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. We have stayed at all Universal hotels multiple times, weighed the pros and cons and can confidently say our favorite value resort is Cabana Bay Beach Resort, our favorite prime value is Stella Nova Resort and favorite signature resort is Loews 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 the latest deals on Universal Orlando vacation packages and our discounted Universal Orlando tickets 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 soon to be eleven, official Universal Orlando Resort hotels and something for every family size and budget. With the opening of Epic Universe, we will see the opening of Terra Luna, Stella Nova, and Universal Helios Grand Hotels, which will bring a whole new way to stay on your Universal vacation. Each of these resorts have complimentary transportation and exclusive benefits for guests staying on property.

In our opinion, favorite value resort is Cabana Bay Beach Resort, our favorite prime value is Stella Nova Resort and favorite signature resort is Loews 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 traveling on a budget or Loews Royal Pacific as the cheapest signature collection resort.

Ranking the Universal Orlando hotels

1. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
2. Hard Rock Resort
3. Loews Royal Pacific Resort
4. Universal Helios Grand Hotel
5. Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
6. Stella Nova & Terra Luna Resort
7. Universal Endless Summer Resort (Surfside Inn and Suites & Dockside Inn and Suites)
8. Universal Aventura Hotel
9. Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Related Post: Discount Universal Orlando Vacation Packages

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: Guests staying at Portofino Bay receive the Universal Express Pass, which lets you skip the regular queue lines included in their stay. The resort is beautiful, with plenty of dining and entertainment options, and even has three different pools.
• 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. This resort is very close to Universal CityWalk if you want to quickly walk over for food or drinks.
• 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.

Universal Helios Grand Hotel

Rates start at: $293 per night (based on a 4-night stay)

Transportation: Shuttle, or walking into Epic Universe (dedicated park entrance)

Pros: Helios Grand, opening on May 22, 2025 at Universal Epic Universe, is a luxurious Mediterranean-inspired retreat set above the waters of Celestial Park. This sunlit sanctuary offers an elegant yet casual atmosphere with celestial details throughout, making it the perfect spot for those who seek both relaxation and sophistication.
Cons: With its premium amenities and prime location, the price point is higher compared to other Universal resorts, which might not suit all budgets.
What’s the vibe?: A bright, sun-soaked escape with Mediterranean elegance, celestial themes, and a serene, uplifting energy.

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 3 other signature collection resorts
• What’s the vibe? Contemporary Caribbean with scenic views.

Universal Prime Value Resorts Pros & Cons

Universal’s Aventura Hotel

Rates start at $140.00 per night
Transportation: Shuttle

• Pros: This resort is very quiet, there are not a lot of families who stay here.
• Cons: On the contrary, it’s not very family friendly so if you are looking to visit with your family – it doesn’t offer as many amenities as other Universal hotels (no game room).
• What’s the vibe? Modern, stylish, and sleek with cool technology

Universal Stella Nova Resort

Rates start at: $147 per night

Transportation: Shuttle, walking path to Epic Universe

Pros: Walking distance to Epic Universe! The rooms are very spacious and everything feels brand new (because it is!)
Cons: 15 minute bus ride away from Unviersal CityWalk, Islands of Adventure, and Universal Studios Florida
What’s the vibe?: Cosmic-inspired luxury with an awe-inspiring ambiance that captures the vastness and beauty of the universe.

Universal Terra Luna Resort

Rates start at: $147 per night

Transportation: Shuttle

Pros: Opening on February 25, 2025, this resort is designed to be both your base for theme park fun and your peaceful retreat, featuring relaxing pools and quiet spaces to recharge between adventures.
Cons: 15 minute bus ride away from Unviersal CityWalk, Islands of Adventure, and Universal Studios Florida

Universal Value Resort Pros & Cons

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

Universals Endless Summer Resort Dockside and Surfside Inn & Suites

Rates start at $96.00 per night
Transportation: Shuttle

• Pros: Very affordable pricing with many room options (including 2 bedroom suites)
• Cons: Basic amenities, thin walls, busiest of the Universal hotels
• What’s the vibe? Sand, sea, and sunsets at an affordable price

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

Best 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 Loews Portofino Bay is the best Universal Orlando 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. Helios Grand Hotel will have a dedicated entrance to Epic Universe but furthest away from Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.

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. Cabana Bay is also the closest hotel to Universal’s Volcano Bay, being only a 5 minute walk from the hotel.

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 signature Universal Orlando 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

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.

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!

When Is The Best Time To Visit Universal Orlando?

Our Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We break down the park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices by day, and average temperature.

Benefits of Booking Through Through The Park Prodigy!

• Free concierge service to take care of every aspect of your trip, including dining reservations
• Always save vs. booking directly with Universal
• Free daily park plans to save even more time in the parks
• We are Universal experts committed to helping you plan an amazing family vacation

The best part is right now The Park Prodigy is running a promotion for anyone who books a 2-night or more Universal Orlando vacation package! Simply check out all available hotels on our Universal Studios Resort Hotel package page and use promo code Magic50 at checkout for an additional $50.00 off our discounted packages!