Is Staying at a Universal Orlando Hotel Worth it?

Is Staying at a Universal Orlando Hotel Worth it?

Is Staying at a Universal Orlando Hotel Worth it?

This article is your complete guide to discovering if staying at a Universal Orlando Hotel is worth it for you! We think that staying at a Universal Orlando hotel is worth it, and mostly likely your best option if heading down for a Universal vacation. If you’d like to read why we think Universal is worth it, besides the free transportation and Early Park Admission, keep reading!

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 visit Universal Orlando be sure to check out our Universal Crowd Calendar!

 Universal Crowd Calendar

Is Staying at a Universal Hotel Worth It?

Yes! Staying at a Universal Orlando hotel is worth it in the long run. There are many reasons why, but mainly – the proximity and the exclusive perks make staying at Universal Orlando hotels totally worth it! They are affordable hotels with Early Park Admission and being the most convenient stay for those looking to vacation to Universal Orlando.

Here are all of the main reasons we say staying at a Universal Orlando hotel is worth it for your next vacation.

Affordability

Universal Orlando hotels present a range of options catering to various budgets, ensuring that comfort and convenience don’t have to break the bank. With value resort prices starting at under $99.00 per night, staying on-site becomes an accessible luxury for many families.

Proximity and Convenience

The ease of access to the parks is a significant perk. All Universal hotels are strategically positioned, allowing for a short walk or a quick bus ride to the theme parks and CityWalk. This proximity means less time commuting and more time enjoying the rides, shows, and attractions.

Exclusive Perks

Staying at a Universal hotel comes with a suite of exclusive benefits designed to enhance your theme park experience. These include:

• Early Park Admission: Beat the crowds to the most popular attractions.
• Free Express Passes: Guests at Premier hotels receive complimentary Universal Express Unlimited passes, a valuable perk that can significantly reduce waiting times for rides and attractions.
• Continuous Shuttle Service: Dedicated shuttle services cater to the needs of hotel guests, providing timely transportation that aligns with park schedules, including early admissions.
• Theme Park Entry through Priority Lanes: Avoid the regular queues with special entry lanes designated for hotel guests.

Universal Orlando hotel Amenities

Universal hotels are equipped with amenities that cater to every aspect of your stay:

• Dining Options: Enjoy a variety of dining choices right at your doorstep.
• Recreational Facilities: Pools, fitness centers, and recreational activities ensure there’s never a dull moment, even outside the parks.
• Starbucks on Site: Every hotel hosts a Starbucks, ensuring your coffee needs are always met.

Related Post: How Much is a Universal Express Pass?

Universal Studios Orlando Hotel Affordability

Both Universal Hotels vs Disney Hotels offer similar amenities and proximity to their parks. If you plan on spending time at both vacation destinations, it’s important to compare the two resorts to see which location has the best lodging for your family. Universal’s hotel’s proximity to the parks can be a major plus for fans of the likes of Harry Potter or Jurassic Park. At the same time, the Disney World Hotels offer unmatched integration with the broader Walt Disney World Resort experience. This immersive environment, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury, combined with exceptional Disney-themed services, often positions Disney Hotels as a top pick for families.

Universal Orlando Hotels VS Disney World Hotels: Which is Cheaper?

Deluxe/Premier Hotels

Disney’s Grand Californian Resort & Spa – $763 per night

Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel – $554 per night

Moderate/Prime Value Hotels

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort – $240 per night

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort – $234 per night

Value Hotels

Disney’s Pop Century Resort – $168 per night

Universal’s Dockside Inn – $141 per night

As you can see from the price comparison above, Universal Orlando’s hotels generally go for a less expensive rate. But it’s important to remember that these are averages and are not a guaranteed price per night.

How much does a Universal Orlando Hotel Cost?

• The cost of an overnight stay at a Universal Studios hotel varies widely. But the typical range of pricing can be anywhere from a modest $170 to an upscale $710. The price point will mostly depend on which hotel tier you decide to stay in. The lower end of the cost is known as a Value Resort, while the higher end is known as a Premier Resort.

At the entry-level, the Value hotels are the cheapest within the Universal Studios Resort’s boundaries. The Premier tier has a premium price but offers free Express Pass for those staying in Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel and Portofino Bay.

Related Post: Click here to Book a Discounted Disney or Universal Hotel!

Proximity to Theme Parks

Every Universal Studios hotel has a prime location which gets guests into the Universal theme parks, Volcano Bay water park, CityWalk pretty quickly. We find that all of the Universal Orlando hotels are within walking distance to the theme parks or a short bus ride away, which makes it very convenient to hit the parks for Early Park Admission in the morning and then go back to your hotel to take a break by the pool before hopping back over to the parks at night.

The ease of hopping back and forth simply means families will have more time in the theme parks, which we love. We also love that there are different resorts closer to the two main Universal theme parks and also closer to Volcano Bay which gives the ultimate flexibility when planning.

What are the closest hotels to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure?

• Hard Rock Hotel
• Loews Portofino Bay
• Loews Royal Pacific Resort

What are the closest hotels to Volcano Bay?

• Cabana Bay Beach Resort
• Aventura Resort
• Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

Which hotels are the closest to Epic Universe? (Opening 2025)

• Universal Helios Grand Hotel
• Universal Stella Nova
• Universal Terra Luna

Related Post: How to Get Cheap Universal Orlando Tickets? 

Shuttles for Early Park Admission

It’s no surprise that early park admission is one of our favorite benefits of staying at an official Universal Orlando hotel. However, we feel like many people don’t talk about the fact that Universal has constant shuttle service to and from the Universal theme parks starting an hour before early park admission. From our experience, this is different from any of the nearby friendly neighbor hotels, which might also provide free shuttle service to the Universal Orlando parks; however, many times it’s a restricted schedule and does not take early park admission into account.

This results in guests having to drive to the theme parks for an extra hour or to take an Uber or Lyft which will only add to the amount of money they will be spending on their trip. We also find it to be just as convenient later at night when guests leave the parks trying to return to their Universal Orlando hotel.

What time do shuttles from the Universal Orlando hotels start?

• One hour before early park admission

Related Page: Character Dining at Universal Orlando 

Free Universal Orlando Express Passes

From our experience, another one of the main reasons to stay at an official Universal Orlando premier resort is the free express passes. This is especially true for families who are thinking about staying at any of the luxury hotels close to Universal Orlando, as the pricing is usually right in line with the three Universal Orlando premier hotels, which include Express Pass which are Loews Royal Pacific Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel Orlando, and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. This also is a great way to save money on express passes as the unlimited can start at $89.99 per person per day and can go up to $349.99 per person per day. So when you compare the average cost of the express passes over multiple days vs. the cost of your hotel room at one of the premier resorts many times, it’s a no-brainer.

Universal Premier Hotel Prices:

• Loews Portofino Bay Resort – Starting at $325 a night
• Hard Rock Hotel – Starting at $370 a night
• Loews Royal Pacific Resort – Starting at $388 a night

Related Page: Complete Guide to the Universal Orlando Premier Resorts 

Additional Benefits of Staying at a Universal Orlando Resort

Style/Theming

Universal Orlando Resort hotels offer more than just a place to sleep; each is a themed adventure in itself. Whether it’s the tropical ambiance of a Pacific haven or the sophisticated allure of the Italian Riviera, every hotel provides a unique, immersive experience. This attention to detail ensures guests don’t merely stay but are transported into vivid narratives, making each visit distinct and memorable.

Parking

When assessing hotel parking costs, Walt Disney World has an edge over Universal Orlando. Walt Disney World has recently transitioned to offering complimentary hotel parking. Universal Orlando’s Value hotels charge around $15 daily, whereas their Premier hotels can go up to $28 per night. Both Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando ensure their hotel parking lots are gated, consistently patrolled, and well-illuminated for safety.

Pool Hopping

Universal Orlando Resort offers a unique pool hopping benefit for its guests. Excluding Endless Summer, if you’re staying at any Universal hotel, you can access the pools at other resort properties. This means if you’re lodged at Aventura, you can still enjoy the lazy river at Cabana Bay, allowing guests to experience a variety of amenities without being restricted to their home hotel’s offerings.

Starbucks Locations

Every Universal resort hosts its own Starbucks! Whether you’re beginning your day with a burst of caffeine or winding down with your favorite evening brew, the globally renowned coffeehouse is just a few steps away. This consistency across Universal’s resorts ensures that guests always have access to their favorite Starbucks drinks, making mornings a bit more magical and adding that familiar comfort to their vacation experience.

Final Verdict

For those seeking convenience, exclusive perks, and an all-encompassing resort experience, staying at a Universal Orlando hotel is undeniably worth it. While the final decision hinges on individual preferences and budget, the value offered by Universal hotels, in terms of both cost and experience, is compelling. Whether you’re a die-hard theme park fan or a family looking for a hassle-free vacation, the benefits of staying on-site are hard to overlook.

Related Post: Best Hotels Near Universal Orlando Resort

Is a Universal Orlando Hotel Worth it FAQ

Q: Does staying at a Universal Hotel give you a fast pass?

A: Staying at select Universal Orlando Resort hotels, like the Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, provides guests with complimentary Universal Express Unlimited passes, which allow faster access to rides and attractions. However, it’s essential to check current hotel benefits as they may change.

Q: Can you stay in Universal Studios Orlando?

A: While you can’t stay inside the theme park itself, Universal Studios Orlando has several on-site hotels where guests can stay, offering convenient access to the parks and resort benefits.

Q: Do all Universal Hotels include transportation?

A: All Universal Orlando Resort on-site hotels offer complimentary transportation to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Universal CityWalk. The type of transportation provided, whether by bus, boat, or walkway, depends on the specific hotel’s location relative to the parks. Always check with your hotel for the most up-to-date transportation options.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Universal Orlando?

Our Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you maximize your time in the parks. We breakdown 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!