From its magical world of Harry Potter to the adventurous islands of Jurassic Park, Universal Studios Orlando is a blast of excitement whether you’re visiting solo, with the whole family or anything in between. And what's the best way to make your action-packed vacation even better? Staying at one of the top Universal Studios Orlando hotels, of course.
Read on for five of our favorite options — or, for a tailored booking experience, connect with Fora to plan and book your trip to an awesome Orlando resort with expert suggestions, access to VIP hotel perks and beyond.
The 5 best hotels at Universal Studios Orlando
Like the best Disney Hotels in Orlando, Universal Studios Orlando hotels aren’t some cheap money grab: you can expect luxurious accommodations, fantastic service and plenty of fun extras meant to enhance your visit to the parks.
Perhaps best of all, there are options for every type of traveler, whether you’re looking for an exclusive experience or something low key. Read on for five of our favorite Universal Studios Orlando hotels — and if you need itinerary ideas, check out our guide to 5 days in Universal Studios Orlando.
1. Universal’s Endless Summer Resort (Dockside & Surfside): a surprisingly budget-friendly Universal Studios hotel in Orlando
Don’t let the low price tag fool you, Universal’s Endless Summer Resort — which splits into Dockside and Surfside inns and suites, respectively — offers surprisingly great accommodations and convenient access to the parks.
Both halves of the resort are uber family friendly with plenty to do, including a massive pool, arcade, souvenir shops and tons of places to eat, grab a coffee or sip cocktails.
Pro tip: whenever you stay at a Universal Studios Orlando hotel, you're guaranteed early access to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and more.
Connect with Fora for the full low down on Universal’s Endless Summer Resort, and to plan and book your stay there.
2. Universal’s Aventura Hotel: an ultra-modern Universal Studios Orlando hotel next to Volcano Bay
Like Universal’s Endless Summer Resort, Aventura Hotel is surprisingly affordable for a theme-park hotel — but again, the value for what you’re paying is exceptional (for context: hotel rates are essentially subsidized by ticket sales). At Aventura, you can enjoy updated amenities and a suite of benefits all meant to make your Universal Studios experience that much better.
Aventura Hotel is also right next to Volcano Bay — in fact, upgraded rooms can enjoy stellar views of the park (and the views from the rooftop bar are even better) — and is only a short ride away from the main theme parks.
3. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel: a luxurious lakeside resort inspired by the Italian Coast
For a more indulgent stay, Loews Portofino Bay is easily one of the top Universal Studios Orlando hotels. This lavish, Portofino-Italy-inspired resort boasts a variety of accommodations ranging from sophisticated guestrooms and Italian suites to family-friendly Minion suites and more — not to mention a bevy of top-tier amenities, including free access to Universal Express Unlimited, which allows guests to skip the regular lines at most popular attractions.
Connect with Fora to level up your stay at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel with exciting perks, like a substantial property credit to put toward the resort’s delectable Mama Della's Ristorante.
(BTW: we can also help you book and plan an amazing trip to any of the best places to stay in Italy.)
Fora Perks at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel:
$100 food / beverage credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
4. Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort: a fun, retro-themed Universal Studios Orlando hotel
A tier above Universal’s Endless Summer Resort, Cabana Bay Beach Resort sports a fun, retro-beach theme and comfy accommodations. Everywhere you look you’ll be greeted by vintage cars, mid-century modern decor and cute homages to 50s and 60s beach culture.
A mini waterpark, bowling alley, arcade, souvenir shops and a handful of restaurants and lounges round out a fun list of things to do here beyond visiting the theme parks, too.
This is also the only Universal Studios Orlando hotel to feature family suites (which sleep up to six) with a kitchenette.
5. Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando: a groovy Universal Studios Orlando hotel that blends 60s rock culture with a California Mission-style design
A unique choice among Universal Studios Orlando hotels, Hard Rock Hotel features Spanish California architecture, 60s-rock decor and the occasional, up-close-and-personal performance by well-known names at its central venue.
Location-wise, you can’t get much better either. From Hard Rock Hotel, you can easily walk to Universal CityWalk Orlando (about five minutes on foot) — the resort’s fun shopping district — the main entrance to Universal Studios Orlando as well as Universal’s Islands of Adventure park. And like Loews Portofino Bay, guests of Hard Rock Hotel can enjoy free access to Universal Express Unlimited, which also includes priority seating at select restaurants throughout the resort.
Can’t wait to check into your Universal Studios Orlando Hotel? Start planning your trip with Fora today
Want to maximize your stay at the best Universal Studios Orlando hotels? Connect with Fora to plan and book your trip. Whether it’s scoring you VIP perks at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, crafting an exciting Universal Studios itinerary or hooking you up with insider intel on the coolest hidden gems in Orlando and the surrounding area, we’ve got your back.
Unsure about visiting Universal Studios Orlando? Check out our guides to these fun destinations, too:
The 12 Coolest Hotels in Vegas: Elite Resorts & Boutique Experiences
The 4 Best Hawaiian Islands for Families & Kids: Inside Scoop
This article has been fact-checked by Fora Advisor Joshua Lebron, an expert on travel to Orlando, Florida.