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 all of the Universal Orlando hotels ranked! This article was updated in 2025 to include the brand-new Epic Universe hotels as well. After staying at every Universal Orlando hotel multiple times and weighing the pros and cons, we can confidently say that our favorite value resort is Cabana Bay Beach Resort, our favorite prime value is Stella Nova Resort, and our 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

Ranking Universal Orlando Hotels

As of 2025, there are now 11 Universal Orlando hotels to rank, and all of them offer different amenities and starting rates for families to choose from. For the below rankings, we are going to take into account amenities, dining options, transportation, and price. Based on our experiences visiting the Universal Hotels, our favorite value resort is Cabana Bay Beach Resort, our favorite prime value is Stella Nova Resort, and our favorite signature resort is Loews Portofino Bay Resort, which would also include the free Universal Express Pass.

Universal Studios Orlando Hotels Ranked

11. Universal Endless Summer Resort Dockside Inn and Suites

10. Universal Endless Summer Resort Surfside Inn and Suites

9. Terra Luna Resort

8. Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort

7. Stella Nova Resort

6. Universal Aventura Hotel

5. Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

4. Universal Helios Grand Hotel

3. Loews Royal Pacific Resort

2. Hard Rock Resort

1. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Related Post: Discount Universal Orlando Vacation Packages

Ranking all Universal Orlando Hotels Based on Pros and Cons

Universals Endless Summer Resort Dockside

Rates start at $96.00 per night
Transportation: Shuttle

Pricing: 5/5

Amenities: 1/5

Dining: 1/5

Transportation: 1/5

Total score: 8/20

• Pros: Very affordable pricing with decent room options (including 2-bedroom suites). We also love that this resort has two pools compared to its smaller sister resort, Surfside Inn.
• Cons: Basic amenities, thin walls, and we have found it to be one of the busiest Universal hotels. We also don’t love that Dockside shares a bus with Surfside and is typically the second stop.
• What’s the vibe? Sand, sea, and sunsets at an affordable price.

Universals Endless Summer Surfside Inn & Suites

Rates start at $96.00 per night
Transportation: Shuttle

Pricing: 5/5

Amenities: 1/5

Dining: 1/5

Transportation: 1/5

Total score: 8/20

• Pros: Similar to its sister resort, Dockside Inn and Suites, we find Surfside to be very affordable with decent room options (including 2-bedroom suites). We also love that this resort is a bit smaller and more convenient than most of the other Universal Orlando hotels on this list.
• Cons: It does have basic amenities, including only one pool compared to the two at Dockside, thin walls, and it’s right in the middle of both Universal campuses.
• What’s the vibe? Sand, sea, and sunsets at an affordable price.

Universal Terra Luna Resort

Rates start at: $147 per night

Transportation: Shuttle

Pricing: 5/5

Amenities: 2/5

Dining: 2/5

Transportation: 1/5

Total score: 10/20

• Pros: Terra Luna 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. We have loved the promotional rates that Universal has been running at this resort. We also feel like the rooms are a step up above the value resorts.
• Cons: Unlike its sister resort, Stella Nova guests cannot walk to Epic Universe. It’s also a 15-minute bus ride away from Universal 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’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Rates start at $140.00 per night
Transportation: Shuttle

Pricing: 5/5

Amenities: 3/5

Dining: 2/5

Transportation: 2/5

Total score: 12/20

• Pros: An affordable, fun family resort with unique theming. One of the reasons we gave their amenity score a 3/5 is that this resort has its very own bowling alley, Galaxy Bowl. It also has two different pools with a lazy river and a slide for the kids. We also love the abilty to walk to Volcano Bay.
• Cons: This is one of the larger Universal Orlando resorts, so be sure to be prepared to walk. We also find that 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 Stella Nova Resort

Rates start at: $147 per night

Transportation: Shuttle, walking path to Epic Universe

Pricing: 5/5

Amenities: 2/5

Dining: 2/5

Transportation: 3.5/5

Total score: 12.5/20

• Pros: You simply can’t beat being within walking distance to Epic Universe at this price! 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.

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

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

Pricing: 3.5/5

Amenities: 3.5/5

Dining: 3/5

Transportation: 3.5/5

Total score: 13.5/20

• Pros: We simply love the amenities that come with the Sapphire Falls resort. It has one of the nicest pools on Universal property and 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. It also has a ton of transportation options.
• Cons: This resort does not include the complimentary Universal Express unlimited pass, which is included with 3 other signature collection resorts. We have also seen the price per night go up in recent months.
• What’s the vibe? Contemporary Caribbean with scenic views.

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)

Pricing: 2/5

Amenities: 3.5/5

Dining: 4/5

Transportation: 4/5

Total score: 13.5/20

• Pros: Helios Grand, opened 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. You also can’t beat having your own entrance into the brand new park Epic Universe.
• Cons: With its premium amenities and prime location, the price point is higher compared to other signature collection Universal resorts, which also offer the free 2-park Express Pass.
• What’s the vibe?: A bright, sun-soaked escape with Mediterranean elegance, celestial themes, and a serene, uplifting energy.

Universal’s Loews Royal Pacific Resort

Rates start at $325.00 per night
Transportation: Boat, shuttle, walkway to CityWalk

Pricing: 4/5

Amenities: 3/5

Dining: 4/5

Transportation: 4/5

Total score: 15/20

• 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 the free 2-park 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’s Hard Rock Hotel

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

Pricing: 3/5

Amenities: 4/5

Dining: 4/5

Transportation: 4.5/5

Total score: 15.5/20

• 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 some amazing restaurants, including the very popular Palm establishments. We also love how close and walkable this hotel is to Universal CityWalk.
• Cons: This is one of the more lively resorts, so this is not the resort for you if you are looking for a quieter and relaxing vacation. The rooms were a bit dated; however, we believe they are currently getting renovated.
• What’s the vibe? Posh, rock n’ roll luxury with vibrant and exciting musical theming.

Universal’s Loews Portofino Bay Resort

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

Pricing: 3/5

Amenities: 5/5

Dining: 4/5

Transportation: 4/5

Total score: 16/20

• Pros: You simply can’t beat the amenities at Portofino Bay as this resort is beautiful, with plenty of dining and entertainment options, and even has three different pools. Guests staying at Portofino Bay receive the 2-Park Universal Express Pass, which lets you skip the regular queue lines included in their stay.
• Cons: The restaurants are a bit pricier than you will find throughout most of the other resorts and even at the Universal CityWalk. It also isn’t as close to the parks as the Hard Rock and Royal Pacific, so the water taxi is best.
• What’s the vibe? Romantic and picturesque relaxation in the beautiful city of Portofino, Italy.

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!