Activities

Your guide to Universal Orlando's resort hotels

A water taxi approaches Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando Resort, as its name suggests, offers more than just theme parks. 

With 8 hotels and its own shopping and dining district, it's an all-out vacation destination. Want to stay at a refined villa on the Italian Riviera? A white-sand beach in the South Pacific? A relaxed island hideaway in the Caribbean? A retro 1960s American beach resort? Or maybe it's finally time to live out your rock 'n' roll fantasy? Universal Orlando makes all this possible. We look at what each resort offers so you can find the best fit for you and your family. 

Benefits you'll find at every hotel

The benefits of staying with Universal Orlando go beyond simple geographic proximity. 

Dragon breathing fire at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando
Early Park Admission1 to Universal Orlando's theme parks

Stay at any of Universal Orlando’s hotels and you’ll receive Early Park Admission to theme parks up to an hour before regular guests. This includes The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and select attractions at Universal's Volcano Bay. (You’ll still need to have a valid theme park ticket.)

A water taxi on the river at Universal Orlando Resort
Free water taxi & shuttle service

Most resorts are within walking distance of all 3 theme parks and Universal CityWalk, but if you'd rather save your legs, take the complimentary shuttle transportation service. In addition, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort are connected via water taxi to Universal CityWalk, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida.

The Incredible Hulk Coaster at Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Express Unlimited at select hotels

Guests at Portofino Bay, Hard Rock Hotel, and Royal Pacific Resort get free2 Universal Express Unlimited, letting them to skip the regular line at most attractions in Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure. This is useful on the Hogwarts Express train, making it easier to move between the 2 theme parks. (The only other way is to exit one park's front gate and re-enter through the other's.)

A Four Diamond Award plaque at Portofino Bay Hotel
AAA Diamond designations

Most of Universal Orlando's hotels are AAA Diamond-designated, meaning they've passed a strict in-person AAA inspection for quality, cleanliness, service, and value.
 

Four Diamond: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

Three Diamond: Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal's Aventura Hotel

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Boats on the water at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

The concept

Built to resemble the seaside Italian Riviera it borrows its name from, Portofino Bay is as close as you can get to a Ligurian villa without going to Italy. Universal Orlando considers it 1 of 3 hotels in their Premier category, along with the Hard Rock Hotel and Royal Pacific Resort, and it's not hard to see why.

There are 3 pools: the sandy-shored Beach Pool, complete with a Roman aqueduct slide; the Villa Pool, with private cabanas and lounge chairs; and the Hillside Pool, which offers a quiet area to take a swim. Weather permitting, most nights feature Musica della Notte (Music of the Night) performances at the harbor, and guests can try their hand at lawn bowling at the bocce courts near the Villa Pool.

A room at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

The rooms

Portofino Bay's beauty isn't confined to the exterior. The indoor common areas feature marble and velvet, carrying the Mediterranean theme from the outdoors all the way through to the private accommodations. Once in the room, dark blue accents hint at the harbor outside, and the liberal use of Italian phrases reminds guests where they are.

Guest rooms feature either 1 king or 2 queen beds with 300-thread-count cotton sheets, while suites add a Murphy or sofa bed. All rooms include a coffee maker, minifridge, iHome docking station, HD television, and free Wi-Fi.

A plate of pasta at Mama Della's Ristorante at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel in Orlando, Florida.

The dining

Half the fun of visiting Italy is eating the food, and Portofino Bay Hotel is no exception. Start the day with a breakfast buffet at Trattoria del Porto. For lunch, stop by Sal's Market Deli for an Italian sandwich or a brick oven pizza, then cross the harbor piazza for a scoop of gelato at Gelateria.

At dinner time, take the family to Mama Della's Ristorante, known for its homestyle Italian specialties (the lasagna and chicken carbonara are excellent) and virtuoso strolling musicians. Or make a reservation at Bice Ristorante and experience haute Italian cuisine with modern flair, such as homemade pappardelle and pan-seared venison.

Hotel category: Premier – $$$$

Extraordinary resorts with distinguished service, spacious accommodations, and free Universal Express Unlimited ride access.2

Hard Rock Hotel

The pool at Hard Rock Hotel at sunset

The concept

Hard Rock Hotel is all about living, eating, playing, and sleeping like a rock star. To that end, everything is about bringing music and the musician lifestyle to life. Mission-style architecture and swanky interiors channel the aesthetic of a VIP's California mansion, except here, you're the VIP. At the pool, submerged speakers keep the music playing even underwater.

One particularly cool feature is a circular portion of hallway near the Rock Shop: Stand on the black star, precisely in the center, and your voice will be reflected back at you from every direction, creating the sensation that you're onstage.

A room at the Hard Rock Hotel in Orlando

The rooms

Every rock star needs a break from the action, so Hard Rock Hotel's rooms are a posh retreat, complete with "Quiet, please" and "Be nice" embroidered pillows. Guest rooms feature either 1 king or 2 queen beds, and all rooms include a coffee maker, minifridge, iHome docking station, HD television, and free Wi-Fi.

The coolest feature? The mirror in every room has a height chart where guests can compare their stature to that of a range of famous musicians, from the towering Snoop Dogg all the way down to Shirley Temple's height from her child acting days.

A chicken and spinach salad at The Kitchen restaurant at the Hard Rock Hotel in Orlando

The dining

Breakfast (as well as lunch and dinner) is served daily at The Kitchen, a casual establishment. On select nights, the hotel's Velvet Bar hosts Velvet Sessions where guests can sample themed cocktails and catch a show from real hitmakers.

For a truly VIP experience, make a reservation at The Palm, which brings its New York City flair to Orlando, complete with its famous caricatures on the walls. The menu is perfectly tuned for Big Apple movers and shakers with items like broiled Nova Scotia lobster and wagyu ribeye steaks.

Hotel category: Premier – $$$$

Extraordinary resorts with distinguished service, spacious accommodations, and free Universal Express Unlimited ride access.2

Loews Royal Pacific Resort

An exterior view of the Loews Royal Pacific Resort

The concept

Ride the water taxi a few minutes down the waterway from Hard Rock Hotel and you'll find yourself in an island paradise at Loews Royal Pacific Resort. The hotel takes its cues from the South Pacific—not any one island in particular, so guests will see decor inspired by Thai, Indonesian, Polynesian, and Hawaiian art.

In keeping with the theme, the resort's pool features white sand to complete your Bora Bora fantasy, as well as the Royal Bali Sea, a play area where kids can spray one another with water cannons. Upstairs, by the lobby, guests can enjoy a quiet moment by the fountains in the Orchid Court.

A room at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando Resort

The rooms

Royal Pacific Resort's accommodations are modern in both form and function. Flower murals adorn the walls, and the accent pillows in each room match the color of the flowers, which differ from room to room. Since this resort is all about the South Seas, most rooms have a water or garden view: either the pool or lagoon in back, or the river out front. 

Guest rooms feature either 1 king or 2 queen beds, and all rooms include a coffee maker, minifridge, iHome docking station, HD television, and free Wi-Fi. The resort's Club Level Rooms offer access to the Club Lounge, which means concierge service, complimentary snacks, evening beer and wine, and more.

Chicken, waffles, and beer at Jake's Bar at Royal Pacific Resort in Orlando

The dining

The dining options at Royal Pacific Resort cater both to those who want to take their South Pacific experience all the way, and those who may already be a little homesick. Islands Dining Room hosts a daily breakfast buffet, which offers familiar staples along with island-inflected options like Tahitian French toast a l'orange. For lunch, stop by Jake's American Bar, a venue featuring the sort of mid-20th-century memorabilia you'd expect an American expat to have. (It also has strangely hypnotic horizontal ceiling fans.)

For dinner, return to Islands Dining Room for a pan-Asian experience, from island dishes like Filipino shrimp adobo and Singapore-style noodles to more familiar fare like Korean barbecue and pad thai.

Hotel category: Premier – $$$$

Extraordinary resorts with distinguished service, spacious accommodations, and free Universal Express Unlimited ride access.2

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

An aerial view of Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando Resort

The concept

Right next door to Royal Pacific Resort is Universal Orlando's own spin on the "Caribbean paradise island" theme, Sapphire Falls Resort. An idyllic waterfall with palms and a water wheel sets the tone if you arrive by water taxi, while the lobby features an enormous wicker chandelier in true Caribbean fashion.

Befitting a sun-soaked locale, Sapphire Falls Resort makes liberal use of its bright blue color scheme and enormous windows that let in lots of natural light. The theming is most evident in the central spiral staircase, with its wrought iron steps and stone walls evoking a rum distillery. At the bottom, guests will find barrels, a wagon, and other rum-making implements.

A room at the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

The rooms

Most rooms at Sapphire Falls Resort have a view of either the garden, the lagoon, or the hotel's centerpiece pool. There's a view of "water" inside the rooms, too: The blue carpeting and cream bedsheets evoke the image of boats on the sea, something kids and their imaginations tend to notice before adults. Guest rooms feature either 1 king or 2 queen beds, and all rooms include a coffee maker, mini fridge, iHome docking station, HD television, and free Wi-Fi.

As part of an emerging trend in the hotel industry, most of the resort's guest rooms feature only a shower, with no bathtub, so if you'd prefer a tub, be sure to request one.

Tables at Amatista Cookhouse at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

The dining

Amatista Cookhouse, on the resort's ground floor, is the best venue at Universal for waterfront dining, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The kitchen is designed as an open exhibition, providing a show along with your meal, and authentic Caribbean dishes include seafood sofrito, West Indian curry, and cooked plantains.

Other food options include New Dutch Trading Co., which offers grab-and-go options; the ceviche bar and tapas at Strong Water Tavern; and fresh seafood at the poolside Drhum Club Kantine.

Hotel category: Preferred – $$$

A great balance of impressive amenities and comfortable mid-range rates.

Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort

The lobby of Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort

The concept

Universal Orlando's resorts all take guests to other parts of the world, but only Cabana Bay Beach Resort can transport them back in time. Bold primary colors and midcentury modern architecture take guests to the 1950s and '60s. One wing is styled as retro motel, while the other features a geometrically minimalist approach. There are 2 pools, plus a water slide and a lazy river, and if that's not enough entertainment, the hotel has its very own bowling alley.

Midcentury modern designers sought to make their creations affordable to the masses, and Cabana Bay Beach Resort does the same as one of Universal's Prime Value category hotels, aimed at families looking to get the most bang for their vacation buck.

A room at Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort

The rooms

Midcentury touches in each room include brightly colored sheets, geometric decor, and wood accents. As a family-oriented resort, all of the rooms have at least 2 queen beds; there are no single king rooms. Bigger families can opt for the Family Suites, which add a pull-out sofa bed, kitchenette, and larger bathroom area, sleeping up to 6 guests. Small groups (or large families) who need as much space as possible can avail themselves of the 2-bedroom suites, which sleep up to 8 people and feature views of Volcano Bay water park.

All rooms include a coffee maker, mini fridge, and some decidedly non-retro (but welcome) perks like an iHome docking station, HD television, and free Wi-Fi.

The sign at the Swizzle Lounge at Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort

The dining

Dining at Cabana Bay Beach Resort centers on Bayliner Diner, a food court where options range from reliable favorites like pizza and chicken tenders, to more adventurous fare like California chipotle chicken flatbread and Brazilian beef churrasco. There's entertainment, too: 4 screens in the dining area play real retro TV commercials from the '50s and '60s. 

Atomic Tonic and the Hideaway Bar & Grille each serve one of the hotel's pools, while Swizzle Lounge is the resort's watering hole, offering vintage cocktails right in the lobby. Galaxy Bowl, the bowling alley, doubles as an eatery serving casual food like burgers and chicken wings. Or, for an all-American room service experience, the hotel has its own in-house pizza, Delizioso Pizza.

Hotel category: Prime Value – $$

Stylish resorts with rooms and suites designed for fun and affordability.

Universal's Aventura Hotel

The exterior of Universal's Aventura Hotel in Orlando, Florida.

The concept

Sitting right across the street from the retro Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal's Aventura Hotel is a thoroughly modern establishment. The sleek glass-paneled tower features lots of open space inside for gathering, as well as a hip rooftop bar and market-style eatery. The building isn't the only thing that looks snazzy—it has great views of all 3 of Universal Orlando's theme parks. Down below, the pool includes a hot tub and a splash pad area for kids. 

Aventura is the other of Universal Orlando's 2 Prime Value hotels, situated pricewise between the more upscale, geographically themed resorts and Value category of Universal's Endless Summer Resort.

A two-bed room at Universal's Aventura Hotel, with a view of Volcano Bay water park.

The rooms

Rooms at Aventura Hotel feature bold, geometric furniture and accents. In keeping with the modern theme, the lights, TV, temperature, and other conveniences are managed via a tablet. Like all Universal Orlando hotels, Wi-Fi is free for guests.

Standard rooms feature either 2 queen beds or 1 king, while the Kids Suites sleep 5 and include a special, separate space with 2 twin beds, so kids and parents can both have some alone time. Upgrade either room type to a Skyline View room for a scenic vista from the hotel's highest floors. 

Hotel category: Prime Value – $$

Stylish resorts with rooms and suites designed for fun and affordability.

Universal's Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites

The exterior front entrance of Universal's Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn & Suites

The concept

Universal's Surfside Inn and Suites is part of Universal's Endless Summer Resort, along with Universal's Dockside Inn and Suites. Surfside Inn and Suites is the smaller of the 2 and features surfing-inspired architecture and lots of surfing accents—most notably, more than 1,400 surfboards throughout the hotel's rooms and common areas, made special for Surfside. A big pool shaped like a surfboard sits in the middle of the hotel, which also has views of a nearby lake. 

Endless Summer Resort hotels are in Universal's Value category, offering a great option for families and larger groups who want all the benefits of staying at Universal Orlando Resort proper on a smaller budget. That's reflected at the main eatery, the Beach Break Cafe, where most menu items are no more than $12.

Interior of a 2-bed suite at Universal's Endless Summer - Surfside Inn & Suites

The rooms

The surf theme keeps going strong in the rooms, with surf accents (other than the ubiquitous surfboards) including wall art and rattan furniture, and bright blue colors that call to mind a day on the waves. Most rooms have a view of either the pool or the lake.

Half the hotel's rooms are 2-bedroom suites, a great choice for big families or any group who want to have lots of space to relax after a day out at the theme parks. Suites also feature a kitchenette, picnic table, and separate bath and vanity areas.

Hotel category: Value – $

Extra affordable rooms and spacious suites, offering families of all sizes a complete Universal vacation.

Universal's Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites

The exterior front entrance to Universal's Endless Summer Resort - Dockside Inn and Suites, at sunset

The concept

Inspired by sunsets on the waterfront, Universal's Dockside Inn and Suites is Surfside Inn and Suite's larger, more laid-back sibling. It has warmer highlights and a more relaxed atmosphere (though there are still more than 1,000 surfboards around the property). There are 2 massive pools with plenty of space for lounging, along with a splash pad area for energetic kids. 

The hotel is part of Universal Orlando's Value category, offering an affordable way for families to stay at Universal Orlando Resort. The main restaurant is the Pier 8 Market, which offers sit-down and grab-and-go options for all 3 meals, including chicken and waffles for breakfast.

A 2-bed suite at Universal's Endless Summer Resort - Dockside Inn & Suites

The rooms

Rooms are similar to those at Surfside Inn and Suites, though the colors are less blue and the decor focuses more on relaxing beach scenes than surfing.

Dockside Inn and Suites has even more 2-bedroom suites than Surfside Inn and Suites, and they similarly sleep 6 while featuring a kitchenette, indoor picnic table, and larger bathroom than the standard rooms.

Hotel category: Value – $

Extra affordable rooms and spacious suites, offering families of all sizes a complete Universal vacation.

Book a Universal Orlando vacation package through AAA & enjoy exclusive benefits

Bundle and save up to $600^ on your Universal Orlando vacation package. AAA members receive exclusive benefits when they book a Universal Orlando Resort vacation package through AAA, including activity credits, priority seating, in-park discounts on food and merchandise, and more. Packages can be booked online or at a AAA branch

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AAA members save on Universal Orlando tickets

Save up to $65 when you buy your Universal Orlando Resort tickets online, and save on Universal Express Passes too. 

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