4 Best Hotels in Universal Orlando, Florida

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Terry Ward

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.

Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort

$$ | 6550 Adventure Way, Universal Orlando Resort, FL, 32819, USA Fodor's Choice

Universal's nostalgic, mid-century-theme beach resort transports you to a 1950s Florida beach town with a modern twist; it also offers families a less-expensive but still benefit-rich alternative to on-site Universal properties. Extras include a 10-lane bowling alley, a Jack LaLanne fitness studio, early park admission, two pools (one with a slide), a lazy river, poolside activities, and free shuttle buses to and from Universal parks and CityWalk, as well as to nearby SeaWorld and Aquatica.

Pros

  • Early access to Universal
  • Bowling alley
  • Two swimming pools

Cons

  • Very expensive parking fee
  • Disney is not close by
  • Some rooms open onto outdoor passageways
6550 Adventure Way, Universal Orlando Resort, FL, 32819, USA
407-503–4000
www.universalorlando.com
Hotel Details
1,800 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

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Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando Resort

$$ | 6601 Adventure Way, Universal Orlando Resort, FL, 32819, USA

The romantic and sophisticated Sapphire Falls is connected by walkway and water taxi to Universal and CityWalk and has a beach vibe that carries through from its blue waterfalls to the distant sound of steel drums. Inside are two Caribbean-themed restaurants, a coffee shop with sandwiches, and a rum-rich watering hole.

Pros

  • All the perks of staying at a Universal property except Express Pass
  • Boat takes you to Universal and CityWalk
  • Outstanding on-property bar–restaurant

Cons

  • Few activities for kids
  • Water taxis and shuttles can be crowded
  • It's a long way to Disney
6601 Adventure Way, Universal Orlando Resort, FL, 32819, USA
888-430–4999
www.universalorlando.com
Hotel Details
1,000 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

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Universal's Endless Summer Resort–Dockside Inn and Suites

$$ | 7125 Universal Blvd., Universal Orlando Resort, FL, 32819, USA

A sweet deal for families, this resort is right across the street from the Surfside Inn and Suites and offers similar amenities, including value pricing, plenty of standard rooms, and family suites that sleep up to six.

Recommended Fodor's Video

Universal's Endless Summer Resort–Surfside Inn and Suites

$$ | 7125 Universal Blvd., Universal Orlando Resort, FL, 32819, USA

This beach-themed resort features standard rooms, two-bedroom family suites that sleep up to six, two pools, and a splash area. Classed as a value lodging by Universal, the resort is not on the main Universal campus, but southeast, across I-4, close to the area where Universal's Epic Universe theme park is slated to open in 2025.