4 Universal Orlando Hotel Rooms That Are Worth the Splurge

Over the last quarter-century, the Universal Orlando Resort has transformed from a single theme park to a full-fledged destination resort with 11 on-site hotels.

However, not all of Universal’s hotel rooms are created equal — I’d know, I’ve stayed in them all — and thanks to theming, room offerings, and certain theme park perks, a selection of them are DEFINITELY worth the splurge.

For the Full Universal Experience

So, let’s begin with the best places to splurge if you’re looking for the FULL Universal Orlando experience, including Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and CityWalk. Three of Universal’s Signature Collection Hotels: Loews Royal Pacific Hotel, Loews  Portofino Bay, and the Universal Hard Rock Hotel.

Stays at each of these hotels include Universal Express Unlimited for each guest. These passes allow guests to skip the regular lines at participating rides and attractions as many times as they want at both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Which is a game-changer for any visit to the resort’s original pair of theme parks

So, which of the three is best to choose from? Well, that depends on your personal taste.

Portofino Bay — Universal’s oldest hotel, opened way back in 1999 — is a favorite of many thanks to its Italian seaside village theme, which extends into the guest rooms.

The Hard Rock is built with California Mission-inspired architecture, and themed with the type of rock star opulence and memorabilia one would expect from the brand. Furthermore, the resort has an advantage in being closest in walking distance to the original two parks and CityWalk, with a stroll even shorter than between the parks and the parking lot.

The  Royal Pacific Hotel, with its South Seas film, perhaps offers the most relaxing vibes in the whole of Universal Orlando.

One quick thing to note before moving on: The Sapphire Falls Resort is also classed as a Signature Collection hotel, but stays here to NOT include Express Pass.

For an Epic Universe-Specific Trip

If your visit is built mainly — or exclusively — around visiting Universal’s latest park, Epic Universe, then splurging on a room at the Helios Grand is an easy choice. The hotel provides an elegant, Mediterranean-inspired experience in standard rooms, club level rooms, and even family suites.

The hotel also offers some of the best bars and restaurants at any hotel on the property, including the Flora Taverna, which offers a full breakfast buffet, Mediterranean comfort foods, oven-baked pizza, and a gyro station, and the rooftop Bar Helios, which offers a menu including sliders, tapas, and gyros, as well as drinks.

And the highlight? Unmatched views of Epic Universe.

You see, the Helios Grand is literally located IN Epic Universe, which is the biggest reason to splurge on the hotel, as it provides an exclusive entrance DIRECTLY into the back of Celestial Park, with near-immediate access to both The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Dark Universe.

Whether you’re going for the full Universal Orlando experience or exclusively to see Epic Universe, there’s a hotel room you’d be right to splurge on! Stay tuned for more Universal tips!

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What’s your go-to Universal hotel? Let us know in the comments below.

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