Ultimate Comparison of All Universal Orlando Premier Hotels 2023

Ultimate Comparison of All Universal Orlando Premier Hotels 2023

Ultimate Comparison of All Universal Orlando Premier Hotels 2023

This article is your ultimate comparison guide of Universal Premier hotels 2023. Are you thinking of staying at one of Universal Orlando’s Premier hotels and trying to decide which one is best? The three Premier Hotels at Universal Orlando each have unique themes and various dining options to set them apart, but which is truly the best?

In this article, we are going to compare Universal Premier Hotels to help you decide which is best for your next Universal vacation!

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

Universal Studios Premier Hotels 2023

Universal Orlando Resort has 8 different unique hotel options for guests to book when staying onsite for their Orlando vacation. They separate these hotels with 4 different tiers, starting with Value, Value Prime, Preferred, and the top tier Premier. The Universal Studios Orlando Premier hotels are considered the “luxury” or “deluxe” options of Universal hotels, therefore, priced the highest.

The three different Universal Premier Hotels are all top notch choices with the best amenities and truly a great choice for an epic vacation,

What are the 2023 Universal Premier Hotels?

So, which of the Universal hotels are Premier?

• Loews Portfofino Bay Hotel
• The Hard Rock Hotel
• Loews Royal Pacific Resort

What is the difference between Universal Preferred vs Premier hotels?

The unique thing about the Preferred hotel category is that there is only one hotel that qualifies for it. Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is the only Preferred Universal hotel, and that is because it does not offer the same top tier amenities and is much lower priced.

Related post: Complete Guide to Universal Studios Orlando Transportation

What are the Benefits of Staying at a Universal Studios Premier Hotel 2022?

So, what are the benefits of staying at a Universal Premier hotel? Of course, it better be worth it to stay at the best of the best with the higher price tags than the other tiers. We tend to think that Universal offers some great perks for the Premier hotel category and definitely make it worth it to spend a little extra to stay in one.

• Best Universal Orlando transportation – All guests staying at a Universal Premier hotel have the fastest and most convenient transportation options
• Early Park Admission – Get into the park one hour before park open to get on some of Universal’s top rated attractions
• Free Universal Express Pass Unlimited for each registered guest – That’s right, each guest staying receive a Universal Premiere Hotel Express Pass! That is a value over $100 per person free included in your stay.

Universal Premier Hotel Transportation

As we mentioned above, some of the best perks of Premier resorts at Universal is the transportation options offered.

• Universal Shuttle Bus
• Water-Taxi (Best transportation in our opinion)
• Walking Trails

Related post: Complete Guide to Universal Studios Orlando Transportation

Loews Royal Pacific Resort – Premier Universal Hotels

The first Universal Premier hotel we are going to talk about is the Royal Pacific Resort, which is a Polynesian paradise. Resort rooms typically start at $312 per night and all have views of the beautiful tropical landscaping and South Sea decor. Guests truly can feel their troubles melt away at the lagoon-style pool that is lined with lush palm tree vegetation, that is great for kids or adults.

This Premier hotel at Universal Orlando lives up to its name with white sand beach pools and relaxing waterfalls that is perfect for a tropical getaway.

Loews Royal Pacific Resort Rooms 2022

• Standard room (Garden and Water View) – 335 sq. feet with two queen beds that can sleep up to 5 or a king that can sleep up to 3
• King Suites – 670 sq. feet suites that can sleep up to 4 guests with a king bed and pull out sofa with separate living area
• Jurassic World Kids Suite – Two separate bedrooms, one being a kid’s room Jurassic World themed.
• Club Guest rooms – 335 sq feet with two queens or king
• 1 bedroom Hospitality Suite – 670 sq. feet with a double queen bedroom, dining space, living area and kitchen
• 2 Bedroom Hospitality Suite – Same amenities as the 1 Bedroom, but with another entire bedroom!

What are the restaurants at Loews Royal Pacific Resort?

• Islands Dining Room
• Jake’s American Bar
• Orchid Court Lounge and Sushi Bar
• Tuk Tuk Market
• Bula Bar & Grille
• Wantilan Luau

You will love the dining at this 2022 Premier Universal hotel, especially with special ticketed dinner events like the Wantilan Luau. Guests can book an experience to see a weekly Hawaiian dinner show with an all you can eat buffet with Polynesian food. Hula and fire dancers? Sign us up!

What are the highlights of Loews Royal Pacific Resort?

• Jurassic World Suites – This makes Royal Pacific Resort the most family friendly Universal Premier hotel, which is nice if you’re paying a lot of money for a family vacation.
• Lagoon-Style Swimming Pool – Dip your toes in the sand or swim the day away in this incredible pool with an interactive water play area and beach volleyball court
• It is really close to the parks! – You can walk from Royal Pacific Resort or take a very quick boat ride over to CityWalk, as it is only a few minutes away.
• Beautiful, island retreat – So many guests feel that Royal Pacific Resort is tranquil with its breezy, upscale tropical vibes

Related post: Complete Guide to the Jurassic World VelociCoaster at Universal Orlando Resort

Hard Rock Hotel – Premier Hotels Universal Orlando 2022

The Hard Rock Hotel is always a classic when it comes to Universal Studios Premier Hotels because who doesn’t want to stay like a rockstar? The Hard Rock Hotel is perfect for the pop culture fan or even music lover as the entire hotel is covered with authentic rock n’ roll memorabilia. Rooms start at just around $359 per night, which are totally worth it if you want to see the booth where Elvis recorded his first song!

This Premier Hotel at Universal Orlando lives up to its name, with the California Mission theme outdoors and architecture inspired by the Hotel California album by the Eagles. No matter if you come for the music or the award-winning restaurants, The Hard Rock Hotel will be a stay you’ll never forget.

Universal Hard Rock Hotel Rooms 2023

• Standard, Garden View and Pool View Rooms  –  375 sq. feet with two queen beds that sleep up to five with a min fridge and modern decor
• Deluxe Rooms – Get a deluxe double queen at 500 sq. feet or a deluxe king for 400 sq. feet and enjoy an oversized room with a living space and dining area.
• Future Rock Star Suites – 800 sq. feet and sleeps up to 5 guests (1 King bed, 2 twins and a rollaway) where the adults get their own separate room and kids have a designated area.
• King Suites – 650 sq. feet that sleeps up to 4 with 1-bedroom king, large entertainment area and pull out sofa.
• Hospitality Suite – Enjoy one king bed and one queen sofa bed in this 1,250 sq. foot suite that sleeps up to 4 guests.
• Graceland Suite – You will live in luxury in the Graceland suite with 2,000 sq. feet, a baby grand piano, whirlpool tub and enough space to sleep up to 7 guests.

What are the restaurants at Hard Rock Hotel?

• Velvet Bar
• Emack and Bolio’s Marketplace
• The Kitchen
• The Palm
• beachclub

What are the highlights of The Hard Rock Hotel?

• Very Walkable Distance – The Hard Rock Hotel is the closest hotel to any of the theme parks and is about 5 minute walk to Universal Studios Florida.
• 12,000 sq, foot pool – Splash around with this zero entry, white sand beach pool with a 260 foot water slide or adult-only hot tub.
• Rock music memorabilia – If you’re looking for endless entertainment, there is over $1 million dollars worth of authentic rock n’ roll artifacts like guitars, clothing, records and more!
• Best hotel dining on property – You’re not going to have a bad meal eating at one of the restaurants in The Hard Rock Hotel. Try the Southern-influenced menu at The Kitchen, where you can get breakfast, lunch or dinner any day.

Related post: Complete Guide to Universal Disability Pass 

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel – Premier Hotels Universal 2023

Loews Portofino Bay is all about luxury with this Universal premier hotel 2023, which is inspired by the beauty of the seaside village of Portofino, Italy. This Premier hotel at Universal immerses you fully with cobblestone streets, a sparkling bay filled with colorful canoes and romantic Italian architecture. At Portofino Bay, you will also find charming live music playing among the streets lined with lush cypress trees and vegetation. Rooms at Portofino Bay start at $372 a night, which seems worth it to be transported across the world to a small village in the Italian Riviera.

If you want the real deal at this Universal Studios Premier hotel, you can look no further, as the authentic restaurants located here are among the best and alone worth a visit. Many guests claim that Portofino Bay is on another level and is the best Universal Premier hotel on property. We will leave that up for you to decide!

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel Rooms 2023

• Standard Guest Rooms (Garden and Bay View) – Choose either two queens or a king in this 650 sq. foot room with bold decor and gorgeous views of the property
• Deluxe Rooms – Sleeps up to 3 guests with 490 sq feet of room with one king or two queens with a little extra breathing room for the guests staying
• Hospitality Suites (Garden King, Garden Two Queen)- 1,370 sq. feet with expansive living space with extra murphy bed that can accommodate two guests.
• Portofino Suite (Garden or Bay View) – 900 sq. foot suite that comes with a king bed or two queens and small living room and cozy pull out bed that can hold up to two guests.
• Villa Suite – 1,100 sq. foot suite that can hold up to 8 guests with two queen beds or 6 guests with a king bed and a spacious living area with a sleeper sofa
• Despicable Me Kid’s Suite – 800 sq. feet with a separate bedroom with two twin Despicable Me themed beds and a king bed for adults

What are the restaurants at Portofino Bay Hotel?

• Bice Ristorante
• Mama Delia’s Ristorante
• Trattoria del Porto
• Bar American
• Sal’s Market Deli
• Slendido Bar & Grille
• The Thirsty Fish
• Gelataria

What are the highlights of Loews Portofino Bay Hotel?

So, what are some of the pros of staying at the Universal Orlando Premier Hotel Portofino Bay?

• Live Music – Guests walking up and down the shops on the bay can be serenaded by an opera singer from time to time, giving it an authentic feel
• Romantic atmosphere – Portofino Bay Hotel is perfect for that romantic getaway, honeymoon or just a group that likes to stay in luxury with a charming setting. Also, the most delicious Italian cuisine which just ads to that cozy atmosphere
• Despicable Me Kids Suite – The Despicable Me Suite is a huge stand out for families looking to do something special on their next Universal Vacation for their Minion lovers!
• Three separate pools and a spa! – On top of having three separate pools. Portofino Bay is also the only 2022 Universal Premier Hotel with a spa. Kick up your next vacation a notch by selecting one of the services at the Mandara spa.

Related post: Guide to Spending One Day at Universal Islands of Adventure

What is the Best Premier Hotel at Universal Orlando?

So, what is the best Universal Premier Hotel? That will always depend on what you’re looking for out a vacation. There are better choices of Premier Resorts for Universal depending on your party, budget, length of stay and preferred dining and theme! All three resorts are great for kids, especially seeing as that each Premier hotel at Universal offers a specialty themed kid’s suite. There is also free Universal Express Pass Unlimited offered at each of the Premier tier hotels, so it also a wash in that category.

If you’re looking for a honeymoon or romantic getaway, we would suggest going with Portofino Bay first and then using Royal Pacific as a close second. The Hard Rock Hotel tends to be a little nosier with the huge pool complex and rock n’ roll theming. Each Universal Orlando Premier Hotel has their own unique set of highlights, and we just can’t choose our favorite!

What is the cheapest Universal Premier Hotel?

While Royal Pacific Resort is technically the cheapest with rooms starting at $312 a night, we really don’t think that there is a huge price difference overall.

Related post: Complete Guide to Universal Orlando Characters

Universal Premier Hotels FAQ

Q: What are Universal Premier Hotels?

A: There are three Premier hotels at Universal: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, The Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort.

Q: What are the Universal Premier Hotels with Express Pass?

A: All three Premier Universal hotels come with a free Universal Express Pass Unlimited for all guests registered to the room.

Q: How much is parking at Royal Pacific Resort?

A: The self parking at Loews Royal Pacific Resort is $28 per vehicle per night and valet parking is $37 per car, per night.

Q: Does Hard Rock Hotel in Orlando have a casino?

A: There is not a casino at Hard Rock Hotel in Orlando, which is on Universal Orlando Resort property.

Q: How much is parking at Hard Rock Hotel Orlando?

A: The self parking at The Hard Rock Hotel Orlando is $28 per vehicle per night and valet parking is $37 per car, per night.

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 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 our Universal Orlando Tickets! All Park Prodigy Universal Orlando tickets will get you into the park one hour before regular park guests with Universal Early Park Admission! And to stay up to date on everything going on inside the theme parks be sure to check out our partners at Themeparktoday.com!