Loews Portofino Bay Resort
Did we save the best for last? Thats up to you to decide! The Loews Portofino Bay Resort will definitely take your breath away. This expansive resort, designed to make you feel like youve traveled abroad to Portofino, Italy, with its outdoor cafes, cobblestone streets, and shops along the harbor, will charm its way into your heart. This resort has the most pools, the most restaurants and the most shopping venues so if you stay here, youll want to allot the time to explore all the different areas and amenities.
Rooms begin at $372 a night, with the ability to upgrade to Club Level or Suites. And these rooms are like no other. Standard rooms have 450 square feet making them some of the largest rooms on property and come with pillow-top beds. This resort is great for families seeking an upscale, luxury place to stay while on their Universal Studios Vacation.
Loews Portofino Bay Resort Dining:
- Mama Dellas Ristorante
Lowes Royal Pacific Resort & Lowes Royal Pacific
Lowes Royal Pacific Resort is ready to take you away to a Polynesian paradise. Its incredible lagoon-style pool is just one of the benefits of staying at Lowes Royal Pacific. Whether youre relaxing in your cabana with a tropical drink or playing in the interactive water area, you might actually forget about going to the parks. With kids camps and a torch lighting ceremony, theres always something fun going on making it one of the best Universal Studios resort hotels.
Rooms at this resort start at $312 and have beautiful garden views. When youre ready to have a meal or enjoy a drink, youll find a wide array of options, from American fare to Pan Asian food and even a sushi bar.
Loews Royal Pacific Resort Dining:
- Islands Dining Room
Related Page: Check Out Pricing for the Loews Royal Pacific Resort
What Is A Universal Express Pass And How Do I Score Free Universal Express Passes
Another bonus to staying at the higher end Universal Orlando Resorts such as The Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, or Lowes Royal Pacific Resort is Free Universal Express unlimited ride access . Similar to a Disney Fast Pass, the Universal Express allows cardholders to skip the regular line and go in the shorter express line including some at Universal Studios Harry Potter land.
The Express Pass doesnt work on new attractions like Hagrids Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, but it does work on the popular Forbidden Journey in Hogsmeade and Escape to Gringotts in Diagon Alley, as well as main attractions throughout both Universal Orlando Resort Theme Parks.
If purchased these park passes are $89 per person. Spend your money on one of the nice Universal Orlando hotels and get this perk free youll come out better in the end AND have a nicer experience.
Express Pass vs. Disney Fast Pass. Its important to note that Express passes arent EXACTLY like the Fast Pass at Walt Disney World. You will still wait in line, but the express line is generally half the time of the stated normal line wait time.
Engage with staff who often work in character. Find someone from your house and ask them to teach you the secret handshake.
How to beat the lines. If you dont want to spring for the nicer hotel or the Express Pass, its a must that you:1. Arrive early2. Research and come prepared with a theme park touring plan
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Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
From the on-site bowling alley to the impeccably done midcentury modern beach theme, Cabana Bay Beach Resort strikes a sweet note that balances the overall experience with more value-oriented pricing.
You can make solid use of your downtime while staying here by enjoying activities like evening campfires and midday zips down the property’s waterslide.
While your only option to get to the main theme parks will be a shuttle bus or an approximately 20-minute walk, you’ll likely pay a couple of hundred dollars less per night than you’d spend at some of the pricier Universal Orlando resorts, so that may be a fine trade.
What Are The Best Universal Orlando Hotels In 2023
Universal Orlando breaks its resorts into four different categories. Lets take a quick peek to see where the current eight Universal resorts fall in those categories. Guests looking to get an idea of the current prices to stay at a Universal Orlando hotel can check them out on our Universal Orlando vacation package page!
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Loews Royal Pacific Resort At Universal Orlando For Universal’s Islands Of Adventure
While you can certainly hop on the free water taxi, in many cases, the fastest way to get to the gates of Islands of Adventure from Loews Royal Pacific Resort may be to log a few extra steps less than 10 minutes via a nice walkway, to be exact. Either way, this is as close as you’re going to get to Islands of Adventure.
Best Universal Orlando Hotels For Using Hotel Points
On-site Universal hotels are a good bet for some families, but others may prefer to stay off-site for reasons like sticking to a tight budget. You can often score terrific cash prices for accommodations near Universal, especially if youre traveling during the offseason. But if you’d rather save that cash, you can also redeem traditional hotel points or free night award certificates.
Related: Hotel credit cards that come with an annual free night
If you select a Universal Partner Hotel, you can stay off-property but still enjoy some Universal perks. Some partner hotels offer free transportation to Universal theme parks, plus discounts on some park merchandise and food and nonalcoholic beverages at select venues in the parks and at CityWalk. Well note below if a property on this list is a Universal Partner Hotel.
Here are some of our favorite points-friendly hotels near Universal Orlando. Keep in mind that if you want a more complete resort hotel experience, there are plenty of those in Orlando. We chose to focus on the hotels closest to Univeral that are a little more limited in service offerings.
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Universals Loews Portofino Bay Resort
Rates start at: $372.00 per nightTransportation: Boat, shuttle, walkway
- Pros: This resort has the largest amount of guest rooms on both Disney and Universal property. Guests also receive the Universal Express Pass, which lets you skip the regular queue lines. The resort is massive with plenty of dining and entertainment options.
- Cons: The restaurants are a bit pricier than you will find throughout most of the other resorts and even at Universals City Walk.
- Whats the vibe? Romantic and picturesque relaxation in a the beautiful city of Portofino, Italy.
Guests Of All Universal Orlando Resort Hotels Enjoy:
- Breeze into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universals Volcano Bay an hour earlier than other guests with Early Park Admission*. Just gotta have valid theme park admission .
- Its a quick hop from Universals hotels to the parks with free water taxis or Shuttles.
- Everythings in walking distance. Most of Universals hotels and parks are connected with paths that are awesome for a nice stroll or a healthy jog. There’s even a walking path straight to Universal’s Volcano Bay from select hotels
- Keep it simple when you dine and shop by charging purchases across the Resort to your room key card.
- Want to shop without carrying your purchases around? There’s free merchandise delivery from our shops to your Universal hotel.
- Wake up with a star. Get an exclusive Universal wake-up call each morning.
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Wizarding World Of Harry Potter
Magic comes to life at Universals Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Step inside Harrys world, where you can explore mysterious Hogwarts Castle, cute Hogsmeade village and bustling Diagon Alley. How do you get between these wizarding places? The Hogwarts Express, of course! Pick up your ticket and head down to platform 9¾ to start your adventure!
Universal Studios Hard Rock Hotel
One of the best hotels to stay at when visiting Universal Studios Orlando is the four-star Universal Studios Hard Rock Hotel.
This is an on-site resort property and is the closest hotel within walking distance to Universal Studios situated just to the right of the Universal Studios Florida park entrance.
Walking from Universal Studios Hard Rock Hotel entrance to CityWalk takes just 8 minutes.
The walk is incredibly well signposted and very scenic taking you along one of the many garden walks across the resort alongside the river before arriving at the security checkpoint with Universal Studios Florida on your right.
Being an on-site property a stay here comes with many perks including complimentary shuttle buses to Universals water park, Volcano Bay and a scenic river boat to the landing dock at CityWalk.
Given its close proximity to the parks and the complimentary Express Passes that come with this premier hotel, its no surprise that this is one of the most expensive hotels on this list.
That being said, for music fanatics and those wanting to be footsteps from the action, the cost is likely very much worthwhile!
Book Universals Hard Rock Hotel
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Universal’s Volcano Bay Water Theme Park
Its a water theme park. Which is like a theme park with a whole lotta water. And that big thing in the middle is just like a real volcano. Cause you know volcanoes have water slides, the kind thatll make you chicken out at the last minute unless your friends peer pressure you. And if youre more a go-with-the-flow type, we got chill things like a winding river, wave pooloh, and lounge chairs. Doesnt get chiller than that. Remember, its a South Seas oasis .
Volcano Bay is a must-do. Enhance your stay in Orlando with a trip to this amazing paradise that perfectly blends one-of-a-kind thrills with tropical relaxation. For ticketing assistance, visit the Universal Vacation Planning Center in the lobby.
Surfside Inn And Suites
Surfside Inn and Suites is the smaller of the two sister resorts and we love its look! This resort is decorated in with a laid-back beachside vibe and plenty of surfboards for a photo-op. Surfside Inn and Suites is perfect for the family on a budget! With bright, open rooms starting at only $91 a night, youll be able to spend your money on other things like wands from the Wizarding World of Harry Potteror an extra night stay or two.
This resort is located away from the parks on the other side of Interstate 4, but a quick bus ride will take families to the hub of CityWalk for access to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Another bus will take guests directly to Volcano Bay. Dining here is quick and easy with a food court, pizza delivery and coffee/pool bars. For non-park fun, dive into the surfboard shaped pool, play a few games in the game room or workout in the fitness area.
What Dining Options Are There at Surfside Inn and Suites?:
- Beach Break Cafe
Related Page: Check Out Pricing for the Surfside Inn and Suites
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Faqs About Hotels Near The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter
We created these 9 answers to questions about hotels close to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Only at Universal’s Islands of Adventure to make your planning easier.
What are the top hotels close to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter for couples?
To spend a romantic holiday near The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, consider staying at the best Booked.net hotels. Extended Stay America – – Convention Center – Universal Blvd is the best couple hotel in Orlando from 50US$ per night. We also recommend Rosen Inn Closest To Universal, providing a tennis court, an outdoor swimming pool and shuttle service.
What are the best hotels near The Wizarding World of Harry Potter?
For those searching for a hotel near The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, we offer 38 top deals. Extended Stay America – Theme Parks – Vineland Road offers a tennis court, an outdoor swimming pool and a golf course, as well as prices from 61US$ per night. You may also check Hilton Garden Inn International Drive North a 3-star option offering an outdoor swimming pool, free shuttle service and concierge service to its visitors. Other best deals are Holiday Inn Express-International Drive, An Ihg Hotel, Econo Lodge International Drive and Hyatt House Universal.
How much would it cost to book a hotel near The Wizarding World of Harry Potter?
What are the top hotels near The Wizarding World of Harry Potter featuring free parking?
What are the best hotels near The Wizarding World of Harry Potter allowing pets?
Bobcat T770 Forestry Package
3. Nerd out on a Harry Potter walking tour in London. As Im sure you can guess, there are a lot of Harry Potter places to visit in London, so if you want to take the stress out of visiting them all on your own, you can easily book yourself a Harry Potter themed walking tour. Most of these tours take you to filming locations and important spots in London at the same. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando. 5780 Major Blvd., Orlando, Florida, 32819, USA. Directions. The Doubletree By Hilton At The Entrance To Universal Orlando delivers a blend of high-tech hospitality and warm Florida personality.
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The Best Universal Orlando Resort Hotel 202: Complete Pros And Cons Guide
The Best Universal Orlando Resort Hotel 2023: Complete Pros and Cons Guide
The Best Universal Orlando Resort Hotel 2023: Complete Pros and Cons Guide
Your family has made the big decision to have a Universal vacation and now its time to find the best Universal Studios Resort Hotels to accommodate your best vacation ever. While we like to say every Universal Studios hotel is the best Universal Studios Resort hotel, we know that every family and every visitor has different preferences and needs.
We hope you find this post helpful in searching for the best Universal Orlando resort! No matter whether youre looking for the best universal hotel for families, the best universal hotel for adults or a Universal hotel that will meet both criteria. There is something for every family at Universal Orlando. So if youre ready to learn more about all of the amazing Universal Studios Resort Hotels read on!
SPECIAL NOTE: If youre looking for the best time to book a Universal Orlando vacation be sure to check out our crowd calendar below!
Where To Eat At The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter
The Three Broomsticks. Of course, The Three Broomsticks is where wizards get traditional English fare at Hogsmeade . Meals at the Three Broomsticks arent large so dont expect to share. Tip: They have a back porch, which is kind of a secret and usually less crowded than inside.
Secret Tip: When its quiet at the Three Broomsticks, you might catch a house elf running around upstairs. Youll know because of his shadow and the pitter patter of him running.
Hogs Head Tavern. Adjacent to the Three Broomsticks is the Hogs Head Tavern where you can get a traditional American beer, as well as the famed wizard drink Butterbeer in regular or frozen. This can be a quicker option than the Three Broomsticks.
More Harry Potter Secrets: After all that butterbeer youll probably need to use the facilities. While there, listen for Moaning Myrtle, the ghost who haunts the girls bathroom at Hogwarts.
The Leaky Cauldron. This restaurant is located at Diagon Alley and the cool thing to note is the sign actually leaks. And once inside, look for keys hanging for guests.
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Luxury Orlando Hotels Near The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter
If you want to have luxury experience and stay near The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at the same time, book Arnold Palmer’S Bay Hill Club & Lodge or Universal’S Loews Royal Pacific Resort. Located 4 km from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, luxury The Wizarding World of Harry Potter offers an outdoor swimming pool, a sauna and an indoor swimming pool. If you prefer chain hotels, Country Inn & Suites By Radisson, Orlando, Fl in Sea World Orlando district has free self-parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a Jacuzzi and is 1.5 miles from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Embassy Suites By Hilton Orlando International Drive Convention Center is a highly rated boutique hotel near The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, with a tennis court, a sauna and a health club for a relaxing stay.
Benefits Of Booking Through Trough The Park Prodigy
- Free concierge service to take care of every aspect of your trip including dining reservations
- Always save vs booking directly with Universal
- Free daily park plans to save even more time in the parks
- We are Universal experts committed to helping you plan an amazing family vacation
The best part is right now The Park Prodigy is running a promotion for anyone who books a 2 night or more Universal Orlando vacation package for anytime in 2023! Simply check out all available hotels on our Universal Studios Resort Hotel package page and use promo code Magic50 at checkout for an additional $50.00 off our discounted packages!
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