Hotels

A Guide to Choosing the Best Hotel for Your Family at Universal Orlando Resort

August 6, 2019
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel Pool

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EDITOR’S NOTE: This blog was originally published in August of 2019 and then underwent extensive updates and editing in August of 2023 to remain current and relevant.

You’ve told your kid(s) they’re finally going on a Universal Orlando Resort vacation and they are psyched. There’s real palpable excitement! Certainly, this is no small feat. Pride rushes through your veins because this is what a parenting win feels like.

Now, the task of picking the right kid-friendly hotel begins. Here’s everything you’ll ever need to know about our hotels to help you decide which spectacular hotel is right for your whole family. And rest assured that there’s a hotel for every budget and family-style, so you’ll have hotel benefits to fit your every need.

PREMIER HOTELS – $$$$

PREFERRED HOTELS – $$$

PRIME VALUE HOTELS – $$

VALUE HOTELS -$ 

 

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

No passport needed to enjoy this Mediterranean-themed hotel! As soon as you arrive, you’ll be transported to the picturesque seaside village of Portofino, Italy. Kids and parents can enjoy the charming piazza surrounded by a colorful harbor where water taxis ferry guests back and forth to the theme parks. Here at Portofino Bay Hotel, you’ll find three enticing pools and incredible restaurants, from a casual pizzeria to a family-style restaurant with delicious Italian favorites and strolling musicians that serenade you tableside. You can even book a Despicable Me Kids’ Suite that sleeps up to five guests. The kids’ rooms capture the excitement of Gru’s Laboratory as you’ll sleep like Margo, Edith and Agnes in custom missile beds with Minion-inspired bedding. See the full breakdown below:

  • Premier Hotel

  • Easy Transportation

    • Complimentary shuttle bus and water taxi transportation to the hub at Universal CityWalk for access to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. An additional dedicated bus route connects the Premier hotels to Universal Volcano Bay water theme park
    • Walking paths to Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk
  • Family-friendly Benefits and Amenities:

    • Free Universal Express Unlimited
      • Valid with theme park admission tickets, this pass allows you to skip regular lines at some of the most popular rides and attractions.
    • Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal Volcano Bay
      • Breeze into select Universal theme parks up to one hour earlier than other guests.
    • Delivery of resort purchases straight to your hotel room
    • Convenient park purchases with your room key
    • Three pools and Poolside Movies
      • The Beach Pool, the ideal place for the family to spend the day together as it features a Roman aqueduct-themed water slide, sandy beach, adjacent children’s pool, poolside activities, two Jacuzzis and three colorful beach cabanas.
      • The Villa Pool is a bit more relaxing with additional amenities, including private cabana rentals and upgraded lounge chairs.
      • The Hillside Pool is located by the east wing and offers a quiet place to relax by the water.
    • Game Room
  • What’s the Biggest Difference?

    • A stunning and charming re-creation of Portofino, Italy
    • Nine unique dining locations
    • Despicable Me Kids’ Suites
      • This suite lets parents have privacy in a beautiful master bedroom while the kids have fun in this connected and themed room that opens only from the parents’ room.

 

Hard Rock Hotel

Hard Rock Hotel - Kids Rock Star Suite

Have you ever wanted to live like a rockstar? You can experience it first-hand when you stay at this laid-back hotel with show-stopping service. Your kids will also thank you for having their very own stage in a Future Rock Star Kids’ Suite. See the full breakdown below:

  • Premier Hotel

  • Easy Transportation:

    • Complimentary shuttle bus and water taxi transportation to the hub at Universal CityWalk for access to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. An additional dedicated bus route connects the Premier hotels to Universal Volcano Bay water theme park
    • Walking paths to Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk
  • Family-friendly Benefits:

    • Free Universal Express Unlimited
      • Valid with theme park admission tickets, this pass allows you to skip regular lines at some of the most popular rides and attractions
    • Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal Volcano Bay
      • Breeze into select Universal parks up to one hour earlier than other guests
    • Delivery of resort purchases straight to your hotel room
    • Convenient park purchases with your room key
    • Enjoy a large zero entry pool featuring an underwater sound system, water slide, two hot tubs,  sand beach and volleyball court along with poolside activities and Poolside Movies
    • Game Room
  • What’s the Biggest Difference?

    • It’s as if you’re staying in a rock star’s mansion
    • Enjoy the Sound of Your Stay program where you can choose from a menu of 20 different Fender guitars that can be delivered to your room or a Crosley turntable with 10 iconic vinyl records.
    • Velvet Sessions and Velvet Unplugged – live concerts in the hotel lobby
    • Future Rock Star Suites
      • Parents can treat their kids to a Future Rock Star Suite, featuring a King bedroom plus an attached themed bedroom where kids can step on stage to perform under the lights.

 

Loews Royal Pacific Resort

Wantilan Lual Royal

This is a South Seas paradise. As you enter this resort, you’ll find tropical wonders and carefree fun. Similarly, your kids will be transported to another jaw-dropping world when they walk into the Jurassic World Kids’ Suites. See the full breakdown below:

  • Premier Hotel

  • Easy Transportation

    • Complimentary shuttle bus and water taxi transportation to the hub at Universal CityWalk for access to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. An additional dedicated bus route connects the Premier hotels to Universal Volcano Bay water theme park
    • Walking paths to Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk
  • Family-friendly Benefits:

    • Free Universal Express Unlimited
      • Valid with theme park admission tickets, this pass allows you to skip regular lines at some of the most popular rides and attractions.
    • Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal Volcano Bay
      • Breeze into select Universal parks up to one hour earlier than other guests.
    • Lagoon style swimming pool, poolside activities and kids’ splash zone and Poolside Movies
    • Delivery of resort purchases straight to your hotel room
    • Convenient park purchases with your room key
    • Game Room

 

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

Are you ready for an escape to a Caribbean paradise? Get inspired by cascading waterfalls over lush tropical grounds. This hotel will have you easing into island time with the calming sounds of steel drums. See the full breakdown below:

  • Preferred Hotel

  • Easy Transportation

    • Complimentary shuttle bus and water taxi transportation to the hub at Universal CityWalk for access to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. An additional dedicated bus route connects the Preferred hotels to Universal Volcano Bay water theme park
    • Walking paths to Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Volcano Bay and Universal CityWalk
  • Family-friendly Benefits:

    • Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal Volcano Bay
      • Breeze into select Universal parks up to one hour earlier than other guests.
    • Delivery of resort purchases straight to your hotel room
    • Convenient park purchases with your room key
    • The pool is the largest of all of our hotel pools, with a water slide and sandy beach area,  This spells fun and relaxation, as does the hot tub, kid-friendly play area, fire pit, poolside activities, Poolside Movies and more
    • Game Room
    • Kids’ Suites
  • What’s the Biggest Difference?

    • A Caribbean-inspired island retreat
    • Largest pool across all hotels

 

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Room Service in Cabana Bay

Little ones will love this vibrant and retro-themed resort. Did you know there are two massive pools, a lazy river and a bowling alley? This resort also offers family suites that sleep up to six, featuring a separate living area with privacy partition and kitchenette, plus a compartmentalized bathroom.  The kitchenettes offer a mini refrigerator, microwave and sink. See the full breakdown below:

  • Prime Value Hotel

  • Easy Transportation

    • Complimentary shuttle bus and water taxi transportation to the hub at Universal CityWalk for access to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure
    • Walking paths to Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Volcano Bay and Universal CityWalk
  • Family-friendly Benefits:

    • Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal Volcano Bay
      • Breeze into select Universal parks up to one hour earlier than other guests
    • Delivery of resort purchases straight to your hotel room
    • Convenient park purchases with your room key
    • Game Room
    • Poolside Movies
  • What’s the Biggest Difference?

    • Family suites that sleep up to six and some offer Volcano Bay view rooms
    • Two huge pools, a lazy river, and poolside activities
    • Galaxy Bowl –the hotel’s very own 10-lane bowling alley and full-service restaurant

 

Universal’s Aventura Hotel

This modern and sleek hotel offers a cool escape for a great price. Aventura’s rooftop offers views of all three Universal Orlando Resort theme parks.  It’s perfect for kids who love technology as many of the room features are controlled by a tablet. If you’re looking for more space, this hotel offers kids’ suites that sleep up to five guests, allowing your little ones to go to sleep while others can relax in a separate area.  See the full breakdown below:

  • Prime Value Hotel

  • Easy Transportation

    • Complimentary shuttle bus and water taxi transportation to the hub at Universal CityWalk for access to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure
    • Walking paths to Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Volcano Bay and Universal CityWalk
  • Family-friendly Benefits:

    • Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal Volcano Bay
      • Breeze into select Universal parks an hour earlier than other guests
    • Convenient park purchases with your room key
    • Pool, poolside kid-friendly activities and Poolside Movies
  • What’s the Biggest Difference?

    • A tech-savvy hotel
    • Bar 17 Bistro
      • This rooftop bar and grille not only has delicious international flavors but also showcases a beautiful 360 view of our three amazing theme parks and Orlando

 

Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites 

Universal Orlando has added extra-affordable options for your vacation with Universal’s Endless Summer Resort. On one end, you have the Surfside Inn and Suites. The vibe at this hotel is relaxed and easy, with a fun surf and beach theme woven throughout. The hotel offers standard rooms and two-bedroom suites that sleep up to six, making it a perfect spot for families of any size.

  • Value Hotel

  • Easy Transportation

    • Free shuttle bus transportation to Universal CityWalk and Volcano Bay
  • Family-friendly Benefits:

    • Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal Volcano Bay
      • Breeze into select Universal parks an hour earlier than other guests.
    • Convenient park purchases with your room key
    • Surfboard-shaped pool
    • Game Room
    • Beach Break Cafe
      • Serves SoCal-inspired food right in your hotel!
    • Pizza delivery to the room
  • What’s the biggest difference?

    • One of our newest and most affordable Universal Orlando Resort Hotels (along with the Dockside Inn and Suites)
    • Two-bedroom suites that sleep up to six
    • Endless Summer was designed and created by the same people who bring our world-class theme parks to life

Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites

Dockside Inn and Suites - 2-bedroom suite

Your other value option is Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites. With pools, food, and a laid-back beachy vibe, this hotel will live up to its name and make you feel like summer can never end. Like the Surfside Inn and Suites, Dockside offers standard rooms and two-bedroom suites that sleep up to six, offering you and your family great options for your visit.

  • Value Hotel

  • Easy Transportation

    • Free shuttle bus transportation to Universal CityWalk and Volcano Bay
  • Family-friendly Benefits:

    • Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal Volcano Bay
      • Breeze into select Universal parks an hour earlier than other guests.
    • Convenient park purchases with your room key
    • Two pools
    • Game Room
    • Pier 8 Market
      • Serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and more right in your hotel!
    • Pizza delivery to the room
  • What’s the biggest difference?

    • One of our newest and most affordable Universal Orlando Resort Hotels (along with the Surfside Inn and Suites)
    • Two-bedroom suites that sleep up to six
    • Endless Summer was designed and created by the same people who bring our world-class theme parks to life

Parents, which hotel are you most looking forward to staying at? Let us know in the comments below!

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2 Comments

  • Reply Billie April 1, 2020 at 8:10 pm

    Are there Future Rock Stars suites on the club level?

  • Reply KAREN October 20, 2020 at 9:40 am

    We loved the Jurassic Park themed suite at Royal Pacific. How about a Harry Potter themed kids suite?!??

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