NBC Insider Exclusive

Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive show news, updates, and more!

Sign Up For Free to View
NBC Insider

The Best Attractions at Each of the Universal Resort Hotel

There's lot of fun to be had at the Universal Studios Parks in Orlando, but what about their official hotels? Here's a rundown of their signature events.

By Tara Bennett
an aerial view of the pool at Sapphire Falls Resort

If you're planning to Universal Studios Orlando, there's no shortage of rides and experiences to take up your time at Universal Studios or Universal Islands of Adventure. But if you're staying more than a day, you also have to consider where you're staying into your playtime. If you stay at a Universal Orlando Resort hotel, there are some extra perks to consider that can easily take up some of your vacation stay too. 

If you're planning an autumn getaway, or full-out vacation, here are some of the activities happening at the Universal Orlando Resort hotel that are worth factoring into your stay.

RELATED: Universal Studios Rides that are Kid-Friendly

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort

The lazy river and outside view of Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort

What's It Like? Themed in a '50s style, mid-century modern motif, Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort is a family resort that caters to active vacationers. 

Activities: There are two main pools: Cabana Courtyard, which features a dive tower-themed water slide. And The Lazy River Courtyard, which features a sand beach and lazy river course. Galaxy Bowl is a 10-lane bowling alley for guests. There's also a full arcade. For those mindful off their workouts, the Jack LaLanne Physical Fitness Studio is available in the hotel. If you visit during Halloween Horror Nights 2023, there's an exclusive Chucky’s Twisted Playground photo illusion experience based on the USA & SYFY TV series featuring five uniquely scary photo opportunities.

Perks: Enjoy Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The hotel is walking distance to Volcano Bay Water Park and offers complimentary shuttle buses and walking paths around the resort. 

Loews Royal Pacific Resort

An outside view of the pool at the Royal Pacific Resort

What's It Like? Themed as a tranquil South Seas retreat, Loews Royal Pacific is a Polynesian paradise. A family-friendly hotel, but also more of a luxury property. 

Activities: Huge lagoon-style pool with the Royal Bali Sea interactive water play area for children. The Gymnasium offers over 5,000 square feet of fitness and workout equipment. Wantilan Luau features authentic Polynesian food and entertainment every Saturday. If you're visiting in autumn and are over 21 years old, Jake's Beer Festival features around 50 craft and specialty beers along with food prepared by the hotel's award-winning chefs. There's also live entertainment while you dine. For kids, there's a game room and arcade. 

Perks: Free Universal Express Unlimited to skip the regular lines at participating rides and attractions at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. Enjoy Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter as well. The hotel has complimentary water taxis, shuttle buses and walking paths all around the resort. Universal's Volcano Bay is accessible only by complimentary shuttle, though. Those who stay will get priority seating at select Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk restaurants.

Hard Rock Hotel

The pool and outside view of the Hard Rock Hotel

What's It Like? Themed in the California mission-style design and inspired by classic rock music, the Hard Rock resort caters to couples and singles who love a more adult vibe. Families are also welcome, though. 

Activities: A 12,000-square-foot pool featuring an underwater sound system so that you can jam while you swim. Monthly "Velvet Sessions" concerts on the property are available for a separate ticket cost. For the music history buggs, there are music memorabilia decorating all of the hotel. Choose from a menu of 20 different Fender guitars that can be delivered to your room (down payment and loan agreement required). wax music amenity program, offering you a Crosley turntable and your choice of 10 iconic records to tune in to and experience is available too. As always, there' sa Sound Body fitness option and a game room and arcade for the kids (and young at heart). 

Perks: Free Universal Express Unlimited to skip the regular lines at participating rides and attractions at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. Enjoy Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Complimentary water taxis, shuttle buses and walking paths around the resort are available for guests. Universal's Volcano Bay is accessible only by complimentary shuttle, like other hotels. Priority seating is available at select Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk restaurants.

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort 

an aerial view of the pool at Sapphire Falls Resort

What's It Like? Themed as a Caribbean getaway, there's lots of greenery, winding paths and cabanas to enjoy near the massive pool. Many weddings take place here, so it's family-friendly and romantic. Perfect for couples

Activities: This resort has a 16,000-square-foot pool with a sand beach, which is the biggest pool of all the properties. There are children's play areas and a waterslide too. The Kalina Health and Fitness Center is complimentary, or you can get your cardio in walking the paths that wind through lush tropical landscaping. Calypso Game Room features an arcade. For adults, there are tastings at Strong Water Tavern.

Perks: Enjoy Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The hotel is walking distance to Volcano Bay Water Park. Complimentary water taxis, shuttle buses and walking paths are around the resort.

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

nighttime at Harbor Nights at Portofino Bay Hotel

What's It Like? Themed to look and feel like the picturesque seaside village of Portofino, Italy. There are outdoor cafes and events that cater to families and their extended families. 

Activities: The Beach Pool features a Roman aqueduct-themed water slide and a sandy beach. For those who want a quiet day by the pool, visit either the serene Villa Pool or The Hillside Pool. Cobblestone paths and sidewalk cafe and the nightly Musica Della Notte music performance overlooking the Harbor Piazza are available to guests as well. Book appointments (for a separate fee) at Mandara Spa. As with most of the hotels at Universal, there's a nice game room as well. 

Perks: Free Universal Express Unlimited to skip the regular lines at participating rides and attractions at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. Enjoy Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Complimentary water taxis, shuttle buses and walking paths around the resort. Universal's Volcano Bay is accessible only by complimentary shuttle here too. Priority Seating at select Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk restaurants.

Check out individual hotel and resort deals at the Universal Orlando Resort website