Disclaimer: This blog was written before Covid-19 and there may be differences in how the resorts are running during this time uncertainty.
Back in January I had the amazing opportunity to tour the Universal Resort hotels. Every single one is AMAZING! Allow me to give you a little snapshot of each one and it's special features!
We’ll start with a couple of the perks you get at most of the Universal Resort hotels. My favorite perk is pool hopping! That’s right, you can stay at a prime value resort and pool hop to the premier resort pools just pick up an amenity key at the front desk. Speaking of pools, all resorts provide complimentary swim diapers, sunblock, and aloe!
You also get early admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter! Another perk is being in walking distance or receive free transportation to Volcano Bay, Universal, Islands of Adventure, and CityWalk. There is also an Avis Car Rental desk in all resort hotels.
There are four levels of hotels in the Universal Resort. The prime value resorts are Universal’s Adventura Hotel and Cabana Bay Beach Resort. Adventura is the smallest resort in Universal. There are 600 rooms and they boast beautiful floor to ceiling windows. This hotel has a modern and open feel to it. There are two restaurants and two bars on site. Bar 17 Bistro is located on the rooftop of Adventura. They serve unique dishes as well as classic meals and custom-crafted cocktails while you just enjoy the view! Adventura has one pool, a game room, and offers Resort Kids Camps so the adults can enjoy a night to themselves.
Cabana Bay is the second largest resort and it has the most amenities! This hotel is themed after the Florida beaches from the 50s and 60s. There are four restaurants, one bar, and a pizza delivery service on site. The Bayliner Diner has multiple food service stations to satisfy everyone’s appetite. Or enjoy the beautiful weather outside at the Atomic Tonic bar and grille. They serve delicious sandwiches, wraps, salads, and kebabs along with beer, wine, and specialty cocktails. There are two pools at this resort and you can rent a cabana or enjoy the lazy river while you are there! Family cabana rentals start at $200 for the small cabana and $400 for the large cabana. The large cabana comes with a welcome basket filled with fruit and muffins. This hotel does offer character meet and greets on select days and has a bowling alley on site!
There is only one hotel in the preferred category- Loews Sapphire Falls Resort. You will feel like you are in the Caribbean at this resort! There are a couple of benefits you won’t receive at the value resorts such as .. they bring your luggage to your room for you. Fun fact: The chandelier in the lobby weighs two tons! There are three restaurants, one bar, & 24 hour room service. The Strong Water Tavern offers rare vintage rums, a rum specialist, and tapas-style dining, or you can find seafood options and tropical drinks at Drhum Club Kantine. There is one pool, an arcade, and walking and jogging paths around the hotel. On select nights they also play movies in the pool! The best pina colada is made at this hotel just ask the Rum Master to tell you all about it, then.. drink it! The newest experience at this hotel is their Rum Dinner. Enjoy light hors d’oeuvres, rum samplings, and entertainment before a special five course dinner paired with crafted rums distilled in the Caribbean. Prices for the Rum Dinner run approx. $85/person.
The Loews Royal Pacific Resort is one of the premier hotels at The Universal Resort. This hotel has a Polynesian theme with white sand leading into the lagoon-style pool and a traditional luau on select nights! If you stay at one of the premier hotels you get the Universal Express Unlimited pass included with your stay. This pass allows you to skip the lines at participating attractions in Universal and Islands of Adventure. There are six restaurants and 24 hour room service. If you are traveling with kids, check out the Despicable Me Character Breakfast! Or if you want fun for any age The Wantilan Luau will not disappoint. Enjoy authentic Polynesian food and the traditional luau celebration! Prices start at $71/adult + tax and fees and $36/child + tax and fees. This hotel also has a sushi bar on site! There is one pool at this resort. On select nights (weather permitting) you can gather around the pool and enjoy the Torch Lighting Ceremony. This ceremony begins with the “oli aloha” chant and a fire dancer! A few times a year, adults can enjoy Jake’s Beer Dinner and Jake’s Beer Festival at Jake’s American Bar. Jake’s Beer Dinner is a five course meal with craft beer, signature entrees, and desserts! Each month a new beer vendor is featured. Jake’s Beer Festival takes place twice a year under the outdoor Wantilan Pavilion.
This festival features 50 or so craft brews, creative foods, and live entertainment! Jake’s American Bar is open year round with craft brews and american meals. If you stop by make sure to ask the waiters and waitresses how they got the nicknames on their name tags!
Do you have more questions about the amazing amenities of the Universal Resorts? Contact me today!
Comments