Sneak Peak: INSIDE Universal Orlando’s New Stella Nova Resort!
Photo by: Universal
In 2025, Universal Orlando Resort is opening three brand-new hotels, and its newest theme park, Universal Epic Universe. Stella Nova Resort will be the first of the three new hotels to open, followed by Universal Terra Luna Resort, and then Universal Helios Grand Hotel.Stella Nova will be Universal’s ninth hotel. By this Summer, Universal will offer 11 hotels with 11,000 rooms. Each Universal Hotel offers something different for the guests depending on their budget and vibe.
Photo by: Universal
Today, Universal Orlando invited media to preview Universal Stella Nova Resort, which is adjacent to Universal Epic Universe opening, May 22, 2025. Stella Nova Resort officially opens on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 and is considered a Prime Value Hotel. Universal Stella Nova Resort is a unique space-themed hotel that offers a modern take on exploring outer space while enjoying the comforts of your hotel stay. It’s inspired by the infinite vastness of the unexplored universe, where galaxies spiral ever outward and unknown worlds revolve around unnamed stars. 
Photo by Universal Orlando
The exterior of Stella Nova Resort features more than 140,000 stainless steel reflective tiles with a dichroic color effect, which means the color look different based on the light and where your viewing the tiles. During our media preview, Russ Dagon, SVP of Resort Development at Universal Creative, stated "he believes that the hotel’s tiles make it among the largest stainless steel buildings in the world."Below, is a closer look at the property’s rooms, lobby, amenities, and pool area.
Overview of Universal Stella Nova Resort
Stella Nova Resort and its sister resort, Terra Luna Resort, opening March 25th, have a combined total of 1,500 guest rooms. They fall into the Prime Value category, which provides guests with hotel options at an affordable price point.. Universal has described prime value hotels as offering “a mix of services and amenities made for affordability and comfort.” Other prime value Universal Hotels: Universal Aventura Hotel and Stella Nova’s sister property, Universal Terra Luna Hotel, opening March 25, 2025."It's a great entrance statement for all of Universal Epic Universe. To come in off Universal Boulevard and turn left on Kirkman Road, and you're met with Stella on one side, and Terra on the other. It’s going be amazing," said senior vice president of resort development for Universal Creative, Russ Dagon.Pricing
A room at Universal Stella Nova Resort starts at around $189 per night and can reach up to about $280 per night, based on various dates I selected. The best rate I found was at a really affordable price point starting at $147 (per night, plus tax) based on a stay of four night. You can check rates here on Universal’s website.
Where is Universal Stella Nova Resort Located?
Universal Stella Nova Resort is one of two resorts being built by Loews adjacent to Universal Epic Universe. the new theme park opening May 22, 2025. 
Complimentary shuttle is available to reach Universal Orlando’s other theme parks — Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure — as well as the Volcano Bay water park and Universal CityWalk.If you’re trying to decide between staying at Stella Nova and Terra Luna, Stella Nova Resort will have the shortest walk to Universal Epic Universe.
Lobby at Universal Stella Nova Resort
When you enter the hotel, you’ll step through the entrance resembling a Black hole vortex. The hotel lobby was designed to transport you to another galaxy. 
Photo by: Universal
This hotel is highlighted in serene teals and calming purples and blues to instantly put guests at ease. Images throughout the hotel lobby were actually taken and provided by NASA!
Hotel Rooms at Universal Stella Nova Resort
All the rooms at Stella Nova are designed the same. They are 315 square feet and have two queen beds. All rooms at Universal Stella Nova have one window; no balconies. 
All of the rooms at Stella Nova Resort have a television, coffee maker, beside table, small couch (does not pull out) closet cabinet, small table, and bedside table.
For the bathroom area, there is a glass divider and blackout curtain that separates the vanity area from the bedroom area. There’s a separate door that separates the vanity from the actual bathroom, with a toilet and walk in shower. I appreciated that the toilet has it’s own door for more privacy when getting ready with friends or family.
There are 2 room types available at Universal Stella Nova Resort. There is the Standard Room and Pool View Room. If you have a Standard Room, you’ll be looking at the parking lot and Universal Epic Universe across the street. 
Standard Room with view of Epic Universe Construction
Star Bridge on Floor 3 at Stella Nova Resort
Due to the lobby’s height, the 3rd floor features a unique experience called the Star Bridge. Since Universal couldn’t build rooms in the area because the lobby was directly below, they added a star effect to the ceiling. It’s nothing fantastical, but it’s a great little touch—and it will be a popular photo spot.Note that the Star Bridge area is only on the third floor of Stella Nova Resort.
Food and Beverage Options at Stella Nova Resort
Stella Nova Resort offers a variety of unique dining options for guests looking to have a meal or grab a quick snack in between visits to the parks, including:Cosmos Cafe and Market – the quick service restaurant features made-to-order American classics for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus a selection of grab-and-go items.Galaxy Bar and Galaxy Grill – Guests can enjoy burgers, quesadillas, and salads at these walk-up service pool bars and grills. Plus, guests 21 and older can purchase cocktails, beer, and wine.Nova Bar – the hotel’s lobby bar will offer specialty cocktails curated with unique ingredients, along with the classics.
Not everything was open during our media preview, so we only tried a few items from Cosmos Cafe. I really liked the hot honey chicken pizza, and stuffed breakfast croissant. Stayed tuned for an in- depth review after my stay opening week, during which I can’t wait to try all the other food options.
Cosmos Market
Cosmos Café
Cosmos Café is the main dining location at Universal Stella Nova Resort, Some specialty menu items at Universal Stella Nova Resort include gooey monkey bread, hot honey chicken pizza, and banana-walnut buttermilk pancakes.
Nova Bar
Galaxy Grill
Here you can purchase, quesadillas, burgers, fish tacos, and salads at this walk-up service pool grill. Guests 21 and older can purchase cocktails, beer, and wine.
Galaxy Bar
The Galaxy Bar, the pool’s bar has drinks themed to different constellations and will be a fun, shaded spot to relax and grab a drink.
Amenities at Universal Stella Nova Resort
Pool
The pool area at Stella Nova Resort is pretty huge. It includes a 10,000 sq. ft. pool, a splash pad for kids, and a hot tub. The pool is heated! After walking around the pool area, there's for sure plenty of space and seating.
Photo by Universal Orlando
Photo by Universal Orlando
Arcade
The game room - 648 sq. ft. self-serve with game cards purchased in the game room. Offering a variety of standard arcade games.
Fitness Center
Featuring cardiovascular and weight equipment, the fitness studio is complimentary for hotel guests. The fitness center offers all the equipment needed for a cardiovascular workout routine:TreadmillsBicycles (upright and recumbent)Elliptical machineVariable resistance weight machinesStretching areaFree Weights
Locker rooms with showers are available for changing for resort facility use on arrival and departure daysRestrooms are providedWater fountain available with water bottle refill station
Rec Room – 1,185 sq. ft.
Gift Shop
Off to the ride of the lobby, you’ll find the one gift shop, the Universal Studios Store. This gift shop features a ton of new Universal Epic Universe merchandise, and is currently Stella Nova exclusive for right now.Universal Orlando Resort Store – Also offers sundries, guest necessities, and Universal Orlando and resort logo merchandise.
Other Amenities at Universal Stella Nova Resort
Universal Orlando Vacation Planning Center – A Destination Universal Ticket Desk and KioskAvis car rental deskLaundromatLuggage Storage
Universal Orlando
Universal Stella Nova Resort officially opens on January 21st, while Terra Luna opens on March 25th. Epic Universe and Universal Grand Helios Hotel open on May 22, 2025!