Hotels Within Walking Distance Of Universal Orlando

Hotels Within Walking Distance Of Universal Orlando

Hotels Within Walking Distance Of Universal Orlando

This article is your complete guide to the best hotels within walking distance of Universal Orlando! As a general rule, the closest hotels to Universal Orlando are the official premier resorts, which are the Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Resort, and the Royal Pacific Resort. However, there are also several non-official Universal Orlando hotels within walking distance which are DoubleTree By Hilton Hotel At The Entrance To Universal Orlando and the Holiday Inn Across from Universal Orlando.

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 visit Universal Orlando check out our Universal Crowd calendar!

Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar

What are the Hotels Closest to Universal Orlando?

To answer simply, the Universal Orlando premier resorts will always be the closest hotels and are less than a mile from the park entrance! The Universal Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort are both tied, being only 0.04 miles away, with the Loews Portofino Bay Resort being 0.07 miles away. Not only do all three of these hotels come with official Universal Orlando walking paths to the resorts but they also provide guests with free express passes. For guests looking for more affordable hotels, we also recommend the off-site DoubleTree By Hilton Hotel At The Entrance To Universal Orlando and Holiday Inn Across from Universal Orlando, which are only 0.08 miles away and have room rates starting around $106.00 per night. 

The closest hotels to Universal Studios Orlando by distance?

• #1 – Universal Studios Hard Rock Hotel – 0.4 miles: 9-minute walk 
• #2 – Universal’s Loews Royal Pacific Resort – 0.4 miles: 9-minute walk 
• #3 – Universal’s Loews Portofino Bay Hotel – 0.7 miles: 16-minute walk 
• #4 – DoubleTree By Hilton Hotel At The Entrance To Universal Orlando – 0.8 miles: 17-minute walk 
• #5 – Holiday Inn Across from Universal Orlando – 0.8 miles: 18-minute walk 
• #6 – Universal’s Loews Sapphire Falls Resort – 0.8 miles: 18-minute walk 
• #7 – Universal’s Aventura Hotel – 0.9 miles: 19-minute walk 
• #8 – Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort – 0.9 miles: 19-minute walk 
• #9 – Hyatt House Across From Universal Orlando Resort – 0.9 miles: 19-minute walk 

Related Post: The Best Universal Orlando Hotels 

#1 Universal Studios Hard Rock Hotel

Walking Time: 9 minutes

Distance: 0.4 miles

Starting Rates: Starts at $386.00 per night 

Dining Options: The Kitchen, The Palm, Emack & Bolio’s Marketplace, Velvet Bar, Beachclub, and 24-hour Room Service

Transportation: Water Taxi, Universal Shuttle Bus, and walking Path

Important to know: Not only is the Universal Studio’s Hard Rock Hotel the hotel closest to Universal Studios but staying here includes a slew of amazing perks. Here you have the options of either a Standard Room, a Club level Room, or a Suite. Along with amazing room options, you’ll also receive Early Park Entry to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter completely free of charge. And speaking of free, possibly the greatest perk of this resort is the free Universal Express Pass Unlimited. This pass allows you to skip the line at participating rides as many times as you’d like throughout the day of your visit. But we think the distance to Universal Studios is worth it alone!

Related Post: How Much is a Universal Express Pass?

#2 – Universal’s Loews Royal Pacific Resort

Walking Time: 9 minutes

Distance: 0.4 miles

Starting Rates: Starts at $337.00 per night 

Dining Options: Islands Dining Room, Jake’s American Bar, Orchid Court Lounge & Sushi Bar, Tuk Tuk Market, Bula Bar & Grille, 24 hr. Room Service

Transportation: Water Taxi, Universal Shuttle Bus, and walking Path

Important to know: The Loews Royal Pacific Hotel is Universal’s Premier Polynesian-themed hotel. When asking yourself, what hotel is closest to Universal Studios Orlando? The Hard Rock Hotel is slightly out of your budget, this hotel is a great less expensive alternative. Not only is it equally as close, but it also includes all of the same perks! One of our favorite touches in this hotel is the amazingly themed rooms! Here you can find Jurassic Park and Jurassic World-themed rooms to enhance your stay. 

Related Post: Hotels With Free Shuttles to Universal Orlando Resort

#3 – Universal’s Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Walking Time: 16 minutes

Distance: 0.7 miles

Starting Rates: Starts at $393.00 per night 

Dining Options: Mama Della’s Ristorante, Bice Ristorante, Trattoria del Porto, Sal’s Market Deli, The Thirsty Fish, Splendito Bar and Grill, Gelateria, Starbucks, 24 hr. Room Service

Transportation: Water Taxi, Universal Shuttle Bus, and walking Path

Important to know: Loews Portofino Bay Resort may not be the closest hotel to Universal Orlando, but it sure is one of the most stacked hotels on our list. The benefits of this hotel are similar to those listed above. Included in your room cost, you receive Early Park Entry, Express Pass Unlimited, and Priority Seating at participating restaurants. One of the major perks for us with this hotel is the Starbucks location on site. There’s nothing better than sipping on your morning coffee while on your walk to the parks to start your day. Rather than waiting in the long lines at the Starbucks locations at CityWalk or in the parks. This makes the close walking distance to Universal Studios Orlando a breeze.

Related Post: Complete Guide to Bars & Clubs at Universal CityWalk

#4 – DoubleTree By Hilton Hotel At The Entrance To Universal Orlando

Walking Time: 17 minutes

Distance: 0.8 miles

Starting Rates: Starts at $106.00 per night 

Dining Options: American Grill, Gelato Shop, Pizzas Burgers & More, Starbucks, Sunshine Cafe

Transportation: Scheduled Universal Partner Shuttle Bus & Side Walks

Important to know: This DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando does require you to cross S. Kirkman Rd. which is a pretty busy street that borders the Universal Resort. So keep this in mind when considering this hotel. Other than that setback, we love the Starbucks location located inside of this resort! Not only can you walk from Hilton to Universal Studios, the price is a steal! We also love the amount of dining options and beautiful views of the Universal Resort this hotel has to offer! 

Related Post: The Cheapest Way to Go to Universal Studios

#5 – Holiday Inn Across From Universal Orlando

Walking Time: 18 minutes

Distance: 0.8 miles

Starting Rates: Starts at $125.00 per night 

Dining Options: Onsite TGI Fridays – Kids 11 or under eat free! Free meals from ordering breakfast, lunch, or dinner off the kid’s menu.

Transportation: Scheduled Shuttle Service, Onsite Budget Car Rental, and sidewalks

Important to know: The Holiday Inn Across From Universal Orlando is the most convenient off-site hotel. This means the hotel is not attached or affiliated directly with the Universal Orlando Resort. When it comes to amenities, this Universal Orlando off-site hotel still delivers. Not only does it include a 24-hour fitness center, pool, and business center, but there are also Universal perks! When staying at this hotel, you can enjoy discounts on merchandise at select Universal Orlando theme park locations. Along with discounts on food and non-alcoholic beverages at Universal Parks and CityWalk. 

Related Post: Best Transportation from MCO to Universal

#6 – Universal’s Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

Walking Time: 18 minutes

Distance: 0.8 miles

Starting Rates: Starts at $222.00 per night 

Dining Options: Amatista Cookhouse, Strong Water Tavern, New Dutch Trading Co., Drhum Club Kantine, 24hr. Room Service

Transportation: Water Taxi, Universal Shuttle Bus, and walking Path

Important to know: The Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is where we start to come down in price and perks. You will still receive Early Park Admission, there is no Express Pass included with your stay. What we love about this resort is the location. This is the only one of Universal’s hotels within walking distance of Universal Studios, Volcano Bay, and CityWalk. All other Loews Resorts require you to take a bus to Volcano Bay. This Caribbean-themed hotel is sure to melt your worries away and completely immerse you into vacation mode. 

Related Post: How to get the Universal Express Pass for Free

 #7 – Universal’s Aventura Hotel

Walking Time: 19 minutes

Distance: 0.9 miles

Starting Rates: Starts at $145.00 per night 

Dining Options: Bar 17 Bistro, Urban Pantry, bar Ventura, Bar Sol, Starbucks

Transportation: Universal Shuttle Bus, & Walking Path

Important to know: Just steps away from Volcano Bay sits Universal’s Aventura Hotel. This modern, and stylish place to stay offers Early Park Admission with your Universal visit. We have to be honest and say not much stands out about this hotel. The main reason for listing this hotel is because it is the most modern of the hotels within walking distance of Universal Orlando, and it’s also considered to be one of the best Universal Orlando hotels for large families.  If you’re looking for a cool, sophisticated place to enjoy your vacation, this is it! 

Related Post: Guide to Universal’s Early Park Admission

#8 – Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Walking Time: 19 minutes

Distance: 0.9 miles

Starting Rates: Starts at $145.00 per night 

Dining Options: Bayliner Diner, The Hideaway Bar & Grill, Atomic Tonic, Galaxy Bowl Restaurant, Swizzle Lounge, Starbucks, Delizioso Pizza

Transportation: Universal Shuttle Bus, & Walking Path

Important to know: Universal Orlando’s fourth on-site hotel – Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort features a total of 1,800 moderate and value-priced rooms. Here you can immerse yourself into the classic, retro-feel of iconic beach resorts from the 1950s and 60’s. Not only can you walk from Cabana Bay to Universal Studios, but Cabana Bay guests can experience incredible amenities throughout the hotel, including two zero-entry pools, a bowling alley, and Universal Orlando’s first-ever lazy river!

Related Post: Cabana Bay vs Endless Summer Resorts at Universal Orlando

#9 – Hyatt House Across From Universal Orlando Resort

Walking Time: 20 minutes

Distance: 0.9 miles

Starting Rates: Starts at $169.00 per night 

Dining Options: Breakfast Bar, H Bar, H Market

Transportation: Universal Hotel Partner Shuttle Bus & Walking Path

Important to know: The Hyatt House Across from Universal Orlando Resort is truly an accurate descriptive name. Although it is a 20-minute walk, this hotel is quite literally across the street from Universal Orlando. This makes it a great option if you’re looking for off-site hotels to stay near Universal Studios Orlando. Located in the same pod of hotels as some of the other non-Universal hotels on this list, you also have to cross a busy street to get to the parks. Keep this in mind when traveling with little ones and wanting to walk! As a guest of a Universal Hotel Partner, you also get to enjoy some exclusive discounts on select food and merchandise.

Related Post: Where to Stay at Universal Orlando? 

Hotels Within Walking Distance Of Universal Orlando FAQ

Can you walk from Hard Rock Hotel to City Walk?

Yes, guests can easily walk from the Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando to City Walk. It’s only about a 5-10 minute walk, depending on how quickly you can move.

What hotels can I walk to Universal Orlando?

There are 14 hotels within walking distance of Universal Studios Orlando. These hotels are, Universal Studio’s Hard Rock Hotel, Universal’s Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Universal’s Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, DoubleTree By Hilton Hotel At The Entrance To Universal Orlando, Holiday Inn Across from Universal Orlando, Universal’s Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Universal’s Aventura Hotel, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Hyatt House Across From Universal Orlando Resort, Four Points By Sheraton Orlando International Drive, Home2 Suites By Hilton Orlando Near Universal, Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn & Suites, Motel 6 – Orlando International Drive, & Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn & Suites.

Can you walk to Universal from Endless Summer Resort?

So we would say yes you can walk to Universal from both Endless Summer Resorts, however, based on our experience this walk is not for everyone as it can be around a 30-35 minute walk. These resorts are the Surfside Inn & Suites and the Dockside Inn & Suites. Both Surfside and Dockside will have the same pricing, room size, and overall feel, but we prefer Surfside. Surfside feels calmer than Dockside Inn and Suites, and we prefer the dining at Surfside which gives it an edge. Not only can you walk from Endless Summer to Universal Studios, but you will also get to use the free Universal shuttle bus and get Early Park Admission with your stay, which is the biggest perk.

Can you walk to Universal from the DoubleTree?

Yes! The DoubleTree by Hilton is within walking distance of Universal Orlando via an elevated sidewalk over S. Kirkman Rd. On average, you can plan this walk to take 17-20 minutes depending on your party size and how quickly you’re willing to walk before the park opens. There is also a free scheduled shuttle that takes hotel guests to the entrance of CityWalk.

How far to walk from Endless Summer to Universal?

The walk from both Endless Summer Resorts will take on average, 27 – 30 minutes. The time will depend on which hotel you’re staying at and how quickly your party can walk. If you’re staying at Dockside Inn & Suites, you can expect about a 27-minute walk. For guests staying at Surfside Inn & Suites, you should plan your walk to take around 30 minutes. Both resorts also offer a free shuttle to the parks which we would recommend if you have little ones.

Is Cabana Bay within walking distance of Universal?

Another one of the most popular questions we receive is, is Cabana Bay within walking distance of Universal Orlando? Cabana Bay Beach resort is three-quarters of a mile away from the main two theme parks which are Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Based on our experiences walking to the parks this is about a 15-20 minute walk. We will say that Cabana Bay is also the closest hotel to the Universal Orlando water park Volcano Bay. 

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.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Universal Orlando Trip?

If you’re ready to plan your trip to Universal Studios, be sure to check out Universal Orlando Tickets! Not only will you save money vs buying direct, but all of our Universal Orlando tickets come with some amazing benefits that can help save you up to three hours in the parks!

And to stay up to date on everything going on inside the theme parks be sure to check out our partners at Themeparktoday.com!