Trying to find the best hotel near Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure? Today we are going to talk about Universal Studios Orlando Resort hotels and we will list them in order from best to worst.
On this post
We've reviewed all Universal Orlando Resorts, and for each hotel we'll also provide a summary of the best accommodations for families, honeymooners, singles, adults and other travelers so you can choose the perfect hotel for your vacation!
With each passing year, the Universal orlando has increasingly become a vacation destination in its own right rather than just a diversion from Walt Disney World.
This is a result of a giant increase in hotels in recent years.
Several of the resorts reviewed here are recent additions, with more on the horizon as Universal builds its third theme park in the world. Florida, the Epic Universe.
With so many new properties and thousands of rooms added, Universal Orlando is gearing up for massive future demand.
The good news today is that you can often find great deals, especially during low season.
The hotel ratings on this list were based on our experience through actual stays at Universal Orlando hotels.
Of course, we took into account other factors as well of customer and follower experience to create this list.
In addition to bringing you content from our point of view, we recommend that you read the definition of each of the hotels before choosing the one you will travel to.
Something we always recommend is book your hotel as soon as possible. So you already guarantee good prices and can plan the rest of your trip with peace of mind.
And of course, for your reservation we always recommend that you make it in reliable places like hotels.com or expedite and avoid falling into robbery!
For hotel, we recommend that you make your reservation through hotels.com, which is one of the best websites for hotel reservations and with the best prices. See the list of prices and available hotels here.
Anyway, on to the list.
Universal's Endless Summer Resort Dockside Inn & Suites
This is one of Universal's value hotels, the ones that are considered to be the cheapest
Well, as we mentioned earlier, we would make this list of Universal Studios hotels in order of what we consider from worst to best.
Rooms at the Dockside Inn are excellent value for money, great not only by theme park standards, but also by Orlando standards.
It has enough personality and amenities.
It's great for those who won't be spending a lot of time at the resort but still want to enjoy an occasional meal or use the pool from time to time.
You must be wondering why he is the last one on this list, right?
It's simple, the Dockside Inn is half the Universal's Endless Summer Resort, and the simple fact that there is a better version of the same thing next door to the Surfside Inn for the same price.
That's because the biggest downside to this resort is its size and scale, which can result in large crowds at the hotel.
The Surfside Inn has significantly fewer rooms.
So just to clarify, if Surfside Inn & Suites didn't exist, we would recommend Dockside Inn & Suites.
Universal's Endless Summer Resort complex was a game-changer for theme park value hotels, surpassing the Walt Disney World incarnations of the concept by doing so at significantly lower prices.
If the Surfside Inn is not an option or is more expensive for some reason, don't hesitate to book the Dockside Inn.
That such a solid offering is the last is testament to the strength of Universal Orlando's hotel game.
Click here to make your reservation at the Dockside Inn.
Universal's Aventura Hotel
This is one of Universal's Prime Value hotels, those that are considered mid-range.
Universal's Aventura is a modern, streamlined, theme-free hotel that caters to solo business travelers and a few couples.
Aventura is ideal for those who see the hotel primarily as a place to shower and sleep, prefer a simple, clean layout and want quieter or less crowded accommodation.
If you are traveling on a budget, Endless Sumer may be more suitable. And if you're traveling as a family, you might want to consider Cabana Bay or one of the Premier hotels (further down this list).
These alternatives are more economical or offer many more advantages.
With that in mind, Aventura's strengths are a rooftop bar with sweeping views of Universal Orlando, functional and efficient rooms with ?smart? and convenient (and underused) amenities.
It's not bad, it's a pleasant stay, but ultimately disappoints anyone who wants a real resort experience.
Click here to make your reservation at Aventura Hotel.
Universal?s Endless Summer Resort ? Surfside Inn & Suites
This is the second of Universal's value hotels, those considered to be the cheapest.
The cheapest hotel at Universal Orlando Resort with starting prices below US$ 100/night, Endless Summer offers solid but basic accommodations.
The hotel has a surf or beach style and, although it is not very themed, of course, it gives the feeling of an endless summer.
The price is the biggest attraction of this hotel, without a doubt!
Of course, the amenities are pretty and inviting too, from the pools to the food court and rooms.
Speaking of which, the rooms have enough details and little touches that look inviting, have plenty of functional and smart design options, and the color scheme combined with the large window is very welcoming.
The biggest downside here is that the Endless Summer Resorts are the only two hotels that aren't easy to access from the parks (you can walk, it's not a great or direct route).
If you're comfortable with a hotel that's light on theme and amenities, it's a great choice with pleasant rooms, interior corridors, compact size, efficient bus transportation, and convenient access to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
Click here to make your reservation at the Surfside Inn.
Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort
This is one of Universal's Prime Value hotels, those that are considered mid-range.
The Cabana Bay offers unparalleled value for money among Universal Studios resorts.
So much so that it ranks second only to luxury resorts on our Universal Studios hotel list.
It's particularly appealing to families, but anyone who appreciates mid-century modern will love it too.
Cabana Bay's biggest perks are an excellent list of amenities, including a variety of dining options, a bowling alley, huge pools with a lazy river, tremendous themed integrity, and quality rooms for a budget resort.
The range of amenities is truly impressive, and all of this makes Cabana Bay an amazing mid-range resort where you'll have a great time without even going to the parks.
The only downside here is that the hotel is very large, which means that at times the food courts, pool areas and the main lobby are overloaded with guests.
In other words, avoid Cabana in very high seasons such as Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year, etc.
Click here to make your reservation at Universal Studios' Cabana Bay.
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
It's themed on an island paradise, from the stone tower in the lobby to the brilliant blue accents and waterfalls that cascade over lush gardens.
Sapphire Falls' execution is nearly flawless, with a relaxed atmosphere, strong rooms, water taxi transport, and great location.
Another strength of Sapphire Falls is that it has the largest pool area in Universal Orlando, complete with a bar, hot tub, long waterslide and much more.
Additionally, Sapphire Falls' dining options are pretty positive, with the lobby bar in particular being excellent.
Plus, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort's biggest strength is just being a nice place to be.
The biggest downside is its value. While not extremely expensive, it is the most expensive resort at Universal Orlando that does not offer an Unlimited Express Pass.
If you don't need it but want to spend a little on superior accommodations, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is an excellent choice for anyone ? families, couples, solo travelers, etc.
Click here to make your reservation at Universal Studios' Loews Sapphire Falls Resort.
Loews Royal Pacific Resort
This is a Premier category hotel, the highest category of Universal hotels.
One of my favorite hotels in all of Universal and I would like to rank it higher on this list.
With the theme of “South Seas”, the royal pacific it has a sense of adventure and evokes a bygone era of exotic and luxurious world travel.
Contrary to some mistaken comparisons, it's not analogous to Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, which is themed around tiki culture and American culture.
By far the biggest selling point is that the Loews Royal Pacific Resort is typically the cheapest Premier Hotel, making it the sweet spot for families on a budget but recognizing the value of the Unlimited Express Pass and not needing yours as much. Hotel.
That is, in addition to staying at an amazing hotel, you still get an express pass to all attractions at Universal and Islands of Adventure parks.
In addition, the Royal Pacific's other perks are walking proximity to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, efficient transportation, robust amenities, and a blend of luxury and theme depth.
It's not even a 10-minute walk from the park.
The downsides are that it has weaker and smaller rooms than other Premier hotels and a more underwhelming pool in comparison.
Overall, Royal Pacific ranks last among Premier Hotels in all respects, which is why it is also the cheapest among the 3.
Click here to make your reservation at Universal Studios' Loews at Royal Pacific.
Hard Rock Hotel
Universal Studios' second Premier resort is also number two on this list.
Anyone who lived in the 90s is likely to know the Hard Rock Cafe.
Although the restaurant is not entirely to my liking, the hotel is quite different.
The Hard Rock Hotel is also the closest resort to Universal Studios Florida & Islands of Adventure, just a 10-minute walk from the parks.
Other than that, the Hard Rock Hotel's selling points are the Unlimited Express Pass at both theme parks, a formidable list of amenities, spacious rooms, fun dining, and free music equipment rentals.
The Hard Rock Hotel also has a massive 12,000-square-foot pool and offers a sandy beach, hot tubs, sand volleyball court, interactive fountains, a children's play area, and a 260-foot waterslide.
The Hard Rock Hotel's rockin' style won't be for everyone, but it's relatively mellow and family-friendly.
Still, the Hard Rock Hotel will be most appreciated by couples, particularly those old enough to recognize their tributes (or anyone with musical taste).
Also, the biggest weakness is probably the guest rooms, which are a little older (but still well-maintained and perfectly comfortable).
Also, dinner is just so-so, with solid table service options, but lacking in front of the food court.
Those are really small gripes for a fantastic hotel.
Click here to make your reservation at Universal Studios' Hard Rock Hotel.
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
First place on this list goes to the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Universal Studios' best Premier hotel.
The theme is the Portofino Bay fort, with its own harbor, cobblestone streets, quiet courtyards, intimate walkways and more that evoke the seaside town of Portofino.
Furthermore, Portofino Bay when it comes to immersive themed design is on par with the best Disney hotels in Florida.
Additionally, Portofino Bay has the largest standard rooms at Universal Orlando, and a recent update has modernized them as well.
When it comes to dining, Portofino Bay offers 9 restaurants and lounges, that's right 9 restaurants!
That is, there you will find a wide variety of Italian and American cuisine at practically all prices.
In addition, there are two excellent pool areas, one of which is more laid-back and the other with a variety of features.
With all of that, it's only natural that this is Universal Orlando's most expensive hotel, so budget alone isn't for every visitor anymore.
There are some areas that seem a little lacking in detail or that have a 90s style.
It's a huge and super complete resort. It deserves the top spot on this list and if you're traveling on a budget and want to stay at a Universal resort, this is the hotel for you!
Click here to make your reservation at Universal Studios' Loews Portofino Bay Hotel.
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About the Author Carlos Braga:
Unparalleled experience in Orlando and Disney! As a former Universal Orlando team member and a passionate devotee of the magic of Disney, I have become a true Orlando travel expert. Before becoming a renowned travel consultant dedicated to Orlando, I had already made hundreds of visits to the parks, cultivating my knowledge and passion mainly over the last 7 years as a consultant and specialist in Disney travel.
My journey into this enchanted world began in 1995, when I took my first trip to Orlando. Since then, my love for Disney and the city has only grown. In 2023, we celebrate the sixth anniversary of 'Partiu Disney Parks', consolidating our role as one of the main sources of information about Disney and Orlando Parks.
During these six years of existence, we have continued to offer quality and updated content, being the reliable source for all those looking for essential information to plan their trip to Disney and Orlando. With my vast experience and passion for this magical destination, I am here to guide you every step of the way towards the most incredible Orlando and Disney experience!
