Universal Studios Orlando is the land of fans. From the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Marvel Superhero to Jurassic Park, the theme park has something for every diehard fan. If you are going on a vacation in Orlando, visiting the Universal Studios theme park is a must especially if you fall in the category of thrill seekers and movie buffs. Inside Universal Studios Orlando you will find two parks.
Either you can hang out with Spidey and his super-powered buddies in Universal’s Islands of Adventures, or you can become a part of the golden trio and stroll the cobblestone pathway of Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida. To ward off that Florida heat, you can make your way to the water park in Universal Studios known as Volcano Bay or you can experience the epicenes of nightlife at Universal CityWalk.
All in all, Universal Studios Orlando is a great place to visit and you must set aside 3 to 4 days for the theme park when on your Orlando vacation. Now, as accommodation comes first, you must be wondering about the best hotels near Universal Studios Orlando. To make your vacation planning an easy one, we have compiled a helpful list of the best hotels near Universal Studios Orlando that are equal parts opulent and cozy.
Hotels Near Universal Studios Orlando
Best Hotels Near Universal Studios Orlando
Universal Orlando separates its resorts into four categories i.e. Premier, Preferred, Prime Value, and Value, and harbors in its arsenal several partner hotels that bedside from offering a comfortable place to rest also provide their guests with transportation to the two main parks, Volcano Bay, as well as Universal CityWalk.
By staying at these accommodations, you will be easily able to access Universal Studios Orlando. Some hotels near Universal Studios Orlando lie within walking distance, adding to the convivence and comfort of the guests. In case you are traveling with your car, parking will not be an issue as Universal Studios Orlando has spacious parking available. However, if you aren’t traveling with your own vehicle make sure to set up transportation via your hotel as ridesharing apps, and taxis are a very costly option.
1. Universal’s Loews Royal Pacific Resort – Best Hotels Near Universal Studios Orlando
Universal’s Lowes Royal Pacific Resort is one of the several hotels by Universal Studios and is also one of the best hotels near Universal Studios Orlando. It is one of Universal’s Premier Resorts and is the highest tier of Universal’s hotels. Therefore, guests staying there are offered a plethora of comforts and amenities that make their vacation a memorable one. One of the biggest perks of staying in Universal’s Loews Royal Pacific Resort is that you get Universal Express Limited.
With Universal Express Limited in hand, you can easily skip lines at both Universal Studios Orlando’s main parks, Universal’s Islands of Adventures as well as Universal Studios Florida. Moreover, you will also get one-hour early admission to the renowned Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which is the busiest area of the park, crawling with potterheads and thrill seekers during regular admission hours.
Due to the proximity of the resort, you can easily walk to the two parks and Universal CityWalk. If you don’t feel like walking, you can always take the complimentary shuttle or water taxi. Moreover, you can also hop aboard the complimentary shuttle to Universal’s water park, Volcano Bay. Further, those staying at the resort will also get priority seating at Universal Studios’ restaurants.
Universal’s Lowes Royal Pacific Resort houses on its premises three types of rooms namely, the Standard Room, the Suites, and the Club Level Room. The rooms are decked in tropical décor and offer their guests either garden or water views. The resort also offers tons of amenities to its guests like complimentary WIFI, a mini fridge, 300 thread count linens, a Keurig coffee maker with gourmet coffee, a flat-screen TV that comes with HD channels, heating as well as air conditioning.
If you opt for a stay in a Club Level room, in addition to all the aforementioned amenities, you will also get personalized concierge service as well as access to the Royal Club Lounge. The Royal Club Lounge features evening wine and beer, a complimentary continental breakfast, and so much more. The resort harbors several suites, each with its own distinct personality and unique amenities including a Jurassic Park Kids Suit that boasts a Jurassic Park-themed décor.
The Universal Studios Orlando parks are fun, but the resort also offers its own fun elements that are not to be missed. If you are not at the parts make sure to visit the white sand beaches of the lagoon-style swimming pool that the resort houses. You can also relax in one of the two hot tubs found on the premises of the hotel or you can take your little munchkins to the Royal Bali Sea interactive water play area. Poolside activities like water balloon toss also take place at the resort throughout the day which you can take part in.
If you are a fitness freak, you can visit the resort’s fitness center for a workout. Or you can jog around the picturesque paths that surround the resort. When night rolls around, visit the hotel’s game room to engage in some hearty play or enjoy an authentic luau. To satiate your hunger or quench your thirst make your way to one of the five onsite restaurants or pick up the 24-hour room service menu and order from the comforts of your bed.
2. Universal’s Loews Sapphire Falls Resort – Best Hotels Near Universal Studios Orlando
Universal’s Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is the only Preferred Resort that offers slightly fewer amenities as compared to a Premier Resort. Nevertheless, it is one of the best hotels near Universal Studios Orlando and lies only a few steps away from Universal’s water park, Volcano Bay. You can go to Universal’s Islands of Adventures, Universal Studios Florida, or Universal CityWalk by hopping on a complimentary shuttle bus or water taxi. Moreover, as this resort of one of the best hotels near Universal Studios Orlando, its guests also get one-hour early park admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal’s favorite attraction.
At Universal’s Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, you will find two styles of rooms namely Standard Rooms and Luxury Suits. All of the rooms are decked in Caribbean teed décor and provide their guests with Cuisinart single-cup coffee makers, complimentary WIFI, flat-screen TVs with HD channels, USB outlets, heating, and air conditioning. Moreover, some rooms even come with lagoon or pool views. Each Luxury Suite housed by the resort is unique in its own right and carries its own distinct personality and attributes. From the Sapphire Suite which is ideal for an all-adult vacation to the Kids Suite which features a separate bedroom with twin beds for your little munchkins, each suite has something different to offer.
When you are not spending your day amongst the rides and attractions of the parks, you can make your way to the resort’s 16,000-square-foot pool that harbors a sandy beach where you can sit back and relax. You can also give your aching muscles some reprieve by dipping in the hot tub or you can take your kids to the children’s water play area. The hotel also offers poolside activities throughout the day that you can take part in.
You can workout at the Kalina Health and Fitness Center or you can jog on the walking paths that surround the resort. For even more fun, make your way to the on-site Calypso Game Room that harbors both classic and new arcade games. To satiate your grumbling belly, you can opt for one of the four dining options that the resort harbors. These dining options vary from a chic restaurant that serves Caribbean-style cooking to a run-forward watering hole. In case you don’t feel like leaving your room, you can always order room service that is open 24 hours a day.
3. Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel – Best Hotels Near Universal Studios Orlando
Another Premier Resort and one of the best hotels near Universal Studios Orlando, Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel is an epitome of opulence and comfort. Being one of the best hotels near Universal Studios Orlando and that too a Premier one, the guests staying at Hard Rock Hotel get a free Universal Express Unlimited pass that allows them to skip lines at Universal’s Islands of Adventures as well as Universal Studios Florida.
Moreover, guests also get one-hour early admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter as well as priority seating at Universal restaurants. Hard Rock Hotel accommodated its guests by offering them free water taxi or complimentary shuttle service that takes them to Universal’s Islands of Adventures, Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Volcano Bay as well as Universal CityWalk.
Hard Rock Hotel offers three kinds of rooms, namely Standard Rooms, Club Level Rooms, and Suites that are, as the name of the resort suggests, all decked in a rock n’ roll theme. The Standard Rooms, which boast either pool or garden views, offer their guests a flat-screen TC with HD channels, 300 thread count linens, free WIFI, a mini fridge, a Keurig coffee maker with gourmet coffee, air conditioning, and heating. Deluxe Standard Rooms, in addition to all the aforementioned amenities, also come with a sofa bed to accommodate large groups and families.
When it comes to Club Level Room, the guests staying there not only have access to top-notch amenities but also get personal concierge service as well as access to the Rock Royalty Lounge. The Rock Royalty Lounge offers a few continental breakfasts, evening hors d’oeuvres as well as nighttime sweets. Guests staying at Club Level Room also get discounts at the cabanas.
The Suits of the hotel come with all the amenities of a Standard Room; however, they offer additional comforts of home that depend on the suite you stay in. For instance, the Graceland Suites provide access to the Tock Royalty Lounge, a glass-encased fireplace, a whirlpool tun, and a grand piano, while on the other hand, the Future Rock Star Suites offer the guests with an extra kids’ room that harbors twin beds.
When not having fun at the parks, hang out by the resort’s 12,000 square-foot pool that harbors an underwater sound system or head done the 260-foot slide. You can also engage in some fun poolside games or can relax in one of the two hot tubs housed by the resort. The lovers of music will appreciate the resort’s Sound of Your Stay program via which you can either listen to celebrity-curated playlists rent a Fender guitar or pick up a turntable as well as up to 10 records to create your very own playlist. On-site you will also be able to find a unique collection of rock memorabilia such as Elvis’ pajamas.
To stay in shape while on vacation, work out at the fitness center, jog on the scenic walking paths, or pick up a free yoga it. To enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience, make sure to try a multi-sensory masterpiece Wine Riffs. It is an event that offers a unique six-course meal experience featuring perfectly paired wine, good food, and lively music. Moreover, there are also five other restaurants that offer scrumptious food. 24-hour room service is also available, so you don’t have to get away from the comforts of your room.
4. Universal’s Aventura Hotel – Best Hotels Near Universal Studios Orlando
Universal’s Aventura is one of the Prime Value hotels near Universal Studios Orlando. It is also one of the best near Universal Studios Orlando that falls in the category of budget-friendly. If you stay at this hotel, you will only be a few steps away from Volcano Bay, and also have access to complimentary shuttle buses that will take you to Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and well as Universal CityWalk. Furthermore, by staying at Universal’s Aventura Hotel, you will also be granted one-hour early park admission to the busiest and the most crowded spot at Universal Studios Orland, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
When staying at Universal’s Aventura Resort you will have the option to choose from either a Standard Room or a Kids Suite. Simplicity and minimalism are the realms where this resort resides and offer chic rooms that are decked in simplicity with little theming. However, for a little more excitement guests can choose to upgrade to Skyline View room. Each room comes with a set of amenities like free WIFI, heating, and air conditioning, and a flat-screen TV with HD channels. A coffee maker, and a mini fridge. The Kids Suites also come with similar amenities but also harbor a separate room that comes with twin beds for kids as well as a convertible couch.
While staying at Aventura Resort you can either chill out in the pool or make your way to the splash zone along with your little ones. Moreover, you can also work out at the fitness center of the resort which comes equipped with state-of-the-art exercise equipment and tools. Housed on site are also two bars, a food hall, and a Starbucks. As Aventura Resort is one of the best hotels near Universal Studios Orlando, it also houses a rooftop bistro that offers splendid views of the three Universal Orlando parks.
5. Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort – Best Hotels Near Universal Studios Orlando
Similar to Aventura Resort, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort is also a Prime Value Resort and another one of the best hotels near Universal Studios Orlando that offers budget-friendly accommodations. The resort is decked in retro design and gives off the vibes of classic Florida beach resorts. As it is one best hotels near Universal Studios Orlando, you will be lying a few steps distance from the Volcano Bay water park. The resort also offers its guests a complimentary shuttle service that takes them to the two theme parks as well as Universal CityWalk.
Kids will love the resort not only because of its close vicinity to Volcano Bay Park but also because characters like Minions tend to pop up frequently around the hotel. Just like all the other best hotels near Universal Studios Orlando mentioned in the article, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort also offers its guests one-hour early entry to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The resort offers two types of rooms, Standard Rooms and Family Suites. The Standard Rooms come with amenities like a Cuisinart single-cup coffee maker, a flat-screen TV with HD channels, complimentary WIFI, and a mini fridge. Some Standard Rooms also offer views of the pool and Volcano Bay.
On the other hand, the Family Suites come with all the amenities of the Standard Rooms but also offer compartmentalized bathrooms that allow three people to get ready at once, a living room that houses a full-size pullout sofa, and a kitchenette that harbors a microwave as well as a mini fridge.
When staying at the resort you can chill out and relax in the Cabana Courtyard pool that features a dive tower-themed water slide. You can also spend a lazy day by lazing around in the lazy river, of Lazy River Courtyard Pool. The Lazy River Courtyard Pool also features a sandy beach where you can kick back and relax. Moreover, you can take part in poolside activities or reserve a chic cabana to relax.
If you think that was the end of fun at Cabana Bay Beach Resort, you were wrong. Make the most of your stay at the resort by playing a round at the Galaxy Bowl bowling alley or playing some classic arcade games at Game-O-Rama. If fitness and keeping in shape is what gets you going, then visit the Jack Lalanne Physical Fitness Studio, which is decked in décor that honors the fitness pioneer Jack Lalanne.
Also, in the resort, you will find a food court, a classic malt shop, three bars, as well as a restaurant at the blowing alley. Furthermore, you can order room service from Delizioso Pizza the delivery of which is available during limited hours. In case your kids wake you up in the wee hours of the morning, swat the sleepiness away by grabbing a coffee from the on-site Starbucks.
6. Universal’s Endless Summer Resort: Dockside Inn & Suites – Best Hotels Near Universal Studios Orlando
Universal harbors two Endless Summer Resorts, with their newest offering being Dockside Inn & Suite. Both of these hotels fall in the category of budget-friendly and cost-effective as well as in the category of best hotels near Universal Studios. Even though Dockside Inn & Suites is one of Universal’s most inexpensive hotels, it still offers a plethora of perks and amenities. Just like the other best hotels near Universal Studios Orlando, this cost-effective one also offers its guests the perk of one-hour early admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter as well as complimentary shuttles that give guests ride to the Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventures, Universal CityWalk, and Universal’s Volcano Bay.
The hotel features two kinds of rooms that are Standard Rooms, and Two-Bedroom Suites. Standard Rooms feature amenities like a mini fridge, a flat-screen TV with HD channels, free WIFI, a two-compartment bathroom that allows two people to get ready simultaneously, heating and air conditioning, as well as USB outlets. On the other hand, the Two-Bedroom Suites, in addition to harboring all the amenities of the Standard Rooms, also come with an additional TV, a dining area, a microwave, and a coffee maker.
When staying at this resort, hang out by the two pools, or kick back and relax on their sandy beaches. Take your little munchkins to the splash zone or engage in poolside activities such as Connect Four. For some indoor fun, make your way to the game room to play video and arcade games.
For all the fitness freaks staying at the resort, a fitness center is available that offers all the necessary tools and equipment. Moreover, if you need any help planning your day in Universal Orland you can get help from the Universal Vacation Planning Center is available on-site for the guests. Also available on site is a food court and three bars as well as a Starbucks. In case you aren’t feeling like going out, you can order a pizza to your room, the delivery of which is available during limited hours.
7. Universal’s Loews Portofino Bay Hotel – Best Hotels Near Universal Studios Orlando
Universal’s Loews Portofino Bay is one of the most unique hotels near Universal Studios Orlando. The hotel is themed after the quaint seaside village of Portofino, Italy, and is a Premier Resort which means that you get top-level perks and top-notch amenities. By staying at this Premier Resort, you will be offered the Universal Express Unlimited pass, which will give you the ability to skip lines at the two main parts of Universal Orlando. Moreover, guests of the resort will also have the advantage of entering the Wizarding World of Harry Potter one hour early.
As Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is one of the best hotels near Universal Studios Orlando you can easily walk Universal CityWalk as well as all the parks except Universal’s Volcano Bay. However, you can easily get to Volcano Bay from the hotel by hopping on a complimentary shuttle or water taxi that can also take you to the other parks.
This top-tier hotel offers its guests the option to choose from three kinds of rooms that are Standard Rooms, Suites, and Club Level Rooms. Moreover, guests can also choose between bay or garden views when they pick their room. All the rooms come with amenities like free WIFI, flat-screen TVs with HS channels, 200 thread count sheets, a mini fridge, Keurig coffee makers with gourmet coffee, heating, and air conditioning. For added space and beds, guests can easily upgrade from the Standard Room to a Deluxe Room.
In addition to all the amenities, the Club Level Rooms also offer their guests access to personal concierge services, a free continental breakfast, complimentary coffee throughout the day, an afternoon snack, a nightly desert as well as a nightly happy hour that comes with free beverages and hors d’oeuvres. Suite amenities vary and depend on the suite you opt for, however, kids will love the Despicable Me Kids Suites which offer additional bedroom that is decked in a theme inspired by Gru’s Laboratory.
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is not only famous for being one of the best hotels Near Universal Studios Orlando but is also lauded for its massiveness. The massive resort is home to three pools, a sandy beach, a Roman Aqueduct-themed waterslide, two hot tubs, a children’s pool, as well as beach cabanas. For excitement and fun, the resort offers poolside games throughout the day, and a game room where you can engage in some hearty play. Moreover, to relax after a long day of exploring the parks, make your way to Mandara Spa, where all of your tiredness will vanish under the magical touch of the masseuse’s hands.
The resort also houses a fitness center where you can work up a sweat or if you are more of a jogging person, you can jog along the scenic paths around the resort. To spend an enchanted evening hang out with your family at the Harbor Piazza and serenade your ears by listening to the complimentary showcase of opera songs as well as a selection of some pop favorites that are sung in a new, unique way. On-site you will also find two bars, four Italian restaurants, a gelateria, and a Starbucks. 24-hour room service is also available.
8. Universal’s Endless Summer Resort: Surfside Inn & Suites – Best Hotels Near Universal Studios Orlando
Surfside Inn & Suite is the older Endless Summer Resort that lies right across the street from Dockside Inn & Suites. It is a Value Resort and also one of the best Hotels Near Universal Studios Orlando if you are looking for something budget-friendly. Those staying at the hotel will be provided with complimentary shuttles that transport guests to the two main Universal Orlando parks, Volcano Bay, and Universal CityWalk. Moreover, guests who opt for this accommodation will also get access to one-hour early entry to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Similar to Dockside Inn & Suites, the resort offers its guests a choice between two kinds of rooms i.e., Standard Rooms and Two-Bedroom Sui ties. Both types of rooms come with amenities like a mini fridge, free WIFI, a flat-screen TV, USB outlets, heating, and air conditioning, as well as a two-compartment bathroom in which two people can get ready at the same time. In addition to all these amenities the Two-Bedroom Suites also offer a microwave, an additional TV, a dining area, as well as a coffee maker.
While staying at the resort, guests can chill and relax by the surfboard-shaped pool, engage in poolside games, or play games in the game room. To stay in shape, they can visit the fitness center of the hotel which comes equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. If you desire some help planning your park days, you can visit the Universal Vacation Planning Center which lies in wait to assist you in the hotel lobby. On-site you will also find a poolside bar, a food court that offers Southern California-inspired food, and Starbucks. You can also have a pizza delivered to your room at designated hours.
9. Coco Key Hotel & Water Park Resort – Best Hotels Near Universal Studios Orlando
How about staying at a hotel that not only comes in the category of best hotels near Universal Studios Orlando but is an attraction in its own right? The Coco Key Hotel $ Water Park is one of the coolest hotels near Universal Studios Orlando as it harbors on premise its own fun activities and attractions. On days when you are taking a break from Universal Orlando, which lies only two miles away from the hotel, you can have tons of fun just by staying inside the four walls of the hotel.
Guests can stay at spacious guestrooms that feature flat-screen TVs, coffee makers, as well as mini-fridges. While some suites and rooms also come with additional features like a pullout sofa to accommodate more people and pool views. For access to WIFI, hot tub, resort pool, children’s activities, and fitness center the resort charges a mandatory non-refundable, small daily fee. This fee also covers the cost of rides aboard the shuttles that take guests to Universal Orlando and SeaWorld. However, if you wish you ride on the shuttle you will have to make a reservation with the Universal Partner Hotel Vacation Planning Center which can be found in the lobby.
On-site guests can enjoy the Coco Key Water Park which also requires an additional admission fee but is worth every penny. Moreover, with the daily resort fee, you can also get up to four tickets to the water park. Inside the park guests will be greeted by Orlando’s only outdoor, canopy-covered water park that harbors 14 slides, a Coral Reef Teen Pool, the Minnows Lagoon, and the Parrot’s Perch interactive play area.
You can also have non-water-based fun by visiting the Key Quest Arcade which is a 6,5000 square foot area harboring games of all kinds. Adults can also grab a drink at the Wet Rooster. For more drinking and dining options, guests can make their way to the Callaloo Grill Food Court or Tradewinds Restaurants both of which reside on-site at the Coco Key Hotel.
10. Element Orlando Universal Blvd – Best Hotels Near Universal Studios Orlando
Element Orlando Universal Blvd is one of the best hotels near Universal Studios Orlando that can be found nestled among the nightlife and fun of ICON Park. It comes in the category of the best hotels near Universal Studios Orlando because not only is the hotel only two miles away from Universal Orlando, but it also offers top-notch comfort and cutting-edge amenities. The hotel is the best accommodation for those guests who are hoping for longer stays as it offers all the comforts of home. Moreover, as the hotel is pet-friendly you can also have your little fur babies tag along with you.
The rooms harbored by the hotel boast kitchenettes and some even come with full kitchens. Amenities like free WIFI, Netflix-enabled flat-screen TVs, pillow-top mattresses, agronomic workstations, and eco-friendly amenities can be found in every room. Some rooms also offer stunning views of the beloved Wheel at the ICON Park. Guests are offered complimentary breakfast, after which they can break a sweat by working out at the 24-hour fitness center called Motion.
After a fun and tiring day of exploring Universal Orlando, guests can let go of the tiredness by taking a dip in the outdoor saline pool. Or they can make their way to the evening reception and sip wine by the fire pits. To make the most of your stay, head out to the ICON Park for some adult-centered fun, or to enjoy family-friendly entertainment.
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