Ultimate Comparison of All Universal Orlando Premier Hotels

Ultimate Comparison of All Universal Orlando Premier Hotels

Ultimate Comparison of All Universal Orlando Premier Hotels

This article is your guide to the best premier hotel at Universal Orlando! There are currently five Universal Orlando premiere resorts. Loews Royal Pacific Resort is the best hotel for families looking to stretch their budget, Portofino Bay Resort is for families looking for the most amenities, and the Hard Rock Resort is for families who don’t want to feel at a theme park resort.

Recently, Universal added Sapphire Falls and the new Epic Universe Helios Grand Hotel to the Premier hotels list, which we will talk about below!

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 is the Best Universal Orlando Premier Hotel?

As a general rule of thumb, we find Loews Royal Pacific Resort to be the cheapest and the best hotel for families looking to stretch their budget with the free Universal Express Passes, which are included with all Universal Orlando premiere resorts. Next, we have Portofino Bay, which is great for families looking for the most amenities nicest rooms, and best ambiance. Lastly, we have the Hard Rock Resort for families who want the closest proximity to the parks and who don’t want to feel like they are at a theme park resort.

Loews Sapphire Falls was just added to the “Signature” resorts list with the opening of Epic Universe and the new hotels coming then! The Universal Helios Grand Hotel is also a premier hotel but will not be open until 2025.

Ranking the best Universal Orlando Premier resorts?

1. Loews Royal Pacific Resort – Best hotel for families on a budget trying to get free express passes 
2. Loews Portofino Bay Resort – Best hotels for the most amenities and nicest ambiance
3. Hard Rock Resort – Best hotel for families who want to be closer to the parks and not feel like they are at a theme park hotel
4. Loews Sapphire Falls Resort – the newest premier hotel but one of the only ones that doesn’t offer free Express Pass with your stay.

*New* Universal Helios Grand Hotel – Opening May 22nd, 2025, the Helios Grand is supposed to be one of the nicest Premier hotels that Universal will have. Unfortunately, it will not come with the perk of free Express Pass with your stay, but it is connected to Epic Universe with its own entrance for guests!

Related post: Complete Guide to Universal Studios Orlando Transportation

Loews Royal Pacific Resort

The first hotel we are going to talk about is the Royal Pacific Resort, which is a Polynesian paradise and also typically the cheapest of the three Universal Orlando premiere resorts. Rooms here will typically start at $312 per night, and all have views of the beautiful tropical landscaping and South Sea decor. This is also a great option for families with Jurassic Park fans in their family as they have an amazing Jurassic World-inspired suite.

Loews Royal Pacific Resort Rooms

• 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 a 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 highlights of Loews Royal Pacific Resort?

• Jurassic World Suites – This makes Royal Pacific Resort one of the the most family-friendly Universal Premier hotels, 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 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

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Loews Portofino Bay is all about luxury, 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.

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel Rooms

• 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 an 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 a small living room and a 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 highlights of Loews Portofino Bay Hotel?

• 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 just adds 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 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

Hard Rock Hotel

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. Hard Rock is a great fit for families who don’t want to feel like they are staying at a theme park resort. It’s also the closest hotel to the theme parks, making it great for families who prefer walking. Rooms start at just around $359 per night, which is worth it if you want to see the booth where Elvis recorded his first song!

Universal Hard Rock Hotel Rooms

• Standard, Garden View and Pool View Rooms  –  375 sq. feet with two queen beds that sleep up to five with a mini fridge and modern decor
• Deluxe Rooms – Get a deluxe double queen at 500 sq. feet or a deluxe king at 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 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, a whirlpool tub, and enough space to sleep up to 7 guests.

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 a 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 are 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 Sapphire Falls Resort

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is perfect for those seeking a tropical escape with a laid-back island vibe. The entire hotel is designed to transport you to the Caribbean, with lush surroundings, calming waterfalls, and vibrant decor. Sapphire Falls is an excellent fit for families who want to unwind while still enjoying easy access to Universal Orlando’s theme parks. It’s also a short water taxi or shuttle ride to the parks, making transportation a breeze. Rooms start at around $230 per night, a great value for families looking for a relaxing retreat with all the perks of staying on-site.

Sapphire Falls Hotel Rooms

• Standard and Pool View Rooms – These rooms provide 321 square feet of space with two queen beds, accommodating up to four guests. They feature modern decor, flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, and coffee makers.
• King Suites – At 595 square feet, these suites offer a spacious bedroom with a king bed, a separate sitting area, and a pull-out sofa. They are perfect for small families or couples, accommodating up to four guests.
• Kids Suites – Designed with families in mind, these 529 square-foot suites feature two separate areas: one with a king bed for adults and another with two twin beds for kids. The kids’ room has fun, themed decor and is accessible only through the adult’s room for added safety and comfort.
• Sapphire Suites – Offering 851 square feet, the Sapphire Suite provides a king bed, a separate living room with a dining area, a wet bar, and 1.5 bathrooms. This suite accommodates up to five guests and is perfect for those seeking additional comfort and space.
• Hospitality Suites – These 1,353 square-foot suites include a separate dining area, a spacious living room, a kitchenette, and a bathroom. The suite sleeps up to four guests with a king bed and a pull-out sofa.

What are the highlights of Sapphire Falls?

• Tropical Lagoon-Style Pool – Relax in the 16,000 square-foot pool, complete with a water slide, hot tub, and sandy beach areas. Kids will enjoy the splash zones, while adults can unwind in the nearby cabanas.
• Proximity to the Parks – The resort is just a short water taxi or shuttle ride away from Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure or CityWalk
• Dining – Experience Caribbean-inspired cuisine at the resort’s signature restaurant, Amatista Cookhouse, which offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For a more casual option, head to the Strong Water Tavern for rum tastings and tapas.

Related post: Complete Guide to Epic Universe Orlando

Universal Premier Hotels FAQ

Q: What are the Benefits of Staying at a Universal Studios Premier Hotel

• 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 the park opens 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 receives a Universal Premiere Hotel Express Pass! That is a value over $100 per person free, included in your stay

Q: What is the difference between Universal Preferred vs Premier hotels?

A: 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.

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: Does the 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.

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 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!