Ranking the BEST Hotels at Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando Resort may be larger than you realize!

Universal Studios Orlando

Over the past 3 decades, Universal has grown from a single theme park to two theme parks, a water park, and 8 hotels. And in 2025, Universal will open a third theme park in Florida — Epic Universe.

So, which of those 8 hotels is the best? Universal’s hotels come in four price categories — Premier, Preferred, Prime Value, and Value hotels. Today, we’re ranking the Premier and Preferred resorts!

1. Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

This is a Preferred hotel, which is the second most luxurious of Universal’s resort categories, but we think it still comes out on top!

©Loews

Rooms start around $210 per night, and guests staying here get early admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, complimentary transportation, room key charging privileges, and merchandise delivery to your hotel.

Sapphire Falls Room

Sapphire Falls is themed to the Caribbean Islands, and you will find waterfalls, palm trees and colorful decor throughout the property — as well as Caribbean-style eateries and a rum bar.

You can pick from many luxurious suites at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort.

If you plan to visit Volcano Bay — Universal’s water park — it is within an easy walk of this hotel.

2. Hard Rock Hotel

Like the iconic restaurants, the Hard Rock Hotel is decorated with rock memorabilia.

©Universal

This is a premier resort, which comes with a big benefit — FREE Express Unlimited passes that are valued at up to $129 each. Now, you will pay more to stay here — rooms typically cost $375 per night or more. But you will find yourself right in the middle of the action — an easy walk from Universal Studios Florida and CityWalk, not to mention the Hard Rock Cafe and Hard Rock Live concert venue.

Hard Rock Hotel

Like to listen to some tunes while you swim? The Hard Rock Hotel’s pool has a state-of-the-art underwater sound system.

3. Loews Royal Pacific Resort

Royal Pacific is designed to make you feel like you are on a South Seas retreat. There is a lagoon-style pool with a sand beach, and a Luau dinner show with Polynesian food and entertainment.

Loews Royal Pacific

Prices here start at $325 per night, and they feature that Universal premier resort benefit — free Universal Express Passes that allow you to skip the line on many rides in the parks. Premier resort guests also get access to special tables at select Universal restaurants.

Water Taxi

There are walking paths from this hotel to Universal’s theme parks and CityWalk, but you can also take a fun water taxi or shuttle.

4. Loews Portofino Bay Resort

Our final Universal Orlando hotel in this list of the best is the Portofino Bay Resort. This hotel is themed after Portofino, Italy.

Loews Portofino Bay

Here you’ll find three pools, plenty of Italian eateries, and — of course — gelato.

Limoncello Raspberry Gelato

These are the steepest starting prices out of any Universal Orlando hotel at $388 per night, but the atmosphere and amenities at this resort are unmatched on Universal property. Benefits include water taxi and shuttle transportation, and those coveted Universal Express Passes.

Portofino Bay Resort

Here’s our ranking of the best hotels at Universal Orlando Resort. If you’re wondering how the value resorts at Universal stack up, check out our complete rankings here!