Universal Orlando: Signature Resort Hotels
- Practically Perfect Pixie Dust
- May 1
- 8 min read
Updated: May 26

Discover Universal Orlando’s most opulent resorts, where you’ll find sprawling pools, full-service restaurants, chic lobby bars, plush linens, and whisper-quiet rooms. Plus if you stay at any of these three properties—Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Resort, or Loews Royal Pacific Resort—and every guest in your room receives Unlimited Universal Express Pass each day, letting you breeze past regular lines at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. It’s hands-down one of the best perks Universal offers—and worth a stay all on its own! (If you are looking for general info about Universal Resort Hotels, Universal's Prime Value Resorts or Value Inn and Suites we've got your back.)
Plus the New Epic Universe Resort Hotel (opens in a new link):
Loews Portofino Bay Resort

Step into a sun drenched harbor town where pastel stucco walls and cobblestone streets evoke the charm of Portofino, Italy—right in the heart of Universal Orlando Resort. Loews Portofino Bay Resort marries Old World elegance with modern comfort, offering everything from cozy family rooms to sprawling luxury suites.
🏨 Accommodations
Standard Rooms: (450–490 sq. ft.) Two queen beds, plus space for one rollaway—sleep up to five.
Club Level Rooms: Includes nightly turndown service and exclusive access to the 3,500 sq. ft. Portofino Lounge—with continental breakfast and complimentary snacks and beverages all day.
Despicable Me Kids’ Suites: Perfect for little guests—one king bed, two twins, plus a rollaway; sleeps five in full “minionmayhem” style.
Portofino Suites: Generous living space, a pullout sofa, two queen beds, and a rollaway; sleeps up to seven.
Villa Suites: Includes living and dining areas plus a kitchenette; two queen beds, sofa bed, rollaway—room for seven.
1 Bedroom Hospitality Suites: Full kitchen, dining and living spaces. Equipped with a king bed, Murphy bed, plus two rollaways—sleeps six comfortably.
Governatore & Presidente Suites: Ultra-luxurious, with expansive kitchens, separate office, and grand living areas. Each suite accommodates up to three with a rollaway.
🍽️ Exceptional Dining
Mama Della’s Italian Ristorante: Authentic recipes handed down through generations—homemade pastas, classic tiramisù.
Bice Ristorante: Delights guests with Northern Italian cuisine and top-notch service in an elegant setting.
Trattoria del Porto serves up family-friendly Italian favorites in a relaxed setting, with indoor and outdoor seating.
Sal’s Market Deli: New York–style sandwiches and salads for a quick, delicious lunch.
The Thirsty Fish Bar & Splendido Bar & Grill: Poolside bites and cocktails with Mediterranean flair.
Gelateria Gelato: Handcrafted gelato in every flavor of la dolce vita.
Starbucks & 24 hour Room Service: Grab your morning caffeine fix or have a snack delivered anytime.
🌊 Resort Amenities
Themed Pools: Three distinct oasis areas—including a Roman aqueduct style pool and a sandy “beach” pool with waterfalls.
Mandara Spa: Indulgent massages, facials, and body treatments in a serene sanctuary.
Fitness Center: State of the art cardio and strength equipment.
Game Room: Arcade games and billiards for a little friendly competition.
🎟️ Exclusive Theme Park Benefits
Express Pass Unlimited: Wave goodbye to standby lines at participating rides in Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure—skip the regular queues all day long.
Early Park Admission: Be among the first through the gates of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal Volcano Bay.
🚤 Getting Around with Ease
Walking Paths & Complimentary Water Taxi: Stroll to Universal CityWalk, Islands of Adventure, and Universal Studios Florida in minutes.
Shuttle Bus Service provides frequent, air conditioned buses across the resort to Volcano Bay and Epic Universe
Hard Rock Hotel

Turn up the volume on your Universal vacation with the electrifying vibe of the Hard Rock Hotel. From iconic music memorabilia to modern amenities, this deluxe hideaway ensures you feel like a true rock star—from checkin to encore.
🏨 Accommodations
Standard Rooms: (375–500 sq. ft.) sleep up to five in two queen beds plus a rollaway
Club Level Rooms: include access to the Rock Royalty Lounge with complimentary continental breakfast, evening hors d’oeuvres, beer, and wine
Future Rock Star Suites: sleep five with a king bed, two twin beds, and a rollaway—complete with playful, music inspired décor
1 Bedroom King Suites: sleep four with a king bed and pullout sofa; connect to a standard room for a two bedroom suite (sleeps nine) or link two standard rooms for a three bed room suite (sleeps 14 with rollaways)
1 Bedroom Hospitality Suites: feature living and dining spaces plus a full kitchen; king bed and sofa bed sleep four, and can connect to a standard room to sleep nine
Graceland Suite: pays tribute to the King of Rock ’n’ Roll with a baby grand piano and opulent king bed; sleeps two and can connect to a standard room to accommodate up to seven
🍴 RockStar Dining
The Kitchen: Upscale American classics in a sleek, modern setting
The Palm: Legendary steaks, seafood, and cocktails in an intimate atmosphere
The Velvet Bar: Craft cocktails and shareable plates. The Velvet Bar turns up the volume with award-winning rock 'n' roll parties each month (except November and December). These legendary events feature food, fun, and live music from iconic bands in the hotel lobby.
Emack & Bolio’s Marketplace: Grab and go coffee, smoothies, sandwiches, and world famous ice cream
Room Service: Snacks and meals delivered straight to your suite
🌊 Resort Amenities
Pool Paradise: features a sandy beach, Tunes Underwater speakers, and live music poolside
Fitness Center: offers state of the art cardio and strength equipment
Game Room: challenges you with classic arcade games and pinball
Create custom playlists: and stream your favorite hits in your room with our exclusive music focused program—Bluetooth speakers, curated vinyl, and in room controls let you set the perfect vibe.
🎟️ Exclusive Theme Park Benefits
Express Pass Unlimited: lets you skip regular lines at participating rides in Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure
Early Park Admission: grants you first access to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal Volcano Bay
🚤 Getting Around with Ease
Walking Paths & Complimentary Water Taxi connect you in minutes to Universal CityWalk, Islands of Adventure, and Universal Studios Florida
Shuttle Bus Service provides frequent, air conditioned buses across the resort to Volcano Bay and Epic Universe
Loews Royal Pacific Resort

Escape to a South Seas paradise where lush foliage, vibrant orchids, and gentle waterfalls set the scene for islandstyle relaxation—just steps from Universal’s thrills. Loews Royal Pacific Resort brings laidback luxury and unforgettable perks to your Universal vacation.
🏨 Accommodations
Standard Rooms: (335 sq. ft.) sleep up to three guests in a king bedroom with a rollaway or up to five in two queen beds with a rollaway
Club Level Rooms: add exclusive access to the lounge, where complimentary continental breakfast, evening hors d’oeuvres, beer, and wine await
Jurassic World Kids’ Suites: sleep up to five with one king bed, two twin beds, and a rollaway—complete with dinos and themed décor
King Suites: feature a separate living area, one king bed, and a pullout sofa—sleep up to four
Hospitality Suites: include a living space, dining space, and kitchenette—one king bed and a sofa bed sleep up to four
Presidential Suites: boast spacious living and dining areas plus a full kitchen. One king bed and a sofa bed sleep four, and the suite can connect with a standard room to accommodate up to ten guests
🍴 Island Inspired Dining
Island Dining Room: serves fresh Pacific Rim inspired dishes in a bright, airy setting
Jake’s American Bar: offers elevated comfort food and handcrafted cocktails
Orchid Court Lounge and Sushi Bar: pairs sake and sushi small plates in a tropical lounge atmosphere
The Marketplace Food Court: has grab and go favorites and specialty coffee
Room Service: delivers island flavored snacks and meals right to your door
🌊 Resort Amenities
Lagoon-Style Swimming Pool: features a white-sand beach entry, waterfalls, and poolside games
Fitness Center: is fully equipped for cardio and strength workouts
Game Room: provides arcade classics and interactive fun
Wantilan Luau: invites you to an evening of Polynesian dancing, fireknife performances, and Island cuisine
🎟️ Exclusive Theme Park Benefits
Express Pass Unlimited lets you breeze past regular lines at participating rides in Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure
Early Park Admission grants first access to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal’s Volcano Bay
Priority Seating at select Universal Orlando restaurants ensures you dine like a VIP
🚤 Getting Around with Ease
Walking paths and Complimentary Water Taxi: lead you directly to Universal CityWalk, Islands of Adventure, and Universal Studios Florida
Free Shuttle Bus Service provides air conditioned transport to Volcano Bay and Epic Universe
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

***Does not include free Express Pass
Drift away to a Caribbean-inspired sanctuary where swaying palms, sunkissed façades, and sparkling waterways set the scene for relaxation—just a short stroll or boat ride from Universal’s excitement. As a Signature Hotel, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort offers vibrant island theming, generous accommodations, and all the perks you need for a laidback yet unforgettable Universal getaway.
🏨 Accommodations
Standard Rooms: (321 sq. ft.) feature one queen bed plus a rollaway—sleep up to five. Lagoonview options offer a king bed and pullout couch—sleep four
Kids’ Suites: (529 sq. ft.) come with one king bed, two twin beds, and a rollaway—room for five in family-friendly style
King Suites: (599 sq. ft.) include a separate living area, one king bed, pullout couch, and rollaway—sleep up to five
Sapphire Suites: (800 sq. ft.) up the ante with a wet bar, dining area, separate living space, one king bed, pullout couch, and rollaway—sleep five
Hospitality Suites: mirror that layout with wet bar, dining area, and living room—one king bed plus rollaway—sleep three
Presidential Suites: deliver ultimate luxury: wet bar, full dining area, separate living room, one king bed, and rollaway—sleep three
🍴 Island Dining
Strong Water Tavern: serves small plates, handcrafted cocktails, and waterfront views.
Amatista Cookhouse: features fresh seafood, wood-fired specialties, and island-inspired cuisine.
The Sandbar Food Court: offers grab-and-go sandwiches, salads, and specialty coffees.
🌊 Resort Amenities
Lagoon-style Pool: spans acres—complete with waterfalls, a sandy beach entry, and secluded cabanas
Fitness Center: State of the art to keeps you on track with cardio and strength equipment
🎟️ Exclusive Theme Park Benefits
Early Park Admission grants you first access to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal Volcano Bay.
***Express Pass Unlimited is not included
🚤 Getting Around with Ease
Walking Distance to Volcano Bay, Universal CityWalk, Islands of Adventure, and Universal Studios Florida.
Complimentary Water Taxis offer a scenic ride from the hotel dock to parks and CityWalk.
Free Shuttle Bus Service provides air conditioned transport to Volcano Bay and Epic Universe
Lowes Helios Grand Hotel

This newest Signature hotel offering full‑service luxury, immersive theming, and the most exclusive park benefits. Its Mediterranean‑inspired design, celestial motifs, and dedicated entry to Epic Universe make it a sunlit sanctuary overlooking the serene waters of Celestial Park.
Read all the Details in our Epic Universe Hotels post.
Whether you’re rocking out at Hard Rock Hotel, strolling the Italian piazzas of Portofino Bay, or lounging in island-chic at Royal Pacific, these top-tier resorts deliver VIP treatment from check-in to checkout. Sprinkle a little pixie dust and make your next getaway practically perfect!
Pixie Dust Hugs,
Bren, Lyn, and Kim
Planning a Universal Orlando Vacation? Click here for our planning guide with all the must-knows. Want all the latest deets on Epic Universe? Need tips for accessibility travel for Universal Orlando? Planning a Walt Disney World Vaca? Click here for our tailored Disney planning guide. Looking for an expert to help plan your Practically Perfect Vacation? Need help navigating all the details? Click here to Book with Bren.
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