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Universal Orlando's three original on-site hotels were built in a little luxury enclave that has everything you need so you never have to leave Universal property. In minutes, you can walk from any hotel to CityWalk, or take a ferry to the parks. Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Lowes Sapphire Falls are farther afield but are adjacent to the new Volcano Bay. More hotels are being built on the former site of Wet ’n Wild, but they are even farther from the parks.
A burgeoning hotel district across Kirkman Road and down to Sand Lake Road offers convenient accommodations and some even less expensive rates. Although these off-property hotels don't have the perks of the on-site places, you'll probably be smiling when you see your hotel bill.
This reasonably priced, recently refurbished hotel is less than a mile from Universal and offers free Wi-Fi, free parking, free shuttle to Universal, free hot breakfast, free long-distance and local phone calls, and free hot food and cold beverages in the late afternoon.
Within view of all three Universal theme parks (best seen from the rooftop bar), this Miami Beach–style resort hotel has a casually elegant look and simple, modern rooms with free Wi-Fi, in-room safes, mini-refrigerators, flat-panel TVs, and on-demand movies. A pool, splash zone, and fire pit are a few of the outdoor amenities. Since this is a Universal resort, you'll receive complimentary transportation throughout Universal Orlando as well as early admission to the parks on selected days.
The far larger half of a dual resort created atop what was once the Wet 'n Wild water park, this property is massive even by Orlando standards, and about half the rooms are two-bedroom suites, making it a smart choice for families who need a little more space. The feeling here is relaxed, affordable, and easy with game rooms, a food court, and two resort-style pools. Guests also receive theme park perks like early admission and complimentary transportation to the parks.
Opened nearly in tandem with its larger sister property, the Dockside Inn and Suites, the family-friendly sun-and-surf-theme Surfside Inn and Suites is considered a value property. The extra room in the suites is a godsend to those with more than one child. There's a game room and food court, as well as a surfboard-shape pool that attracts kids who, even after a long day in the parks, somehow still have the energy for a pool party. As one of Universal's Loews hotels, another perk is early admission and complimentary transportation to the parks.
