Choosing a Resort for your Universal Vacation
Too bad we can’t stay at Hogwarts Castle
Universal Orlando features 11 different hotels as part of their official resort. But how do you know which one is right for your Universal Orlando vacation?
Every Universal Orlando resort features some amazing benefits like complimentary transportation to and from the parks, early entry to at least one park every day (typically multiple parks), the ability to send purchases from the parks to your resort and more. But my favorite part- the easy access to the from the parks that many of the onsite resorts offer.
Universal Orlando Resort breaks their hotels into 3 main categories: Signature, Prime Value and Value Inns and Suites. All Universal hotels are run by Loews hotels, will have at least one pool and a dining location at the resort plus will have a Starbucks coffee area.
Signature Resorts offer the most amenities and the most space but not all the resorts in this category are created equal. There are 5 resorts in this category but 3 of them offer the BEST resort perk- Unlimited Express Passes!
Let’s start with the 2 Signature resorts that do NOT include these passes: Helios Grand Hotel and Loews Sapphire Falls.
Helios Grand Hotel is located at the entrance to Universal’s EPIC Universe and offers a private entrance right into the park (plus many rooms with amazing views of the park!). This resort just opened in 2025 and is BEAUTIFUL. It features a few How to Train Your Dragon family suites and has some delicious dining options. If you want to spend most of your time (or all of your time) at EPIC, this resort is definitely one to consider but if you are planning to spread your time amongst the parks, this might not be worth the price tag.
Loews Sapphire Falls is one of my absolute favorite resorts at Universal Orlando. It has the higher end feel, better dining options and an amazing pool but is a lower price tag that all the other Signature resorts. It is just a walk or a short water taxi ride to Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Universal City Walk. This resort actually has a conference center, offers room service and has a very peaceful vibe. If you want a bit more of a luxurious feel without a big price tag, this is a great resort (especially if you plan to spend some time enjoying your resort).
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
The other 3 Signature resorts include Unlimited Express Pass to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure (NOT included for EPIC Universe or Volcano Bay):
Universal Hard Rock Hotel- this resort is the closest to the parks at the main campus and is just steps from Universal Studios Florida. The pool here is amazing and there are some fun dining options. This resort also features live music on a regular basis.
Loews Royal Pacific- this is the closest resort to Islands of Adventure (so on the other side of City Walk and the parks from Hard Rock but a little further down the path giving it a more peaceful feel). The dining options here are wonderful and while the pool is smaller, it is still a fun pool. They even feature a luau on select nights at this resort!
Loews Portofino Bay- this resort is still a short walk or water taxi to Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and City Walk, but is set a bit further away (about a 15-20 minute walk) which keeps this resort very quiet and peaceful. This resort boast 3 different pools, great onsite dining and spacious rooms.
Many of the Signature resorts also have the option for Club Level services and/or various suites.
Loews Portofino Bay Resort
In the Prime Value hotels, there are 3 resorts: Aventura, Stella Nova and Terra Luna
Out of these 3 resorts, I recommend Aventura or Stella Nova depending on which campus you plan to spend most of your time during your visit. If you are planning to spend more time at EPIC Universe, Stella Nova is just a short walk to the park. But if you will be doing more over at the main campus, Aventura is a great option. All 3 of the resorts look futuristic and modern. Most of the rooms at these resorts can accommodate up to 4 guests (think standard size hotel room) and will have one pool that’s a bit smaller than some of the other resorts.
Universal Aventura Hotel
For the Value Inns and Suites, there are also 3 resorts: Surfside, Dockside and Cabana Bay
Now this might ruffle some feathers but I rarely recommend Surfside and Dockside resorts for guests. While they have a “2 bedroom suite”, these resorts are not walking distance to any of the parks. They can be a lower price tag so if you are a family of 5 or 6, this might be a great way to still get you the perks of staying onsite, but, be preprepared to wait for buses.
Universal Cabana Bay is one of my most popular resorts for guests. It has family suites that sleep up to six as well as standard rooms. This resort has two amazing pools (including a lazy river at one!), a bowling alley, fun dining and is still walking distance to the main campus (Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and City Walk). This resort does need updating but it’s a great choice to stay on property at a good price tag.
Universal Cabana Bay Resort
But which resort is best for your travel party? It depends on your group and your goals during your Universal Orlando vacation. I can help you choose and book the right resort. Head to my quote request page and fill out a form today to get started.
