A few months back, I got the opportunity to step inside Universal Orlando’s new hotel, Stella Nova Resort. Since then a few more have opened up such as the Terra Luna Resort and Helios Grand Hotel.
While I did not stay in Stella Nova Resort, I did get to take the shuttle to and from Stella Nova, and got a glimpse of the inside.
If you’re making a trip to Universal Studios soon and looking for a place to stay, below I list a few things you should know about Stella Nova Resort.
Inside Universal Orlando’s Stella Nova Resort
Since I was spending the day with my best friend, we decided to go to Universal’s City Walk for the day. This also included a quick trip to Stella Nova Resort. While there is a parking fee at the hotel for those stopping by, I found that it was worth parking at Universal and then taking the shuttle rather than paying the high fee for the resort parking.
Before I get into all the details of the parking however, here is a glimpse inside Universal Orlando’s Stella Nova Resort.
Arriving at Stella Nova Resort
Although my friends did get to stay at the Stella Nova Resort, I did not. Since checkout was about 11am, and we didn’t meet up until 12pm, I wasn’t able to get a glimpse of the room. However, from what my friends have mentioned it was a basic hotel room. There was nothing special except for the galactic theme throughout the room.
Once I met up with my best friend in City Walk, we headed over to Stella Nova Resort via the complimentary shuttle bus. While parking for City Walk is free after 6PM, it’s $32 for regular parking. So instead of paying for the day guest parking at the hotel, which is $65 for 30 minutes or more, I paid the $32 and got to also explore City Walk.
If you have a preferred or premier annual pass , you won’t have to pay for parking at the City Walk regular parking.
I did notice it took a while to get to Stella Nova Resort. Even though there is a dedicated lane for the shuttle, it’s not at all what I expected. The shuttle took us down International drive, where I got to see several of the restaurants and shops in the area.
Once we arrived at Stella Nova Resort, I noticed the space theme with the round space craft.
The Lobby
When I entered the resort, I noticed this wide open space with a bunch of seats around, and a sign to the Nova bar. Walking in, the check-in desk is near the front and a few steps in you’ll find the gift shop on the right hand side. it’s a nice design, and I really like the galaxy theme all throughout the resort. The seats in the lobby are also very geometric fitting in with the galaxy theme.
Restaurants & Bars
Inside the Stella Nova Resort, you’ll find the Cosmos Cafe and Market, and the Nova Bar. The Nova Bar is the first spot you’ll notice as you walk inside the resort, but once you reach the bar if you make a left, you’ll find the Cosmos Cafe and Market. Here you can have breakfast, lunch and dinner. The dinner here is mostly American classics such as pizza, hamburgers etc…
Outside of the resort is another dining spot, the Galaxy Bar and Galaxy Grill, which is great for anyone wanting some poolside drinks and food.
Outside & Activities
As mentioned, there is another food and drink spot outside by the pool. The pool isn’t as big as other resorts I’ve been to, but that’s probably because they also included a kids splash pad, a hot tub, and a fire pit. They also have outdoor games and when weather permitted, poolside movies.
Florida does get really hot during the summer, so if you’re looking for indoor things to do in the hotel, they do have a fitness center and they also have a game room full of arcade and video games.
There is also a cute gift shop in the lobby of the resort, where you can find all the cool Universal merchandise. Why shop at the parks and deal with bags, when you can simply get your souvenirs at the resort?
Other Things to Know
- Overnight guest parking pay $30 plus tax per night. This is cheaper than the day guest parking.
- They are not pet-friendly. If you want to bring your pet along, you’ll need to stay at another Universal Studios property.
- Restaurants are wheelchair accessible and they do have rooms for guests with disabilities.
- Check in is at 4 pm and checkout is at 11 am.
- If you try to go over to Terra Luna Resort right next door, you won’t be able to because there is not a path to go there.
- They do pizza deliveries, in case you get hungry late at night.
Stella Nova Resort is a nice resort with a great theme. I did enjoy the time I was there. However, I do wish the parking was free for overnight guests as well as on the cheaper side for day guests. Other than that, this is a great option for anyone seeking to stay close to Universal’s Epic Universe without having to spend a whole lot!
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