Best Hotels Near Universal Orlando
Are you looking for the best hotels near Universal Orlando?
These are the best places to stay close to Universal Orlando. Universal Orlando is one of the biggest and most popular theme parks in Orlando, Florida along with the Walt Disney World Resort.
These are all of the areas at Universal Orlando:
- Universal Studios (theme park)
- Islands of Adventure (theme park)
- Epic Universe (theme park)
- Volcano Bay (water park)
- Universal CityWalk (restaurants/shopping/entertainment)
Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure are located right next to each other (and are connected via the two sides of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter) and CityWalk is at the entrance to both parks.
Volcano Bay is about a five-minute drive from the theme parks and CityWalk. Epic Universe is located about a ten-minute drive away from the other two theme parks, the water park, and CityWalk.
Where to Stay Near Universal Orlando
Universal Orlando has eleven on-site hotels, and they offer some great advantages.
Some of the on-site hotels are close enough to walk to CityWalk and the theme parks, or you can opt to take free transportation like water shuttles from your hotel to CityWalk or the theme parks.
If you stay at an on-site hotel, you also get early admission to the parks so you can beat the crowds. And if you stay at a Premier hotel (the highest hotel class) you get a free Universal Express Unlimited Pass, which allows you to skip the line for most rides — a huge perk that will save you so much time!
If you don’t want to stay at an on-site hotel, there are plenty of off-site hotels near Universal Orlando too. None of them are within walking distance, but many are just a five- to ten-minute drive away.
Although off-site hotels don’t come with any Universal perks, they are usually the most cost-effective option. However, if you’re on a budget, I do recommend comparing Universal’s Value resorts with off-site hotels, because sometimes you can get a really good deal on a Value hotel at Universal.
Below I’ve recommended a mix of on-site and off-site hotels that I think are the best.
Here are my top picks for where to stay near Universal Orlando:
- Best luxury on-site hotel: Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel
- Best affordable on-site hotel: Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites
- Best off-site hotel: Home2 Suites by Hilton Orlando Near Universal
And here’s a full breakdown of the best hotels near Universal Orlando.
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Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel
Hard Rock Hotel is by far one of the best hotels near Universal Orlando. This on-site hotel is in the Premier category, which means you get early theme park access and free skip-the-line Universal Express Unlimited. This hotel is also the closest to theme parks just a quick five-minute walk away.
You can’t beat the convenience of staying at Hard Rock Hotel, but it also offers great amenities to guests. There’s a huge outdoor swimming pool, multiple on-site restaurants, and a spa.
Universal’s Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
Another one of the best hotels at Universal Orlando is Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. I love the unique Italian Riviera-inspired architecture of this hotel. You can even catch a free water taxi to the theme parks and CityWalk from the lagoon in front of this hotel! So this hotel has plenty of character and uniqueness.
It’s also a great place to stay as a Premier on-site Universal hotel because you’ll get early access to the theme parks and a free Universal Express Unlimited Pass to skip the line on most rides. Not to mention, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel has three swimming pools, multiple on-site restaurants, and a spa to enjoy.
Universal’s Loews Royal Pacific Resort
The final Premier-category hotel at Universal Orlando to consider is Loews Royal Pacific Resort. Similar to the two hotels above, you get early park access and a free Universal Express Unlimited Pass. You can walk from this hotel to the theme parks and CityWalk (it’s about a 15-minute walk) or take a free water taxi.
Loews Royal Pacific Resort offers all the high-end amenities you’d expect at a hotel of this caliber, including a relaxing outdoor swimming pool, a hot tub, multiple on-site dining options, and a spa.
Universal’s Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is another great on-site hotel at Universal Orlando. This is a Preferred hotel, which means you don’t get the skip-the-line access but you do still get early theme park access.
This hotel is just steps away from Volcano Bay, Universal’s water park and a short water taxi or shuttle ride away from the theme parks and CityWalk. The hotel has a great pool area with a water slide.
Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
If you’re looking for a more affordable on-site hotel, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort is a good option because now we’re getting into the Prime Value category of Universal hotels. Staying at this hotel means you’ll get early theme park access and you’re also just steps away from the Volcano Bay water park.
This fun retro-inspired hotel is a great place to stay for families because it has a big outdoor swimming pool, a lazy river, and even a bowling alley! There are also multiple on-site restaurants.
Universal’s Aventura Hotel
Another Prime Value hotel to consider is Universal’s Aventura Hotel. This hotel has more of a sleek and modern feel, making it great for an adults-only trip to Universal while still being budget-friendly.
You’re just a couple of minutes from the Volcano Bay water park, and you can easily get to the theme parks and CityWalk via a free shuttle ride. This hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness center.
Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites
If you’re looking for the most affordable hotels at Universal, you’ll want to check out the Value hotels. One of these is Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites, and it’s typically considered to be the best option because it’s the smaller of the two Value hotels so it doesn’t feel as crowded.
This hotel is a bit further from the theme parks and CityWalk, but you can take advantage of free shuttle rides to get there (it’s about seven minutes by shuttle.) You also still get early theme park access when you stay at this hotel. Amenities include an outdoor swimming pool and on-site dining options.
Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites
The other Value hotel to consider is Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites. It’s not too different from Surfside Inn and Suites, although it is larger and can feel more crowded.
However, both hotels are solid options and have similar amenities including a swimming pool, on-site restaurants, free shuttles to the theme parks and CityWalk, and early admission to the theme parks.
Home2 Suites by Hilton Orlando Near Universal
Home2 Suites By Hilton Orlando Near Universal is one of the best off-site hotels close to Universal Orlando. It’s just across I-4 from Universal and it’s about a seven-minute drive to where you park to access CityWalk and the theme parks. This makes Home2 Suites a very convenient place to stay near Universal.
Some other perks you’ll get by staying at this hotel include free breakfast each morning, a nice outdoor swimming pool, and a fitness center. It’s also a very affordable place to stay near Universal.
Hyatt House Across from Universal Orlando Resort
Hyatt House Across from Universal Orlando Resort is another good place to stay if you’re looking for a convenient hotel close to the theme parks that offers an excellent value for your money.
This hotel offers bright, modern, and comfortable rooms and amenities like free breakfast and an outdoor swimming pool. It’s just an eight-minute drive to CityWalk and the theme parks from this hotel.
Residence Inn by Marriott Near Universal Orlando
Residence Inn by Marriott Near Universal Orlando is just an eight-minute drive from the theme parks and CityWalk, making this another good option if you’re looking for a budget-friendly hotel for your trip.
This hotel offers free breakfast each morning and an outdoor swimming pool. One perk of Residence Inns is that all rooms are equipped with a separate kitchen and living area, giving you extra space.
Hilton Garden Inn Orlando International Drive North
Finally, Hilton Garden Inn Orlando International Drive North is a good place to stay near Universal Orlando. This affordable hotel is just a seven-minute drive from CityWalk and the theme parks.
It’s a budget-friendly hotel without many frills, but it does offer clean and comfortable rooms and an outdoor swimming pool. If you want to save the most money, this is a good place to stay.
Best Hotels Near Universal Orlando
This guide showed you the best hotels near Universal Orlando.
To recap, my top picks for where to stay are:
- Best luxury on-site hotel: Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel
- Best affordable on-site hotel: Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites
- Best off-site hotel: Home2 Suites by Hilton Orlando Near Universal
Have a great trip and enjoy your visit to Universal Orlando!
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