Universal Orlando Resort

Complete Guide to the Universal Orlando Resorts

Complete Guide to Universal Resorts

Like Disney, the Universal Orlando Resort has onsite hotels and resorts which offer special benefits and an ideal location for guests visiting Universal’s parks. Although they don’t have as many resorts as Disney, they do have a great selection of hotels to choose from. The hotels are at a variety of price points and have an assortment of different themes. Regardless of your taste and budget, there’s a Universal resort hotel for you! In this post we will discuss each of the 7 Universal Orlando Resorts. We hope this helps you narrow down the best resort for your next trip!

Value Universal Orlando Resorts

Universal’s Endless Summer Resort

Endless Summer is the newest Universal resort, as well as the only resort in the ‘ Value’ level. As indicated by the term ‘Value’, this resort is very budget-friendly and is a fantastic option for guests wanting to stay onsite without breaking the bank. We visited the Surfside Inn and Suites part of the resort, which opened in June of 2019 and has 750 rooms. We were really impressed with this resort! Despite the low price point, the design and layout was very nice. We loved the relaxed beach and surf vibe! In addition to standard rooms that sleep 4, they have family suites that can accommodate families of 6. These rooms have a great layout and would be an awesome choice for larger families looking for an affordable option!

Furthermore, the second part of the resort, Dockside Inn and Suites will be opening in March of 2020. This new section (across the street from Surfside) will add another 2050 rooms to the resort!

Prime Value Universal Orlando Resorts

Universal’s Aventura Hotel

Next, Aventura Hotel is a Prime Value level resort that offers a clean, sleek and businesslike atmosphere for guests at Universal Orlando. With the perks and proximity of being onsite, the Aventura Hotel offers modern and stylish accommodations at an affordable price. This hotel also has views of all 3 Universal parks! Standard and Deluxe rooms can accommodate up to 4 guests. Aventura also has Kids Suites that can accommodate families of 5 in a more spacious room. In any room type, you can also upgrade to a Skyline View to get the best view from your floor-to-ceiling windows. To sum up, though it’s less themed than the other resorts Aventura is a great option for families who want to get the onsite perks with a simple, clean and affordable stay.

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Though a ‘Prime Value’-level resort, Cabana Bay Beach Resort has been recognized by USA Today as the #2 theme-park hotel in the world! The 50s and 60s theme is evident in every aspect of the hotel. From the room designs to the cool cars out front, the architecture and decor is down to a T. Meanwhile, the onsite amenities offer everything from a bowling alley to a water slide and lazy river. With so much to do, this resort is almost a destination in itself. The family suites at this resort are a great option for families of up to 6. Some suites have exterior entries (mimicking the beach motels of the 50s and 60s on which the resort is based) while others have interior hallways. This impressive resort has so much to offer that it’s hard to believe it’s one of their more affordable resorts!

Preferred Universal Orlando Resorts

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

On our last trip to Universal Orlando, we were lucky enough to stay at Sapphire Falls and we absolutely loved it! This resort is the only Universal hotel in the ‘Preferred’ category. However, during our stay here we learned that being a Preferred hotel does not make it a lower quality than the Premier hotels. The main difference between Sapphire Falls and the Premier options is that this one does not include the Universal Unlimited Express Pass and it also does not have a club level. The hotel itself is actually the same level of theming, quality and service that you’d find at the Premier level, just at a lower price point! The Caribbean theming at Sapphire Falls was lovely and created a relaxing atmosphere. The pool was large (the largest of any Universal onsite hotel) and featured a waterslide, zero entry and even a beach area with sand. We really loved this hotel and would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting Universal Orlando!

Premier Universal Orlando Resort Hotels

Hard Rock Hotel

Next up, the Hard Rock Hotel is probably Universal Orlando’s most well-known onsite hotel. Being one of the Premier hotels, the Hard Rock is Universal’s top level of resort in terms of price, quality, service and theming. At the Hard Rock, you’ll be living the life of a rock star in the posh, laid-back style of the hotel. The hotel is also home to plenty of cool rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia! They also have some other cool and unique features, like the ‘Sound of your Stay’ program where you can jam out in your room with a Fender guitar or get expertly curated music playlists to amplify your Hard Rock Hotel stay. All guests here also get a free Universal Unlimited Express pass included, which is a huge perk! Standard and Club Level rooms are available, and they also have suites (including Kids Suites) too.

Loews Royal Pacific Resort

Loews Royal Pacific is a tropical themed getaway offering an oasis for guests to retreat to after a fun day in the parks. When we visited this resort, the lobby and other main areas were undergoing renovations. The lobby has a lovely open-air courtyard in the middle and I think once the renovations are completed the overall theme and design will be very nice! The rooms have also recently been completely redone and have a lovely design to them. Kids Suites are available here which have an awesome Jurassic World theme and of course they have Standard and Club rooms, too. If you’d like to enjoy a South Seas vacation right in the heart of Universal Orlando than you will enjoy this hotel. Plus, being a Premier hotel means you get that Universal Unlimited Express Pass!

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Finally, Portofino Bay offers a beautiful and picturesque setting that transports you to the seaside village of Portofino in Italy. The hotel sits on a serene harbor, along which sits tempting cafes and shops reminiscent of the hotel’s Italian inspiration. Here, you’ll really be living La Dolce Vita! Being a Premier hotel, guests here also get the added perk of a Universal Unlimited Express Pass included. Additionally, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is home to Despicable Me Kids Suites that feature a separate bedroom for the kids. Of course, Standard and Club level rooms are also available in addition to suites. If you’re looking for a lovely hotel in a picturesque setting with all the perks of a Universal Premier hotel, Loews Portofino Bay will be the perfect hotel for you!

Universal Hotels

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are an awesome selection of Universal Orlando Resort Hotels to choose from for your next stay! Whether you’re planning a budget-friendly getaway or a luxurious vacation, there’s an onsite hotel that will be perfect for you! Check out our list below to see our top picks depending on what type of resort you’re looking for:

Top Picks:

Top Resort For Affordable Accommodations: Endless Summer – Surfside Inn and Suites

Best Option for Resort Activities: Cabana Bay

Looking for a Relaxing Atmosphere: Sapphire Falls

Want an Upscale Experience: Hard Rock Hotel

For Universal Express Pass: Any Premier Hotel

Hogwarts Castle at Universal Orlando

If you’re ready to start planning your Universal Orlando vacation, click here or contact Josh at Wish Upon a Star with Us.

Further Reading

Best rides at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure!

Pairing your Universal vacation with a Walt Disney World trip? Check out our posts about planning the perfect trip to Disney World!

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Universal Resort Hotels