What is the BEST Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort (for You)
The Universal Orlando resort is in the midst of an exciting expansion with the upcoming Epic Universe park set to debut in 2025. As anticipation builds, some ask: 'Which Universal hotel is the perfect choice for you?' Today, we embark on a comprehensive journey through ea
ch hotel option, ranging from value to premium, to help you discover the ideal stay that suits your needs.
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| Credit: Universal |
Endless Summer: Surfside Inn and Suites, Dockside Inn and Suites
Universal's Endless Summer Resort comes in a dynamic duo: Surfside Inn and Suites, and Dockside Inn and Suites. These affordable accommodations cater to budget-conscious travelers seeking to ride the waves of savings. While situated a bit farther from the main resort area, free bus transportation is available, making accessibility a breeze. Plus, with the impending Epic Universe park, Endless Summer's value shines even brighter. With affordable rates and essential perks like early park entry and transportation, this option is perfect for those who prioritize both budget and Universal experience.
Go back in time to when streamline moderne and groovy architecture were all the rage. Cabana Bay is famous for being the best value hotel in Orlando (some people stay here even when they go to Disney). What makes this hotel special? Its amenities, theming, and the many room options. The amount of 'stuff' at this hotel might surprise you, from a bowling alley to a lazy river! The theming is great for the money you spend, and there are so many different rooms to choose from, like family suites and Volcano Bay view rooms! Speaking of that, Cabana Bay is up close to Universal's epic water park: Volcano Bay! The downside is that while you can walk, it doesn't mean you should, as a walk to the main two parks requires almost 20 minutes of your feet hurting, and there is a massive road separating the hotel from the rest of the resort, only crossable by an elevated walkway. Cabana Bay is perfect for those looking for a bit more than Endless Summer. Designed by Shulman + Associates.
Aventura Hotel
Get transported to Latin American Modernism! Aventura Hotel is Universal's high-tech hotel; it even has a tablet in the room! This tower is shaped like a crossover of the Copan building and a fidget spinner, with a rooftop bar on top (Bar 17 Bistro) and the Urban Pantry. This hotel offers basic food options and an okay pool. As a Latino, I was surprised the hotel had inspiration from the region when I read the architect's website. So, there is not much of the over-the-top theme park theming or storytelling; it is definitely a hotel aimed at business people. Should you stay here? Well, if you like the views, yes, but I would recommend you either spend less or more! This hotel makes me feel disappointed for what could have been. Why does everything have to have a generic name like 17 Bistro and why not something Latin like Aconcagua Bar or São Paulo Cafe? Designed by Shulman + Associates.
Sapphire Falls
Travel to the Caribbean with this tropical hotel, with its impressive lobby and incredible dining options (four of them, in fact), from 'Amatista Cookhouse' to the famous (among theme park fans) 'Strong Water Tavern.' And let's not forget the beautiful landscaping; it also has a convention center. This hotel has the extra amenity of water taxis to the two parks, but it doesn't get the extra benefits the other two hotels we are going to talk about have. The problem with Sapphire is that it sits in the middle of moderate and premier, so I don't think it is worth it if you are a first-time visitor or someone that wants the other benefits. So, upgrade yourself to…
Royal Pacific
Imagine yourself on a beautiful Pacific island with the food and everything else that comes with it! Well, this hotel is like that. As a premier hotel, you get FREE EXPRESS PASSES (Universal's Fast Pass, the skip-the-line benefit). The hotel might be a bit outdated with its clashing wallpapers that feature contemporary styles compared to the modest exterior. This is the best hotel for the Express Pass benefit. However, sometimes the process can change, so keep your eyes open for better opportunities at… (also has water taxis). Unfortunately, the hotel has closed some facilities, like a restaurant (Emeril's Tchoup Chop).
Hard Rock Hotel
I am going to be honest: This is the WORST Universal hotel. It does have a big, impressive colonial Spanish revival exterior, but then once you go inside, you are disappointed. This is not a hotel for those who don't like in-your-face branding. For me, the music videos can be quite annoying. Overall, I only recommend this one if you can get a discount, as it also has the express benefit, or if you like the Hard Rock brand (also has water taxis). If you care about food, the hotel features: The Kitchen (full service), The Palm (Fine Dining), and Emack & Bolio's Marketplace (counter service).
Portofino Bay
Can you guess? This is my favorite. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Portofino with this immersive hotel, even featuring the trompe-l'oeil facades (painted ornamentation) that you might find in actual Portofino (I say this because some might accuse this hotel of being "cheap"). It also has some awesome dining options. Overall, this hotel is perfect for those who want to go all-in on the Universal experience, spending a lot of money, and I do mean a lot. And, of course, it features the express benefit and the water taxi. Some of the awesome dining options include: Mama Della's Ristorante℠, Bice Ristorante, Trattoria del Porto™, Sal's Market Deli™ (underrated fast food), and many other small dining options.
Upcoming Hotels
Universal is opening a new park located near the Orange County Convention Center: Epic Universe. There will be three new hotels—one inside the park, while the other two will be nearby. With the opening of Epic Universe, I suggest a different strategy: Either stay at Cabana Bay or Endless Summer, or stay at the new hotels. Even the premier hotel will require you to take the bus (or a limousine if you have that kind of money and can afford to purchase one for yourself).
Overall, the best Universal hotel is up to you. But if you wanted my opinion: Avoid Aventura and Hard Rock, stay at Endless Summer if you want to visit the other parks Orlando has.
So many hotels to choose from!
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