features cobblestone streets and charming Italian architecture. This resort includes free Express Passes.

Hard Rock Hotel offers a vibrant and immersive experience that combines the excitement of rock-n-roll with the luxury of a premier resort. The hotel is decorated with an extensive collection of music memorabilia and has a pool that plays music underwater. This resort includes free Express Passes.

Loews Royal Pacific offers guests a luxurious escape to a tropical island paradise reminiscent of the South Seas. Think Hawaii, but in Florida. There’s even a luau! This resort includes free Express Passes.

Don’t miss What is a ghost room at Universal Orlando?

Helios Grand Hotel (opening May 22, 2025) lets you enter a sunlit sanctuary where light and life abound. Rising above the waters of Celestial Park, this resort is truly IN Epic Universe!

**Concept art by Universal.

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort offers a nautical theme. While you don’t get free Express Passes, you have some amenities not available at the value resorts, such as the water taxi and nicer dining options. We have a full video tour of Sapphire Falls on YouTube.

Prime Value Hotels at Universal

Let’s discuss Universal’s three Prime Value Hotels and what to expect. Aventura is located on the Garden Walk just across from Sapphire Falls. Stella Nova and Terra Luna are just adjacent to Epic Universe. Shuttle service will be available between all resorts and parks.

Aventura is sleek, stylish, and modern. If you want a resort where you don’t have to walk much. This is it! This is our favorite hotel for adults and teens. The price point is just right, and you can walk across the street to Sapphire Falls to access the water taxi or garden walk! Check out a full video tour of Aventura on YouTube.

Stella Nova Resort (opening January 21, 2025) is inspired by the infinite vastness of the unexplored universe, where galaxies spiral ever outward, and unknown worlds revolve around unnamed stars.**Concept art by Universal Orlando

Terra Luna Resort (opening March 25, 2025) is inspired by the thrill of exploring the unknown and pushing the limits of discovery.

**Concept art by Universal Orlando

Value Hotels at Universal

Let’s discuss the three value hotels at Universal. These Value hotels have accommodations that comfortably and affordably sleep 6+ guests, perfect for larger families.

Cabana Bay Beach Resort is one of the best Universal hotels on a budget. While it’s the most expensive of the Value hotels at Universal, it has the bonus of being much closer to the parks. You can access the Garden Walk from Cabana Bay. Plus, you’ll find the only hotel bowling alley here! Check out our video tour of Cabana Bay Beach Resort.

Endless Summer Surfside is one of the two hotels within Universal’s Endless Summer Resort. This hotel offers comfortable accommodations at an affordable price. This is the right hotel for you if you want to be part of the action at Universal Studios Florida while staying on a budget.

We recently stayed at Surfside so you can check out our Surfside Inn and Suites review here!

Dockside is the other Endless Summer Resort on Universal’s property. It is another one of Universal’s value hotels. It offers standard rooms as well as two-bedroom suites. I recommend the suites; they don’t cost much more and have so much room!

Hotel Types at Universal Orlando

I hope this post on the Universal Orlando hotel types helped you figure out Signature vs. Prime Value vs. Value at Universal. If you’d like to book your trip with a Universal Orlando travel agent, I’d love to help! Contact me for more information.

More Universal travel tips:

• How to visit the entire Wizarding World of Harry Potter in one day
• Hidden secrets of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• A list of restaurants in CityWalk
• How to Eat at Universal on a Budget

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