Choosing the right accommodation makes all the difference for those who want to make the most of Universal Orlando. Staying within the complex offers advantages such as free transportation, early entry to the parks and, in some cases, even a pass to skip the lines. In this guide, we will detail the types of hotels at Universal, compare them and show you how to save money on your reservation.
🎢 Why Stay at Universal Hotels?
Staying at Universal Orlando Resort offers exclusive benefits that make the experience more practical and comfortable.
✅ Exclusive Guest Benefits
- Early entry in the parks (Early Park Admission) to enjoy popular attractions before the general public.
- Free Universal Express Unlimited for guests of premium hotels, allowing them to skip the lines at major attractions (except Hagrid's rollercoaster).
- Free transportation to the parks and CityWalk, either by bus, boat or on foot.
- Purchases delivered to the hotel, avoiding carrying bags during the day.
- Ease of planning, with a concierge specialized in purchasing tickets and restaurant reservations.
🎟 Priority Access to Attractions
Guests staying at any Universal Orlando hotel have early access to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and to the Volcano Bay, allowing you to explore the attractions without queuing. Guests of the premium hotels receive the Universal Express Unlimited, which allows quick entry to several park attractions.
🚌 Free Resort Transportation
All hotels offer free transportation to the parks and the CityWalk, avoiding parking expenses and time-consuming journeys. Depending on the hotel, the journey can be made by buses, boats or even walking.
🏨 Types of Universal Hotels
Universal Orlando Resort hotels are divided into three categories: economy, moderate and premium.
💰 Budget Hotels
Ideal option for those looking for affordable prices without giving up the benefits of Universal.
🌊 Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites
- Theme inspired by surfing.
- Spacious rooms for up to 6 people.
- Large swimming pool and own restaurant.
🏖 Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites
- Relaxing atmosphere with beach-inspired decor.
- Spacious rooms, including suites for groups.
- The most affordable hotel at Universal Orlando.
🏝 Moderate Hotels
They offer more amenities and an immersive experience.
🏖 Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort
- Inspired by the resorts of the 50s and 60s.
- Two swimming pools, lazy river and bowling.
- Suites equipped with kitchenette.
🌆 Aventura Hotel
- Modern and sophisticated design.
- Rooftop restaurant with panoramic views.
- Technological rooms with control via tablet.
⭐ Premium Hotels
The most luxurious option, with exclusive benefits and access to Universal Express Unlimited.
🏝 Loews Royal Pacific Resort
- Environment inspired by the Pacific islands.
- Restaurant with Polynesian themed dinner.
- Swimming pool with private cabanas.
🎸 Hard Rock Hotel
- Vibrant, rock-inspired atmosphere.
- Swimming pool with underwater music.
- Guitars available for rent in rooms.
🇮🇹 Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
- Inspired by the Italian village of Portofino.
- Fine dining and luxury spa.
- Gondola rides and live music in the central square.
🔍 Which Hotel to Choose? Comparison and Tips
💵 Best Value for Money
O Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites offers daily rates from US$$ 100, being the cheapest option within Universal Orlando.
👨👩👧👦 Best Option for Families
O Cabana Bay Beach Resort is ideal for families, with spacious suites, kitchenette and attractions within the hotel, such as bowling and themed swimming pool.
✨ More Luxurious Options
O Loews Portofino Bay Hotel provides a sophisticated experience, with spa, refined restaurants and exclusive events for guests.
🍽 Where to Eat Inside Universal Hotels?
In addition to the options in the parks and CityWalk, hotels offer their own gastronomic experiences.
- The Palm (Hard Rock Hotel): Sophisticated restaurant specializing in meats.
- Trattoria del Porto (Loews Portofino Bay): Authentic Italian food overlooking the lagoon.
- Bula Bar & Grille (Loews Royal Pacific): Dishes inspired by Pacific cuisine.
- Urban Pantry (Aventura Hotel): Food court style, with sushi, pizzas and hamburgers.
🎃 Exclusive Events and Experiences
Universal guests have access to special events throughout the year, including:
- Halloween Horror Nights: The parks' biggest horror event, with themed haunted houses.
- Universal Mardi Gras: Party inspired by the New Orleans carnival, with shows and parades.
- Christmas at Universal Orlando: Themed decorations, special shows and end-of-year parades.
These events can make a difference when deciding the best time to travel and where to stay.
💰 How to Book at the Best Price?
🎟 Promotion and Discount Tips
- Book at least 6 months in advance can guarantee lower rates.
- Packages that include tickets + hotel usually come out cheaper.
- During the low season (September to November and February to April), the rates are more affordable.
🏨 Is it Worth Booking Direct or Through an Agency?
- Universal website: Offers exclusive promotions and ticket packages.
- Specialized agencies: They facilitate installment payments and offer personalized support.
- Travel websites: They can offer discount coupons and cashback.
🚀 Conclusion
THE Accommodation at Universal Orlando Resort offers benefits such as free transportation, early access to the parks and, depending on the hotel, skip-the-line passes. If you are looking to save money, budget hotels are ideal. For more comfort and fun, the moderates offer a great balance. Those who want luxury and exclusivity can opt for premium hotels.
Now that you know everything about Universal hotels, choose yours and start planning the trip of your dreams! 🎢🏨🌎