These are unusual times, and the state of affairs can change quickly. Please check the latest travel guidance before making your journey. Our writers visited these hotels pre-pandemic.
Unlike the huge Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando has grown up in piecemeal fashion, which means there is less structure to the areas around it. In short, it’s a hodge-podge. Nearby International Drive features plenty of budget-minded hotels to serve the theme parks, but Universal’s tie-up with Loews hotels and the proximity of the huge Convention Center help to redress the balance, ensuring there are more distinctive, upscale options. From sprawling megaplexes with splashy waterparks to boutique resorts offering foodie-centric restaurants, here’s our pick of the best hotels near Universal Studios (and beyond).
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando
Orlando, Florida, United States
The architecture and atmosphere of this five-storey complex feels more like an Italian village that has grown organically around a central bay rather than a 750-room hotel, and while Universal’s two major theme parks are practically next door, the resort’s design ensures it remains a quiet retreat. Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure theme parks can be accessed by an internal bus system, but the best way to keep the resort’s tranquil feel going is by travelling to the parks via the free water taxi. Three themed pools, outdoor film screenings, games, contests and arts and crafts engage children, while families appreciate nightly Musica della Notte musical celebrations at sunset.
From
£
243
per night
Rates provided by
Booking.com
• The best hotels in Orlando
Universal’s Surfside Inn and Suites
Orlando, Florida, United States
Surfside Inn and Suites – the first Universal hotel not located right on the doorstep of its many attractions – was conceived as Universal’s first low-cost hotel, but it fails spectacularly in that classification as the style and quality are way above that of most cheaper brands. The interior is surfer-dude cool, with big helpings of fresh, creative design using lots of bright, funky décor; rooms are simple but comfortable with a fresh, airy feel; and the fabulous pool deck features a children’s splash pad. It is less than 10 minutes away from the parks on the Inn’s free shuttle service, and International Drive, with its shops, restaurants and nightlife, is within a 10- to 20-minute walk. Guests can use the Mandara Spa at Portofino Bay.
From
£
71
per night
Rates provided by
Booking.com
Hyatt Regency Orlando
Orlando, Florida, United States
This flagship Hyatt is one of the most luxurious hotels near Universal Studios Orlando, and no more than 15 minutes’ drive to the theme parks. The glitzy lobby is often bustling with convention traffic, but there are plenty of quiet nooks and crannies and the public areas are loaded with artwork and fine décor touches that maintain the classy ambience. Amenities are plentiful, with a full-service spa, massive fitness centre, tennis court, gift shop and pool facilities. Equally as abundant are restaurants, from diners and the 1930s-style Fiorenzo Italian steakhouse to Coffee Etcetera and the Rocks – perfect for sunset cocktails.
From
£
100
per night
Rates provided by
Booking.com
Hilton Orlando
Orlando, Florida, United States
A 15-minute drive from Universal Orlando Resort, the somewhat sterile tower block façade gives way to modern luxury and large, open public spaces inside. The atmosphere is smart and business-like, but with plenty of welcoming touches for families and couples. Guests seeking pampering will enjoy the full-service salon and spa, while active visitors will appreciate the nine-hole putting green, Bocce ball, basketball, volleyball, tennis court and large fitness centre with a wide variety of equipment. But the resort’s stand-out feature is its enormous pool area with lazy river, family pool and separate adults-only pool.
From
£
117
per night
Rates provided by
Booking.com
Rosen Shingle Creek
Orlando, Florida, United States
This massive edifice pulls off ‘intimate’ in grand, 1900s Spanish Revival style. The resort’s 1,501 rooms and suites are some of the largest in Orlando and it’s easy to get lost in the ‘miles away from it all’ ambiance. Active guests will appreciate the fitness centre, walking trails, tennis, basketball, sand volleyball and fishing, as well as the award-winning, championship golf course. A vast array of dining is provided by over 10 restaurants and lounges, including the laid-back Mi Casa Tequila Taqueria, where Mexican favourites take on a gourmet twist and craft beers are a highlight.
From
£
81
per night
Rates provided by
Booking.com
Universal’s Aventura Hotel
Orlando, Florida, United States
Though Universal’s Aventura Hotel is more budget-priced than several other Universal resorts, it still delivers a stylish and quality-conscious experience while also being ultra-convenient for the theme parks. There is a distinct South Beach Miami vibe to the public areas and modern technology is everywhere, from a virtual reality games room to tablets in the guest rooms that control everything, from the lighting to room service. Unlike most Universal hotels, this one doesn’t overpower guests with a wealth of facilities and options, but there is still a lot packed in. The gorgeous pool deck and kids’ Splash Pad provide a great outdoor amenity, while the three bar areas are wonderfully inviting.
From
£
108
per night
Rates provided by
Booking.com
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando
Orlando, Florida, United States
It might be on the doorstep of Universal’s array of theme parks, shops, nightlife and restaurants but Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando
still provides a serene Caribbean-style getaway, set around a lagoon and waterfalls, with tempting dining and a unique rum bar. The young, slick staff have been cherry-picked from Universal’s other hotels and there is an air of pride and attentiveness. The hotel is also packed with user-friendly facilities, from the huge main pool and the water play area for children to the fitness centre (including a dry sauna), games arcade, gift shop, grab-and-go café, concierge desk and laundromats. Even with the theme parks so close, there is a lot to keep guests here.
still provides a serene Caribbean-style getaway, set around a lagoon and waterfalls, with tempting dining and a unique rum bar. The young, slick staff have been cherry-picked from Universal’s other hotels and there is an air of pride and attentiveness. The hotel is also packed with user-friendly facilities, from the huge main pool and the water play area for children to the fitness centre (including a dry sauna), games arcade, gift shop, grab-and-go café, concierge desk and laundromats. Even with the theme parks so close, there is a lot to keep guests here.
From
£
150
per night
Rates provided by
Booking.com
• The best hotels in Florida
Loews Royal Pacific Resort
Orlando, Florida, United States
This luxurious resort sits just outside the Universal theme parks, with access to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure on foot or by free water taxi. Themed as a 1940s South Seas retreat, this 1,000-room tower resort encircles a lagoon-style pool, but despite its size it still retains a boutique feel. Guests are ‘island hopping through the South Pacific’ and the décor reflects that, with Indonesian wood carvings and furnishings reflective of Bali and Hawaii. The highlight is the huge free-form pool with zero-depth entry and white-sand ‘beach’, with the Royal Bali Sea kids’ water-play area, Dive In Movies, beach volleyball, private cabanas and two hot tubs.
From
£
208
per night
Rates provided by
Booking.com
Cabana Bay Beach Resort at Universal
Orlando, Florida, United States
This large, budget-conscious resort, with funky detailing that brings to mind the roadside motels of the 1950s and 1960s, is right on the doorstep of the Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure theme parks. The Cabana Courtyard section offers an enormous pool with water slide and an interactive children’s play area, while Lazy River Courtyard features a pool and blissful lazy river for tubing. A 10-lane bowling alley and Ace Arcade are ideal for the occasional rainy day or an evening in, and health-conscious visitors have access to state-of-the-art Jack LaLanne Fitness Studio. Beachside/Bayside tower suites are supremely family-oriented, especially for those eager to take advantage of the early entry perk into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter sections of the theme parks.
From
£
107
per night
Rates provided by
Booking.com
Hard Rock Hotel Orlando
Orlando, Florida, United States
Every detail at this imposing California Mission-style, seven-storey resort is geared toward VIP treatment, from the customised playlist for your room to the Fender guitar you can play while you stay. Proximity to the theme parks and Universal’s City Walk district of shopping, dining and movie theatres is superb, with complimentary transportation by bus or water taxi, although it’s all within a five-minute stroll. The pool has a sand beach and water slide, poolside activities, live music and a DJ, plus outdoor film screenings and an underwater sound system. From The Kitchen’s New American comfort food classics and casual atmosphere to the swanky Velvet Bar for designer cocktails, you’ll find plenty of appropriate places to drink and dine.
From
£
226
per night
Rates provided by
Booking.com
Contributions by Jennifer Hodges