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Top 10 Hotel Near Epic Universe

Universal’s Epic Universe is the latest addition to Orlando’s incredible slate of theme parks. Scheduled to open in 2025, this park promises endless magical attractions for the entire family, including brand-new rides and themed areas based off of all your favorite movies and video games! Although it’s still under construction, Epic Universe is already poised to be a must-see for any Orlando vacation.

If you’re planning a trip to Universal in the coming years–or you’re already planning ahead for your trip to Epic Universe (never too early!), you’ll want to find the perfect place to stay during your vacation. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to relax or a high-energy venue to keep the adventure going, there are plenty of amazing hotels near Universal Epic Universe for every type of traveler and budget.

With so many lodging options to choose from, it’s hard to narrow down the best one for your trip. So, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best hotels near Epic Universe Orlando to make your vacation even more EPIC. 

First, What is Universal Epic Universe?

Universal Epic Universe is an expansion of the Universal Studios Resort in Orlando, Florida. It will be located directly southeast of the existing Universal Studios park in the heart of the International Drive district. This area is chock-full of amazing dining and entertainment options, as well as plenty of hotels ranging from fun, affordable options to luxury retreats. 

Universal has kept the official map of the park under wraps, but they have revealed some exciting details. Epic Universe will feature a Super Nintendo World park similar to locations in Japan! The park will also include a Mario Kart-themed ride and many other incredible rides, interactive games, shops, and restaurants inspired by retro Nintendo games. 

Additionally, the park is rumored to feature three other sections - How to Train Your Dragon, Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Universal Classic Monsters. All three sections will feature themed roller coasters and rides as well as a ton of food and shopping! There will also be at least one Universal hotel on-site. 

10 Best Hotels Near Universal Epic Universe

There are a bunch of hotels to choose from in the Epic Universe area, but you’ll want to make sure you’re choosing the right one for your group and unique needs! Universal and the Orlando area are full of exciting things to explore, so you’ll definitely need a place where you can properly relax and recharge for the day ahead. It’s also important to look for hotels near Universal Epic Universe that have family-friendly amenities to help everyone in your party feel more at home away from home. 

Here are some of the best hotels near Epic Universe Orlando to consider for your upcoming trip. 

1. Villatel Orlando

Villatel Orlando is a brand-new, ultra unique resort just STEPS away from the entrance to Universal Epic Universe (no car needed!). As its name suggests, this resort offers deluxe, spacious, amenitized vacation villas with luxury hotel quality and service. Choose from a host of villa types ranging from 2-bedroom suites to 4-bedroom duplexes to 9-bedroom homes! Especially when you’re traveling with a large group of family or friends, the extra space and privacy Villatel offers is a total gamechanger. Villas will be available for rent as soon as 2023, so you can start exploring all the options asap! 

Upon completion in 2024, the resort will feature a total of 526 luxe, spanking new units, including 2- and 3-bedroom suites, 4-5-bedroom duplexes, and 6-9 bedroom villas. You’ll find all the comforts of home in every single one, including a modern kitchen, in-unit laundry, and plenty of space for your whole group to spread out and relax. Kids will love the themed bedrooms that bring the magic of Universal Studios to life! What’s more: discover incredible amenities inside your own private retreat, including pools, arcades, home theaters, and more. (Note: amenities vary depending on the unit type, so you can choose the ones that best fit your needs!)

There are also plenty of exciting resort amenities planned for Villatel Orlando, where you’ll be able to relax and socialize with your crew and other guests. The crown jewel of the resort will be the on-site water park, which will feature a massive pool with a lazy river and bar as well as multi-story water slides and a splash pad. If you’re looking to get active, the recreational options are limitless: kayaking, basketball, bocce ball, and pickleball, and a state-of-the-art on-site fitness center. There’s also a restaurant conveniently located inside the resort, perfect for easy family meals!

Perhaps most importantly, this resort offers an unbeatable location right in the heart of the International Drive district. Not only will you be mere feet away from Epic Universe when it opens, but it’s also just a short drive away from the original Universal Studios park. Other popular attractions nearby include SeaWorld, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and the Orlando International Premium Outlets, just to name a few. This resort also makes the perfect home base for exploring the larger Orlando area, with Disney World, downtown Orlando, and Orlando International Airport all less than a 30-minute drive. 

2. Hyatt Regency

Next on the list: The Hyatt Regency, an upscale hotel located on International Drive just a few minutes away from Epic Universe and steps away from the Orange County Convention Center. This hotel is known for its luxury feel and central location, as it’s just a short drive from the original Universal Orlando, Disney World, and many other popular Orlando attractions. 

The property has a large pool and outdoor lounge area with a waterslide and kid-friendly play area. There’s also a spa offering a variety of massages and beauty treatments for that little vacay pick-me-up you’re craving. If you’re looking to stay active on vacation, you can hit up the bike trails, tennis courts, and full on-site gym. 

With a concierge, laundry, and room service available, you can expect to be pampered while staying here. There are five on-site restaurants and a 24-hour market, with options ranging from upscale Italian to brunch classics to healthy eats. The hotel’s newest lounge, Descend 21, offers TopGolf suites and pool tables, while the lobby bar hosts regular Broadway cabaret performances. 

3. Avanti International Resort

This resort offers affordable rates and is centrally located just a short drive from both Universal Epic Universe and Universal Orlando. Spacious rooms offer contemporary styling as well as flat-screen TVs, high-speed internet, and other modern conveniences. 

Rooms overlook the hotel’s centerpiece - a vibrant pool and splash pad area. The pool has a swim-up bar and hosts high-energy DJ nights that are sure to get the party started! There’s also a large recreation area with a sand volleyball court, an all-day cafe and market in the lobby, as well as an on-site fitness center. Other convenient perks include a dedicated concierge, room service, and shuttle service to Universal and other major Orlando parks. 

4. Ritz-Carlton Orlando

If you’re looking to shell out for some over the top luxury, the Ritz-Carlton Orlando is a great option. It’s located a few miles from Universal Epic Universe, but provides a more secluded atmosphere. While it’s not the cheapest or most conveniently located hotel, it does provide an upscale experience that’s pretty unique. 

This hotel has a whopping eight dining options on-site, including a Michelin-star steakhouse as well as some more casual restaurants and bars. The menus at each restaurant feature fresh, locally sourced ingredients. 

Guests will also find a huge on-site waterpark with slides, an 18-hole golf course, and a relaxing spa. There’s also a large sports complex with kayaking, bike trails, tennis courts, and bocce ball courts. Rooms offer stunning views of the surrounding area with 24-hour room service available. 

5. WorldMark Orlando

This bright, sunny, 3-star resort offers suites ranging in size from studios to three-bedrooms, so it’s a good option if you’re looking for affordable prices and a little extra space. Separate living and dining areas as well as a full kitchen give you some of the conveniences of home. There’s also a barbecue area on-site if you’d prefer to cook outdoors! 

The resort features an outdoor entertainment area with two pools, two hot tubs, and a splash pad, as well as mini golf and a giant chess board. Shuttle service is available directly from the hotel to the Universal entrance. A fitness center, business center, and WiFi access for all guests make it easy to squeeze in some work and workouts in between chilling and exploring all that Orlando has to offer. 

6. Rosen Shingle Creek

This independent hotel is located just south of Universal Epic Universe, so it’s a convenient choice for those who want to be close to the park. This simple-yet-comfortable hotel features classic design elements, and room views of the surrounding pools and golf courses. 

The property features four outdoor pools as well as plenty of outdoor space to lounge. For golf enthusiasts, the hotel has an associated golf club with a stunning 18-hole course, academy, and shop! 

Additionally, the Rosen Shingle Creek has an upscale spa and wellness center on site, which offers massages, beauty treatments, and more. There’s an on-site gym with group classes as well as courts for basketball, tennis, and sand volleyball. On top of that, the hotel features 12 dining options ranging from upscale to casual. 

7. Vista Cay by Millennium

Located near the Orange Convention Center, Vista Cay by Millennium offers spacious condo suites with kitchens, living spaces, and other conveniences of home. The condo buildings are designed with a traditional Mediterranean Revival architecture style, and the grounds showcase ornate fountains. The entire resort is gated, with plenty of safety and security measures in place. 

When you’re not hitting up the parks and local attractions, enjoy access to two pools, an outdoor bar serving food and drinks, a multipurpose athletic court, as well as a trail for running and biking. The outdoor playground and barbecue area are a must-see for families. Back indoors, there’s a central arcade and a game room with pool tables. Plus, for those juggling work and play, the business center and boardroom are the best spots to set up shop. 

8. Hilton Orlando

Not only is the Hilton Orlando situated near Universal Epic Universe, but it’s also conveniently located near two major highways, making it super easy to explore the Orlando area! Guests rooms at the Hilton Orlando are clean and spacious, with views of the surrounding entertainment district. 

When it comes to amenities, the resort features everything you would expect from a classic Hilton property, including on-site restaurants, like a steakhouse, sports pub, poolside bar, and 24-hour market, as well as recreational activities, including tennis, basketball, volleyball, and bocce ball courts. When you’re ready to lounge and unwind, hit up the main outdoor pool, featuring a water slide, whirlpool, splash pad, and lazy river. An adults-only pool and rentable cabanas are also available! For even more relaxation, enjoy access to the spa, salon, and fitness center, all conveniently located inside the hotel. Last but not least, one of this hotel’s most unique features is its on-site escape room with rotating themes! 

9. Hilton Grand Vacations Club Las Palmeras Orlando

Another one of the Hilton hotels near Universal Epic Universe is the Grand Vacations Club Las Palmeras. The hotel offers both traditional guest rooms and suites with kitchenettes - which adds a convenient, homey touch!

Outside, there’s a large pool with a splash pad and waterslide as well as an outdoor bar and grill area. Hot tip: The outdoor pool bar at this hotel specializes in classic frozen drinks. Sooo refreshing. Back inside, there’s also a classic lobby bar that serves both in-person and grab-and-go meals. 

In addition to Universal Studios Orlando, there are countless exciting entertainment options close to this hotel, including Topgolf, go-kart centers, indoor skydiving centers, and more.

10. Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa

The Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa is a secluded resort located on the west side of I-4 just a 10-minute drive away from the Universal Epic Universe entrance. This massive complex features hotel rooms and villas ranging in size from a studio to four bedrooms. All rooms on the property feature kitchenettes and living spaces.

Say ‘aye aye’ to epic family memories at this resort’s pirate-themed water park: Treasure Cove. Offering a mix of attractions for guests of all ages, the park features multiple water slides, a wave pool, lazy river, splash pad, a tiki bar for the adults, and plenty of space to lounge in the sun. 

If you’re the outdoorsy type, this resort is your happy place. Enjoy a host of outdoor recreational activities available for guests, including boating, fishing, cycling, basketball, tennis, sand volleyball, and a playground. For an additional fee, you can also join seasonal and year-round off-site excursions. Indoors, there is a spa, fitness center, and arcade, as well as several on-site dining options. Restaurants include a sports bar, pizzeria, deli, dessert bar, and more. 

Book Your Vacation With Villatel Orlando

Although opening day is still a couple of years away, it’s never too early to start planning your visit to the one and only Epic Universe park! This will be THE DESTINATION of 2025. Be among the first to experience it by keeping an eye out for tickets before they sell out and finding  the most perfect accommodations for your group. 

There are so many hotels near Universal Epic Universe to choose from. But keep in mind, traditional hotel rooms can quickly get pricey and are often too small for families. 

That’s why we recommend Villatel Orlando for any Universal Studios vacation. Villatel provides a spacious and cost-effective alternative and doesn’t skimp on high-end amenities or customer service. Not only are the suites larger than a traditional hotel room, but they also offer decor and amenities you won’t find elsewhere. Plus, your entire family gets to stay together, rather than being split up across a massive resort! That balance of luxury and convenience in an ideal location makes Villatel Orlando the perfect choice for your Florida vacation.