When Universal Orlando Resort opens its fourth gate, Universal Epic Universe, in 2025, a massive theme park milestone will open alongside it. Welcome to Universal Helios Grand Hotel – the 11th property to join Universal Orlando's extraordinary hotel portfolio, the fifth hotel in its brand-new Signature Collection and the first one with a dedicated entrance directly into the theme park (valid admission required). That's right! Within mere minutes of exiting your room, you can be in the epicenter of exhilarating theme park adventures. A fitting palace for the Greek god of the sun, Helios Grand Hotel is truly unlike anything Universal hotel guests have experienced before. Without further ado, here's everything you need to know about this futuristic and fantastical hotel.
Overview of Universal Helios Grand Resort
Universal Helios Grand Hotel will be the backdrop of Celestial Park — the beating heart of Universal Epic Universe. Because this is one of the resort's most immersive hotels, the creative teams behind Epic Universe and Helios Grand worked closely together throughout the development process, so that even something as specific as the color palette for the exterior of the hotel aligned with Celestial Park. In fact, the gold cartouche on the hotel's facade (which can be seen from Epic Universe) is directly on axis with the center tower of the Kronos gate at the park's entrance. Universal's facility design team used the same style as Celestial Park to allow for a seamless transition.
A majestic Mediterranean-inspired escape that rises above the lush gardens and scenic waters of Celestial Park, Helios Grand Hotel feels like a radiant sanctuary from the moment you step inside. Complete with beautiful details of celestial patterns and dazzling constellations and magnificent floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a breathtaking vista of Celestial Park, the lobby is an experience within itself. By the elevators, there's an incredibly impressive show element featuring the sun and moon, stars and clouds. In the morning, you'll see the daytime, sun-forward iteration and when you come back at night, you'll see a different twilight-themed experience. As the earth makes its way around the sun, the passage of time will be a key feature in your stay at Helios Grand Hotel.
As mentioned above, Helios Grand is one of five hotels in Universal's brand-new Signature Collection — alongside Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort. These hotels feature full-service amenities, distinguished service, exceptional dining, immersive theming and an array of the most exclusive theme park benefits. Like all Universal Orlando hotels, Helios Grand Hotel will offer Early Park Admission, resort-wide charging privileges with your room key and complimentary delivery of merchandise purchased through the resort directly to the hotel. The best perk of all is that frogs staying at Helios Grand Hotel with valid admission to Universal Epic Universe will enjoy a dedicated entrance directly into the park. A universe of magic and wonder awaits ...
Universal Helios Grand Hotel Rooms
Helios Grand Hotel will be home to 500 rooms and 35 suites. Featuring relaxing hues of blue and purple, these bright, inviting and warm rooms will evoke the tranquility of a blissful garden with impressionistic depictions of flowers adorning the headboards. All the guest rooms at Helios Grand will include tablets to control elements of the room, including the drapes, lights, thermostat and room service. Additionally, they'll have the standard partition between the bathroom and vanity area, making it easy for multiple people to get ready. Frogs can also expect to find in their rooms:
- 300-thread-count, 100% cotton bed linens
- 55-inch flat panel TV with HD channels, on-demand in-room movies and video checkout (fees apply)
- Mini-refrigerator
- Single-cup coffee maker with gourmet coffee and assorted teas
- Convenience outlets, USB outlets and a phone jack
- Julien Farel shampoo, conditioner, bath gel and lotion
- Body soap and facial soap
- Iron and ironing board
- Hairdryer and lighted makeup mirror
- In-room safe large enough for a laptop, tablet and camera
- Complimentary wireless internet access (charges apply for high-speed access)
- Telephone with dual voice lines, data port and voicemail system
- Complimentary turndown service upon request
- Cotton signature bathrobes and 100% combed and ringspun cotton terry towels
Rollaways are available on a first-come, first-served basis for $35 per day, plus 12.5% sales tax. One rollaway is allowed per room. Rollaways aren't available for certain room types. (Fees are subject to change without notice and other restrictions apply.) Complimentary Pack 'n Plays are also available upon request and safety deposit boxes are available at the front desk on a complimentary basis.
Check-in begins at 4 p.m. and check-out ends at 11 a.m. Guests must cancel six days or more prior to their arrival for a full refund. If you cancel within five days, you'll be charged one night's room rate, plus tax. (Deposits are forfeited if you check out of the hotel prior to the check-out date.) Guests must be 21 years of age to book a hotel room and provide proper identification upon check-in. There must be at least one person in the reserved room who is 21 years of age or older. (Guests with active Military IDs who are staying at least 17 years of age will be able to check in. The military member must be staying in the room and are only allowed to check in to one room.) Pets are not permitted at this property.
Room Types
No matter what size your party is or what accommodations you need, there's truly a room for everyone at Helios Grand Hotel:
- Standard Rooms come with either two queen-sized beds in a 325 square-foot room that can fit five guests (with a rollaway bed) or one king-sized bed in a 340 square-foot room that can fit up to three guests (with a rollaway bed).
- Pool View Rooms come with two queen-sized beds in a 325 square-foot room that can fit up to five guests (with a rollaway bed) and offer beautiful views of the Helios' resort-style pool.
- Skyline View Rooms come with two queen-sized beds in a 325 square-foot room that can fit up to five guests (with a rollaway bed) and are on the highest floors with stunning city views.
- Theme Park View Rooms come with either two queen-sized beds in a 325 square-foot room that can fit up to five guests (with a rollaway bed) or one king-sized bed in a 340 square-foot room that can fit up to three guests (with a rollaway bed) and offer epic views of Universal Epic Universe just outside your window.
- Deluxe Rooms come with two queen-sized beds and a common area featuring a small sleeper sofa in a 415 square-foot room that can fit up to five guests and are also available with a jaw-dropping theme park view.
- Club Rooms come with two queen-sized beds, spectacular theme park views, access to the hotel's 1,345 square-foot lounge located on the ninth floor, evening turndown service and cotton signature bathrobes, complimentary coffee, assorted teas and soft drinks throughout the day and continental breakfast and a snack served daily.
If you're looking for something with a little more space and/or privacy, Helios Grand has got you covered. There are several different suites that all fit a maximum of four guests with a rollaway.
- King Suites are 495 square feet and feature a king-sized bed with a private bedroom and a bathroom with separate bath and vanity areas. The common area in the King Suites includes a small sleeper sofa, microwave and small refrigerator.
- Celestial Suites are 740 square feet and feature a king bed in a private bedroom and a bathroom with separate bath and vanity areas. The common area in the Celestial Suites includes a sectional sleeper sofa, dining table, microwave and small refrigerator.
- Hospitality Suites are 1,200 square feet and feature a private bedroom with a king-sized bed and a bathroom with separate vanity and bath areas. The common area in Hospitality Suites includes a sectional sleeper sofa, a two-fixture powder bath with a toilet and single sink vanity, a kitchen with a small sink, a kitchen island with bar seating, a refrigerator with a freezer and a microwave.
- Not to be outdone, however, are the Kids' Suites. At 545 square feet, these suites feature sweeping theme park views, a king-sized bed and a separate kids' room with two twin-sized beds themed in "How to Train Your Dragon" décor. (Yes, you read that correctly.) Your adventures in the Isle of Berk don't end when you exit the portal. Behind a rustic, wooden door, you'll find a heartwarming and imaginative room themed to the beloved DreamWorks film. Complete with a graphic with Toothless and the Light Fury, it'll feel like you're really sleeping in a dragon's den! Additionally, the bathroom in the Kids' Suite includes separate bath and vanity areas and the common area includes a small sleeper sofa and a refrigerator. These suites fit a maximum of five guests.
Accessibility Accommodations
If you or anyone in your party are in need of mobility assistance or visual or hearing impairment accommodations, there are many different accessible room types available at Helios Grand Hotel.
Mobility Accessible ADA Tubs are available in Kids' Suites, Celestial Suites, Deluxe Two Queen Rooms, Standard King Rooms and Club Rooms. These ADA-compliant rooms all have the wonderful accents of their non-ADA counterparts but with added features for ease of accessibility, including a tub with grab bars, a handheld shower, a toilet with grab bars and doors with 36-inch wide openings.
Mobility Accessible Roll-In Showers are available in Hospitality Suites, King Suites and Two Queen Theme Park View Rooms. These disability-accessible rooms include a roll-in shower with grab bars and a handheld shower, a toilet with grab bars and doors with 36-inch wide openings.
Lastly, Hearing Accessible rooms are available in King Suites, Hospitality Suites, Celestial Suites, Kids' Suites and Two Queen Theme Park View Deluxe Rooms. These rooms for guests who are deaf or hard of hearing include all the amenities of regular rooms but also come equipped with extra features, including a visual alarm and doorbell, a flashing light on the phone and an outlet near the phone for TTY access.
Transportation at Universal Helios Grand Hotel
In addition to a dedicated entrance to Universal Epic Universe located right off the lobby, guests staying at Helios Grand Hotel will have access to complimentary shuttle bus transportation to Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Volcano Bay and Universal CityWalk for an easy hop to and from the hotel.
If you're bringing a car, overnight guest parking is $33 plus tax, per vehicle, per night for self-parking and $42 plus tax, per vehicle, per night for valet parking. If you're just stopping by the hotel, day guest parking is $50 plus tax, per vehicle, per day for self-parking and $47 plus tax, per vehicle, per day for daily valet. (Rates are subject to change without notice.)
Amenities, Recreation and Shopping at Universal Helios Grand Hotel
Like every hotel currently at Universal Orlando, Helios Grand will be equipped with the resort's signature amenities. Prepare to let loose in the hotel's 8,660 square-foot resort-style, zero-entry pool which features underwater speakers, a terraced deck, an outdoor firepit area, a hot tub, 18 private cabanas for rent, lounge pool chairs, a towel cabana and poolside activities, including poolside movies (weather permitting). But unlike every other Universal Orlando hotel, the well-landscaped, serene and tranquil pool at Helios Grand is in the front of the hotel because, well, some epic things are hoppening on the backside ...
Let off some steam in the hotel's game room which will have game cards for purchase and offer a variety of arcade games for you to blast, zap and race your way through. (Fees apply.) Need to keep up a workout routine? Hop into the hotel's complimentary fitness center which will feature strength and cardio equipment, such as treadmills, bicycles (upright and recumbent), an elliptical machine, variable resistance weight machines and a stretching area.
Of course, a Universal Orlando Resort hotel isn't complete without a Universal Orlando Resort Store rife with sundries, guest necessities and Universal Orlando and resort logo merchandise. Other amenities available for guest use are an airline boarding pass printing area, a full-service concierge and Universal Orlando Vacation Planning Center (with a Destination Universal ticket desk and kiosk), an Avis car rental desk, laundry, luggage storage and a 3,425 square-foot meeting and function space.
Dining at Universal Helios Grand Hotel
A crucial element to the overall synergy of the hotel, the dining offerings at Helios Grand play right into the theme park. With an emphasis on authentic, fresh Mediterranean-inspired dishes, there are plenty of options to satisfy your tastebuds.
Bar Helios
High above the energy and electricity of Universal Epic Universal, Bar Helios is the hotel's sparkling and stylish rooftop lounge. Start a tab and choose one of three distinct dining areas: the lively circle bar with heavenly 360-degree views, the intimate dining area or the al fresco area with breathtaking views of Celestial Park and its four magical portals. Expect to find a delectable menu of creative tapas and familiar favorites with a classic Mediterranean feel, such as sliders, salads, lamb and chicken gyros, tapas and antipasti, and thoughtfully hand-crafted, sunny-type cocktails, such as spritzes, bellinis, martinis and negronis — in addition to typical cocktail, beer and wine options.
Flora Taverna
The hotel's full-service restaurant offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, Flora Taverna features an open-style kitchen with live cooking, Mediterranean comfort foods, pizza ovens, open grills and a gyro station. Enjoy simple flavors made with exceptional ingredients (and complemented by olive oils, citrus and herbs) from a Greek/Italian-style menu full of fish, seafood, lamb, roasted chicken, steaks, flatbreads and burgers in a light and airy atmosphere. Whether dining indoors or al fresco, you're sure to have incredible views of Universal Epic Universe.
Flora Taverna - Lobby Bar
Wet your whistle with custom cocktails, beer and wine at the hotel's lobby bar rife with plant life and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Lotus Lagoon
Chow down by the pool on familiar poolside fare, such as burgers, salads, sandwiches and more and quench your thirst with frozen cocktails, cold beer, wine and refreshing fountain drinks. Order in the casual open-air restaurant or right from your pool chair!
Aurora Market
A contemporary spot perfect for frogs on the go, Aurora Market features a coffee bar and food and drinks, such as croissants, cakes, paninis, wraps, salads, gelato and more. With enticing snack and dessert options from morning to night, don't froget to stop by for a "new way to enjoy an ice cream sandwich" (as hinted at by the senior vice president of operations for Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando).
Room Service
Don't want to leave your comfy bed? Enjoy on-call room service where you'll find a wide variety of menu options to choose from!
What to Consider Before Staying at Universal Helios Grand Hotel
Joining Universal Orlando Resort's Signature Collection, Universal Helios Grand Hotel will be one of the most expensive resorts on property — but it doesn't come without its god-like perks. If you want to spend every second of your vacation taking in the grandeur of Universal Epic Universe, this is the hotel for you. From the rooms to the restaurants, the views of the ethereal new theme park won't be beaten. Plus, with its dedicated entrance into the park, you'll be walking among the Celestians in seconds.
Have aspiring Dragon Riders? Don't miss out on the mystical "How to Train Your Dragon"-themed Kids' Suites where tadpoles can fall asleep surrounded by the majesty of Berk. Want to devote some time during your day at Epic Universe to a mid-day nap or plan for half a pool day? The convenience is second to none!
Designed to blend immersion and relaxation to create a hotel stay like no other, this palatial resort serves as a shining gateway to epic adventures and is the culmination of a strong 25-year partnership between Universal Orlando Resort and Loews Hotels. Helios Grand is truly your place in the sun.
Stay tuned, because details about how to book a reservation at Universal Helios Grand Hotel will be revealed in the months ahead.
Are you planning on booking a stay at Universal Helios Grand Hotel? Let us know in the comments below!
Related: Everything You Need to Know about Universal Epic Universe
Hoppy planning!
