Whether you are a long-time Walt Disney World guest or visiting Orlando for the first time, planning a visit to Universal Orlando Resort poses a lot of questions. In this article, we will discuss the Universal hotel tiers, their pros and cons, and amenities. In future articles, we will dive into each individual hotel and help you choose a resort.
Resort Basics
Universal Orlando offers seven on-site hotels priced from under $100 to over $500 per night. Universal’s advertised pricing on their website is based on a five-night stay; the longer you stay on property the bigger the discount.
Universal’s hotels are operated by Loews Hotels, a luxury hotel company that operates hotels around the USA. Universal’s properties are modern, clean, well lit, and feature on-site security. Speaking of safety, all resorts have automatically locking side doors, monitored front entrances, room safes, and locked gated access to resort amenities.
All on-site resorts include the following benefits:
- Early Park Admission
- Resort-wide complimentary transportation – bus, boat (where available), and a resort-to-resort shuttle
- Room key charging around the resorts and theme parks
- Club-t0-club access at CityWalk
- Resort-wide package delivery to the hotel
- On-site dining
- Pools and pool bars
- Fitness Centers (yes, even Value Resorts)
- Game Rooms
- On-site Universal Studio Stores
Premier resorts also feature these additional benefits:
- Unlimited Express Pass
- Priority dining at select Universal sit-down restaurants
- Sit-down dining at the resorts
- Club Level rooms and concierge service
A deposit of one night is taken at booking; the remainder is due at the time of check-in. Cancelations five nights or more before check-in will receive a full refund; cancelations four days or less forfeit the deposit amount.
Finally, overnight parking is not free – parking fees range from $15 to $28 per night depending on the resort.
Premier Hotels
Equivalent to Disney’s Deluxe Magic Kingdom monorail hotels, Premier hotels are the top tier at Universal and are rated four diamonds by AAA. These hotels offer high-quality textiles, large rooms, sit-down restaurants, lounges, spas, and luxurious amenities. Prices start in the mid-to-high $200s to $500 during peak season per night for standard rooms based on a five-night stay.
There are three Premier Hotels:
- Loews Portofino Bay Resort – Italian ambiance in the middle of Central Florida.
- Hard Rock Hotel – A little rock’n’roll attitude in a Southern California-inspired setting.
- Loews Royal Pacific Resort – Lush South Pacific islands-themed resort.
Pros:
- The most luxurious hotels at Universal Orlando
- Unlimited Express Pass included with each room, up to five guests
- 5-10 minute walk to the parks, all feature boat transportation
- A complete resort feel with elaborate pools, special events, entertainment, and unique dining
Cons:
- Cost – rates run from mid $200s up to and over $500 per night depending on the time of year
Preferred Hotels
Preferred is equivalent to something like Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club. Amenities are similar to Premier hotels except they lack Unlimited Express Passes and are not rated four diamonds by AAA. Prices for standard rooms start in the high $100s to low $300s for a five-night stay.
There is one Preferred Hotel:
- Loews Sapphire Falls Resort – Caribbean-themed resort inspired by rum production and Jamaican waterfalls.
Pros:
- Premier amenities at a lower price
- Covered access to conference rooms at Loews Royal Pacific
- Boat and bus transportation to the parks
Cons:
- No Unlimted Express Pass
- Longer walk to the parks
Prime Value Hotels
Prime Value are equivalent to Disney’s moderate resorts and offer unique amenities at a low price. Standard rooms start in the low $100s to mid $200s per night for a five-night stay. Do not be fooled by the name of the resorts, they are still run by Loews.
There are two Prime Value hotels:
- Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort – kitschy mid-century design of Atlantic seaboard motels with modern hotel luxuries, including an on-site bowling alley.
- Universal’s Aventura Hotel – sleek, contemporary high rise hotel inspired by Miami skyscrapers with high-tech rooms.
Pros:
- Closest walks to Volcano Bay
- Each resort has unique features not available at other resorts
Cons:
- No Express Pass
- Sacrifices textile and furnishing quality for lower prices
- Longest walks to the theme parks
- No boat access to the theme parks
Value Hotels
Universal’s Value category are equitable to Disney’s All-Star Resorts: high value, low frill hotels. Standard rooms start under $100 per night with a five-night stay. Like Prime Value these resorts are operated by Loews.
There is one Value hotel complex:
- Universal’s Endless Summer Resort Surfside and Dockside offer a laid-back California beach vibe with surf- and pier-inspired design.
Pros:
- The cheapest on-site rooms
- Low priced food and drink options
Cons:
- No Express Pass
- Minimal frills or extras – bare-bones rooms
- No walking or boat access to the parks, just buses
- Fewest amenities of the resort options
Do you have questions about which Universal hotel to stay at? Leave your questions and comments below!
The post Universal Orlando Resort for Newbies – Universal Hotels Overview appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.
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Filed Under: Universal Orlando Resort, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Universal’s Aventura Hotel, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal’s Endless Summer Resort
