With the addition of Universal Epic Universe, Universal Orlando Resort is expanding with not only five new worlds to explore but also three brand-new hotels to consider. As you plan your next epic adventure with dragons, wizards and monsters, there’s a lot to think about when picking a place to stay during your Universal Orlando vacation. We’ll help you narrow down your choice by location, benefits and other important factors. Plus, Undercover Tourist can help you save even more money when you bundle your theme park tickets with your hotel stay at Universal Orlando Resort!
Overview of Universal Orlando Resort Hotels
From budget-friendly suites to luxurious accommodations, Universal Orlando Resort offers a variety of lodging options across its 11 hotels on property — three of which will open near the brand-new theme park, Universal Epic Universe. Once Epic Universe opens May 22, 2025, Universal Orlando will be split into two main locations. There aren't any official names but for simplicity's sake, let's refer to them as "CityWalk Area" and "Epic Universe Area."
CityWalk Area
Theme Parks
Hotels
- Hard Rock Hotel
- Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
- Loews Royal Pacific Resort
- Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
- Universal Aventura Hotel
- Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort
- Universal Endless Summer Resort - Dockside Inn and Suites*
- Universal Endless Summer Resort - Surfside Inn and Suites*
*Technically, these sister hotels are located off Universal Blvd. but sit south of I-4, so they're a little further away (not within walking distance) from the theme parks. They are closest to the CityWalk Area. The Endless Summer Resorts offer complimentary shuttle bus service to the CityWalk Area, as well as Epic Universe once it opens. (All Universal Orlando Resort hotels offer complimentary transportation, either by shuttle bus or water taxi, depending on the hotel. We'll get into more of that below!)
Epic Universe Area
Theme Park
Hotels
- Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel — opening May 22, 2025
- Universal Stella Nova Resort — opening Jan. 21, 2025
- Universal Terra Luna Resort — opening March 25, 2025
Reservations for all three new hotels are open now!
Where Is Epic Universe Located?
The CityWalk Area sits just north of the main interstate I-4, and it's where the majority of theme parks and hotels are located within walking distance of each other. The Garden Walk is a pathway that connects many of the hotels, theme parks and CityWalk, so you can easily get around on foot — or by Universal's complimentary transportation. All CityWalk Area hotels have bus service, while Portofino Bay, Hard Rock Hotel, Royal Pacific Resort and Sapphire Falls Resort additionally offer water taxi service.
Meanwhile, the Epic Universe Area is approximately 4 miles south of the CityWalk Area. If you hoppen to be familiar with the area, it's nearby the Orange County Convention Center. The Epic Universe Area hotels will offer shuttle bus service. While they may look close on a map, you'll definitely need to take the shuttle buses to travel back and forth between these two areas.
Main Factors to Consider
We know there can be a lot to think about when it comes to deciding on the best place to stay for your family, including budget, proximity to the parks, benefits and amenities. So we've rounded up the most common factors and selected our best recommendations for each consideration!
If you’re looking for budget-friendly options …
- Cabana Bay Beach Resort
- Endless Summer Resort - Dockside Inn & Suites
- Endless Summer Resort - Surfside Inn & Suites
All three hotels are part of Universal's Value Inn and Suites hotel category, and they have the lowest prices on property. If you still want to take advantage of the benefits but need to keep a budget in mind, these are your best picks.
If you're looking for a hotel that includes Unlimited Express Passes ...
- Hard Rock Hotel
- Portofino Bay Hotel
- Royal Pacific Resort
On the other end of the spectrum, these three hotels are part of the Signature Collection hotel category, and include one of the best benefits of staying at Universal Orlando Resort. Each person on the room reservation receives an Unlimited Express Pass for the length of their stay, including check-in and checkout days. For more details, hop over to our Universal Express Pass guide.
If you’re looking for the largest accommodations …
- Cabana Bay Beach Resort
- Endless Summer Resort - Dockside Inn & Suites
- Endless Summer Resort - Surfside Inn & Suites
Many of the Universal hotels have options for suites, but the room occupancy varies. However, select rooms at these three hotels can fit up to six guests — the most at any Universal hotel. For larger families and groups who want to stick together, be sure to check out the family suites at Cabana Bay Beach or the Endless Summer Resorts.
If you’re looking for themed kids’ suites …
- Portofino Bay Hotel — "Despicable Me"
- Royal Pacific Resort — "Jurassic World"
- Helios Grand Hotel — "How to Train Your Dragon"
Each Universal hotel has its own unique theming, such as the retro vibes of the 50s and 60s (Cabana Bay Beach Resort) or a seaside Italian town (Portofino Bay Hotel). But when it comes to the stories your tadpoles know and love, a few hotels have specific kids' suites inspired by their favorite films. Who doesn't want to sleep among Minions, dragons and dinosaurs?
If you’re looking for hotels within walking distance of …
Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and CityWalk
- Hard Rock Hotel — short walk via Garden Walk
- Royal Pacific Resort — short walk via Garden Walk
- Sapphire Falls Resort — longer walk via Garden Walk
- Aventura Hotel — longer walk via Garden Walk
- Cabana Bay Beach Resort — longer walk via Garden Walk
- Portofino Bay Hotel — longer walk via Garden Walk
Volcano Bay
- Aventura Hotel — short walk (pathway located behind pool area)
- Cabana Bay Beach Resort — short walk with a dedicated entrance for hotel guests
- Sapphire Falls Resort — short walk
Epic Universe
- Helios Grand Hotel — short walk with a dedicated entrance for hotel guests
Sometimes you just want to take the more scenic route, and in certain cases, walking might actually be the fastest option, particularly those that have dedicated entrances for hotel guests. If your froggy legs are up for it, some hotels are just steps away from select theme parks. Otherwise, all hotels offer complimentary shuttle bus service and select hotels have water taxi service.
If you’re looking for unique amenities …
- Aventura Hotel — rooftop bar with views of Volcano Bay
- Cabana Bay Beach Resort — bowling alley ($), two pools (one with a lazy river and the other with a waterslide)
- Hard Rock Hotel — pool with underwater music, music memorabilia
- Helios Grand Hotel — exclusive entrance into Epic Universe, rooftop lounge
- Portofino Bay Hotel — three resort-style pools
- Royal Pacific Resort — Wantilan Luau dinner show ($)
- Sapphire Falls Resort — largest pool on property
No matter which hotel you choose, you can expect to find dining options and a plethora of activities to keep you entertained at your home away from home. Check the front desk to find out the schedule of events going on during your stay.
If you’re bringing the family dog …
- Royal Pacific Resort
- Hard Rock Hotel
- Sapphire Falls Resort
- Portofino Bay Hotel
Is your furry friend tagging along on vacation with you? Only a few hotels are pet-friendly, and one-time fees apply. Hop over to our tips for bringing a dog to Universal Orlando for more info.
Benefits of Staying at a Universal Hotel
While we have an entire post that dives deeper into the benefits of staying at a Universal Orlando hotel, we want to reiterate that all hotel guests can take advantage of special perks including Early Park Admission, free transportation, convenient access to the parks and more.
One of the best ways to beat the crowds, especially during busier times, is by utilizing Early Park Admission. This benefit allows hotel guests to enter one of the following theme parks one hour before park open: 1) Universal Studios Florida OR Universal Islands of Adventure (rarely both parks offer it at the same time, but more often subject to change during busier periods); 2) Universal Volcano Bay (weather permitting; usually 30 minutes prior to open); and 3) starting May 23, 2025, Universal Epic Universe.
As we've already shared above, Universal offers complimentary transportation between its theme parks, hotels and Universal CityWalk. The most popular options are shuttle buses and water taxis, but some hotels are close enough to walk to select locations. All hotels have shuttle bus service, including the new hotels located near Epic Universe once they open. You can also opt to hop on a water taxi to Sapphire Falls Resort, Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel and Portofino Bay from CityWalk (and vice versa).
Again, the three Signature Collection hotels that include the Unlimited Express Pass benefit are Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel.
With so much to consider, we hope this breakdown helps you with your decision on where to stay at Universal Orlando Resort. Which hotel is your favorite to stay at? Let us know in the comments below! And don't forget — you can unlock additional savings by bundling your theme park tickets with your hotel stay at Universal Orlando.
Related: Why Stay at a Universal Orlando Resort Hotel
Hoppy planning!
