Step 3: Book Lodging

Orlando has a million of hotel options.  choosing a place to stay can be stressful, so let's get started. Consider these things:  how many people are you traveling with, if you want to stay on-site or off, your budget, and what your priorities are. Take a deep breath, you got this! Remember-- you are JUST sleeping there in all reality.

Things to consider: ​

• Universal Orlando Resort Hotels offer perks such as charging privileges, Early Park Access, Express Passes, and free transportation to and from the park.

• Those with children-- Universal Orlando Resort Hotels have character themed restaurants/rooms, making character interaction/experience more memorable if that's a trip priority.  

• Some Offsite hotels in Orlando offer great money-saving perks like free breakfast, shuttle to the park, etc.

• AirBnb is a FABULOUS option for those on a tight tight budget!

Onsite Universal Orlando Hotel Info:

Premier Resorts

Premier resorts include Loews Portofino, Loews Royal Pacific, and the Hard Rock Hotel. The Premier resorts included Unlimited Express Passes 

1. Loews Portofino — note this a high-end resort. Expect a fine dining atmosphere. Good for families that want a feel of Europe and a relaxed, low stimulation atmosphere.

2. Hard Rock Hotel — the vibe at the Hard Rock is much more upbeat with live music at the pool (and even music under the water.) This hotel may appeal to adults, but kids also love the pool areas.

3. Loews Royal Pacific — the Royal Pacific offers the largest pool, but no slide, so more for swimmers and loungers than those looking for poolside entertainment. However, you can take the bridge over to Sapphire Falls and hop a water taxi or shuttle over to the parks.

Preferred Hotels

Preferred hotels are the 2nd tier, which now is just the Loews Sapphire Falls. Loews Sapphire Falls does NOT include Express Passes, but you can still take a water taxi to the CityWalk and the Universal instead of a shuttle bus. 

1. Loews Sapphire Falls—Caribbean vibe, the pool at the Loews Sapphire Falls offers 

both a slide and sandy area. You can also find corn hole and table tennis nearby for entertaining little ones.

Prime Value Hotels

3rd tier is the Prime Value resorts of Cabana Bay and the new Aventura Hotel. these hotels are more value oriented and do not include Universal Express Passes. The bonus, however, is that both are within walking distance to Volcano Bay water park.

1. Aventura – Opened in 2018, the Aventura is a modern, sleek hotel within walking distance to the Volcano Bay waterpark.

2. Cabana Bay — This 50s-themed hotel offers tons of entertainment, from multiple pools, water slides, a lazy river, a fire pit and even a bowling alley. 

Value Resorts

Universal now offers a new Value category with the opening of the Endless Summer Resort. This resort requires a shuttle bus ride to any of the parks or CityWalk. (shuttle is included during your stay) It is divided into two sister properties.

1. Surfside Inn and Suites – Opened in late 2019 and features a relaxed beachy feel. In addition to standard rooms, this hotel features 2-bedroom suites that sleep up to six, making it a great hotel option for larger families looking to save money.

2. Dockside Inn and Suites – Opening later this year. Dockside has two towers and two large pools, & also features family-size suites and standard rooms.