All About the Universal Orlando Hotels
Guide to every hotel at Universal Orlando resort
From total luxury, to inspired theming, to practical family accommodations, the Universal Orlando hotels offer something for everyone. If you are planning more than one day at the Universal Orlando theme parks, I highly recommend staying on-site.
These are the show notes for Go Informed Podcast episode 56. Click below to listen to the show!
Universal Orlando is more than just a theme park destination. The 541 acre property contains eight hotels; a sprawling outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment district; and a lavishly themed water park. All surround the flagship Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure theme parks.
Universal Orlando Quick Guide
Here’s a 60-second look at everything Universal Orlando resort has to offer.
Why you should stay on-site at Universal Orlando
There are a number of reasons I recommend staying in one of the on-site Universal Orlando hotels. First is convenience. Starting your day already on the Universal property means less time getting to the parks. It also means you can easily return to your room or the hotel pool for a break during the day. Universal provides free transportation, and some of the hotels are only a short walk from the theme parks.
Secondly, regardless of which Universal Orlando hotel you stay in, you will have early admission to at least one of the theme parks every morning of your stay. Guests at the on-site hotels get an hour head-start in Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade Village (sometimes both), and this is a fantastic way to avoid long lines and experience the Wizarding World in relative calm.
Besides these perks, three of the hotels provide free Unlimited Express Passes to all guests. This is a huge benefit that can really make touring on a busy day a lot easier.
Before you select your hotel, be sure to find out what park ticket promotions are happening during your visit. Universal often offers free days or other discounts that may influence your decision about how long and where you’ll want to stay. Click here to read my detailed post about choosing your Universal Orlando theme park tickets.
The Universal Orlando hotels
There are eight different hotels on the Universal Orlando property, spanning a wide price range. Universal breaks them down into four categories: value, prime value, preferred, and premier. Besides price, the main distinctions between the hotels are location, luxury, and Express Pass.
The Hard Rock Hotel, Portofino Bay Resort, and the Royal Pacific Resort all include free Express Passes with the room, the other Universal Orlando hotels do not. This is an important distinction that needs to be considered when you choose where to stay. Express Pass can really improve your experience at Universal Orlando, especially if you travel during a peak time.
I’ve created an entire post and podcast episode (episode 33) all about Universal Orlando Express Pass and highly recommend you review this before you plan your visit.
Here is my breakdown of what you can expect at each of the Universal Orlando hotels. For more info about Universal Orlando, including detailed descriptions of all the on-site hotels, I highly recommend picking up a copy of The Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando.
Want to hear what it’s like to stay in one of the Universal Orlando Express Pass hotels? Don’t miss Go Informed Podcast episode 70.
Portofino Bay Hotel
The Portofino Bay is a huge luxury hotel themed to look like an Italian seaside village. It’s located within walking distance to the parks, and includes free Universal Unlimited Express Pass. The rooms are spacious and this property really feels luxurious. The hotel also houses a Mandara Spa.
- Free Unlimited Express Pass to all guests: Yes
- Daily early park admission: Yes
- Walk to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure: Yes, about 15 minutes
- Transportation to parks/CityWalk: Free Water Taxi
- Dining: 3 table service restaurants, plus multiple quick service options, including a Starbucks
- Pool: 3 pools, one with a sandy shore and water slide
- Themed Family Suites: Despicable Me (sleep in one of those bomb-beds!)
- Operated by: Loews Hotels
- Price: $$$$ – includes Universal Unlimited Express Pass for all guests for every day of the stay
Click here to check prices and availability at Portofino Bay.
Hard Rock Hotel
The closest to the parks of all the Universal Orlando hotels, the Hard Rock is less than a 10 minute walk from the entrance to Universal Studios. The Hard Rock is known for its cool vibe – you can borrow a turntable and vinyl records to play in your room – and for its pool, which has an underwater sound system.
Despite it’s rock ‘n roll theme, rooms at the Hard Rock are quiet and comfortable. I think they have the best beds in all of Orlando. Reserve a pool-view room and you’ll likely also have a view of the Universal Studios theme park.
This hotel includes free Unlimited Express Pass for all guests, and has the best gift shop on property.
- Free Unlimited Express Pass to all guests: Yes
- Daily early park admission: Yes
- Walk to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure: Yes, less than 10 minutes
- Transportation to parks/CityWalk: Free Water Taxi
- Dining: 2 table service restaurants, plus several quick service options
- Pool: White sand beach pool with underwater speakers
- Themed Family Suites: Future Rock Star
- Operated by: Hard Rock/Loews Hotels
- Price: $$$$ – includes Universal Unlimited Express Pass for all guests for every day of the stay
Click here to check prices and availability at the Universal Orlando Hard Rock Hotel.
Royal Pacific Resort
Designed much like a contemporary Hawaiian resort, the Royal Pacific is surrounded by palm trees and has an expansive open lobby. This hotel even features a luau on select evenings, and the pool is a sandy lagoon.
There is a large conference space adjacent to the Royal Pacific, so at times the hotel can be busy with non-theme-park guests. We once ended up on the same floor as a bunch of contestants for the Latin kids’ version of The Voice (La Voz)! So be sure to request a quiet location if you plan to be in bed early before your early admission at the parks.
Unlimited Express Pass is included with your stay at Royal Pacific.
- Free Unlimited Express Pass to all guests: Yes
- Daily early park admission: Yes
- Walk to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure: Yes, about 10 minutes
- Transportation to parks/CityWalk: Free Water Taxi
- Dining: 2 table service restaurants, plus sushi and several quick service options. Luau on select nights. Despicable Me character breakfast.
- Pool: Sandy lagoon surrounded by palm trees
- Themed Family Suites: Jurassic World
- Operated by: Loews Hotels
- Price: $$$$ – includes Universal Unlimited Express Pass for all guests for every day of the stay
Click here to check prices and availability at the Royal Pacific Resort.
Sapphire Falls Resort
Much like the Royal Pacific, Sapphire Falls has a tropical theme, in this case inspired by the Caribbean. Featuring a huge sand beach pool and a bar specializing in exotic rums, this resort exudes an island vibe.
Sapphire Falls neighbors the Aventura and Cabana Bay resorts. For all three of these hotels, Universal provides free near-constant bus transportation to the parks and CityWalk. Sapphire Falls is also on the walking path to CityWalk and has water taxi service.
- Free Unlimited Express Pass to all guests: No
- Daily early park admission: Yes
- Walk to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure: Yes, about 15 minutes
- Transportation to parks/CityWalk: Water taxi, free shuttle bus
- Dining: 2 table service restaurants, plus rum bar and several quick service options.
- Pool: 16,000 square foot pool with white sand beach and water slide
- Themed Family Suites: Beach
- Operated by: Loews Hotels
- Price: $$$
Click here to check prices and availability at the Sapphire Falls Resort.
Aventura Hotel
Aventura is a modern high-rise hotel located right next to Sapphire Falls, and across the street from Cabana Bay. Featuring a wide-ranging food hall and a roof-top outdoor bar, this hotel is a favorite for guests looking for flexible dining options and sleek design. The Skyline view rooms have sweeping views of the Universal parks and Orlando.
- Free Unlimited Express Pass to all guests: No
- Daily early park admission: Yes
- Walk to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure: No
- Transportation to parks/CityWalk: Free shuttle bus
- Dining: Extensive food hall plus outdoor rooftop bistro bar, Starbucks in lobby
- Pool: Pool, splash zone, and fire pits
- Themed Family Suites: Not themed
- Operated by: Loews Hotels
- Price: $$
Click here to check prices and availability at the Aventura Hotel.
Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Designed in a kitschy mid-century motel theme, Cabana Bay features large family suites, an extensive pool complex, and a moderate price level. This hotel neighbors Universal’s Volcano Bay water park, and some rooms have spectacular views of the signature lava-spewing volcano.
Cabana Bay has loads of activities on property, including two pools, a lazy river, a bowling alley, and even a Jack LaLanne fitness center. Dining is mostly casual, but more upscale options are just across the street at the Aventura and Sapphire Falls.
- Free Unlimited Express Pass to all guests: No
- Daily early park admission: Yes
- Walk to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure: No
- Transportation to parks/CityWalk: Free shuttle bus
- Dining: Mainly casual burgers and pizza, Starbucks in lobby
- Pool: Two pools, lazy river, waterslide
- Themed Family Suites: Not themed – but family suites here are large. 2 bedroom/2 bath suites with kitchenettes are also available
- Operated by: Loews Hotels
- Price: $$
Click here to check prices and availability at the Cabana Bay Beach Resort.
Did you know you can leverage Universal’s early admission to beat the crowds twice on the same day? Find out how to double-up your rope drop here.
Surfside Inn and Suites
The Surfside Inn is part of a new resort area at Universal called Endless Summer. Many of the guest rooms at the Surfside are family-suite style, including two-bedroom suites with kitchenettes. The vibe here is surfer style and the price is competitive with off-property brands like Embassy Suites. This is a great option for budget-minded families who want to stay on-site at Universal.
- Free Unlimited Express Pass to all guests: No
- Daily early park admission: Yes
- Walk to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure: No
- Transportation to parks/CityWalk: Free shuttle bus
- Dining: Food court, Starbucks in lobby, pizza delivery to room
- Pool: Surfboard shaped pool
- Themed Family Suites: Not themed – but family suites are abundant
- Operated by: Loews Hotels
- Price: $
Click here to check prices and availability at the Surfside Inn and Suites.
Dockside Inn and Suites
Located right next to the Surfside, the Dockside completes Universal’s Endless Summer Resort. At 2,050 guest rooms and suites, the Dockside is a huge addition to Universal’s total room inventory. Prices here are comparable to the Surfside, which means families can stay on-site for the same price or less than nearby chain hotels. As a suite-heavy hotel, guests can book two-bedroom family suites with kitchenettes, which offer plenty of space for large family groups.
- Free Unlimited Express Pass to all guests: No
- Daily early park admission: Yes
- Walk to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure: No
- Transportation to parks/CityWalk: Free shuttle bus
- Dining: Food court, pizza delivery to room
- Pool: Two huge pools plus splash pad
- Themed Family Suites: Not themed – but family suites are abundant
- Operated by: Loews Hotels
- Price: $
Click here to check prices and availability at the Dockside Inn and Suites.
More Universal Orlando Hotel Tips
Pool hopping
At almost all of the on-site properties, guests at the Universal Orlando hotels are allowed to “pool hop”. This means you are free to visit the pool at any, or all, of the on-site hotels. So even if you stay at the Aventura, you can take the shuttle to the Hard Rock and party there all afternoon. The only resorts that aren’t included are the Endless Summer Dockside and Surfside.
Themed wake-up calls
One of our favorite little features at the Universal Orlando hotels is the wake-up call. You can choose from a bunch of options themed to the parks – and in the case of the Hard Rock, the hotel itself. Here’s the wake-up call menu at the Hard Rock hotel.
Character wake-up calls is one of my top morning tactics. If you have trouble getting your family up on time for rope drop, be sure to check out my list of 7 no-drama morning tips.
Save money with an annual pass
Universal often offers hotel room discounts of 25% or more to annual passholders. This includes discounts on the high-end Express Pass hotels. Even if you plan only one visit during the year, purchasing an annual pass may be worth it. Be sure to read my post all about the value of a Universal Orlando annual pass here.
Use points to book your room
If you are a member of the Loews or Hard Rock loyalty program, you can use these points to get a discount or even a free room. Loews actually operates every one of the Universal Orlando resorts, and the Hard Rock Hotel Orlando is also part of the Hard Rock loyalty program.
Get help from a travel agent
At no extra cost to you, travel agents often have access to package deals that you can’t get on your own. This can mean a total savings on your hotel and park tickets, or special deals like dining credits or discounted airport transfers. Plus a travel agent is indispensable in the event that you need to cancel or modify your vacation.
Add Universal to your Disney World vacation
It’s easy to combine Universal with your Disney World trip. Check out my post here to get my advice about the best way to add Universal to your Disney World vacation.
Here’s my Essential Guide to the Disney World Hotels.
More Universal Orlando and Disney World Tips
Here on GoInformed.net you’ll find tons of advice to help you have a fabulous Orlando theme park vacation. Be sure to check out the Go Informed Podcast, along with these posts:
- 33 Things to Know Before You Visit Universal Orlando
- 55 Things to Know Before You Visit Disney World
- All About Universal Orlando Express Pass
- How Universal Orlando compares to Universal Hollywood
- How to choose your Universal Orlando park tickets
Kick start your theme park knowledge with my 60-second quick start guides! Check them out right here.
Looking for a Universal Orlando crowd prediction calendar? The math wizards over at TouringPlans.com have you covered! Pick up a copy of their Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando too.
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