When families called for sleek, stylish and modern accommodations at an affordable price, Universal Orlando Resort answered. The second Prime Value resort on property, Universal Aventura Hotel is the ultimate chill zone, hangout and getaway. A vibrant, free-flowing and calming refuge in the center of Universal's three thrilling parks, this hotel with its curvilinear, glass-covered design wouldn't feel out of place among the luxury skyscrapers of South Beach. Keep reading to find out all you need to know about this quality-conscious, ultra-convenient standout hotel.
Overview of Aventura Hotel
Boasting Latin American-modern inspiration, Universal's Aventura Hotel is akin to something you might see along the waterfronts of Miami. The all-glass exterior of this towering 17-story hotel gleams from top to bottom and helps to provide the absolute best views on Universal property. Technologically sophisticated, aesthetically pleasing and budget-friendly, Aventura Hotel is a modern marvel that features 600 guest rooms and the resort's first-ever-virtual reality game room ... not to mention a picture-perfect rooftop bar that must be seen to be believed and a futuristic housekeeping robot!
As with all of Universal's hotels, Aventura offers exclusive theme park benefits that make staying on-site a terrific value for guests, such as free transportation to the parks and Universal CityWalk, resort-wide charging privileges and complimentary delivery of merchandise purchased throughout the resort. Best of all, all Universal hotel guests are granted Early Park Admission to Universal Studios Florida AND/OR Universal Islands of Adventure up to one hour before they open and Universal Volcano Bay up to 30 minutes before it opens, so you can get a head start on all the frogciting fun!
Universal's Aventura Hotel Rooms
Aventura offers five room types — Standard, Skyline View, Deluxe, Kids Suites and Skyline View Kids Suites. Standard and Deluxe rooms offer the option of one king or two queen beds. The Standard King and Deluxe King rooms also have pull-out sofas. All the rooms boast warm-hued, wood flooring, sleek, modern fixtures and a muted palette — but the prime focus is on the views! Every room features wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows, but the Skyline View rooms on the top 10 floors take the cake when it comes to picturesque vistas.
Every room also comes with a tablet device that controls the temperature and television, turns lights on and off and allows guests to order room service, request housekeeping and chat with the front desk. Plus, you can use the device to access popular streaming services or cast to your TV. There are also ample outlets — so none of the tadpoles will be fighting over whose turn it is to charge first — plus, built-in desks that can also serve as eating spaces.
Most of the Standard, Deluxe and Skyline View rooms feature walk-in showers, so if you'd like a room with a tub, you'll need to make a specific request when booking. Standard, Deluxe and Skyline View rooms also feature single vanities. Families with teens or planning longer stays should consider upgrading to Kids Suites, which feature bathtubs, separate walk-in showers and a double vanity (though shared in one bathroom). The suites also feature partitioned rooms — so that parents and kids get their own space — and an additional "rec" room with a small pull-out sofa and television. The only difference between the Kids Suites and the Skyline Kids Suites are the floors they're on — it's up to you whether the view is worth the upgrade!
Transportation at Aventura Hotel
While Aventura Hotel offers free shuttle bus transportation to the parks, it's close enough to Loews Sapphire Falls Resort that Aventura guests can easily walk there to catch the water taxi (although shuttle and water taxi transportation times are about the same). It's also just a few minutes' walk to Volcano Bay. Head out the gate by the pool, and you'll be on your way!
If you're bringing a car, overnight guest self-parking is $21 plus tax, per vehicle. If you're just visiting for a few hours, day guest self-parking is $48 plus tax, per vehicle. Aventura shares a parking garage with the neighboring hotel Sapphire Falls.
Amenities, Recreation and Shopping at Aventura Hotel
Aventura's zero-entry pool is on the ground floor and wraps around the pool bar. Surrounding it is a fire pit, ample lounging space, a hot tub and a splash pad for the tadpoles. While there's no pool slide, as an on-site hotel guest, you have the option of hopping to other Universal hotel pools (with the exception of Universal Endless Summer Resort hotels). Sapphire Falls is the closest and easiest to get to, but Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort is also right across the street — and it offers two pools, a slide, a splash pad and a lazy river.
There is also a complimentary state-of-the-art fitness center AND a virtual reality game room with motion tracking controllers! (How cool is that?!?) Hop inside and test your skills at popular VR games, such as Fruit Ninja, Merry Snowballs or Space Pirate Trainer. Games can change, so be sure to stop by and see what's new! Lastly, like every hotel on property, there's a Universal Studios Store located in the lobby where you'll find towels, T-shirts, toys, toiletries and more.
Momma and Poppa frogs looking for a night out can use the kids' clubs at other on-site hotels. Those seeking a little extra pampering can also take free transportation to the Mandara Spa at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel.
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in every guest room (and in public spaces). A complimentary Pack'n Play is available upon request.
Dining at Aventura Hotel
Aventura ventures out of the typical theme park fare with its on-site dining. While there is no full-service restaurant — you'll have to hop to a premier or preferred hotel or CityWalk for that — you won't go hungry either.
Urban Pantry
The first-floor Urban Pantry offers a mix of options, from sushi to pizza and burgers and fries. The wood-fired pepperoni pizza was one of the best we'd ever had on Universal property! There are a variety of options for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. The dining hall is open and airy, and tadpoles will love being able to go around to each food station and check out the yummy offerings.
Starbucks
Need a caffeine fix? Hop on over to on-site Starbucks in the heart of the hotel lobby for all your favorite tea and coffee concoctions!
barVentura
For a quick drink upon arrival, check out the contemporary and inviting lobby bar. barVentura is a breezy and comfortable meeting space that serves up beers, wines, spirits and cocktails, such as the Business Casual, the Tardy To Work and the Lunch Break.
Bar Sol
Try signature cocktails, such as the Lifeguard or the Smooth Sailor, frozen favorites, such as the Piña Of Sol and nonalcoholic refreshments, such as the Cotton Candy Colada, at Bar Sol. This sleek pool bar also has an impressive selection of wines and beers for quenching your thirst in between splashes.
Bar 17 Bistro
Aventura's modern, sleek vibe is the perfect backdrop for a cocktail or a glass of wine, and no place is this more appropriate than the rooftop, aptly named Bar 17 Bistro (on the 17th floor). This vibrant space offers ample, lounge seating, 360-degree views, custom cocktails and a variety of internationally inspired bites, such as their signature bao buns (go for the Crispy Pork Belly!), and more homegrown options, such as the Bar 17 Burger. There's even a kids menu for Tad and Lily and a DJ playing a mix of current and classic hits on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights!
What to Consider Before Staying at Aventura Hotel
The innovative minds at Universal and Loews have created a spectacular hotel that offers an elevated yet affordable stay. It feels more high-end, even with the Prime Value price tag. Tad and Lily love modern and unique hotel experiences, so it's right up their alley. The sleek theming lends Aventura an air of sophistication that won't appeal to all families, but those wanting a more urban escape will feel right at home.
The proximity to Volcano Bay is also perfect for those who plan to spend time at the water park. Frogs wanting a more relaxed, traditional beach vibe on their vacation will likely appreciate Cabana Bay or Sapphire Falls more. Aventura, however, is perfect for couples and adults, weekend trips or solo getaways. Families should consider upgrading to a Deluxe room or Kids Suite for the extra space. For just a little more money, you'll get more space and a cooler layout. As Tad would say, it's toadally worth it!
Overall, we adored Universal Aventura Hotel, and we're looking forward to staying there again. We'd love to hear your thoughts and answer any questions you have about this on-site hotel. If you're ready to stay and are looking to save some green, book your room or suite with Undercover Tourist!
Related: Why Stay at a Universal Orlando Resort Hotel
Hoppy planning!
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