The best hotels near Universal Orlando for an action-packed theme-park stay

The architecture and atmosphere of this five-storey complex feels more like an Italian village that has grown organically around a central bay rather than a 750-room hotel, and while Universal’s two major theme parks are practically next door, the resort’s design ensures it remains a quiet retreat. Three themed pools, outdoor film screenings, games, contests and arts and crafts engage children, while families appreciate nightly Musica della Notte musical celebrations at sunset. There’s plenty on offer for adults too. Rooms are ultra-spacious and there’s a good range of restaurants to suit all tastes.

This flagship Hyatt is the most luxurious hotel on the busy International Drive strip, and no more than 15 minutes’ drive to the theme parks. The glitzy lobby is often bustling with convention traffic, but there are plenty of quiet nooks and crannies and the public areas are loaded with artwork and fine décor touches that maintain the classy ambience. It is also easy to escape the hubbub in Rocks lounge bar and the Grotto Pool that it overlooks. Amenties are plentiful, with a full-service spa, massive fitness centre, tennis court, gift shop and pool facilities. Equally as abundant are restaurants, from diners and the 1930s-style Fiorenzo Italian steakhouse to Coffee Etcetera and the Rocks – perfect for sunset cocktails.

A 15-minute drive from Universal Orlando Resort, the somewhat sterile tower block façade gives way to modern luxury and large, open public spaces inside. The atmosphere is smart and business-like, but with plenty of welcoming touches for families and couples. Guests seeking pampering will enjoy the full-service salon and spa, while active visitors will appreciate the nine-hole putting green, Bocce ball, basketball, volleyball, tennis court and large fitness centre with a wide variety of equipment. But the resort’s stand-out feature is its enormous pool area with lazy river, family pool and separate adults-only pool.

This massive edifice pulls off ‘intimate’ in grand, 1900s Spanish Revival style. The resort’s 1,500 rooms and suites are some of the largest in Orlando and it’s easy to get lost in the ‘miles away from it all’ ambiance. Active guests will appreciate the fitness centre, walking trails, tennis, basketball, sand volleyball and fishing, as well as the award-winning, championship golf course. A vast array of dining is provided by 10 additional restaurants and lounges, including the laid-back style of Mi Casa Tequila Taqueria, where Mexican favourites take on a gourmet twist and craft beers are a highlight.

Though Universal’s Aventura Hotel is more budget-priced than several other Universal resorts, it still delivers a stylish and quality-conscious experience while also being ultra-convenient for the theme parks. There is a distinct South Beach Miami vibe to the public areas and modern technology is everywhere, from a virtual reality games room to tablets in the guest rooms that control everything, from the lighting to room service. Unlike most Universal hotels, this one doesn’t overpower guests with a wealth of facilities and options, but there is still a lot packed in. The gorgeous pool deck and kids’ Splash Pad provide a great outdoor amenity, while the three bar areas are wonderfully inviting.

It might be on the doorstep of Universal’s array of theme parks, shops, nightlife and restaurants but Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando
still provides a serene Caribbean-style getaway, set around a lagoon and waterfalls, with tempting dining and a unique rum bar. The young, slick staff have been cherry-picked from Universal’s other hotels and there is an air of pride and attentiveness. The hotel is also packed with user-friendly facilities, from the huge main pool and the water play area for children to the fitness centre (including a dry sauna), games arcade, gift shop, grab-and-go café, concierge desk and laundromats. Even with the theme parks so close, there is a lot to keep guests here.

This luxurious resort sits just outside the Universal theme parks, with access to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure on foot or by complimentary water taxi. Themed as a 1940s South Seas retreat, this 1,000-room tower resort encircles a lagoon-style pool, but despite its size it still retains a boutique feel. Guests are ‘island hopping through the South Pacific’ and the décor reflects that, with Indonesian wood carvings and furnishings reflective of Bali and Hawaii. The highlight is the huge free-form pool with zero-depth entry and white-sand ‘beach’, with the Royal Bali Sea kids’ water-play area, Dive In Movies, beach volleyball, private cabanas and two hot tubs.

This large, budget-conscious resort, with funky detailing that brings to mind the roadside motels of the 1950s and 1960s, is right on the doorstep of the Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure theme parks. The Cabana Courtyard section offers an enormous pool with water slide and an interactive children’s play area, while Lazy River Courtyard features a pool and blissful lazy river for tubing. A 10-lane bowling alley and Ace Arcade are ideal for the occasional rainy day or an evening in, and health-conscious visitors have access to state-of-the-art Jack LaLanne Fitness Studio. Beachside/Bayside tower suites are supremely family-oriented, especially for those eager to take advantage of the early entry perk into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter sections of the theme parks.

Every detail at this imposing California Mission-style, seven-storey resort is geared toward VIP treatment, from the customised playlist for your room to the Fender guitar you can play while you stay. Proximity to the theme parks and Universal’s City Walk district of shopping, dining and movie theatres is superb, with complimentary transportation by bus or water taxi, although it’s all within a five-minute stroll. The pool has a sand beach and water slide, poolside activities, live music and a DJ, plus outdoor film screenings and an underwater sound system. From The Kitchen’s New American comfort food classics and casual atmosphere to the swanky Velvet Bar for designer cocktails, you’ll find plenty of appropriate places to drink and dine.