Top Universal Orlando Hotels You Must Check Out in 2024

Since its opening in 1990, Universal Orlando has grown into a massive resort, now featuring two theme parks (with a third on the way), a water park, a collection of themed hotels, and the lively CityWalk area filled with dining and entertainment options. It's the dream destination for fans of iconic franchises like 'Harry Potter,' 'Jurassic World,' and DreamWorks favorites such as 'Kung Fu Panda' and 'Trolls,' among others.

Once you've chosen Universal Orlando as the perfect theme park destination for your family, the next step is deciding where to stay.

As you plan your day—whether it's riding Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure or experiencing the Jurassic World VelociCoaster—we'll help you navigate the best hotel options at Universal Orlando, pointing out the ideal choices for different preferences and needs.

• Top Universal Orlando Hotel with Universal Express Unlimited Access: Loews Royal Pacific Resort
• Best Midrange Universal Orlando Hotel: Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
• Best Value Universal Orlando Hotel: Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort
• Ideal Universal Orlando Hotel for Amex Platinum Perks: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
• Top Universal Orlando Hotels for Large Families: Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort Family Suites and Universal's Endless Summer Resort 2-Bedroom Suites
• Best Hotels for Easy Access to Universal Orlando Parks: Hard Rock Hotel for Universal Studios Florida, Loews Royal Pacific Resort for Universal's Islands of Adventure, and Universal's Aventura Hotel for Universal's Volcano Bay
• Best Universal Orlando Hotel Pools: Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
• Best Universal Orlando Hotels for Using Hotel Points: Hyatt Place near Universal Orlando Resort, Hyatt House near Universal Orlando Resort, Hotel Landy Orlando Universal Blvd., Residence Inn near Universal Orlando, DoubleTree by Hilton at Universal Orlando Entrance, and Holiday Inn Express & Suites near Universal Orlando

Why choose to stay at a Universal hotel?

There are three main reasons why staying at a Universal Orlando hotel is a great choice: convenience, exclusive perks, and immersive theming.

The biggest benefit of staying at a Universal hotel is the prime location — you're just a stone's throw away from Universal Studios Florida, Universal's Islands of Adventure, and Universal's Volcano Bay, along with the vibrant CityWalk dining and entertainment area.

Many of the on-site hotels offer the convenience of walking to the parks or CityWalk. Alternatively, you can take advantage of free shuttle buses or water taxis, depending on the amenities offered at your selected hotel.

FOR FREE HELP WITH PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR NEXT UNIVERSAL VACATION, CHECK OUT TPG'S THEME PARK BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS.

All Universal Orlando resort guests receive early entry to select theme parks and attractions each morning. The exact parks and rides available for early access vary daily, but guests can enjoy 30 minutes of head start at Volcano Bay and one full hour at Islands of Adventure and/or Universal Studios.

This early access can significantly reduce wait times—what could be a quick 15-minute wait for Hagrid's could otherwise turn into a lengthy 255-minute wait.

Premier-level hotel guests at Universal Orlando are also given Universal Express Unlimited passes, which allow them to skip the regular lines at select rides. The three hotels offering this benefit are Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, and Loews Royal Pacific Resort.

If you were to buy the two-park Universal Express Unlimited passes separately, expect to pay between $109 and $349 per person, per day, in addition to the standard theme park entry cost.

Ultimately, these hotels are perfect for families who appreciate immersive themes.

Experience the charm of Italy at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, live like a rock star at the Hard Rock Hotel, unwind at the 'beach' at Endless Summer Resort, step back into 1950s Florida at Cabana Bay Beach Resort, or embrace a Polynesian vibe at Loews Royal Pacific Resort.

If you're visiting Universal during the winter holidays, you'll be treated to extra festive decor, entertainment, and special events at the on-site hotels.

Additionally, some rooms at the Premier-level hotels are designed with Universal characters. What child wouldn't love staying in the Despicable Me Kid's Suites at Portofino Bay or the Jurassic World Kids Suites at Royal Pacific?

Universal's on-site hotels

Universal's on-property accommodations are organized into four pricing tiers.

Budget-friendly hotels

The Value category features Endless Summer Resort, which includes both Surfside Inn and Suites and Dockside Inn and Suites. Guests still enjoy early park access, but there are no water taxis available for transport. Instead, you'll need to take a complimentary shuttle bus to reach the parks and CityWalk.

The two-bedroom suites at Dockside Inn and Suites start at approximately $200 per night, offering great value for families seeking a comfortable yet affordable place to stay. Standard rooms begin around $99 per night.

Prime Value Hotels

Aventura Hotel and Cabana Bay Beach Resort are categorized as Prime Value properties. Both are within walking distance of Volcano Bay, with free shuttle buses available to take you to the other parks and Universal areas. Rates for Prime Value hotels start at approximately $145 per night.

Preferred Hotel

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is the only property classified under Universal's Preferred category, with rates starting around $222 per night.

This hotel is a great option, located within walking distance of Volcano Bay and the Universal theme parks. What distinguishes it from other resorts is the availability of free water taxis and shuttle buses to both the theme parks and CityWalk.

While it's an excellent choice, there is one notable downside: The resort’s rates do not include Express Passes, which are included when staying at Premier-level properties.

Premier Hotels

For those seeking the ultimate Universal experience, the Premier hotels category includes Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel, and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. Rates at these resorts begin around $337 per night.

Only guests staying at Premier resorts receive Universal Express Unlimited passes, allowing them to bypass regular lines at popular attractions like The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, Revenge of the Mummy, and Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts.

These hotels also provide complimentary water taxis and shuttle buses to the theme parks.

Top Universal Orlando Hotel Offering Included Universal Express Unlimited Pass

Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando

If you're looking to score Universal Express Unlimited passes with your stay, you have three great options. However, Loews Royal Pacific Resort stands out for its overall family-friendly experience. Not only do you get Universal Express Unlimited passes for every registered guest in your room, but you also enjoy a South Pacific-themed atmosphere, quick park access via boat or walking, themed pools, and spacious family suites if you're looking to splurge.

Best Midrange Hotel at Universal Orlando

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando

If you're not interested in Universal Express Unlimited passes but want a great mix of location, a fun pool, and credit card perks, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is a solid choice.

The rooms offer a relaxed, beachy vibe that feels more like a coastal hotel than a theme park property, and the resort is just a quick boat ride from CityWalk and the theme parks.

If you have The Platinum Card® from American Express and book at least a two-night stay at this resort through The Hotel Collection, you’re eligible for a $100 experience credit toward qualifying activities such as dining and spa services (credit may vary by property). There's also the potential for a complimentary upgrade at check-in, making this booking option even more enticing, especially if the price is right. Additionally, if you haven’t used your Amex Platinum’s up to $200 annual statement credit, you can apply it here to make this hotel an even greater value.

Best Value Hotel at Universal Orlando

Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort

With features like an on-site bowling alley, a lazy river, and a beautifully executed midcentury modern beach theme, Cabana Bay Beach Resort offers an appealing mix of fun and value-oriented pricing that elevates the overall experience.

You can make the most of your downtime at this resort with activities like evening campfires, thrilling waterslides, or leisurely floats around the lazy river.

While your only options to reach the main theme parks are by shuttle bus or a 15-minute walk, you'll likely save a couple of hundred dollars per night compared to pricier Universal Orlando resorts, making it a worthwhile tradeoff.

Best Universal Orlando Hotel for Using Amex Platinum Perks

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando

By booking Loews Portofino Bay Hotel through the American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts program, you can unlock valuable money-saving benefits for your stay.

When you book your stay through the FHR program, you can use your Amex Platinum’s up to $200 annual statement credit for FHR stays of one night or more. You'll also enjoy daily breakfast for two, a $100 food and beverage credit for the entire stay, guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout, and a noon check-in based on availability. Plus, you’ll be eligible for a room upgrade at check-in if one is available.

Add in the included Universal Express Unlimited pass for each guest, and you might find even greater value at this upscale Universal hotel than you might expect. For instance, in April 2024, the hotel offers rooms starting at $541 per night. Meanwhile, purchasing Universal Express for two adults and two children would cost nearly $700 per day, making your hotel stay an even better deal.

Whether the cost benefits work in your favor will depend on your group size, travel dates, and the duration of your stay, but it’s certainly possible to save money.

Best Universal Orlando Hotels for Large Families

Universal's Aventura Hotel's Kids' Suites

Aventura Hotel offers a variety of room options, but its Kids' Suites are perfect for families of four or five who appreciate a bit of personal space.

The 575-square-foot Kids' Suites at Universal's Aventura Hotel are thoughtfully designed to give every family member their own space. The main bedroom has a king-sized bed, a second room is furnished with two twin beds, and a separate area includes a couch that converts into a memory foam bed.

Clever use of angles and well-placed curtains create the feeling of separation within the suite, offering privacy without the kids being too far from their parents.

Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort's Family Suites

Cabana Bay's Family Suites offer designated areas for sleeping, dining, and unwinding after a day of fun at the theme parks or relaxing by the hotel’s pool. You can even enjoy a pizza delivery straight to your room.

These 430-square-foot suites accommodate up to six guests with two queen-size beds and a pullout sofa. The room also features a sliding privacy divider and a bathroom layout designed for three people to get ready at the same time.

Universal's Endless Summer Resort's 2-Bedroom Suites

Both of Universal's Endless Summer resorts — Dockside and Surfside — offer roomy two-bedroom suites, starting at a wallet-friendly price of around $140 per night.

The only major difference between the suites at the two Endless Summer resorts is the theming. Apart from that, the layouts are almost identical, with a main living space that includes a kitchenette, a picnic table, and two queen-size beds, as well as one full bathroom and a separate bedroom with another queen-size bed.

These suites are ideal for families with more than two children or for those seeking extra privacy beyond what a standard room can offer.

Top Universal Orlando hotels for easy access to the theme parks

Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando for Universal Studios Florida

The Hard Rock Hotel, filled with rock 'n' roll memorabilia and classic Hollywood design, feels more like a cultural destination than a traditional theme park hotel. Despite this, it's actually the nearest hotel to Universal Studios Florida.

It’s perfect for early park access and makes it super convenient to head back to your hotel for a quick dip in the pool during the afternoon heat, especially when the parks get crowded.

The hotel provides complimentary bus and water taxi service to the theme parks, but the fastest route to Universal Studios Florida is via the hotel's garden-lined walking path. If you walk briskly, you can reach the park’s main entrance in just five to seven minutes.

By taking the water taxi or walking path, you can use the Hard Rock's private security entrance, allowing you to skip the main line and enter the parks more quickly.

Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando for Universal's Islands of Adventure

While the free water taxi is always an option, the quickest way to reach Islands of Adventure from Loews Royal Pacific Resort may be to take a short walk of under 10 minutes along a pleasant pathway. Either way, you’re as close to the park as possible.

Universal's Aventura Hotel for Universal's Volcano Bay

If you're looking for a quick, private walkway to Volcano Bay, Aventura Hotel is an ideal choice. It's located just steps away from the water park, making it incredibly convenient.

Best Universal Orlando hotel pools

Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Cabana Bay Beach Resort boasts two pools, including one with a unique feature that no other Universal resort offers: a lazy river. A small stand by the entrance provides tubes and flotation devices for purchase, although you can use the lazy river without one if preferred. Life jackets are also available at no charge.

The lazy river meanders through lush foliage, rocky formations, and waterfalls. In addition to the river, the pool area features a zero-entry pool, a sandy beach, a poolside lounge, a snack bar (don't miss the Honolulu hot dog), fire pits, and an abundance of lounge chairs and umbrellas.

Cabana Bay's second pool features a splash pad, outdoor games, a waterslide, and private cabanas available for rent.

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is home to three pools, more than any other Universal Orlando hotel. The Beach Pool is the main hub for activities, featuring a waterslide designed to resemble an ancient Roman aqueduct, a children's pool, two hot tubs, and a bar and grill.

The Villa and Hillside pools are more intimate and peaceful, perfect for those seeking a quieter atmosphere to relax by the pool. The Villa pool also offers rentable cabanas and a bocce ball court for a little friendly competition.

Best ways to book Universal Orlando hotel stays

Book directly or through a travel planner

You can easily reserve a stay at any Universal Orlando hotel through Universal's official website or with the help of a trusted vacation planner like Mouse Counselors. An authorized planner can assist in securing discounts and selecting the best accommodations, theme park tickets, and more for your trip.

Book using points

The Amex Travel portal isn't the only way to redeem points for your Universal Orlando getaway. Here are some of the rewards programs that allow you to use points for both hotel stays and tickets.

The Citi Prestige information provided has been independently gathered by Dinogo. The card details listed on this page have not been verified or supplied by the card issuer.

Here's an example of cash and points pricing for The Platinum Card® from American Express holders booking at Surfside Inn and Suites at Universal's Endless Summer Resort.

For August 2024, cardholders can book a room for $162 or 20,571 Membership Rewards points per night. If you pay cash, you'll earn 5 points per dollar on your prepaid booking. However, this translates to a return of less than 1 cent per point, so unless you have no other options, it might not be the best value.

With Bilt Rewards, you can book a room for just 12,690 points or $162 (including taxes and fees). This offers a better value, giving you around 1.25 cents per point.

Alternatively, you can use a card that lets you redeem miles to eliminate travel charges. For example, both the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card give you 1 cent per mile. So, a $300 hotel stay on the card would require 30,000 miles to cover.

If you book a Universal hotel with a Venture X card, you'll earn 10 miles for every dollar spent when you book through Capital One's travel site, making it a great way to maximize your spending.

Top Universal Orlando hotels for using hotel points

Staying at Universal's on-site hotels is a great choice for some families, but others may prefer off-site options, especially if they're working with a strict budget or looking to redeem hotel rewards points. You can often find excellent cash rates for accommodations near Universal, particularly during the offseason. Alternatively, if you'd prefer to save money, you can use traditional hotel points or free night certificates.

Opting for a Universal Partner Hotel lets you stay off-site while still enjoying certain Universal perks. Some of these hotels offer free transportation to the theme parks, along with discounts on food, park merchandise, and nonalcoholic beverages at select locations in the parks and CityWalk. We'll indicate if a hotel on this list is a Universal Partner Hotel.

Here are some of our top picks for points-friendly hotels near Universal Orlando. While there are many full-service resorts in the area, we’ve focused on properties closest to Universal, which may have fewer amenities but still provide convenient access to the parks.

Hyatt Place and Hyatt House are located just across the street from Universal Orlando Resort, making them excellent options for a Universal getaway. Both hotels are only a seven-minute drive to the parks, or if you're up for a walk, you can get there in about 15 minutes.

The Hyatt Place and Hyatt House locations near Universal are perfect for visitors. They’re just a short drive from the theme parks, and if you’re feeling active, you can even walk to Universal in approximately 15 minutes.

Both Hyatt Place and Hyatt House are within walking distance of International Drive, where you'll find a variety of dining options. Additionally, these properties are Universal Partner Hotels, granting you access to free shuttle service to the theme parks. Both offer complimentary daily hot breakfast and Wi-Fi. (Note: Free breakfast at Hyatt Place is only available if you book directly with Hyatt.)

Hyatt Place is a Category 2 property with nightly rates ranging from 6,500 to 9,500 World of Hyatt points, while Hyatt House falls into Category 3, with rates between 9,000 and 15,000 points per night for a standard room.

Hotel Landy Orlando Universal Blvd.

Hotel Landy Orlando Universal Blvd., part of the Tribute Portfolio Hotels, is the newest points-eligible hotel near Universal. Located less than three miles from Universal Orlando, it offers complimentary shuttle service to the parks as a Universal Partner Hotel.

Hotel Landy offers a variety of amenities, including a fitness center, game room, on-site dining, outdoor lawn games, and a refreshing outdoor pool.

Redemption rates for a standard room typically range from 20,000 to 37,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. You can book with a 35,000-point certificate, or a combination of the certificate and a few additional points.

Residence Inn near Universal Orlando

Another close Marriott option is the Residence Inn, which consistently earns positive reviews. As a Universal Partner Hotel, it also provides free shuttle service to the parks.

Point redemption rates for a standard room at the Residence Inn usually range from 34,000 to 49,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, located at the entrance to Universal Orlando, is a Universal Partner Hotel. What sets it apart is its prime location within walking distance of the Universal theme parks. Plus, enjoy convenient amenities such as an on-site Starbucks, a gelato shop, and several dining options.

Standard rooms at this Hilton property typically start at about 30,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Nearest Universal Orlando

If you have IHG One Rewards points to spare, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites, just a short walk from Universal, is a Universal Partner Hotel that's worth considering. It offers a hearty free breakfast with rotating hot options like biscuits and gravy, pancakes, and the famous cinnamon rolls. Plus, children 11 and under eat free when they stay with a registered guest.

Award night rates at this IHG property fluctuate but generally range from 16,000 to 34,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

Bottom line

Whether you choose to book a stay at one of Universal's on-site hotels or redeem points at nearby chain hotels, you'll be perfectly positioned to make the most of your Universal Orlando adventure. Opting for one of these top hotel choices near the parks will ensure a fun-filled vacation experience.