Many excellent hotels reside near Universal Orlando Resort’s fantastic theme parks. Which ones are the best hotels close to Universal Orlando?

With the rise of Universal Orlando Resort as an attractive option for guests to visit on vacation, the desire for hotels nearby has increased. In partnership with Loews Hotels, Universal Orlando Resort offers guests vacation places to stay for any budget.

Also, since Universal Orlando Resort resides in the heart of Orlando, many nearby “off-site” hotels provide additional options. Several “off-site” hotels, not run by Universal/Loews, are within reasonable walking distance of the two current Universal Orlando Resort theme parks (Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida). Of course, the staff at Universal Family Vacations will help you with any questions about the hotels close to Universal Orlando Resort. As more visitors decide to visit Universal Orlando Resort in the battle of Universal vs. Disney, the free guidance of the Universal Family Vacations’ travel expert could be helpful. In addition, this resource will explore the essential details you need to know to determine the best hotels near Universal Orlando Resort for your group.

Good News About Hotels Close to Universal Orlando Theme Parks

Deciding which hotel close to Universal Orlando gives the best option for your group can be challenging. However, we have some good news for your upcoming Orlando area vacation. Way more hotels close to Universal Orlando

A higher percentage of quality hotels are nearby for a Universal Orlando Resort vacation. This looks appealing compared to an all-inclusive beach vacation. Moreover, hotels close to Universal Orlando cost far less on average than hotels near the four Walt Disney World theme parks.

Ranking Hotels Close to Universal Orlando Theme Parks

For the record, we have hotels close to the Universal Orlando theme parks that we love. Also, we have some like less. Many variables must be considered before a complete ranking of all the Universal Orlando area hotels can be made. What would make a great hotel for your group might be a far less desirable hotel for my group. However, since we have stayed in all the hotels mentioned in this resource, we have on-the-ground experience of the strengths and weaknesses of the hotels close to the Universal Orlando theme parks. As a result, we will not be using online review sites or information from the hotels themselves to indicate which hotels are the best. We will also explore categories like best families with children and teens, best for couples, best for solo trips, and even best choices depending on your vacation budget.

We appreciate other sites and books that rank the hotels based on their experience. Still, our experience helping Orlando area visitors leads us to focus on the fact that every group is slightly different, so we feel it is impossible to make a one-size-fits-all ranking of the best hotels near Universal Orlando’s theme parks. So, we will not tell you what we think is the very best hotel. We will provide you with tools to decide for yourself since we do not know every detail of your group.

Future Impact of Epic Universe

Before looking at the best hotels close to the Universal Orlando theme parks, we should mention Universal Epic Universe opening in 2025. The first major theme park built in the Orlando area in over 25 years opens in 2025. Universal Epic Universe should change the course of the theme park industry in many ways when it opens in 2025. As a part of Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Epic Universe will open with three new Universal/Loews “on-site” hotels for guests to enjoy.

At this point, we do not know what day Universal Epic Universe will open to all guests. We expect team members, passholders, and media previews before that exciting day happens. However, we do know when two of the three hotels that will be very near the Epic Universe theme park will open. Universal Stella Nova Resort will open on January 21, 2025, and Universal Terra Luna Resort opens on February 25, 2025. Both are near the Universal Epic Universe theme park.

Both hotels will be priced at the Universal Orlando Prime Value Hotel level. This makes them more budget-friendly but not the cheapest hotels close to Universal Orlando’s theme parks. When the Epic Universe theme park opens, these hotels will need to be considered as some of the best choices for groups looking for a more budget-friendly hotel for their vacation.

Best Hotels Close to Universal Orlando Theme Parks: Universal Helios Grand Hotel

When Universal Epic Universe opens in 2025, a new contender will emerge for the best hotel close to the Universal Orlando theme parks. In fact, this hotel will be inside Universal Epic Universe.

Universal Helios Grand Hotel, the most luxurious hotel built in partnership with Universal Epic Universe, will be inside the new theme park. The unique appeal of Universal Helios Grand Hotel is that it is located within Celestial Park inside Universal Epic Universe. Because of this location, guests staying there will have a direct, dedicated entrance to Universal Epic Universe.

Thus, Universal Helios Grand Hotel provides a luxurious stay for those who want to be as close as possible to the Universal Orlando theme parks. According to Universal Orlando, the Universal Helios Grand Hotel embodies a place where the celestial and terrestrial merge. This new hotel comes with statements by Universal Orlando that it will contain unparalleled, unique luxury in its 500 luxurious rooms.

However, we still do not have an opening date for this hotel. All signs indicate it will open when Universal Epic Universe opens for previews in 2025. Earlier this year, the MouseChat podcast did an episode about Universal Epic Universe and its hotels. If you are interested, you can see what the talented team thought about the hotels when they were first announced.

This brand-new theme park will bring plenty of excitement for theme park fans. Until then, the best hotels close to Universal’s theme parks in Florida will not contain those three soon-to-open hotels. Nonetheless, those three would make the list if they were already open at the time of writing.

Universal Orlando Express Pass Factor

Another significant factor in determining the best hotels close to the Universal Orlando theme parks relates to the desire for express passes. Express passes are the Universal Orlando version of the theme park tool formerly known as “FastPass” to so many.

For those unfamiliar with the Express Pass at Universal Orlando Resort, guests can enter a shorter queue for almost every attraction at Universal Orlando’s two theme parks. This works like the Walt Disney World Lightning Lane system with several advantages. For example, guests do not have to stress scheduling them in advance. With the unlimited express pass, you can enter the express queue anytime (and as often as) you desire. As the name implies, you can do these for an unlimited amount. If you aim to experience all the attractions at Universal Orlando Resort quickly, an express pass will expedite that. Please be advised that Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure does not accept Express Pass at the time of writing. Also, we have no official information about the express pass options for the Universal Epic Universe.

At Universal Orlando, guests can purchase express passes for their theme park day. These special upgrades allow guests to enter shorter queues for most attractions at least once. On busy crowd-level days at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure theme parks, these upgrades may cost over $300 per person daily.

However, guests staying at one of the three hotels close to the Universal Orlando theme parks receive an excellent bonus. This is one of the many reasons we love three of the Signature Collection (formerly known as Premier-level hotels) at Universal Orlando Resort.

The Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and Loews Portofino Bay Resort all provide unlimited express passes for their guests. This advantage can increase the value of your Universal Orlando vacation. We will cover these three hotels more in the following resource. Still, if express passes are a must for your Universal Orlando vacation, these hotels close to the Universal Orlando theme parks should be the best for your group.

Best Hotels Close to Universal Orlando: Our Suggestions

Now that we have reviewed the formalities and disclaimers, it is time to discuss your best hotel options near the Universal Orlando theme parks. This list focuses on hotels around the two current theme parks. Since every vacation group wants different things, we will place hotels in specific categories to help.

Best Budget-friendly Hotels Near Universal Orlando

Many nice, clean, “value” level hotels exist close to Universal Orlando. Our suggested hotels in this category work well for groups focusing on full days in the theme parks. If your group is not concerned about having signature dining, a pool with every feature, or top-of-the-line common areas, then the following hotels should work for you. Since we have stayed at every hotel near Universal Orlando Resort, these recommended options come from our experience.

Though some of us disagree about the definition of “on-site” hotels, Universal Orlando has two “value” level hotels in partnership with Loews. We will start there.

Universal’s Endless Summer Resort

Loews and Universal Orlando Resort operate all the “on-site” hotels. The “value” level hotels are at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort, divided into two sister hotels: Dockside Inn and Suites and Surfside Inn and Suites.

Many people struggle with calling these hotels “on-site.” They are located on Universal Boulevard near International Drive, not within a short walking distance of Universal Orlando’s two theme parks. In fact, other hotels not owned by Universal Orlando are closer to the theme parks than the Endless Summer Resort.

However, Dockside and Surfside offer continuous shuttle service to Universal CityWalk Orlando, near the two theme parks. The bus shuttle service works very well between these hotels and the theme parks.

For larger groups, these two hotels offer many suites that sleep six with three queen-size beds. One of the beds is located within its own enclosed bedroom.

Both hotels provide solid value-level food courts, pools, on-site Starbucks, and other amenities not usually found at “value” hotels. Though more excellent options exist close to the Universal Orlando theme parks, this hotel offers incredible value, costing the same and sometimes less than many “off-site” hotels.

Holiday Inn & Suites Across from Universal Orlando

Speaking of off-site hotels, the closest hotel to the Universal Orlando theme parks is the Holiday Inn & Suites Across from Universal Orlando. Guests should not expect to wake up and walk outside to see the theme parks. The walk from this hotel will be about 15 minutes. Still, the walk is easy, and you can enter Universal CityWalk Orlando through the valet area security area. This location provides less congestion than the main security hub entrance.

This Holiday Inn provides a few more advantages. A TGI Friday’s restaurant is also located at this hotel. Guests enjoy the outdoor pool and kid’s splash zone. They can also enjoy the video arcade and fitness center. This hotel offers many different sizes and rooms of different styles to accommodate all types of groups. As a partner hotel to Universal Orlando Resort, this hotel offers limited shuttle service in the mornings, late afternoons, and early evenings.

The Holiday Inn company probably views this hotel as more than just a value-level hotel. That could change when all the renovations are completed here. However, we have stayed here several times for less than the Endless Summer Resort hotels.

Comfort Inn and Suites Near Universal Orlando Resort

Our final suggestion in this best budget-friendly category is a little farther away from Universal Orlando. Still, it is only slightly farther away than the Holiday Inn.

The Comfort Inn is located on Kirkman Road, near Universal Orlando Resort. A complimentary breakfast is also included with staying here. The rooms are reasonable in size and of the quality you would expect. Though a limited shuttle service is provided to Universal Orlando Resort, the walk will take 15-20 minutes. Though this hotel will not blow you away, it will provide all the basics you need close to the Universal Orlando theme parks.

Best Hotel for Groups with Kids and Teens Close to Universal Orlando

What if your group includes kids and teenagers? The Endless Summer Resorts is a reasonable option that can sleep six. If you want a higher-quality hotel for your group, Cabana Bay Beach Resort is an excellent choice.

This hotel, run in partnership with Loews Hotels and Universal Orlando Resort, resides on-site within a 15-minute or less walking distance of the theme parks. Continuous bus service takes guests from Cabana Bay Beach Resort to the theme parks.

If your group plans to visit Universal’s Volcano Bay, Cabana Bay Beach Resort makes an ideal choice. This hotel is literally next door to the water park.

At Cabana Bay Beach Resort, guests can enjoy two pools, a lazy river, a bowling alley, an on-site Starbucks, and an excellent food court. This hotel makes a nice option for just taking a break from the theme parks to relax at your resort.

This amazingly family-friendly hotel offers guests standard rooms, family suites that sleep six, or two-bedroom suites that sleep eight. You can even get rooms with a view of Volcano Bay water park.

This hotel utilizes a theme of 1950s and 1960s Florida beach hotels. The theming is at the level of any hotel in the Orlando area, even down to the bar soap and shampoo in the rooms. The best part might be the price point. You should expect to pay far less than at Walt Disney World for a similar hotel level and quality.

Best Hotels for Adults Close to Universal Orlando

This category proves complicated when narrowed down to one hotel. Adult-only vacations focus on far more things than kids’ and teens’ vacations. We have three suggestions in this category, with one hotel we think earns the title of best hotel for adults.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando

Though this hotel is technically not as close to Universal Orlando Resort as the Holiday Inn and Suites, walking to Universal CityWalk Orlando will take the same time. This hotel compares in terms of quality and amenities to the higher-level on-site resorts at Universal Orlando Resort. Of course, guests enjoy receiving a warm cookie at check-in.

This DoubleTree hotel contains a vast amount of convention and meeting space. Based on that, you can often find good deals here when convention bookings are low. The hotel provides several quick-service dining options and a table service option. Several other dining options with lower than theme park pricing reside within easy walking distance of this hotel. It also has a Starbucks near the lobby.

The pool area is an excellent relaxing spot; most guests give this hotel’s bar options high marks. The hotel also has charging stations for electric vehicles. Though the Universal Orlando Resort hotels also have car charging stations, we find the ones at the Doubletree easier to use.

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

An on-site Universal Orlando Resort hotel recently upgraded to the Signature Collection, Sapphire Falls Resort might offer the best hotel experience close to the Universal Orlando theme parks. Since it is newer than the three other current hotels in this category at Universal Orlando, guests speak highly of the quality of the rooms and amenities.

The pool area at Sapphire Falls Resort consistently receives high marks from guests. We would declare it the best at Universal Orlando. Also, arguably, the best bar on the property resides at Sapphire Falls. The Strong Water Tavern draws locals and tourists consistently for the dining experience and top-of-the-line rums.

The location of Lowes Sapphire Falls Resort provides a few more advantages. This hotel offers complimentary water taxi service to the theme parks. In addition, based on its location, guests with cars can easily access Interstate Four from here to visit other area attractions.

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort usually has a far higher price tag than many hotels. However, the cost seems reasonable based on the amenities guests receive here.

Universal’s Aventura Hotel

 

In our opinion, Universal’s Aventura Hotel makes the best choice for a hotel for adults close to Universal Orlando. Where do we start?

This hotel features the best food court, Urban Pantry, at any theme park resort hotel. Like all the other on-site Universal Orlando hotels, it offers early theme park admission to guests who stay there. The check-in process is straightforward compared to other on-site hotels. Since this hotel uses one large tower, it takes only a few minutes to get to your room from check-in.

This hotel is across the road from Cabana Bay Beach Resort. In contrast, Aventura lacks the intense theming of Cabana Bay Beach Resort and resembles more of a modern-style hotel. Due to this, fewer families with children stay here, creating a more adult environment.

The rooms at Aventura offer a few extra touches. For example, each room comes equipped with an iPad for controlling room settings such as TV, lights, and sounds. Aventura Hotel also has suites that sleep nine if you have a large group.

In addition to the food court and the expected bars in the lobby and pool area, Universal’s Aventura Hotel has an in-lobby Starbucks. This Starbucks usually has the shortest queue among all the Starbucks at Universal Orlando Resort and an even shorter queue than the one at the Doubletree. Avenutra has Bar 17 Bistro, a fabulous rooftop bar for those looking for a view and a relaxing bar.

Universal’s Aventura Hotel is an excellent option for adult-only visitors to Universal Orlando Resort. In contrast, Aventura might not be for you if you need an express pass, have children or teens in your group, or want intense theming at your resort hotel.

Are you looking for an upscale hotel close to Universal Orlando?

As mentioned previously in this resource, Universal Orlando has three on-site hotels with an authentic deluxe-level experience. We have written a previous resource covering these three “premier” hotels. These three hotels are now classified as Signature Collection by Loews and Universal Orlando Resort. They are:

• Loews Royal Pacific Resort
• Hard Rock Hotel
• Loews Portofino Bay Resort

These hotels vary in price and amenities. Still, they each offer a short walk to the theme parks and free boat transportation. The table service dining at these resort hotels ranks high. In fact, we suggest that even if you are not staying at one of these hotels, you book a dining reservation at one of the restaurants they offer. These hotels cost more than any other hotels close to Universal Orlando. However, they cost less than the equivalent hotel at Walt Disney World. Also, do not forget that guests here receive unlimited express passes for their entire stay, including check-out day.

Each hotel has a dedicated bus service to the Volcano Bay water park entrance, avoiding security in the CityWalk garage hub area. For anyone visiting Volcano Bay, this advantage means a lot. Also, these upscale hotels have dedicated security entrances to CityWalk, allowing guests to avoid the CityWalk security hub. This enables resort guests to avoid the CityWalk security hub, which saves time and potential frustration. This provides a superb perk when combined with free water transport or a short walk. We have more details about these hotels in a previous article.

Best Hotels Close to Universal Orlando Theme Parks: Free Breakfast

Several hotels near Universal Orlando Resort offer complimentary breakfast. However, none of the on-site hotels do.

The closest hotels with complimentary breakfast are Hyatt Place Orlando and Hyatt House Orlando. These hotels provide guests with breakfast options that include hot breakfast items. Both hotels function as Universal partner hotels. This means they provide limited shuttle service to the theme parks. Each Hyatt option is within a 20-minute walking distance of Universal CityWalk Orlando.

The Best Western Plus Universal Inn and Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites are less expensive options close to Universal Orlando. These hotels are farther away and do not provide the same hotel quality as the two Hyatt options. Still, they also offer a complimentary breakfast for guests.

The hotel with the best complimentary breakfast option would be the Drury Inn and Suites Near Universal Orlando. This hotel will cost a bit more and is located beyond what most would consider walking distance. Still, the breakfast provided here includes at least hot items each morning and plenty of other breakfast items.

This Universal Orlando partner hotel provides a limited shuttle to the Universal Orlando theme parks. In addition to nice accommodations, this place offers guests a “Kickback” dining option from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. nightly, with a light meal and complimentary alcoholic beverages. This hotel provides a solid feel for groups looking for a more relaxing vacation while staying off-site. Knowing you have some meals already taken care of and the limited shuttle service to Universal Orlando Resort makes this place worth considering.

Are you looking to stay close to Universal Orlando for your next vacation?

Planning your next vacation can be fun if you choose one of the Universal Orlando resort hotels or one of the many other hotel options nearby. The staff at Universal Family Vacations can help you with planning. Their services are free to you. The Universal Family Vacations staff can be there to help you every step along the way. Also, if interested, you can check out more of our blogs about Universal Orlando on our website. Happy vacation planning!