Last Updated on July 6, 2024 by Katrina
You can easily build a whole Orlando vacation out of exploring Universal Orlando’s three theme parks: Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Island of Adventure, and Universal’s Volcano Bay. To stay near the parks—which are also home to the rides and attractions of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter—you could stay at one of the seven hotels within the Universal complex, ranging from value to premier levels. (Premier hotels offer the prime amenity of a free Universal Express Unlimited pass, which lets you skip lines for rides). Staying outside the Universal resort means you are a little farther from the parks—but you will likely also save on rates. Here are the best hotels near Universal Orlando Resort.
Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando (5800 Universal Blvd.; 407-503-2000) Universal Orlando
This 650-room branch of the Hard Rock chain, one of the premier hotels within Universal, “will make you feel like rock and roll royalty,” writes Condé Nast Traveler, thanks to “the sprawling 12,000-square-foot pool, complete with an underwater sound system” and perks including Universal Express Unlimited passes and early admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. You also have access to the water taxi rides to the parks’ entrances. A Google reviewer comments, “for the price, the room was just a room, but you are paying for the atmosphere and friendly staff.” >> Book this hotel for less
Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando (6300 Hollywood Way; 407-503-3000) Universal Orlando
There are three Loews-affiliated hotels within the Universal complex, and Forbes calls this 1,000-room premier-level resort “a tropical paradise” that “centers on a lagoon-style pool with a real sand beach” and offers “luaus, torch-lighting ceremonies, and daily poolside activities for kids.” Tripadvisor users appreciate the Universal Express Unlimited passes, free parking, and easy access. “Only a five-minute walk to the parks, but the water taxi is a fun adventure you must do at least once,” one says, while another calls it “well worth the money.” >> Book this hotel for less
Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites (7000 Universal Blvd.; 407-503-7000) Universal Orlando
Families will appreciate this value-level Universal hotel, with its rooms and suites that can sleep up to six. Forbes calls it “the most affordable of Universal’s resorts” with “beach-themed rooms and a poolside Sand Bar, plus pizza delivery to your room.” While you don’t get the Express pass, you do enjoy early entry to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. A Google reviewer likes that the rooms “are unique and adorable! The service is amazing though during breakfast, lunch and dinner it does get SUPER busy in the buffet. It only takes like eight minutes to get to the parks by the shuttle buses.” >> Book this hotel for less
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando (5780 Major Blvd.; 407-351-1000)
This 742-room hotel about a mile from the parks is a “Universal Partner,” which means you get access to a shuttle to the parks and discounts on food and merch at select locations. “The walk to Universal was easy—there is a pedway across the only major roadway and it’s easily accessible from the hotel parking lot,” writes a Google reviewer. “Parking fees were high, but parking is conveniently located.” A Tripadvisor likes the “Starbucks inside the hotel and there was a large pool, jacuzzi and a game room. >> Book this hotel for less
Hyatt House Across From Universal Orlando Resort (5940 Caravan Ct.; 407-352-5660)
The name is mildly misleading, as this 168-room Hyatt House is about a mile away from the parks. But perks include free breakfast plus a pool, as well as many suites with full kitchens and sometimes bunk beds. “The room was like a one-bedroom apartment,” says a Google user. “There were three big TVs. The pool was never crowded and felt great.” A Trip Advisor notes that while parking at the hotel is not free, it’s cheaper than at the parks: “There is a shuttle to Universal, and you can actually walk to Universal in around 20 minutes. Either way gets you around the parking cost for the Universal garage.” >> Book this hotel for less
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