Universal Orlando Resort On-Site Hotel Benefits

Last Updated on April 25, 2021

Is staying at a Universal Orlando hotel worth it? Everything you need to know about all 8 on-site properties and how to choose the best one for your family.

Universal offers perks to get theme park visitors into its hotels. All guests at any Universal Orlando Resort on-site hotel can take advantage certain benefits.

All these benefits are available from the moment you arrive until midnight on the day you check out. Even if your room won’t be ready until the afternoon, you can register at your hotel as early in the morning as you like, leaving your bags and retrieving your Express passes (if eligible) in time for the Early Park Admission hour.

Universal Orlando’s Onsite Hotels

Keep in mind the onsite properties offer different benefits depending on which hotel category you book:

Premier

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

For a little taste of la dolce vita, take advantage of Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, inspired by the Italian village of the same name. You’ll love the picturesque piazza, three different pools, and more.

Hard Rock Hotel

Hard Rock hardly needs an introduction. The brand is known for mixing a rock ‘n’ roll aesthetic with luxury, and you can enjoy just that in their Universal Orlando location. From their California design to a pool with underwater music, and more, you’ll get to feel like a rock star when you’re not at the parks.

Loews Royal Pacific Resort

Inspired by the beauty of Polynesia and the South Seas, Loews Royal Pacific Resort is for those who want a little escape within their vacation. The resort features a lagoon-style pool, a white sand beach, island-themed rooms, and more.

Preferred

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

If you’re looking for a little more luxury that’s still budget-friendly, then you’ll love the charming Loews Sapphire Falls Resort. The design is inspired by island paradises with Caribbean-themed restaurants, beach areas, and more.

Prime

Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Cabana Bay Beach has more of a fun, retro design, inspired by Florida in the 50s and 60s. It also has a winding river, two pools, a bowling alley, and more.

Universal’s Aventura Hotel

With the more modernly-designed Aventura, you’ll get views of all three theme parks and be within walking distance of Volcano Bay.

Value

Universal’s Endless Summer Resort: Surfside Inn and Suites

As of summer 2019, the wallet-friendly Surfside Inn and Suites is open! It has a fun, beachy theme and is the best deal if you want to stay close to the parks.

Universal’s Endless Summer – Dockside Inn & Suites

Opened March 17, 2020. Unwind in an all-new, extra-affordable, carefree escape that perfectly blends the cool, calm feeling of a coastal retreat with the fun and convenience of staying in a Universal Orlando Resort hotel. Plus, enjoy exclusive theme park benefits.

Location

Aside from the two new resorts under the Endless Summer umbrella, Universal Resorts are walking distance from all Universal Studios Parks.

Complimentary Transportation

Staying at a Universal resort means guests get access to free scheduled transportation to SeaWorld, Aquatica, and Wet ‘n Wild via the Super Star Shuttle.

Guests also get free transit to and from the Universal parks should they decide not to take a morning stroll.

Early Park Admission

The most valuable perk available to all Universal on-site Resort Hotel guests is Early Park Admission, which grants entry to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Volcano Bay 1 hour before the general public.

Free Universal Express Pass (at Select Universal Orlando Hotels)

The worst part about theme parks is the standing in line. That’s why we love Universal’s Express Pass. For guests staying at Portofino, Royal Pacific and Hard Rock, an Express Pass (starting at $89.99) is included for each person on the reservation.

Complimentary WiFi

Resort guests get free Wi-Fi Internet in all hotel rooms and public areas (faster speeds available for a fee, of course)

Room-Key Purchasing

I love the ability to charge in-park purchases to the hotel room key. We no longer need to carry our wallet into the parks and risk losing it, or worse, having it stolen. Everything is stored right in your hotel key card.

Complimentary Hotel Delivery

Free package delivery to the hotel room for any items purchased in the theme parks. Shop til you drop and have everything waiting for you in your hotel when you are done.