There’s nothing better than waking up at a hotel in Orlando, Florida, and knowing a full day of fun at a theme park is ahead. Imagine yourself walking out the door to the complimentary shuttle to whisk you away to ride roller coasters, eat incredible food, and meet some of your favorite characters. With the opening of Orlando’s newest theme park, Universal Epic Universe, comes three new hotels adjacent to or connected to the park.
If you’re planning your vacation to Universal Orlando and need a hotel near Epic Universe that’s close to all the fun the park offers, then you’re in luck. The three new resorts that are part of the larger Epic Universe complex are exceptional places to stay, with a variety of room types, amenities, and prices to fit most budgets. I’ve stayed at all three new Universal hotels near Epic Universe, so keep reading for my tips and tricks for picking the right hotel, pros and cons of each, and what theme park benefits you’ll get by staying at any of these properties.
Budget-friendly: Universal Stella Nova Resort
Universal Stella Nova Resort is one of the two budget-friendly resorts at Universal Orlando Resort near Epic Universe. In fact, the Prime Value class resort is just across the street and has a dedicated walking path to the park. Outside, the resort has thousands of multi-colored tiles that reflect the sun. Pro-tip: the hotel’s outer walls make for great backdrops for photos.
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The resort feels clean and modern, with plenty of seating, a lobby bar slinging strong cocktails, and an adjacent quick service restaurant. Outside the lobby is a large outdoor area with the resort’s pool, pool bar, and restaurant. The pool is big enough for kids to splash around and adults to enjoy a cooling dip after a fun day at the theme parks. The resort also has a small store where you can shop for merchandise themed to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and more.
Rooms
The hotel near Epic Universe has 750 double queen standard rooms, which can sleep up to four people. The 315 square foot accommodations are simple, but will do the job for those spending most of their time at the theme parks. There’s ample storage in the main living and sleeping area thanks to a set of drawers and a small closet. The bathrooms are divided into two parts, separated by a door. The first is with a sink and mirror that are open to the main living space, while the shower and toilet have a door that can be closed behind you.
Pros
- Can be budget-friendly
- Large pool and outdoor space
- Nice accommodations
- Easy access to Epic Universe
Cons
- Small number of onsite amenities
- Distance from Universal Orlando’s other theme parks
Price
Rates start at $147, plus tax, per night based on a four-night stay or longer.
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Theme park benefits
- Up to one hour of Early Park Admission at a designated Universal Orlando Resort theme park
- Complimentary shuttle buses to the theme parks and Universal CityWalk
- Complimentary merchandise delivery from the theme parks to your hotel
Budget-friendly: Universal Terra Luna Resort
Just down the street from Universal Stella Nova Resort is its sister property, Universal Terra Luna Resort, which is also part of Universal’s Prime Value hotels. The outside of the building looks nearly the same as Stella Nova, and many of the resort’s amenities are the same, including a beautiful resort-style pool, multiple onsite restaurants, and a walking path from the hotel near Epic Universe to the park’s entrance.
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Rooms
The 750 standard double queen rooms can sleep up to four people. The accommodations are 315 square feet with a small couch and table across from the beds. The large picture window lets in plenty of light, and half of the rooms have sweeping views of Epic Universe. Bathrooms are the same as Stella Nova, with a divided concept where a sink and mirror are outside the door, and the shower and toilet are behind a door.
Pros
- Modern, clean areas
- Easy access to Epic Universe via walking path or bus
- The outdoor area is great for families
Cons
- Far from Universal Orlando’s original parks
Price
Rates for four nights or longer start at $147 per night plus tax. Single nights can be more expensive.
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Theme park benefits
- Early Park Admission to select parks and attractions at Universal Orlando Resort
- Complimentary shuttle buses to the theme parks and Universal CityWalk
- Complimentary merchandise delivery from the parks to your hotel
Worth the splurge: Universal Helios Grand Hotel
Families who want to get as close as possible to Epic Universe will want to check in at Universal Helios Grand Hotel. The resort has a dedicated entrance into the park from the hotel, which is a huge benefit of staying here. Helios Grand is also hiding two of Universal’s best new restaurants and bars, the lobby-level Flora Taverna, which features Mediterranean cuisine and exquisite cocktails, and the rooftop Bar Helios, where panoramic views of Epic Universe and delightful bites are combined into one incredible setting.
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The resort has a stunning outdoor lagoon-style pool flanked by comfortable lounge chairs and umbrellas. This is a great spot to hang out on warm afternoons or after spending a day in the theme park. The outdoor pool bar is also a beautiful space to enjoy a drink or a snack between larger meals at the resort.
Rooms
The Signature Collection hotel near Epic Universe has 500 rooms and suites, with three different accommodation styles. The 325 square foot standard rooms face the Orlando Convention Center or Epic Universe. While neither view is bad, it’s worth the splurge to get a room that faces Epic Universe for sweeping views of the park first thing in the morning or as you fall asleep at night. Most standard rooms have two beds and accommodate four guests, but some rooms have an additional pull-out couch to sleep up to five. Bathrooms are upgraded with tile floors, a single vanity, and a spacious wet room with a shower and toilet. Club Level rooms are similar in layout to the standard rooms, but have access to a private lounge where breakfast and evening hors d’oeuvres are served.
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Suites at the resort start at 495 square feet and go up to 1,500 square feet. One of the cutest suites is the Kids’ Suite, which is themed to How to Train Your Dragon. These rooms feature one king bedroom with the normal Helios Grand theming, and a separate kids’ room with Toothless flying over the beds.
Pros
- Hotel attached to Epic Universe
- Exceptional dining options
- Beautiful rooms with ample space
Cons
- Small lobby gets crowded first thing in the morning and in the mid-afternoon
- Does not include Universal Express like the other Signature Collection resorts
Price
Rates start at $293 per night, though most nights are closer to $400 for a standard room.
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Theme park benefits
- Early theme park admission with access to select attractions
- Dedicated entrance into Epic Universe
- Complimentary buses to Universal CityWalk and the other Universal Orlando theme parks
- Complimentary merchandise delivery from the theme parks to the hotel
Our theme park editor’s pick
You cannot go wrong with these three hotels near Epic Universe. If budget wasn’t an issue or if you want the easiest access to Epic Universe, I would suggest Universal Helios Grand Hotel. The resort is absolutely stunning, and the views of the theme park from the rooms are picture-perfect. During my two-night stay at the resort, I found it incredibly easy to come and go from Epic Universe. In fact, I walked from the back of Dark Universe and was back in my room at Helios in about seven minutes. The resort’s outdoor areas are relaxing, especially the terrace of Flora Taverna, where I enjoyed breakfast both mornings and watched the park begin to come alive with energy and excitement. And seeing Stardust Racers from my room launching guests into the cosmos wasn’t bad either.
Frequently asked questions
Which Universal Orlando Resorts give you free express passes?
Even though Universal Helios Grand Hotel is part of Universal Orlando Resort’s Signature Collection of hotels, it does not come with included Express Passes. If you want Express Passes included with your resort stay, book Lowe’s Portofino Bay Hotel, Lowe’s Royal Pacific Hotel, Lowe’s Sapphire Falls Resort, or the Hard Rock Hotel.
Is Universal Helios Grand inside Epic Universe?
Universal Helios Grand Hotel is attached to the back side of Epic Universe and features a dedicated entrance into the park. After scanning your ticket, you’ll walk down a small ramp and be in Celestial Park.
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What is the best hotel to walk to the parks at Universal Orlando?
All three of the hotels near Epic Universe are walkable to Epic Universe. You cannot walk to the other Universal Orlando Resort theme parks from Universal Stella Nova, Universal Terra Luna, or Universal Helios Grand Hotel. To get to the other parks, you will ned to take one of the complimentary buses that can be found just outside of the resort front door.
Can you buy theme park tickets at Universal hotels?
Yes, there is a ticket desk at each of the Universal Orlando Resort hotels where you can purchase tickets, Express Passes, and anything else you may need for entry and access at the theme parks.
