orlando hotels near universal

Hotels Near Universal Studios Orlando Florida in Walking Distance

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  • How Far Are Four Corners From Universal Studios?
    • You only have to drive for 25 minutes to reach your destination from either side.

If you’re like me, one of the reasons why you visit Universal Studios is to enjoy some attractions that are fun for kids of all ages. There are plenty of hotels near Universal Studios Orlando Florida, but not all of them are appealing. Some are outdated, others are filthy and just downright scary.

I searched high and low to find a list of hotels near Universal Studios Orlando Florida that were clean, comfortable, and affordable.

I’ve been visiting Orlando Florida hotels near Universal Studios over the years, and I’ve picked out my top hotels within walking distance of Universal Studios Orlando.

Take a look.

What Hotels Near Universal Studios Orlando Florida are the Best?

If you are out on a trip and want to enjoy your outing and make it economical too, you have to make sure that the accommodation is near the place you want to visit.

This will save you a lot of money in terms of transportation money. Because if you live far away from your destination, you will not be able to enjoy your trip.

Half of your time will be spent traveling, and so will be your money leaving you lazy and lethargic at your destination.

Thus downgrading your mood.

Orlando hotels near Universal Studios are the perfect solution for those who want to visit Universal attractions.

Although there are numerous hotels available in the vicinity of the Universal studios all of them might not stand true to your expectations.

This is why it is of the utmost importance that you should choose your hotel wisely, to ensure that you get the best services in town, the ones you desire in return for your money.

Here are a few Hotels Near Universal Studios Orlando Florida:

  • Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando
  • Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites
  • Crowne Plaza Orlando – Universal Blvd, an IHG Hotel
  • Castle Hotel, Autograph Collection
  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites Nearest Universal Orlando, an IHG Hotel
  • Best Western Orlando Gateway Hotel
  • Four Points by Sheraton Orlando International Drive

Read More: The Difference Between Universal Studios and Universal CityWalk

Does Universal Have Transportation From the Hotel to the Park?

Universal is a world-renowned resort, and the services here are top-notch.

Universal_Orlando_Resort
Photo Credit: Author Joao Carlos Medau

If we talk about the area of the resort, then the public will be shocked to know that it is spread over an area of 750 acres, and it is also bifurcated by Interstate 4 (I-4).

It is almost impossible for a person to move to a resort so big and spread over a vast area. If you want to go to your destination on foot from the garages, it will take you hours to reach your spot, which might not be very amiable.

Thus, if we take a look, we will know that the Universal resort has a mechanism for moving their visitors from the parking garages and the hotels to their destinations.

All you have to do is book yourself for Orlando Hotels near Universal, and the transportation will take you to the desired destination.

Making you feel relaxed and lowering the expenditures of traveling.

The table below will help you get acquainted with the details regarding the transportation from the hotels.

Departure Available Time to City Walk Time to Volcano Bay
Portofino Bay Yes 5 minutes 9 minutes
Hard Rock Hotel Yes 4 minutes 7 minutes
Royal Pacific Yes 5 minutes 5 minutes
Sapphire Falls Yes 5 minutes 4 minutes
Aventura Yes 6 minutes N/A
Cabana Bay Yes 7 minutes N/A
Endless Summer Yes 5 minutes 8 minutes

Check Availability Now!

Can You Stay at a Disney Resort and Go to Universal Studios?

If you are in Orlando and miss visiting the Disney or Universal studios, it would be a sin. Because many people are not lucky enough to get this chance.

But there are certain concerns of the general public, and people want to make sure that they are staying at Disney resort can they visit Universal studios and vice versa.

This is a logical question because most of the time, the competitors prohibit the visitors from acquiring the services of the others, but this is not the case at all.

If you are staying at any of these theme parks, you can visit the other one. Also, some other options are available, including an off-property stay to ensure that you can easily visit all the attractions.

But many people would recommend that a person should not go for this option because, as a result, you will not be able to enjoy the on-ground stay perks.

Just choose one of the resorts and stay there and visit the other often.

Read More: Cities in Orlando – 7 of the Best Places to Live

Is Kissimmee Close to Universal Studios?

Difference Between Universal Studios and Universal CityWalk

Many people like to know about the famous places near Orlando or Universal Studios. Especially if we talk about the general responses, people are very interested in knowing about Kissimmee, whether it is close to Universal Studios.

Although the question is valid, it depends upon the mode of transportation.

According to the available details, the distance between both places is recorded as 12 miles, but if we talk about the road distance, then it would be 14.8 miles.

How you travel from one place to another has a huge impact on time.

Thus if you are traveling through the bus lines, you will be traveling for 1 hour and 45 minutes.

On the other hand, this distance requires only 21 minutes via taxi, and a similar time is required if you drive to Kissimmee from Universal Studios.

Is Universal in Orlando Kissimmee?

No, Universal is located in Orlando, Florida.

If we look at the distance between the Universal studios and Kissimmee, it would be 14.8 miles, which is a lot of distance, thus making the people believe that Universal studios are present in Orlando.

Many people are confused as a result of this question, and this is very common.

The reason behind this confusion is that the distance between both places is not very high, and being closer to each other makes people ask questions.

Also, the huge area of Universal Studios is why people ask this particular question because they might think that Universal Studios are extended to Kissimmee.

What is the Closest City to Universal Studios Orlando?

The closest cities to Universal Studios Florida are within 13 miles. While you could live in a major city and visit Universal Studios, you might also want to consider staying in a smaller city.

There are plenty of small towns and cities in Florida that are easily accessible and will provide you with the local experience.

In addition to being close to the theme parks, you can also visit the nearby beaches, a great way to relax after a long day of fun at the theme parks.

While both theme parks are located in the city of Orlando, you could also consider Ocoee.

This town is 14 miles north of downtown Orlando and has many parks and trails.

This area has a more laid-back vibe than downtown Orlando but is still close to some of Orlando’s top restaurants. For those who like to eat outdoors, you can pick blueberries in your own backyard.

A little bit of a drive away from Universal Studios will leave you in awe of all the city has to offer.

The Most Luxurious Hotel at Universal Studios Orlando

There are many Universal Orlando hotel rankings, but this one was compiled from first-hand experience and was the result of careful research. Most other guides are crowdsourced or based on the opinions of several reviewers.

Whether these rankings are accurate or not is up for debate, but it is worth a read to get a sense of the quality of Universal Orlando’s luxury accommodations.

Below we’ve listed our top choices for luxury and deluxe accommodations.

Cabana Bay Beach Resort

The Cabana Bay Beach Resort is one of the best hotels in Universal.

The hotel is reminiscent of beach resorts from the 50s and 60s and offers two pools, a lazy river, and on-site bowling.

It’s also located near Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

There are also retro touches throughout the resort, including retro-style furnishings and decor.

The Cabana Bay Beach Resort is a great choice for families or couples who want to enjoy the theme parks without breaking the bank. Guests can choose between a family suite or a standard room.

The two pools at Cabana Bay have a lazy river that winds through lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, and a lazy section. There are also many lounge chairs and fire pits for a relaxing afternoon.

Cabana Bay Beach Resort is one of the most luxurious hotels at Universal, but parking isn’t free. It costs $18 per night and must be paid for at check-in.

During the day, you can pay $8 for up to 30 minutes of parking or $45 for 24 hours. You can use your Universal Orlando key card to access the hotel’s parking lot.

Located directly on Volcano Bay, the Cabana Bay Beach Resort is decorated with retro beach theme furnishings and colors. Guests can also enjoy retro music in the lobby.

There are even vintage cars outside. If you’re into the gym, you’ll be impressed by the decor, which includes Jack Lalane memorabilia and workout videos from the 1960s.

The fitness center offers cardio equipment, free weights, and machines.

Hard Rock Hotel

Located just steps from Universal CityWalk, the Hard Rock Hotel offers indoor and outdoor dining options. Guests can also relax at the Hard Rock Velvet Bar or enjoy an intimate evening cocktail at the restaurant.

A full-service spa is also on-site, and a complimentary fitness center is a must-have for any Orlando vacation. The hotel also offers keyed access to its rooms and lounges.

Located inside the resort, the Hard Rock Hotel is a luxurious, music-themed hotel. Guests can spend the night in the same love seat as John Lennon or the same booth as Elvis.

Rates start at just under $300 per night and rooms are decorated in rock-and-roll themes. In the lobby, a glowing guitar light fixture echoes the music that inspired the hotel’s name.

Located near the Magic Kingdom, Hard Rock Hotel Orlando is an oasis of serenity in the center of the Universal Studios resort. Its lush gardens offer a tranquil environment.

Its rooms are equipped with premium headphones to keep noise levels down. It’s located in close proximity to two of Universal Studios’ theme parks, Universal’s Hollywood Studios and Islands of Adventure.

A hotel is also a great place for families to stay, and guests can even stay in the Hard Rock’s cabanas.

Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel is the most luxurious hotel at the Universal Studios Orlando Resort. You can skip the regular lines at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure.

The service alone is worth over $129 a day for a family of four!

It also includes priority seating at select restaurants.

You can enjoy the music in style and then relax in the soft, comfortable surroundings of a Hard Rock Hotel.

Loews Royal Pacific Resort

This AAA 4-Diamond award-winning resort takes you to the South Pacific with its lagoon-style swimming pool, lush landscaping, exquisite wood carvings, and a tranquil orchid court.

Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando
Photo Credit: Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando Facebook Page

The Loews Royal Pacific Resort is one of the three premier hotels within the Universal Orlando Resort.

The hotel is also the perfect home base for meetings at Universal, offering 130,000 square feet of meeting space. Guests can choose from more event spaces at the sister Loews Sapphire Falls Resort.

Located just outside of Universal Studios, this resort is convenient to all of the park’s main attractions. Guests of Loews hotels enjoy complimentary shuttle service to and from the theme parks.

Loews Royal Pacific guests enjoy the option of skipping regular lines at Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and CityWalk.

Additionally, they receive complimentary transportation to and from the Universal CityWalk.

The Loews Royal Pacific Resort has more than 50 suites. Its rooms feature contemporary-style designs and a spacious layout. Each one features a balcony, HD plasma TV, refrigerator, and wireless internet.

The hotel also provides free early park admission for guests. Guests can take advantage of this benefit by enjoying Volcano Bay before the crowds.

If they don’t feel like rushing to the park, they can opt for a room with two queen beds.

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

For those looking to escape the reality of the world and stay in a luxury hotel in the heart of Universal Orlando, the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is a perfect choice.

This hotel’s kid suites feature a King Bedroom connected to a room with two twin beds. There’s no hallway, which means the children will have their own space and privacy, as well as two televisions.

The hotel offers a wide variety of dining options in addition to 24-hour room service. The Amatista Cookhouse offers a variety of Caribbean-inspired dishes.

The main bar, Strong Water Tavern, offers rum tastings and tapas. Other dining options include the New Dutch Trading Co. for quick service. 

This property offers free shuttle service to Volcano Bay, Universal’s water park. A dedicated bus runs between the two hotels. Guests who choose this option can also enjoy complimentary water taxis from the hotel to the water park.

Although the hotel doesn’t offer Express Passes, it is located in the middle of the park’s main gate, making it convenient to enjoy the theme park’s attractions without having to worry about transportation.

The lobby of Loews Sapphire Falls is perhaps the most elegant of any Universal hotel. Its design resembles the Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Its large windows overlook the park, and the lobby boasts a striking “beach ball” chandelier. The lighting in the lobby at night is especially stunning. The pool bar is just the beginning of the hotel’s amenities.

Loews Portofino Bay Resort

If you want to spend a night in one of the most elegant hotels in Orlando, you should consider the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel.

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando
Photo Credit: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando Facebook Page

It is modeled after a charming Italian fishing village and is complete with Mediterranean-style architecture and landscaping.

In addition, it offers free unlimited Universal Express passes for every guest. In addition, it has more outdoor pools than any other Universal Orlando hotel. There are three outdoor pools.

Located in the heart of Universal Orlando Resort, the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel offers the ultimate luxury theme park experience.

It is near the entrance to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. You can walk to either theme park in 25 minutes or take a boat.

The Loews Portofino Bay Hotel has many amenities to make your stay as comfortable and luxurious as possible.

The Loews Portofino Bay Hotel has many pools and hot tubs for guests to use.

The Villa Pool is an ideal place to cool off, with outdoor seating. There are also cabanas available for a fee. The cost of renting one of these can vary, but it is well worth the extra money.

You can also relax in the Mandara Spa and indulge in a day at the spa.

In Conclusion

Universal Studios Orlando is a big draw for anyone visiting Florida. But, like any theme park attraction, the mere cost of admission doesn’t cover everything you’ll need to get the most enjoyment out of your time there.

If you’re traveling to Orlando, there are a ton of hotel options to check out.

You’ll want to make sure you find one both convenient and that offers the amenities you are looking for.

The hotels we listed above should ideally serve all of your needs, so go ahead and narrow down your list by checking those out. 

Food, souvenirs, and access to other areas of Orlando are all things you may want to consider when booking your trip.

The hotels near Universal Studios Orlando are just one element of taking in a day at the amusement park.

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