Planning a trip to Universal Orlando Resort is an exciting adventure filled with unforgettable experiences! One of the key elements to ensuring your vacation is as magical as possible is selecting the right hotel. Universal hotels on property range from budget-friendly to luxury. Here’s a guide to help you choose the best hotel for your Universal Orlando vacation.
Decide on Your Budget
Your budget will play a significant role in narrowing down your hotel options. Universal Orlando offers a range of accommodations to suit different financial plans
*Update: Universal has restructured their hotel categories. Find all the information and your perfect stay HERE!
Value Hotels
Ideal for those who want to save on lodging to splurge more in the parks, the value level hotels include Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites and Dockside Inn and Suites.
These hotels give comfortable accommodations with fun, beach-themed atmospheres at an affordable price. Value resort rooms range from standard hotel rooms to 2-bedroom suites. Pricing starts at approximately $100/night for standard rooms.
Prime Value Hotels
The prime value category hotels offer a bit more in terms of amenities and proximity to the parks. Universal’s Aventura Hotel and Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort fall into this category.
Each offers unique experiences! Aventura is a smaller more modern themed hotel with a rooftop bar. Cabana Bay Beach Resort has a retro-feel with big theming. It also offers a great pool area with a lazy river and a bowling alley off the lobby. Both prime value hotels are also within walking distance of Volcano Bay, Universal Orlando’s waterpark.
These hotels offer rooms that range from standard to kid’s suites that sleep up to 6 guests. Pricing starts at approximately $250/night for a standard room.
Preferred Hotels
Offering a balance between luxury and affordability, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is the only preferred category hotel. The theme is a tropical escape with added perks like water taxi access to the parks.
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort offers accommodations from standard 2 queen rooms starting at $320/night as well as suites for added space.
Premier Hotels
For a more luxurious experience, consider the premier hotels like Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel, and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. These properties offer upscale accommodations. The resorts also include exceptional dining options.
Plus, they come with the additional benefit of free Universal Express Unlimited for each night of your stay. That perks allows you to skip the regular lines at most attractions as many times as you like.
Premier level hotels offer standard as well as club level rooms, and suites. Prices vary by resort and start at approximately $450/night for standard accommodations.
Promotions and Discounts
Most importantly, Universal Orlando Resort offers a variety of promotional vacation packages that include airport transfers as well as discounts throughout the year based on length of stay and ticket options. Check with your travel professional for current promotions to save on your trip.
Consider Proximity to the Parks
Staying close to the parks can save time and energy! If you plan to take breaks during the day. The premier level hotels are the closest to the theme parks. The added cost of a premier level resort includes the perk of being within walking distance of both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure theme parks.
Additionally, water taxi service is offered as a perk at both premier and preferred level hotels. Water taxi service delivers guests just outside the gates of the theme parks. Both the walking paths and water taxi service to/from the resorts have private security check points that are faster to navigate.
Whereas value and prime value resorts offer bus shuttle service to the theme parks. The shuttle service drop off is located just below the entrance to CityWalk. Guests who use the shuttle service enter through the general admission security check.
Evaluate Hotel Amenities
Consider what amenities are important to you and your travel companions. Some key amenities to look for include:
Pools and Recreational Facilities
Many Universal Orlando hotels feature themed pools, water slides, and kid play zones. However not all are created equal.
For example, Cabana Bay Beach Resort has a large pool area that rivals a water park area complete with lazy river. Meanwhile, Aventura’s pool is small, quiet and built for a relaxing adult pool day.
Dining Options
From casual eateries to fine dining, having a variety of on-site dining options can enhance your stay. The value and prime value hotels offer food court style dining perfect for guests looking to “grab n go” or who want various options.
Meanwhile, If unique table service restaurants are your jam, then Loews Sapphire Falls Resort as well as the 3 premier level hotels should be on your radar. For example, Loews Royal Pacific Hotel offers the Wantilan Luau as dining experience.
Special Perks and Benefits
Staying at a Universal Orlando hotel comes with several exclusive perks that can enhance your vacation experience. First, guests at on property hotels in any category receive Early Park Admission each morning to one of the two sides of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Next, as an on-property guest, you can charge purchases to your room key across the resort, making transactions seamless and convenient. Lastly, purchases made in the parks can be delivered directly to your Universal hotel, so you don’t have to carry them around all day.
However, staying at a premier category resort does come with bigger advantages. The biggest advantage by far is Universal Express Unlimited. Guests at premier hotels receive this complimentary benefit, allowing them to skip the regular lines at most attractions, saving valuable time.
Theme and Atmosphere
Consider the overall theme and atmosphere of the hotel. Would you prefer the laid-back island vibe of Loews Royal Pacific Resort? Perhaps you’d love the rock ‘n’ roll ambiance of the Hard Rock Hotel. The Italian elegance of Loews Portofino Bay Hotel feels luxurious! Choosing a hotel with a theme that appeals to you can enhance your vacation experience.
Coming Soon
Universal Orlando’s third theme park, Epic Universe, opens in 2025. Along with this highly anticipated event, 3 brand new hotels will open near the park including Grand Helios- a Loews Hotel with views of the park. To learn more about these exciting new spaces, click HERE. Reservations for both new resorts are already available for stays in early 2025.
Find more top tips for visiting Universal Orlando HERE.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best hotel for your Universal Orlando vacation depends on your budget, preferred amenities, and more! Whether you opt for a value hotel or a luxurious premier resort, staying at a Universal Orlando hotel will add convenience, comfort, and extra magic to your trip. Make sure to book early, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure the best rates and availability.
If you would like help deciding the best Universal Orlando hotel for your trip, reach out to our friends at DizN Vacations. Their team of expert travel professionals will book and build you a bigger and better adventure! Submit a free no-obligation quote request to start planning your vacation right away!
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