Have you decided which one of the Universal Orlando Resort on-site hotels to stay at or are you feeling a bit overwhelmed with the decision?
When you think of Universal Orlando Resort you might think of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Men in Black: Alien Attack, or if you’re like me you think of E.T. Adventure!
And after a long day in the parks you’re going to want to go back to a comfortable hotel.
That’s where Universal Orlando’s on-site hotels are a major win.
Universal Orlando Resort hosts eleven unique hotels, ranging in price, room size, and proximity to the park.
Figuring out which one is best for you can be a challenge, so we’re breaking each of the resorts down with pros and cons for each.
So, what’s the best Universal Orlando hotel for you?
If you’re looking for a hotel that has good value for the cost, along with a variety of benefits, I highly suggest Loews Sapphire Falls Resort or Cabana Bay Beach Resort.
Keep reading to get everything you must know before you choose your perfect Universal Orlando Resort hotel!
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Universal Hotels at a Glance:
- Universal Express Pass: Staying at a Premier hotel grants you the Universal Express Pass, allowing you to skip regular lines at most attractions.
- Early Park Admission: Guests at all Universal Orlando hotels enjoy Early Park Admission, giving them a head start on popular rides.
- Loews Hotels: Loews Hotels operates all Universal Orlando hotels, ensuring a high standard of luxury and service.
- CityWalk Orlando: CityWalk offers a vibrant nightlife scene just a short walk from your hotel.
- Theme Park Benefits: Choosing an on-site hotel provides exclusive theme park benefits, enhancing your overall experience.
- Prices: Can start around $99 and can go up to $800+ per night depending on the hotel you choose and the time of year that you go to Universal.
- There are 11 hotels for you to choose from.
Keep reading to get everything you need to know BEFORE you book your room at Universal Orlando!
1. Universal’s Endless Summer- Surfside Inn and Suites
This resort is one of the newest Universal Orlando hotel, but it’s also the farthest away from the actual theme parks.
The hotel is themed after a summer beach vacation, with standard rooms that sleep four or suites that sleep six.
Pros to Universal’s Endless Summer- Surfside Inn and Suites
- Suite-style rooms that are two-bedroom with a small kitchenette for making quick meals before heading to the parks.
- Endless Summer is the cheapest of the Universal hotels, starting at just $99.20 a night.
- There is a Starbucks on-site for that morning jolt of caffeine.
Cons to Universal’s Endless Summer- Surfside Inn and Suites
- Rooms have a full picnic table inside that takes up valuable space if you don’t plan on eating in your room at all.
- Endless Summer is the farthest away from the Universal Orlando theme parks, and you must take a bus or drive to and from the parks. There is no walking option.
- There is limited storage in the room if you’re staying longer than a few days and want to unpack your suitcase.
Book your discounted Surfside Inn and Suites room today!
2. Universal’s Endless Summer- Dockside Inn and Suites
Universal’s Endless Summer- Dockside Inn and Suites is part of the new complex of hotels which also features Universal’s Endless Summer- Surfside Inn and Suites.
This hotel opened in the Summer 2020, with a vacation at the lake vibes.
Pros to Universal’s Endless Summer- Dockside Inn and Suites
- There are suite and standard style rooms to occupy any group size.
- Rooms start at $99.20 a night, making it a great value.
- Multiple on-site restaurants make grabbing a bite to eat before going to the parks easy.
Cons to Universal’s Endless Summer- Dockside Inn and Suites
- Since it is on the other side of the interstate the hotel is not within walking distance to the parks.
- There is limited storage in the rooms, so large groups might struggle to find space for everything.
Book your discounted Dockside Inn and Suites room TODAY!
3. Universal’s Aventura Hotel
If you’ve ever driven down I-4 past Universal Orlando then you’ve surely seen Universal’s Aventura Hotel.
It’s the one that looks like the giant fidget spinner next to Universal’s Volcano Bay.
The resort is modern and well kept and perfect for small traveling parties of one or two.
Pros to Universal’s Aventura Hotel
- It is super close to the boat launch that will take you to CityWalk and onto the parks. You just need to walk through the neighboring Loews Sapphire Falls Resort.
- Everything in your room is done through an iPad, including chatting with the front desk for assistance without having to leave your room.
- The hotel restaurant is more of a food hall with lots of yummy options!
- Rooms start at $145 per night
Cons to Universal’s Aventura Hotel
- The rooms are awkwardly shaped because of the curves of the building, making it hard to find a spot for everyone’s belongings.
- Your view may or may not be that great, with some rooms facing Volcano Bay and the theme parks and others facing the interstate.
- There are limited elevators to get to the rooms, making getting back to your room at the end of the night a little challenging.
Book your discounted Universal Aventura Hotel room TODAY!
4. Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort is a sprawling resort complex with direct access to both Universal theme parks and the Volcano Bay water park.
The rooms are themed to be like classic beach resorts of the 1950s and 1960s, and an on-site bowling alley!
Pros to Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
- Rooms are relatively inexpensive, starting at $145 a night making it one of the top Universal Orlando Resort on-site hotels
- You can walk to the parks, grab a bus, or walk across the street to Loews Sapphire Falls to get a ride on a boat.
- There is ample on-site parking, which is a trouble spot at some of the other Universal resorts.
Cons to Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
- There are multiple buildings at the resort, all of which have a different path to get to the lobby area. This can get confusing to know your way around after a day at the parks.
- A few of the wings are to connected to the main lobby, so if weather is bad you might be walking in the rain to the lobby for food or coffee.
- If kitschy decorations and themes aren’t your thing then this hotel will seem dated.
Book your discounted Cabana Bay Beach Resort room TODAY!
5. Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is right in the heart of Universal Orlando Resort, with ample transportation options and rooms that are sure to delight.
Pros to Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
- Ease of travel to and from the two theme parks and one water park at Universal Orlando Resort.
- Rooms are large and contemporary feeling, while warm and inviting.
- On-site dining is plentiful, with more than just the standard theme park fare.
Cons to Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
- Rooms can be pricey, especially during the busy season, starting at $222 a night.
- There is no real theme park view from most of the rooms.
- There is parking on-site, but it can be a challenge to find a spot in the small garage.
Book your discounted Loews Sapphire Falls Resort room TODAY!
6. Loews Royal Pacific Resort
Loews Royal Pacific Resort is centrally located at Universal Orlando Resort, offering beautiful rooms and a quick access to the theme parks.
Pros to Loews Royal Pacific Resort
- The resort is only a short walk or leisurely boat ride away to the parks.
- One of three resorts with club-level access for a more enhanced stay.
- Staying here gets you priority seating at restaurants across Universal Orlando Resort.
Cons to Loews Royal Pacific Resort
- Rooms are expensive compared to other on-site resorts, starting at $337 a night.
- Parts of the hotel can seem dark due to lack of lighting in hallways, even in the middle of the day.
- Breakfast grab-and-go options are limited, making the morning a little harder to get out the door and into the parks when the wait times are less.
Book your discounted Loews Royal Pacific room TODAY!
7. Hard Rock Hotel
The Hard Rock Hotel emits a vibe of old-school rock and roll and good times. This hotel is great for solo travelers!
Pros to the Hard Rock Hotel
- One of three hotels with a club level for guests.
- Suites can be as large as 2,000 square feet, making enough room for everyone in your group.
- Brunch with bottomless mimosas at The Kitchen is a vacation must.
Cons to the Hard Rock Hotel
- The price of rooms start at $386 for a standard room, making this one of Universal’s most expensive hotels.
- It can be hard to get transportation to and from other parts of Orlando from here.
- The grab-and-go meal spot is small with limited options.
Book your discounted Hard Rock Hotel room TODAY!
8. Loews Portfino Bay Hotel
Loews Portfino Bay Hotel is themed after the Italian seaside villages, with sweeping views of an internal harbor.
It feels like you’re on a far off epic adventure when you’re in the backyard of Universal Studios Florida!
Making it one of the best Universal Orlando Resort hotels to stay at on your vacation.
Pros to Loews Portfino Bay Hotel
- One of three resorts with club level rooms.
- Multiple dining establishments to please any palate.
- Portfino Bay is a quick walk to the theme parks and CityWalk.
Cons to Loews Portfino Bay Hotel
- The rooms are the most expensive at Universal Orlando Resort, starting at $393 a night.
- The piazza can get loud at night, making rooms close to that space loud also.
Book your discounted Portofino Bay Resort room TODAY!
9. Helios Grand Hotel
The Helios Grand Hotel is one of the newest resorts at Universal where you’ll find an array of luxurious amenities designed to elevate your experience.
With stunning views, spacious rooms, and rates starting at $402, it features a rooftop bar where you can sip cocktails while watching the sunset over Epic Universal.
Moreover, the hotel offers exclusive access to early park admission, allowing you to beat the crowds at popular attractions.
Dining options range from casual eateries to delicious tapas experiences, ensuring there’s something for every palate.
Additionally, its proximity to Epic Universal means entertainment is just outside of your room, making Helios Grand Hotel a prime choice for those seeking both relaxation and excitement.
Book your discounted Helios Grand Hotel room TODAY!
10. Stella Nova Resort
Universal Stella Nova Resort opened on January 21, 2025, near the new Universal Epic Universe theme park and is one of my favorite places to stay.
When you step inside, you’ll be blown away by the stunning architecture—imagine 144,000 hand-placed, acid-washed tiles that create a vibe that feels like you’re gliding through outer space!
This resort boasts 750 guest rooms, spreads across 9 floors, and has a massive 10,000-square-foot pool area perfect for family fun.
Honestly, it felt like I was entering the lobby of a high-tech space station, but with the gorgeous Florida sunshine streaming in through the windows.
Plus, you’ll get some cool perks like early access to select attractions at Universal Orlando.
With rates ranging from $159 to $189 per night, it’s a great deal for families looking to have fun without breaking the bank.
The resort also provides free transportation to all Universal Orlando destinations and offers a variety of dining choices and recreational facilities.
Book your discounted Stella Nova Resort room TODAY!
11. Terra Luna Resort
Universal Terra Luna Resort is the sister resort to Stella Nova and it opened on March 25, 2025, near the new Universal Epic Universe theme park.
This place has 750 guest rooms spread across 10 floors, plus a fantastic resort-style pool that’s perfect for family fun.
You’ll love how spacious it feels—no need to worry about feeling cramped next to other guests. It’s cozy enough that everything you need is just a short walk away.
And guess what? You’ll get some awesome perks like early park admission to select attractions at Universal Orlando.
Rates start at just $159 a night, which is pretty great for families. Just a heads up, overnight parking is $30 a night.
The resort also provides free transportation to the main attractions and has a variety of dining options and recreational facilities to enjoy.
While it’s a little further out (about a 15 to 20-minute bus ride) from the original Universal Parks like Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios, and Volcano Bay, you’ll definitely want to stick around because you’ll be among the first in line for Epic Universe when it opens!
Book your discounted Terra Luna Resort room TODAY!
Amazing Benefits of Staying at an On-Site Hotel in Universal Orlando Resort
There are a quite a few perks to staying on-site at Universal Orlando Resort. All resorts have some perks, and some have more than others.
To be sure your hotel has the perks you want be sure to check the “benefits” tab on Universal Orlando’s website before purchasing.
All benefits are subject to change without notice.
Below is a list of perks for the on-site Universal Orlando Resort hotels.
- Free Universal Express Unlimited pass
- Early admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
- Free transportation to the theme parks, CityWalk, and Volcano Bay
- Early admission to Volcano Bay
- Priority seating at some Universal Orlando restaurants
Ready to start planning your next Universal Orlando vacation? Listen to the latest podcast episode on Apple or on your non-Apple device now!
Which Universal Orlando Hotel Should I Stay At on My Vacation?
Let’s go over my choice for the best Universal Orlando Resort on-site hotel for you.
If you’re looking for a hotel that has good value for the cost, along with a variety of benefits, I highly suggest Loews Sapphire Falls Resort.
The rooms are well appointed, the proximity to the parks cannot be beat, and the price is right for everything you get. This is my choice hotel at the Universal Orlando Resort!
Now it’s your turn, which one of the Universal Orlando Resort hotels is the BEST to you and why? Let us know in the comments section below.
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
Contributors
About the Author
My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!
Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.
Connect with me on Instagram!
About the Author
Megan is a theme park expert and frequent traveler to magical places. She covers all things Disney and Universal and runs marathons for fun.
She thinks you can tell a lot about someone by the name of their signature lipstick, and hers is NARS Dragon Girl.
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(Original Article Date: June 18, 2020/Updated by Editor on May 19, 2025)