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Top 10 Hotels Next To Universal Orlando
When taking a family vacay, the last thing that should be on your itinerary is pulling your back sharing a rickety cot with your toddler, who also enjoys digging his toes into your butt cheeks. So, suffice it to say, choosing the right hotel is a crucial part of booking your Universal Orlando vacation. Where you stay can make or break your vacation experience, so you’ve really gotta evaluate the options and pick the best one for the needs of your crew (and your body parts).
Luckily, there’s no shortage of great family-friendly hotels near Universal Orlando. Whether you’re looking for a cozy suite, a high-end villa, or a high-energy hotel filled with amenities, you’re sure to find it nearby. The International Drive hotel district is located just a stone’s throw from Universal and is full of hotels, dining, and entertainment to explore. Always keep in mind: You’ll have jam-packed days visiting the parks, so you’ll want to make sure you have a comfortable place to relax and chill when you get back.
Without further adieu, here’s our round up of 10 of the best hotels near Universal Studios Orlando to help you find the perfect place to stay!
1. Villatel Orlando
While staying in a traditional hotel is fun, many vacationers miss the space and convenience of home. Villatel Orlando is a one-of-a-kind resort that offers big, beautiful villas & suites WITH 5-star hotel standards–including reliable service, cleanliness, and consistent decor. That balance of luxury and practicality is what makes Villatel Orlando one of the best hotels near Universal Studios Orlando.
When the resort fully launches in 2024, it will offer a huge range of accommodations, including 2- and 3-bedroom suites, 4- and 5-bedroom duplexes, and 6-9-bedroom villas. The spacious units are perfect for big groups and have plenty of room for everyone to spread out and relax. Each rental features luxurious interior design as well as a kitchen and in-unit laundry for maximum convenience. Amenities like private pools, home theaters, arcades, and theme rooms ensure that everyone will stay entertained–without even leaving the front door!
In addition to the in-house amenities, Villatel Orlando will also offer plenty of resort amenities (come 2024), where you can socialize, have fun, and soak up the Florida sunshine. Dive into the on-site water park, which will feature a pool, lazy river, splash pad, multi-story water slides, and a dock with a kayak launch. If you’re feeling active, you can play a game of basketball, bocce, or pickleball, or fit in a workout at the on-site fitness center! You can also socialize at the resort’s restaurant, pool bar, and community clubhouse. If you need to check in with work during your trip, the resort’s business center will ensure you won’t miss a beat.
Looking for a convenient commute to the theme parks? Villatel Orlando will be located at the heart of the International Drive district! That means it’ll be just a few-minute drive from Universal Studios Orlando and a few-minute WALK from the entrance of Universal’s upcoming Epic Universe park (opening in 2025). This massive theme park addition will bring even more of Universal’s most beloved movies and video games to life.
What’s more: Villatel Orlando will also be super close to other popular Orlando theme parks, like Disney and SeaWorld.
2. Loews Royal Pacific Resort
This four-star resort is conveniently located on the Universal property and is known for its South Pacific theme. It’s a great place to enjoy the outdoors, thanks to its massive lagoon-style pool and over three miles of tropical walking paths. There are four restaurants on the property serving Pan-Asian and American fare, and the resort hosts a weekly luau celebration. In addition to traditional hotel rooms, you’ll also find Jurassic World kids’ suites.
3. Universal’s Aventura Hotel
This hotel is known for its sleek, modern design with views overlooking Universal Studios. There’s an on-site pool and fire pit, and rooms are equipped with smart technology for a more comfortable stay. This hotel is also known for its rooftop bar and on-site food hall. On the map, you’ll notice that this hotel is just steps from the Volcano Bay and Islands of Adventure parks!
4. Hard Rock Hotel
Step inside the fun, colorful rooms of the Hard Rock Hotel and you can’t help but feel nostalgic. This high-energy hotel is located right next to Universal and is full of activities for all ages. It has a large pool that hosts games and events throughout the day, an intimate music venue, a game room, and a fitness center offering a variety of workout classes. Looking for convenient meal options while you gamble or chill? There are five restaurants and bars on site, as well as a six-course tasting menu!
5. Hyatt House
This centrally-located hotel has the familiar conveniences and reasonable prices you would expect from a Hyatt property. Comfortable, modern rooms overlook Universal and the surrounding areas. The hotel has a large outdoor pool and fitness center as well as an on-site restaurant, bar, and market with free breakfast. When you’re ready to venture out, attentive staff will help you navigate the Universal Orlando area. This is a reliable option if you’re already a frequent traveler and are looking to use some points to save $$.
6. CoCo Key Hotel
Like many other hotels near Universal Orlando, CoCo Key is known for its sprawling outdoor water park. This resort offers affordable rates with a retro feel, and is located directly on International Drive. There are three swimming pools on site with water slides for kids of all ages, as well as a huge game room. Come morning, take advantage of the breakfast buffet spread!
7. Universal’s Endless Summer Resort
The Endless Summer Resort is located just outside of Universal Studios and offers a more affordable alternative to hotels on the Universal property. It contains two hotels - the Dockside Inn and Suites and the Surfside Inn and Suites. Both options are family-friendly with outdoor pools and game rooms to enjoy. These hotels also have several beach-themed restaurants and bars as well as grab-and-go markets.
8. Avanti Palms Resort
The 3-star Avanti Palms Resort is conveniently located just across the highway from Universal Studios and provides shuttle service directly to the park. The resort is family-friendly, pet-friendly and is known for its affordable prices. Room blocks are available for large groups. The resort has an all-day restaurant, lobby bar, coffee shop, and poolside bar, all with a variety of food options. Guests also get access to a large outdoor pool that hosts regular movie and DJ nights!
9. WorldMark Orlando
This bright, sunny resort offers suites ranging in size from studios to three-bedrooms, so it’s a good option if you’re on a budget and want some extra space. Separate living and dining areas as well as a full kitchen give you the convenience of home. There’s 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 parks. Additionally, there is a fitness center and business center on-site.
10. Home2 Suites by Hilton
Home2 Suites by Hilton offers modern, accessible hotel suites in a convenient location - right near Universal Orlando. The rooms have a fun, colorful design and offer plenty of space to relax. Like many hotels in the area, Home2 Suites offers an outdoor pool as well as a fitness center. Guests will enjoy free WiFi and free hot breakfasts throughout their stay.
Plan Your Trip With Villatel Orlando
You’ve bought your plane tickets and park admission, and the last step is to find the right place to stay. With so many hotels to choose from near Universal Orlando, finding the right option for your trip can be tricky. While there are perks to many of the above top ten hotels near Universal Orlando, Villatel offers an affordable, stunning, and spacious alternative to pricey, cramped hotel rooms.
Combining all of the amenities and customer service of a hotel with the space and luxury of a villa rental, Villatel is the perfect choice for your Florida vacation to Universal Orlando. You’ll get more space to enjoy at a cost-effective price, and your entire party will stay together in the same cozy villa. You’ll also enjoy stunning furniture in spacious, high-quality rooms, as well as amenities you just won’t find at traditional hotels. With so many benefits, it’s no surprise that we recommend Villatel Orlando for any upcoming trip to Universal.
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