As a lifelong Florida resident, frequent theme park visitor and longtime travel expert, I’ve spent more time at Universal Orlando Resort than I can count. From the opening days of Islands of Adventure to the recent launch of Epic Universe, I’ve walked these parks in every season and stayed at nearly every onsite hotel – multiple times. I know which resorts are best for families, which pools are worth packing an extra swimsuit for and which hotels offer that unbeatable early park entry and Express Pass access. And unlike Disney with its 30+ hotels and thousands of acres, Universal only has 11 hotels and a much smaller footprint, so choosing which hotel is right for you isn’t so tough – especially if you know the right people. (It’s me. I’m the right people.)
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If you’re planning a trip to Universal Orlando and wondering where to stay, this guide breaks down every onsite hotel with insider tips, honest insights and everything you need to book the stay that fits your travel style and budget.
Why Stay at a Universal Hotel in 2025?
Staying at an official Universal hotel isn’t just convenient – it transforms your entire trip! Here’s what you get when you book onsite:
- Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Volcano Bay and select Epic Universe attractions. This gets you in up to an hour before general admission – ideal for high-demand rides like Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and the new Stardust Racers coaster. (Two of the best rides in the world, I’m not even kidding!)
- Free transportation via buses or water taxis to all parks and CityWalk. No rental car required, no parking fees, no traffic stress.
- Room key privileges, like charge-to-room access throughout the resort and merchandise delivery straight to your hotel from the parks. This means you don’t have to carry all your souvenirs around all day. You just swipe your card and send them to your hotel room.
- Resort-wide benefits, including priority restaurant seating, pool hopping among select hotels and themed character dining.
- Express Pass included at select hotels, allowing you to skip the regular lines at most rides in Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. This can save you hours per day.
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Where to Stay at Universal Orlando Resort: Your Complete Hotel Guide
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel $$$$
This luxurious Italian-themed resort recreates the charm of Portofino, Italy, with cobblestone streets, classic architecture and even opera singers serenading from balconies at sunset. It’s the most upscale option at Universal and a peaceful retreat after a day in the parks.
Why I love it: The spacious rooms, themed kids’ suites, relaxed vibe and easy water taxi ride to the parks make it a splurge-worthy experience. Plus, the hotel feels secluded and romantic, perfect for couples or families looking for quiet luxury.
Included Benefits:
- Express Pass
- Early Park Admission
- Water taxi to parks
- Priority seating at select restaurants
Check prices and availability for your stay at Portofino Bay Hotel.
Hard Rock Hotel $$$$
With music-themed decor and serious rockstar energy, Hard Rock Hotel is as fun as it is functional. The walk to Universal Studios takes just five minutes, and the pool – with underwater speakers – is one of the best in Orlando. There’s a room service guitar menu with 20 different Fender guitars and lessons you can take on the TV, not to mention all the fun music memorabilia all over the place. Whether you’re into Prince or Beyoncé, it’s likely you’ll find a piece of musician history that suits you.
Why I love it: You can hear live music at Velvet Sessions or book a themed kids’ suite. This hotel brings the energy from the parks right into your stay.
Included Benefits:
- Express Pass
- Early Park Admission
- Walking path and water taxi to parks
- Priority dining access
Check prices and availability for your stay at Hard Rock Hotel.
Loews Royal Pacific Resort $$$$
This tropical resort has major South Pacific vibes – think tiki torches, lush landscaping and a lagoon-style pool with a white sand beach. It’s a great choice for families who want the benefits of Express Pass with a lower price point than Portofino.
Why I love it: The balance of value, amenities and location is spot-on. The Royal Club level adds lounge access with continental breakfast, snacks and evening hors d’oeuvres.
Included Benefits:
- Express Pass
- Early Park Admission
- Water taxi and walking path
- Polynesian-inspired dining
Check prices and availability now for your stay at Royal Pacific Resort.
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort $$$
Sapphire Falls is full of island charm, with bright Caribbean colors, a huge pool with a water slide and the best rum bar at Universal. While it doesn’t include Express Pass, it’s a solid mid-range option with beautiful surroundings.
Why I love it: Strong Water Tavern is a must-visit, and the relaxed vibe is perfect for winding down after a park day. You can also take the water taxi to CityWalk and the parks, which makes this feel more premium than its price suggests.
Included Benefits:
- Early Park Admission
- Water taxi and shuttle access
- Onsite dining and themed bars
Check pricing and availability now for your stay at Sapphire Falls Resort.
Universal Helios Grand Hotel $$$$
The newest luxury addition at Universal, Helios Grand sits right next to Epic Universe and has its own private entrance into the park. On a hot summer day, you can’t even believe how amazing it is to go straight from Celestial Park to the Helios pool for a nap and a snack It’s Mediterranean in design with high-end finishes, a zero-entry pool with underwater sound and a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the new park.
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Why I can’t wait to stay again: I toured Helios during the Grand Opening of Epic Universe and was blown away by the views and luxurious atmosphere. Between the private entrance to Epic Universe and sleek finishes, it’s the ultimate park-lover’s hotel.
Included Benefits:
- Early Park Admission to Epic Universe
- Dedicated Epic Universe entrance
- Premium dining and rooftop bar access
Check pricing and availability now for your stay at Helios Grand Hotel.
Universal Aventura Hotel $$
Aventura is sleek, modern and minimal with floor-to-ceiling windows and great views of Volcano Bay. It’s a great value with quick bus access to the parks and an amazing rooftop bar, Bar 17 Bistro. And my sister had her gorgeous engagement party at the rooftop bar in 2020 – so it holds a special spot in my heart for that alone.
Why I love it: It feels clean, quiet and tech-savvy. Great for couples, solo travelers or anyone looking for a convenient stay without a high price.
Included Benefits:
- Early Park Admission
- Quick shuttle access to all parks
- Rooftop dining and Volcano Bay views
Check pricing and availability now for your stay at Aventura Hotel.
Universal Stella Nova Resort $$
This new Prime Value hotel is a space-themed escape filled with galactic colors, retro-futuristic decor and cosmic cocktails. It’s located near Universal Epic Universe and has convenient walking paths to the new park and bus transportation to the OGs, Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida.
Why I love it: I stayed here for the Grand Opening of Epic Universe and was impressed with how immersive and fun the theming is. It’s a fantastic value stay, and still feels fresh and exciting.
Included Benefits:
- Early Park Admission to Epic Universe
- Shuttle and walking path access
- Modern rooms and immersive theme
Check pricing and availability now for your stay at Stella Nova Resort.
Universal Terra Luna Resort $$
Terra Luna is the calm counterpart to Stella Nova with earth tones, minimalist design and a more tranquil energy. Still within walking distance to Epic Universe, this resort is ideal for families and those wanting a more grounded space to unwind.
Why it’s on my list: I haven’t stayed here yet, but it looks like the perfect recharge zone after a big day of rides and crowds.
Included Benefits:
- Early Park Admission
- Walking and shuttle access to Epic Universe
- Laid-back atmosphere with practical amenities
Check pricing and availability now for your stay at Terra Luna Resort.
Cabana Bay Beach Resort $$
Retro fun meets family convenience at Cabana Bay. This 1950s-themed resort has family suites, a lazy river, a bowling alley and two massive pools. Some rooms even have Volcano Bay views and it’s easy access for a day at that park. I’ve stayed at Cabana Bay so many times, and never get tired of the vintage commercials running in the food court, the retro vehicles parked out front or the V05 / Zest amenities that send you back to the 50s.
Why I love it: It’s perfect for multigenerational trips. I’ve stayed here with family, and the kitschy theming plus the lazy river always hits the mark.
Included Benefits:
- Early Park Admission
- Walking path to Volcano Bay
- Family suites and on-site fun
Check pricing and availability now for your stay at Cabana Bay Beach Resort.
Endless Summer Resort: Surfside Inn & Suites and Dockside Inn & Suites $
These two Value hotels are across the street from the main Universal complex and offer the most affordable way to stay onsite. The beachy theming, large pools and food courts make them solid picks for budget-conscious families.
Why I haven’t stayed yet – but might soon: These are ideal for larger families or groups looking to save. The two-bedroom suites sleep up to six and include a mini-fridge and microwave.
Included Benefits:
- Early Park Admission
- Shuttle service to all parks
- Suites with kitchenettes
Check pricing and availability now for your stay at Endless Summer Resort.
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Closest Hotels to Universal Orlando
If the Universal hotel portfolio is all sold out – and that happens, especially at the busiest times of year – you might want to stay close by to save on transportation. Some off-site hotels even have shuttles so you can save money on parking, but most importantly, you can save time. You DO NOT want to navigate I-4 every single day if you stay elsewhere in the Orlando metro area. Here are a few hotels that are easy distance from Universal:
Holiday Inn & Suites Across From Universal Orlando by IHG
Directly across from Universal Studios and providing free transfers to area sites, this hotel features spacious rooms furnished with free high-speed internet and many on-site facilities, including a restaurant. The Holiday Inn & Suites Orlando Universal provides many family-friendly amenities, including an outdoor pool and children’s pool, a gift shop and a game room. Guests will also enjoy the on-site fitness center and on-site discount ticket sales to popular area theme parks. Check pricing and availability here.
DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando
Boasting an unrivaled location directly across from the entrance to Universal Orlando Resort, this hotel features first-class amenities, numerous free services and is close to all the area’s main attractions. Walt Disney World is 9.8 mi from the property. The Doubletree Hotel at the entrance to Universal Orlando features all the amenities needed for an unforgettable stay. Watch a film on in-room flat-screen TVs, enjoy a refreshing swim in the junior Olympic-size pool or plan the day’s adventures with help from the hotel’s activity desk. Check pricing and availability.
Hyatt Place across from Universal Orlando Resort
Our newly renovated hotel is only a 3-minute drive from Universal Orlando Resort, this hotel offers free Wi-Fi and food available 24 hours a day. An outdoor swimming pool is also available. Complimentary shuttle service to Universal Orlando Resort is available at select times as well. Check pricing and availability.
Why Choosing a Universal Hotel is The Way to Go
No matter your travel style or budget, Universal Orlando has an onsite hotel that will level up your trip. Staying onsite is more than just convenient – it’s a smarter way to do the parks. From early park access to skipping the lines to easy transportation, the benefits make a big difference, and ultimately you save time and money.
Personally, I’ve loved every stay – from the high-end escape of Portofino Bay to the affordable fun of Cabana Bay and now the futuristic vibes at Stella Nova. And I can’t wait to book my first full night at Helios Grand so I can dip into Epic Universe whenever I want! Wherever you land, staying onsite keeps you close to the action, and that’s where the magic happens.
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Have questions or want more personalized recommendations? Drop a comment below or reach out – I’d love to help you pchoosethela n your perfect Universal Orlando hotel getaway!
