The Best Universal Orlando Hotels: Complete Pros and Cons List

The Best Universal Orlando Hotels: Complete Pros and Cons List

The Best Universal Orlando Hotels: Complete Pros and Cons List

This is your complete guide to the Best Universal Orlando hotel! As you will see Universal has a different hotel for every family size and budget, and as a general rule of thumb our favorite value resort is Universal’s Aventura Resort, our favorite preferred is Sapphire Falls Resort, and our favorite premier resort is Loewe’s Portofino Bay Resort.

We hope you find this post helpful! Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time and money on your next Universal Orlando vacation!  If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando be sure to check out our discounted multi-day Universal Orlando tickets and Universal Orlando vacation package deals which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you’re looking for the best time to book a Universal Orlando vacation, check out our crowd calendar below!  

Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar

What are the Best Universal Orlando Hotels?

There are 8 official Universal Orlando Resort hotels at this point in time and something for every family size and budget. In our opinion, our favorite value resort is Universal’s Aventura Resort, our favorite preferred is Sapphire Falls Resort, and our favorite premier resort is Loewe’s Portofino Bay Resort, which would also include the free Universal Express Pass. As you will see below though we would also recommend the Universal Endless Summer resorts for families of 5-6 who are travelling on a budget, or Loews Royal Pacific as the cheapest premier resort.

Ranking the Universal Orlando hotels?

1. Loews Portofino Bay Resort
2. Hard Rock Resort
3. Loews Royal Pacific Resort
4. Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
5. Universal Aventura Resort
6. Universal Cabana Bay Resort
7. Universal Endless Summer Resort

Related Post: Discount Universal Orlando Vacation Packages

Ranking Universal Orlando Hotels by Category

What is the cheapest Universal Orlando hotel?

Dockside Inn and Suites is the best hotel for families trying to get the best deal possible. There are many different room options for whatever your party needs are. Prices range from $91 for a standard double queen room to $147 for a double queen suite with a pool view.

What is the best Universal Orlando value resort?

In our opinion, Aventura Resort is the best Universal Orlando value resort as it has a stylish and modern feel and is affordable. Its rooms provide amazing sweeping views of all three parks and provide plenty of room to move around. Starting at just $140 a night, it fits into most budgets. It is also much smaller than some of the other value resorts at Universal and has a fun kids’ suite with bunk beds starting at $232 a night. What kid wouldn’t love sleeping in a bunk bed while on vacation?

What is the best Universal Orlando with free Express Passes?

We believe Loew’s Portofino Bay is the best Universal Orlando premier resort as it has the most pools, restaurants, and shopping venues. This expansive resort, designed to make you feel like you’ve traveled abroad to Portofino, Italy, with its outdoor cafes, cobblestone streets, and shops along the harbor, will charm its way into your heart. Rooms begin at $388 a night, with the ability to upgrade to Club Level or Suites. And these rooms are like no other. Standard rooms have 450 square feet making them some of the largest rooms on the property and with pillow-top beds. This resort is great for families seeking an upscale, luxury place to stay while on their Universal Studios Vacation.

What is the best hotel for large families of 5-6?

We do find that the best hotels for large families at Universal Orlando are the Endless Summer Resorts and Cabana Bay Beach Resort, which both have very affordable 2-bedroom suites. We would also lean towards Loews Sapphire Falls resort for families who might want nicer accommodations, however the only downside is all of these options would not come with the free Universal express passes.

What is the best hotel to walk to the theme parks?

Loews Hard Rock hotel and Loews Portofino Bay resort are the closest Universal hotels within walking distance to the two main theme parks. However we would also suggest Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach resort for families are are trying to be close to the water park Volcano Bay.

What is the best hotel for pools and amenities?

We would always suggest families consider Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort as it has two pools, including a Lazy River, a Bowling Alley, and a huge dining hall. And for families who would like a more premium experience, we always recommend Loews Portofino Bay Resort.

Which is the cheapest hotel with free express passes?

From our experience helping our clients book discount Universal vacation packages Loews Royal Pacific Resort stands out as the best Universal Orlando hotel offering free Express Passes. The main reason is that it is typically the cheapest of the three Universal Orlando premiere hotels. In addition to the price value that it provides, Loews Royal Pacific Resort provides a range of exceptional amenities, such as a lagoon-style pool, various dining options, and convenient water taxi transportation to the theme parks.

Related Post: Guide to the Best Luxury Hotel Near Universal Studios Orlando

Pros & Cons of All Universal Orlando Hotels

Universal’s Loews Portofino Bay Resort

Rates start at $388.00 per night
Transportation: Boat, shuttle, walkway

• Pros: This resort has the largest amount of guest rooms on both Disney and Universal property. Guests also receive the Universal Express Pass, which lets you skip the regular queue lines. The resort is massive with plenty of dining and entertainment options.
• Cons: The restaurants are a bit pricier than you will find throughout most of the other resorts and even at the Universal City Walk.
• What’s the vibe? Romantic and picturesque relaxation in the beautiful city of Portofino, Italy.

Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel

Rates start at $372.00 per night
Transportation: Boat, shuttle, walkway

• Pros: This resort’s Rock n’ Roll theme makes it a great choice for those who love music. It is the only resort where you can listen to music while underwater at the pool! There are also supreme culinary establishments unlike any of the other Universal Orlando resorts.
• Cons: This is one of the more lively resorts, so this is not the resort for you if you are looking for a more quiet and relaxing vacation.
• What’s the vibe? Posh, rock n’ roll luxury with vibrant and exciting musical theming.

Universal’s Loews Royal Pacific Resort

Rates start at $325.00 per night
Transportation: Boat, Shuttle, walkway

• Pros: In our opinion, guests receive the best amenities at this resort for its price point. For the same price as one of Disney’s Moderate Resorts, you have access to an enormous lagoon pool, a variety of restaurants, and free Universal Express Unlimited.
• Cons: Due to its proximity to Islands of Adventure, this resort can get quite noisy at night so this may not be the best option for those traveling with babies or young children.
• What’s the vibe? An upscale Southern sea escape, with tropical wonders and a Polynesian paradise.

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

Rates start at $210.00 per night
Transportation: Boat, shuttle, walkway

• Pros: The resort is home to The Strong Water Tavern, a one-of-a-kind restaurant. They offer a variety of rare vintage rums to make you feel completely immersed in the Caribbean vibe.
• Cons: This resort does not include the complimentary Universal Express unlimited pass, which is included with the premier resorts.
• What’s the vibe? Contemporary Caribbean with scenic views.

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Rates start at $140.00 per night
Transportation: Shuttle

• Pros: An affordable, fun family resort with unique theming. This resort has its very own bowling alley, Galaxy Bowl!
• Cons: Wait times for the shuttle can be extremely long depending on what time you leave the resort, so plan accordingly.
• What’s the vibe? Vibrant retro, beachy family fun

Universal’s Aventura Hotel

Rates start at $140.00 per night
Transportation: Shuttle

• Pros: This resort has its own virtual reality game room, so it is a great option for those traveling with kids!
• Cons: There is no Universal Express Pass offered. There are also not as many pools as other value resorts.
• What’s the vibe? Modern, stylish, and sleek with cool technology

Universals Endless Summer Resort

Rates start at $96.00 per night
Transportation: Shuttle

• Pros: Very affordable pricing with incredible room designs
• Cons: The farthest resort from the Universal Orlando Resort parks, which comes with a long shuttle wait.
• What’s the vibe? Sand, sea, and sunsets at an affordable price

We truly believe all Universal Studios on-site hotels have great reasons that they may be the best Universal Resort hotels. If you’re still having trouble deciding which is the best hotel to stay at Universal Orlando, let us know. We’d be happy to help you make the best choice for you!

Related Post: 14 Hotels Within Walking Distance Of Universal Studios Orlando (30 Mins Or Less!)

Best Universal Orlando Hotels FAQ

Q: What is the Most Luxurious Hotel at Universal Studios Orlando?

A: Another popular question we receive when trying to help families pick the best Universal hotel is, what is the most luxurious hotel at Universal Studios Orlando? We do find the Loews Portofino Bay resort to be the most luxurious hotel at Universal Orlando. One of the main reasons is the high-end rooms, which are very modern and sleek. We also find as a general rule of thumb we would suggest that any hotel that offers the free Universal Express Passes will be considered the most luxurious.

You can also check out our complete guide to the best luxury hotels near Universal 2024.

Q: Which Hotel at Universal Orlando is Best?

A: The best hotel for Universal Orlando is Portofino Bay, which is their signature hotel. Of course, any hotel at Universal offers free transportation and Early Park Admission, but Portofino Bay has the nicest accommodations, amenities, and recreation and offers a free express pass!