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Disney World is often the center of attention. But if you are a fan of Universal Studios in Orlando, you may be wondering where you can stay while you’re there. What is the best hotel in Universal Orlando? We have some suggestions for hotels near Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal’s Volcano Bay, […]


Disney World is often the center of attention. But if you are a fan of Universal Studios in Orlando, you may be wondering where you can stay while you’re there. What is the best hotel in Universal Orlando?


We have some suggestions for hotels near Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal’s Volcano Bay, and Universal Studios Florida.


This list will help you find great options for your next vacation, regardless of your budget or preferences. These are our top picks for the best Universal hotels in Orlando.


The Universal Orlando Hotels Offers


It is a smart idea to search for the best hotels close to Universal Studios Orlando. There are many lodging options in the area. You will find that the best hotels in Universal Orlando have a wide range of perks available only to their guests.

Accessibility. It’s easy to get around Universal. The commute can be even more enjoyable. Many hotels provide complimentary water taxis that allow you to get to the parks. Others offer shuttle buses. Many of these hotels also offer paved paths for those who wish to walk.

Universal hotel guests can get early entry to the park, which allows them to enter before any other ticket holders. You will typically get a 30-to-60-minute head start prior to the official opening of the park. You will be granted early access to different parks depending on where you are staying.

You will also receive a Universal Express Unlimited pass if you book a Premier hotel. These passes are only available for qualifying reservations at the Loews Portofino bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel or Loews Royal Pacific Resort properties. They allow you to skip the lines entirely.


The best hotels in Universal Orlando for your location


It’s hard to beat being right by the park. The best hotels in Universal Studios Orlando can be found just a short boat ride or a stroll away.


Loews Royal Pac Resort


Loews Royal Pacific Resort. Photo courtesy Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando


This hotel is Polynesian themed and features a beach, palm-lined pools, and rooms inspired by islands. This resort is renowned for its many amenities, including a lagoon-style swimming pool, spa access, and a luau experience. To avoid waiting in lines at Universal Studios Florida or Universal’s Islands of Adventure, guests receive a Universal Express Unlimited Pass. All parks can be reached by water taxi or shuttle.


Loews Portofino Bay Hotel


Water taxis can transport guests from their hotel to the parks. (Photo courtesy Loews Hotels in Universal Orlando.


The hotel’s Italian architecture is what makes it a favourite. It was inspired by Portofino, the town on the coast. You can enjoy a taste from Italy with the outdoor cafes and shops that line the main piazza. There are also three pools, one featuring a Roman aqueduct-themed slide and multiple cuisine options. The Portofino offers Universal Express Unlimited passes to its guests, which can be used to transport them to the parks via water taxi or shuttle.


Hard Rock Hotel


The Hard Rock Hotel pool. (Photo courtesy Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando).


The Hard Rock brand’s rock ‘n roll influence is evident in this hotel. Guests will be able to sleep among popular memorabilia. Enjoy the resort’s amenities such as live music, a swimming pool that plays classic American songs, and a variety of other entertainment options when you get up in the morning. The Universal Express Unlimited pass is also available to those who have stayed at the resort for a qualifying period. You can travel to the parks by water taxi, shuttle, or just a five-minute walk.


Loews Sapphire Falls Resort


Loews Sapphire Falls Resort. Photo courtesy Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando


This property is reminiscent of a Caribbean resort with waterfalls and island-themed steel drum music. One hour of early admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is available to guests staying here. You can either take a water taxi or a shuttle bus to get to the parks. Or you can walk to Volcano Bay.


The best hotel in Universal Orlando at a great price


Saving money on hotel costs is a great way of making your trip more affordable, especially considering the high cost of amusement parks. Although these hotels are a little further from the parks, they offer free transportation.


Universal’s Endless Summer Resort Dockside Inn & Suites


Loews Hotels Endless Summer Resort pool. Photo courtesy Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando


The property features spacious rooms with hardwood floors and is suitable for families. Two swimming pools, a restaurant and food court are just a few of the amenities available on-site. There is also a play area for children and splash pads. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is one hour early for guests staying here. Volcano Bay and the main parks are accessible by shuttle.


Universal’s Endless Summer Resort- Surfside Inn & Suites


Universal’s Endless Resort – Surfside Inn & Suites. (Photo courtesy Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando


The resort is budget-friendly and beach-themed. It features a pool that looks like a surfboard, as well as plenty of umbrella-shaded seating near the pools. There are many rooms that can accommodate up to six people in the two-bedroom suites. The Dockside Inn guests have one hour early access to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. A shuttle also provides transportation to Volcano Bay or other parks.


Best Universal Hotels for Families


These are the best options for families with small children or extended families. They are affordable and offer plenty of space.


Universal’s Aventura Hotel


Universal’s Aventura Hotel. Image courtesy Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando.


This modern high-rise hotel’s two-bedroom Kids Suites are a great choice for anyone looking to find the right balance between personal space and proximity to parks. The suites come with two bedrooms: one with a queen bed and the other with two twin beds. A sofa bed can be added to the living room.


Volcano Bay can be reached by foot, or guests can take a complimentary shuttle bus to get to the other parks. These parks are visible from the upper floors of the building. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is also available to guests who stay here an hour earlier than the general public.


Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort


The lazy river at Universal’s Cabana Beach Resort. (Photo courtesy Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando).


This hotel’s retro design brings back the feeling of a 1950s or ’60s Florida beach resort. Two queen-size beds and a sofa bed make it possible to sleep six in some rooms. The kitchenettes are great for families, and the bathroom can be separated so that you have more privacy. The hotel offers a lazy river, a water slide and a bowling alley.


Volcano Bay is only five minutes away from the hotel. There are complimentary shuttles available to all parks. One hour of early admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is available for guests.


Top hotels for points redemptions


However, not everyone needs to be close by. There are many options for those looking to save money and redeem points in Orlando. There are many favorites.


DoubleTree by Hilton, at the Entrance of Universal Orlando

Hilton Honors members will love this property. It is located right at the entrance of the parks and is mentioned in the official title. The brand’s dynamic pricing model means that redemption rates can vary from night to night. However, this is a great option for people who are looking to save money but still prefer to travel by foot.


Residence Inn near Universal Orlando

You can count on a complimentary shuttle to take you around the hotel. Marriott Bonvoy members might already be aware that Residence Inn properties provide extra living space, in-room cooking and living areas with sofa beds. A complimentary breakfast is just one of the many benefits you get from a stay in this hotel.


Hyatt Place, and Hyatt House are located across from Universal Orlando Resort

Both Hyatt Place, and Hyatt House are great options for redeeming points. Hyatt Place, a property in category 2, has rates starting at 6,500 Points per night for redemption. Hyatt House, a property in category 3, has redemption rates starting from 9,000 points. They include a complimentary breakfast and a shuttle service to the parks.

This is a great way to earn points and can be a huge benefit for guests. Consider using the World of Hyatt Credit Card if you are paying for a hotel stay. You can earn bonus points for every dollar spent — up to 9x points for Hyatt stays


All the best Universal Orlando hotels are


You can choose to stay in a luxurious resort, a place where you can redeem points, or a family-friendly property. There are properties near Universal Orlando for all budgets.


These suggestions offer a quick overview of hotels that suit a variety of travel styles and budgets. But, in the end, the Universal hotel that is right for you might just be the one that you spend time with those you love.


(Top Photo courtesy of Universal Parks and Resorts).


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