The best Islands of Adventure hotels aren’t just a short walk away from the action – they’re an extension of it. They deliver a truly immersive experience with signature perks like early theme park entry and express theme park tickets.
Whether it’s the retro vibes of Cabana Bay Beach Resort or a seaside Italian town at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, you’ll be surrounded by characters and worlds your kids love.
Cabana Bay Beach Resort
If you’re staying on-site at Universal Orlando, the most affordable option is Cabana Bay Beach Resort. This budget-friendly hotel oozes 1950s and 60s vibes from its stylish exterior to its quirky interiors and guest rooms. And while on-site theme park hotels often phone in quality to cater to their location, that’s not the case at Cabana Bay.
It’s a hugely appealing hotel that takes the best features of its themed architecture and puts them to good use. For starters, the rooms are spacious and bright, with plenty of seating and storage to accommodate families of all sizes. They also come with flatscreen TVs and free WiFi. And if you want to add a touch of luxury, there are also premium suites available.
When it comes to the hotel’s many amenities, it really excels at offering more than you would expect for a resort of this price range. As well as the aforementioned pool locations, there’s also a Bayliner Diner that offers food court-style options for breakfast, lunch and dinner (burgers, pizza and salads are on offer). And if you want to grab coffee on the go, there’s a lobby Starbucks.
The hotel is home to a fun-filled bowling alley too, which is always a hit with kids and adults alike. And if you’re lucky enough to be there during Halloween Horror Nights, the hotel’s atmosphere is transformed into a frightful setting with special photo ops and food offerings.
Another perk of staying at the hotel is that it’s located adjacent to the incredible Volcano Bay water theme park. It’s a short walk to the resort-dedicated entrance (you’ll need your room key), which means you can bypass the main gates and spend more time splashing around in the waves.
There are also 2 onsite restaurants, which serve breakfast, lunch and dinner with a menu that includes American cuisine. You’ll find that the pool by buildings Starlight/Castaway/Thunderbird and Atomic Tonic is a particular highlight, serving up a range of delicious meals including shawarma, pizza and Philly cheesesteaks. There are also a couple of poolside bars, which serve refreshing beverages.
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
There aren’t many theme park hotels that can make you forget you’re at a theme park, but Loews Portofino Bay Hotel does just that. Themed to a seaside Italian village, the resort feels like you’ve been transported to another land. It’s filled with cobblestone streets, a piazza full of restaurants and shops, a harbor that gently bobbles with boats and more.
The rooms are large and have lots of extra space for families to spread out. You can find standard rooms with King or Queen beds as well as suites that feature multiple bedrooms and bathrooms. You can also book themed suites that are outfitted with a character or have a view of Volcano Bay. As one of Universal’s Premier Hotels, Portofino Bay Hotel guests receive access to early theme park admission.
This is a huge benefit that’s worth mentioning because it saves you time and money before hitting the parks in the morning. You’ll also get access to a private entrance to the theme parks and Universal CityWalk. Plus, if you’re a Premier Hotel guest, you can skip the regular lines for most rides at both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida.
Another great benefit is the free and reliable Wi-Fi. This is a must for us when travelling, as it makes it easy to check emails and share photos of your day at the parks with friends and family back home. Unlike other hotels in the area, you don’t have to pay for Wi-Fi at Portofino Bay Hotel.
Getting around the resort is easy, with a walkway that connects directly to CityWalk and the theme parks. You can also take a quick and convenient water taxi to the parks from a dock located in the Harbor Piazza. And if you need to go shopping or grab some food, you can always head over to the nearby Universal CityWalk.
Loews Portofino Bay is one of the best luxury resorts in Orlando and easily rivals the Walt Disney World Deluxe Resorts. It’s a great option for those who want a top-notch hotel experience without paying the premium you’d pay at a Disney resort.
Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn & Suites
The newest hotel at Universal Orlando, Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn & Suites is a value-oriented option with a laidback beach theme. Its rooms are bright and airy with white accents and plush bedding. Guests can choose between standard and two-bedroom suites, each with a flatscreen TV for each living space, a mini-fridge, and a two-compartment bathroom. Each room also offers complimentary WiFi with the option to upgrade to a premium speed.
Guests staying at this hotel can enjoy access to the resort’s outdoor pools and hot tubs, fitness center, and game room. There are also plenty of dining options, including a buffet and a coffee shop. The hotel also provides a free shuttle bus service to Universal CityWalk and the theme parks.
Despite its budget-friendly price, this hotel offers the same level of amenities and theming as other Universal hotels. For example, guests can enjoy Early Park Admission and resort-wide charging privileges. However, the resort isn’t located on the same plot of land as the other Universal hotels, so it won’t offer the benefit of water taxi transportation to the theme parks and CityWalk.
If you’re looking for a more luxurious stay, consider one of the Universal Islands of Adventure hotels in the Signature Collection. These hotels are rated four diamonds by AAA and offer top-notch amenities and exclusive theme park benefits. Guests of these hotels can skip the regular lines at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure with free Unlimited Express Passes.
If you’re traveling with family, consider staying at one of the hotels that offer kids’ clubs. These clubs provide supervised activities for children while parents take a break. They can also participate in fun-filled activities and games that teach the importance of a healthy lifestyle. They can even earn rewards for their achievements. These clubs are a great way for families to bond with each other while having some time off from the parks. Moreover, some of the Universal Islands of Adventure hotels have state-of-the-art fitness centers for their guests to keep fit. These include Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando, Four Points by Sheraton Orlando International Drive and Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel.
Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel
When it comes to rock and roll themed hotels, few do it better than the Hard Rock Hotel. The upscale property is a favorite among music fans and offers close proximity to Universal’s theme parks along with world-class recreation at the hotel itself. Guests rave about the rooms, which are designed with light-gray walls and linens accented by pops of color from rock memorabilia. Rooms are large enough for most couples to sleep comfortably and offer a separate sitting area with a TV and sofa.
In addition to rock music throughout the resort, guests also enjoy a full range of entertainment and food options. The hotel’s main dining restaurant, Kitchen, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a menu that includes classic Hard Rock favorites as well as vegetarian and gluten-free options. There are also a few quick-service restaurants and a pool bar for additional dining and drinks. The hotel also has a Sound Body fitness center with an array of high-tech machines, a hydration station and a free Rock Om yoga kit (reservations are required).
A few of the popular entertainment venues at the Hard Rock include Wine Riffs, Velvet Unplugged and the Universal Catwalk. The hotel also has an onsite spa and is adjacent to Universal CityWalk, the hotel’s entertainment district. Guests can access the restaurants, clubs and attractions of CityWalk without leaving the hotel, which makes this a great choice for those looking to avoid paying extra for transportation into the theme parks.
Another top feature at the Hard Rock is the Rock Shop, which sells classic rock merchandise as well as Universal Orlando souvenirs. The resort also provides guests with priority seating at select Universal park and CityWalk restaurants. Guests can request this benefit at the front desk. Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is available to Hard Rock Hotel guests, as well.
As many travelers are becoming more health conscious, the inclusion of a gym in hotels is quickly becoming an expected feature. Fortunately, several hotels near Universal Islands of Adventure have gyms. Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando, Four Points by Sheraton Orlando International Drive and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando all have well-equipped fitness centers.