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Trying to seek out the most effective resort close to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure? This ranks & opinions all resorts at Universal Orlando, with execs & cons of all lodging for households, {couples}, adults, and solo vacationers so you possibly can select the #1 UOR resort on your trip! (Updated January 22, 2025.)
The rankings listed below are primarily based upon our firsthand expertise by means of precise stays at the entire accommodations at Universal Orlando. Most different information or record is inconsistent as a result of being crowd-sourced, cobbled collectively from oblique expertise, or reliant upon a number of completely different reviewers. For higher or worse, at the very least these rankings and opinions are from a singular and constant viewpoint.
With that stated, they’re additionally completely subjective. There’s no pretense of objectivity right here, and we’re not utilizing any form of quantitative metrics like room measurement, common bus or boat frequency, or time in minutes to stroll from the resort to the resort. All of that’s taken into consideration, however so too are private preferences on the subject of theme, environment, pool high quality, and extra.
As Universal Orlando jockeys to turn out to be a trip vacation spot unto itself, slightly than only a diversion from Walt Disney World, it has seen a resort explosion in the previous couple of years. Several of the resorts reviewed listed below are current additions, with extra on the horizon as Universal develops its third Florida theme park, Epic Universe.
We now know that Epic Universe will open on May 22, 2025. In the lead-up to that Universal Stella Nova Resort has now opened and Universal Terra Luna Resort opens on March 25, 2025 (tentatively). Both are close to Epic Universe and shall be within the Prime Value Hotel tier, proper together with Universal’s Aventura Hotel and Cabana Bay Beach Resort. Both are above the lowest-tier Value Hotels, which is a slot occupied solely by Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn & Suites and Surfside Inn & Suites.
Then there’s Universal Helios Grand Hotel, which is a top-tier resort that’s (partially) inside a theme park and affords direct entry. It’s troublesome to get a superb “read” on Helios Grand pre-opening. We initially assumed it might be Universal Orlando’s new flagship resort, providing luxurious lodging and a worth to match. Thus far, all of that has proved false. As we focus on in Universal’s Epic Universe New Grand Helios In-Park Hotel is Cheap, the low price caught us unexpectedly–however there are causes for that.
For these rankings, we’re just about disregarding the Unlimited Express Pass supplied by Portofino Bay, Hard Rock Hotel, and Royal Pacific. This is a seemingly arbitrary transfer, and we debated whether or not to do it. After all, it’s far and away the most important perk supplied not simply by this trio of Universal Orlando accommodations, however by ANY theme park adjoining resorts in Orlando.
Which is why we’re disregarding it. If considered, these Premier Hotels would make up the highest 3–and by a large margin. However, that assumes you need and wish Unlimited Express Pass, which received’t be the case for some events. (That’s going to sound like heresy to some, however there have been instances we didn’t want it–cut up stays work at Universal, too.)
The level is that it’s best to weigh these rankings otherwise if Unlimited Express Pass is efficacious to you. If it’s, Portofino Bay, Hard Rock Hotel, and Royal Pacific are the one accommodations it’s best to even think about, as a result of Express Pass is such a difference-maker within the rankings. Seriously, the worth of Express Pass alone for a celebration of three or extra will often exceed the price of the room.
With these caveats out of the way in which, let’s get on with the Universal Orlando resort rankings! Clicking on any resort title (that’s clickable) or hyperlinks to the opinions will open the detailed evaluate containing further pictures, information, and ideas on that resort in a brand new window…
N/A. Universal’s Stella Nova Resort (Prime Value Hotel) – This resort is now open, so we’re including it the rankings regardless of not having stayed right here but. We’ve booked Stella Nova, however not till after Epic Universe opens. That’s as a result of, in our view, most of this resort’s upside is derived from being adjoining to the all new Universal Epic Universe theme park.
Epic Universe is accessible from Stella Nova through strolling path or complimentary shuttle. According to Universal Orlando, the opposite theme parks and Universal CityWalk are additionally simply accessible through strolling path or complimentary shuttle. This is big, as not one of the different Universal Orlando accommodations at this worth level are walkable to parks. Being a brief stroll from Epic Universe is a possible game-changer, particularly if the park is repeatedly reaching capability or bus transportation is troubling–however we received’t know any of that till Epic Universe opens.
As for the theme, Stella Nova strikes us as a plussed-up model of Aventura, with a little bit of an intergalactic aptitude to provide it persona. It’s not almost as thematically robust because the entries increased on this record, however given its cheap worth level, it’s troublesome to complain about that an excessive amount of. Stella Nova ought to take the #6 spot on this record, rating above each Endless Summer resorts and Aventura. We additionally anticipate it surpassing its sister resort, Terra Luna. Final judgment shall be made after we keep right here, however that’s how we anticipate issues shaking out for these reserving 2025 stays now.
8. Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn & Suites (Value Hotel) – This rating is a bit deceiving. The rooms at Dockside Inn provide large worth for cash that’s nice not simply by theme park requirements, however actual world ones as nicely. Despite its environment friendly nature, it’s not overly spartan, with a good quantity of persona and ample facilities. It’s nice for many who received’t be spending a ton of time on the resort—however nonetheless wish to benefit from the occasional meal or use the pool every so often.
The purpose we don’t suggest Dockside Inn & Suites–and why it ranks useless final right here–is simply as a practicality. Dockside Inn is one half of Universal’s Endless Summer Resort, and the straightforward proven fact that a greater model of the identical factor exists subsequent door at Surfside Inn for a similar worth. That’s as a result of the most important draw back of this resort is its measurement and scale, which can lead to huge crowds. Surfside Inn has considerably fewer rooms, thus at the very least partially negating that problem.
Make no mistake about that—if Surfside Inn & Suites didn’t exist, we might be recommending Dockside Inn & Suites with enthusiasm. Universal’s Endless Summer Resort complicated is a gamechanger for theme park worth accommodations, surpassing Walt Disney World’s incarnations of the idea whereas doing so for considerably decrease costs. If Surfside Inn isn’t an choice or is dearer for some purpose, don’t hesitate to ebook Dockside Inn. That such a stable providing ranks final is a testomony to the energy of Universal Orlando’s resort sport. Click right here to learn our full evaluate and see room pictures.
7. Universal’s Aventura Hotel (Prime Value Hotel) – A contemporary and streamlined resort with no theme that caters to solo enterprise vacationers and a few {couples}. Aventura is right for many who primarily view the resort as a spot to bathe and sleep, desire a condensed format, and need quieter or much less crowded lodging. It’s additionally nice for followers of sophisticated tv remotes.
Universal’s Aventura Hotel could have restricted enchantment to most different vacationers. Visitors on a finances are arguably may be higher suited by one of many Endless Summer resorts, and households ought to as an alternative go for Cabana Bay or one of many Premier Hotels. Those options are both extra economical or provide considerably extra perks.
With that in thoughts, Aventura’s strengths are a rooftop bar with breathtaking views of Universal Orlando, useful and environment friendly rooms with “smart” options, and handy (and underutilized) facilities. It checks the entire containers, however finally underwhelms anybody wanting an precise resort expertise. Click right here to learn our full evaluate and see room pictures.
6. Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn & Suites (Value Hotel) — The most cost-effective resort at Universal Orlando Resort with beginning charges under $100/evening, Endless Summer delivers stable however primary lodging. The resort has a surf or seaside stylization, and whereas not closely themed, it evokes the sensation of an limitless summer season.
Unsurprisingly, worth is the most important promoting level. Everything else favors operate over kind, from the swimming pools to the meals courtroom to the rooms. Speaking of which, visitor rooms have sufficient particulars and little touches that it feels inviting slightly than sterile, it has plenty of good useful design selections, and the colour scheme coupled with the massive (usable!) window made it mild, ethereal, and welcoming. The largest draw back past these compromises is that the Endless Summer Resorts are the one two accommodations that aren’t simply walkable to the parks (you can stroll, it’s simply not an ideal or simple route).
If you’re comfy with a resort that’s mild on theme and facilities, it’s an ideal choice with good rooms, inside hallways, a compact footprint, environment friendly bus transportation, and handy entry to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. It’s excellent for rope drop to park shut theme park ‘touring commandos.’ Click right here to learn our full evaluate and see room pictures.
5. Loews Royal Pacific Resort (Premier Hotel) – Themed to the South Seas, Royal Pacific has a way of journey, and evokes a bygone period of unique and opulent world journey. Contrary to some misguided comparisons, it isn’t analogous to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, which is themed to tiki tradition and Americana.
Far and away the most important promoting level is that Loews Royal Pacific Resort is often the least costly Premier Hotel, making it the candy spot for households on considerably of a finances, however recognizing the worth of Unlimited Express Pass and never needing as a lot from their resort. Beyond that, the opposite benefits of Royal Pacific are its strolling distance proximity to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, environment friendly transportation, sturdy facilities, and a mixture of luxuriousness and depth of theme.
Downsides are that it has weaker and smaller rooms than the opposite Premier Hotels and a extra underwhelming pool by comparability. In normal, Royal Pacific ranks 3/3 among the many Premier Hotels in each regard, which is why it’s additionally the most affordable of the trio. Book right here if worth is the figuring out issue otherwise you actually love the unique theme. Click right here to learn our full evaluate and see room pictures.
4. Hard Rock Hotel (Premier Hotel) — Anyone who lived by means of the 90s is probably going accustomed to Hard Rock Cafe. For those that didn’t, that is primarily that in resort kind–a tribute to rock & roll, with a mode and perspective to match. Which isn’t to say it’s edgy or taste-specific. While I really like the tributes to the Eagles, Led Zeppelin, and different traditional rockers, modern musicians like Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, and different names I don’t acknowledge are additionally featured.
Hard Rock Hotel can also be the closest resort to Universal Studios Florida & Islands of Adventure–solely a ten minute stroll to the parks. Other than that, Hard Rock Hotel’s promoting factors are Unlimited Express Pass at each theme parks, a formidable slate of facilities, spacious rooms, enjoyable eating, and free music gear leases. Hard Rock Hotel additionally has an infinite pool encompassing that’s 12,000 sq. ft in measurement and affords a sand seaside, sizzling tubs, sand volleyball courtroom, interactive fountains, play space for teenagers, and a 260-foot pool slide.
Hard Rock Hotel’s rockin’ model isn’t going to be for everybody, however it’s comparatively gentle and applicable for households. Still, Hard Rock Hotel shall be most appreciated by {couples}, notably these sufficiently old to acknowledge its tributes (or anybody with good style in music). Beyond that, the most important weak point might be the visitor rooms, that are a tad older (however nonetheless well-maintained and completely comfy). Additionally, eating is simply so-so, with stable desk service choices however missing on the meals courtroom entrance. Those are actually minor quibbles for an in any other case implausible resort. Click right here to learn our full evaluate and see room pictures.
3. Loews Sapphire Falls Resort (Preferred Hotel) – Themed as an island paradise, from the stone turret within the foyer to the intense blue accents to flowing waterfalls that cascade over lush grounds. However, Sapphire Falls toes the road between kind and performance, with sufficient model and particulars to convey its targets, but in addition with a robust deal with comfort, facilities, and luxury. The resort by no means lets theme “get in the way” of that.
Sapphire Falls’ execution is near-flawless, with relaxed environment, robust rooms (higher than Royal Pacific, which is a tier above it), water taxi transportation, and nice location. Another vital promoting level is that Sapphire Falls boasts the most important pool space at Universal Orlando, with a bar, sizzling tub, prolonged waterslide, and extra. Additionally, Sapphire Falls’ eating choices pack a stable punch, with the foyer bar specifically being wonderful. Beyond that, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort’s best energy is its steadiness and good vibes, for lack of a greater time period–it’s only a nice place to be.
The largest draw back is bang for buck. While not costly (it prices about as a lot or lower than a Walt Disney World Value Resort), it’s the priciest resort at Universal Orlando that doesn’t provide Unlimited Express Pass. If you don’t want that however wish to splurge considerably on superior lodging, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is a superb selection for anybody–households, {couples}, solo vacationers, and many others. Click right here to learn our full evaluate and see room pictures.
2. Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort (Prime Value Hotel) — We completely adore this romanticized and elevated Fifties-60s period motel. Cabana Bay affords unparalleled worth for cash amongst theme park adjoining resorts and options way over you’d anticipate from the price-point. It’s notably engaging to households, however anybody who appreciates mid-century trendy can even like it.
Cabana Bay’s promoting factors are a wonderful slate of facilities, together with a variety of eating choices, bowling alley, enormous swimming pools with a lazy river, large thematic integrity, and high quality rooms for a finances resort. The vary of the facilities is admittedly spectacular, and all of this makes Cabana Bay work a bona-fide resort the place you’ll have plenty of enjoyable with out even going to the parks.
Its largest weak point is the scale. This shouldn’t come as an enormous shock since a boutique resort isn’t going to help the entire aforementioned facilities, however Cabana Bay is colossal. Beyond navigating the massive property (which really isn’t unhealthy), this may imply crowds throughout busier instances of yr. There are instances when the meals courts, pool areas, and most important foyer are all overwhelmed with company, and even with as a lot as we love Cabana Bay, we wouldn’t ebook a keep right here throughout Spring Break, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and many others. Click right here to learn our full evaluate and see room pictures.
1. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel Review (Premier Hotel) — Theme is Portofino Bay’s robust swimsuit, with its personal harbor, cobblestone streets, quiet courtyards, intimate walkways, and extra that evoke the seaside city of Portofino. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is our favourite resort at Universal Orlando and one in every of our high 10 theme park accommodations anyplace on the earth. Moreover, Portofino Bay is the what we’d think about the Universal resort “for Walt Disney World fans.” When it involves immersive themed design, that is on par with Imagineering’s finest accommodations in Florida.
Beyond that, Portofino Bay has the most important commonplace rooms at Universal Orlando, and a current refresh has modernized them, too. When it involves eating, Portofino Bay affords 9 eating places and lounges that includes a variety of Italian and American delicacies at just about each worth level. Finally, there are two wonderful pool areas, one in every of which is extra laid again and the opposite with an array of options–each are high of sophistication. All of this makes it interesting to all kinds of visitor demographics.
With all of that stated, Portofino Bay just isn’t excellent. For one factor, it’s sometimes the costliest resort at Universal Orlando, so finances alone will rule it out for some events. There are some areas that really feel barely missing intimately, or which have a Nineteen Nineties model. Thematically, it reveals its age in some regards, despite the fact that upkeep is usually implausible. Additionally, it’s a colossal resort with a sprawling format, which is a distinction to Universal’s present method of all the pieces underneath one roof. We completely love Portofino Bay and would give it the win by a big margin–however like all the pieces, that’s not a one-size suits all advice. Click right here to learn our full evaluate and see room pictures.
Need journey planning ideas and complete recommendation on your go to to Central Florida? Make positive to learn our Universal Orlando Planning Guide for all the pieces about Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. Also try our Walt Disney World Vacation Planning Guide for all the pieces about these parks, resorts, eating places, and a lot extra. For common updates, information & rumors, a heads up when reductions are launched, and rather more, join our FREE e mail e-newsletter!
YOUR THOUGHTS
How do Universal Orlando’s resorts rank for you? Any resort right here that’s too excessive–or too low–for you? Do you usually keep at Universal Orlando or Walt Disney World? What are your key issues when figuring out the place you keep? If you’ve beforehand been loyal to WDW, are you contemplating Universal (or different off-site) accommodations on your subsequent Florida trip? Do you agree or disagree with our rankings and evaluate? Any questions we will help you reply? Hearing your suggestions–even while you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!