Universal Orlando Resort Hotels 101

[mjhtvchick]

I don't purport to be an expert on the Universal Resort Hotels and this thread is not intended to replace the information available on Universal's website or the fantastic detail already available on DISBoards.com in the following stickies:

• FAQ & QUICK ACCESS LINKS
• Transportation to/from airport from Universal Resort
• Where to eat at Universal Orlando including menus
• AVENTURA HOTEL INFO
• CABANA BAY BEACH RESORT HOTEL INFO
• HARD ROCK HOTEL INFO, FAQ and more
• PORTOFINO BAY HOTEL INFO, FAQ and more
• ROYAL PACIFIC RESORT INFO, FAQ and more
• SAPPHIRE FALLS HOTEL INFO

It is intended to compliment the above information, give a high-level overview of the Universal Orlando Resort hotels and provide a place for new visitors to the resorts to compare some of the basic aspects of the hotels and ask general questions.

This information is correct as of September 21, 2018. If anyone is aware of any changes or feels something should be added, please feel free to post here or send me a message.

Location

Universal Orlando Resort is located in Orlando, Florida.

Location and Directions can be found HERE.

An interactive property map can be found HERE.

Universal Orlando Resort is currently home to:

• Three theme parks: Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Florida and Volcano Bay (Universal’s water park).
• A central dining, entertainment and shopping district, Citywalk, that connects USF and IOA as well as several of the onsite hotels.
• Six hotels: Aventura Hotel, Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Hard Rock Hotel, Portofino Bay Hotel, Royal Pacific Resort, and Sapphire Falls Resort. Universal also recently announced two additional hotels as part of the Endless Summer Resort - Surfside Inn and Suites and Dockside Inn and Suites, that will open in 2019 and 2020, respectively.

PLEASE NOTE that Universal Orlando Resort is NOT part of the Walt Disney World Resort.

Resort Hotel General Information & Comparison

Universal Orlando Resort’s six Universal Resort hotels are currently divided into three categories – Premier, Preferred, and Prime Value, with the upcoming Endless Summer Resort being the first in the Value category. They are divided as follows:

• Premier
  • Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
  • Hard Rock Hotel
  • Loews Royal Pacific Resort
• Preferred
  • Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
• Prime Value
  • Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort
  • Universal's Aventura Hotel
• Value
  • Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites & Dockside Inn and Suites

All Universal Orlando Resort hotels are connected to each other and to Citywalk via walking pathways. All resort hotels also offer complimentary transportation services throughout the resort with Prime Value and Value hotels having shuttle buses and Premier and Preferred resort hotels having shuttle buses and water taxis.

THIS PAGE shows the hotels and their categories and allows you to quickly compare the theme park benefits, amenities, room types and dining and transportation options (among other things) for the onsite hotels.

Each of these hotels is described in more detail below in individual posts.

 

[mjhtvchick]

Aventura Hotel

General Information

Aventura Hotel is the newest hotel to open at the Universal Orlando Resort. It is a modern, sleek hotel that feels high-end while still being a “prime value” hotel. It is currently Universal’s smallest hotel with only 600 guest rooms and suites.

It is located at 6725 Adventure Way, Orlando, FL 32819

Phone: 407-503-6000

Official Loews website

Official Universal Orlando website

Room Types

Standard Rooms – 315 square feet and sleep up to 4 guests. While king-sized rooms also sleep 4 guests as they have a sofa that pulls out to a full-sized bed, they are the smallest rooms on Universal property at 238 square feet. Queen standard rooms can be upgraded to a “Skyline” view room on the top floor of the hotel.

Deluxe Rooms – Deluxe rooms are larger than standard rooms at 395 square feet but still sleep only 4 guests in either 2 queen sized beds or a king-sized bed and sofabed.

Kids’ Suites - 591 square feet and sleep up to 5 guests. Includes a special interior area with two twin beds and a sofa that pulls out to a full-sized bed. There are also three televisions – one in each “sleeping” area. The kids’ suites still only have one main bathroom area but there are two “bathing” options - a walk-in stand-up shower as well as a separate tub/shower. (NOTE: some guest reviews have noted that not all kids’ suites have two bathing areas). There is no specific theming to the kids suites at Aventura Hotel. Kids’ suites can be upgraded to a “Skyline” view room on the top floor of the hotel.

Recreation & Public Spaces

Pool Area - the pool area at AH has a 4,745-square-foot outdoor pool, a hot tub, a small splash zone for kids and a fire pit. There is no slide and no cabanas for rent. Bar Sol is also located in the pool area.

Fitness Center – includes cardio-vascular and weight training equipment, lockers, showers and changing facilities.

Game Room – AH’s game room is different from that of the other onsite hotels in that it is a Virtual Reality game room rather than containing traditional arcade-type games.

Shopping – AH is home to a large Universal Studios Store that sells both Universal and resort-specific merchandise along with a selection of sundry items.

Dining

Quick Service

• Starbucks – located off the lobby, a typical full-service Starbucks.
• Urban Pantry – located off the lobby, a modern food hall divided into four fast-casual stations: burger, pizza, roast and wok. Desserts, snacks and beverages are also available. Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Table Service

• AH has no buffet or table service restaurants.

Bars and Lounges

• Bar 17 Bistro – located on the 17th floor of AH, can only be accessed via a dedicated elevator in the lobby; serves snacks, small plates and beverages. Only open in the evening.
• Bar Sol – located in the pool area; serves only beverages.
• Bar Ventura – located in the lobby; serves only beverages. Only open in the evening.

 

[mjhtvchick]

Cabana Bay Beach Resort

General Information

Cabana Bay Beach Resort is Universal’s other “prime value” hotel. This resort is themed to a vibrant, retro-style inspired by classic Florida beach resorts of the 1950s and 60s.

CBBR is a large resort with a central “lobby” building and 2,200 rooms spread over 6 buildings/towers:

• The Castaway, Starlight and Thunderbird buildings surround the Cabana (North) Courtyard and have exterior entrances and hallways.
• The Americana and Continental buildings surround the Lazy River (South) Courtyard and have interior entrances and hallways.
• The Bayside and Beachside towers are the newest buildings and are located at the ends of the Americana and Continental buildings, respectively, with interior entrances and hallways.

It is located at 6550 Adventure Way, Orlando, FL 32819

Phone: 407-503-4000

Official Loews website

Official Universal Orlando website

Room Types

Standard Rooms - 300 square feet and sleep up to 4 guests. These are located in the Lazy River Courtyard buildings and towers and can be upgraded to a “poolside” room.

Family Suites - 478 square feet and sleep up to 6 guests. These are located in both the Cabana Courtyard (“Courtyard Family Suites”) and Lazy River Courtyard (“Tower Family Suites”) buildings. These rooms have two queen-sized beds with a separate living area with a couch that pulls out to a full-sized bed. There is also a kitchenette with a microwave and a small sink in addition to the usual amenities. There is a three-compartment bathroom set-up with one compartment containing a tub/shower combination and a single vanity sink; the second compartment containing a single vanity sink; and the third compartment containing the toilet. These suites can also be upgraded to a “poolside” suite.

Two-Bedroom Suites - 772 square feet and sleep up to 8 guests. These are located in the Bayside and Beachside towers. These large rooms have two separate bedrooms – one with two full-sized beds and one with a king-sized bed. There is also a separate living area with a couch that pulls out to a full-sized bed and a kitchenette with a microwave and a small sink in addition to the usual amenities. Finally, there are two full bathrooms.

Recreation & Public Spaces

Cabana Courtyard Pool - a 10,000-square-foot zero entry pool featuring a 100-foot waterslide and kids’ splash pad. There is also a white sand beach, pool-side activities and cabanas for rent. Atomic Tonic is located in this courtyard.

Lazy River Courtyard Pool - a 6,000-square-foot zero entry pool with a lazy river and a small kids’ splash pad. There is also a white sand beach, pool-side activities and two fire pits. The Hideaway Bar & Grill is located in this courtyard.

Galaxy Bowl - A 10-lane 10-pin bowling alley on the second floor of the lobby building (extra charges apply). Galaxy Bowl includes a table service restaurant and full bar.

Jack LaLanne Physical Fitness Studio - Includes cardio-vascular and weight training equipment, lockers, showers and changing facilities.

Game-O-Rama - The hotel’s arcade game room. It is located on the second floor of the hotel lobby building.

Shopping – CBBR is home to a large Universal Studios Store that sells both Universal and resort-specific merchandise along with a selection of sundry items.

Dining

Quick Service

• Bayliner Diner – located on the main floor of the lobby building with a large seating area, Bayliner Diner is a food court divided into several stations: deli, grill, international, pizza/pasta, a salad bar and dessert station. There is also a large “grab-and-go” selection. Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Starbucks - located off the lobby, a typical full-service Starbucks.

Table Service

• Galaxy Bowl Restaurant –located in Galaxy Bowl, the resort’s bowling alley, on the second floor of the lobby building. You do not have to be bowling to eat here. Serves lunch and dinner and has a full bar.

Bars and Lounges

• Atomic Tonic – located in the Cabana Courtyard; serves lunch and dinner and has a full bar.
• The Hideaway Bar & Grill – located in the Lazy River Courtyard; serves lunch and dinner and has a full bar.
• Swizzle Lounge - located in the lobby; serves only beverages. Only open in the evening.

 

[mjhtvchick]

Hard Rock Hotel

General Information

Hard Rock Hotel is one of Universal’s three “premier” hotels. Encouraging guests to “party like a rock star”, the Hard Rock Hotel prides itself on its cool, upbeat atmosphere with regular live music opportunities, underwater speakers in the pool and rock memorabilia throughout.

HRH is one of Universal’s smaller hotels with just 650 guest rooms and suites.

It is located at 5800 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, 32819

Phone: 407-503-2000

Hard Rock Hotel website

Official Loews website

Official Universal Orlando website

HRH participates in the Loews Loves Pets program with guests being allowed up to two pets per room. At check-in, all pets receive their own gifts including a pet tag, bowl and a special treat to kick off their vacation. Owners are given a detailed brochure with information on hotel pet services such as a special room service menu, local dog walking routes, and area pet services, including veterinarians, pet shops and groomers. Guests who wish to bring their pet are charged an additional one-time fee of $100 per stay to allow for extra cleaning. There is a special pet relief area between the butterfly garden and boat dock. For the complete Loews Loves Pets Policy, click HERE.

As with the other “premier” hotels, HRH is also home to a kids club, Camp L’il Rock, hosted by Kids’ Nite Out. For more information on policies and hours, call (407) 503-2200.

Room Types

Standard Rooms – standard rooms at HRH are 375 square feet. Rooms with two queen-sized beds can accommodate a rollaway (at an additional charge) and sleep up to 5 guests. There are no standard king rooms. Standard rooms can be upgraded to a “garden” or “pool” view room.

Deluxe Rooms – slightly larger than standard rooms at 400 square feet, these rooms include a sofa that pulls out to a full-sized bed. These rooms are available in a 2-queen configuration or with a king-sized bed.

Club Level Rooms - As a “premier” hotel, HRH also has a club level with special “rock royalty” rooms and a club level lounge on the 7th floor of the hotel. Club level rooms are either standard-sized rooms with either 2 queen-sized beds or a king-sized bed plus sofabed or king suites. The lounge features complimentary continental breakfast and evening hors d'oeuvres, beer and wine, plus desserts. Other amenities include evening turn-down service, signature bathrobes, personal concierge service and reduced prices on pool-side cabanas.

King Suites – larger than the standard room at 650 square feet, these rooms have a king-sized bed with a separate living area with a sofa that pulls out to a full-sized bed allowing them to sleep up to 4 guests.

Future Rock Star Kids’ Suites – kids’ suites at HRH are 800 square feet and sleep up to 5 guests. These rooms are essentially a standard king room with an attached interior area with two twin beds. Kids’ suites at HRH are “rock star” themed.

Hospitality Suites – At 1,250 square feet, these suites are large but can only accommodate 4 guests. Each suite has a king-sized bedroom with a separate, large living/dining area and kitchenette. The sofa in the living area can be pulled out into a full-sized bed. There is only one bathroom in these suites. They can be booked with additional adjoining rooms to increase the sleeping quarters.

Graceland Suite –This suite is the peak of luxury – at 2000 square feet, it includes a king-sized bedroom with a huge master bathroom with a whirlpool tub and marble shower, a large living/dining area that is home to a baby grand piano, sitting area with double-sided fireplace, a kitchenette and additional half bathroom. This suite only sleeps 2 guests but can be booking with additional adjoining rooms to increase the sleeping quarters.

Recreation & Public Spaces

Pool Area - HRH’s 12,000 square-foot pool is home to a white sand beach, two hot tubs, a giant water slide, underwater speakers, and a water play area for children. There are also poolside activities, cabanas available for rent and a sand volleyball court. The Beachclub is located in the pool area and frequently hosts live music played by local musicians and DJs.

body rock Fitness Center - includes cardio-vascular and weight training equipment, sauna, lockers, showers and changing facilities.

Rock Om – HRH also offers the “Rock Om” program where guests can request a free Rock Om yoga kit that comes with a yoga mat and three on-demand yoga videos available on your room TV.

The Power Station Video Arcade –a small arcade game room located on the first floor near the pool area.

Shopping – HRH is home to the Rock Shop, located off the main lobby on the third floor. This store sells a wide variety of unique merchandise including Hard Rock-specific merchandise as well as a selection of sundry items.

Dining

Quick Service

• Emack & Bolio's Marketplace – an ice cream and smoothie bar with a small selection of grab-and-go breakfast items and snacks. Also serves Starbucks coffee. Located on the first floor near the pool area.

Table Service

• The Kitchen – a full-service restaurant; serves breakfast (either buffet or “a-la-carte”), lunch and dinner. Located on the first floor of the hotel.
• The Palm – one of Universal Orlando Resort’s “fine dining” restaurants; open for dinner only. Located off the lobby on the third floor of the hotel.

Bars and Lounges

• Beachclub – located in the pool area; serves lunch and dinner and has a full bar.
• Velvet Bar – located in the lobby; serves beverages and late-night snacks. Only open in the evening.

Special Events / Entertainment

The Sound of Your Stay program, an exclusive audio experience that puts guests up close and personal with the music. This program has 3 options:

• tracks – allows guests to download curated music playlists to enhance their stay.
• picks – allows guests to reserve a guitar, along with headphones and amplifier, to create a pop-up studio right in your own guest room.
• wax - offers guests the opportunity to request a Crosley turntable and their choice of 10 iconic records to tune in to at their leisure.

Velvet Sessions – takes place on the last Thursday of every month (excluding November and December) in the hotel lobby. Each "session" showcases a different type of beverage theme along with great live music from legendary rock bands. Event information and tickets can be found HERE.

Wine Riffs - several times a year, HRH offers Wine Riffs, a unique experience, pairing the wines from a featured winery with a multi-course meal and a DJ who spins a custom soundtrack to set the mood. Event information and tickets can be found HERE.

 

[mjhtvchick]

Portofino Bay Hotel

General Information

Portofino Bay Hotel is Universal’s luxury flagship hotel. It is, of course, a “premier” hotel. PBH is a large, spread-out resort with a central “lobby” area, 4 guest “wings” housing the guest rooms and suites, and 6 “piazzas”. It is intended to simulate the beauty, romance and charm of the picturesque, seaside village of Portofino, Italy. PBH has three pools, several boutiques and shops and an onsite spa.

It is located at 5601 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, 32819

Phone: 407-503-1000

Official Loews website

Official Universal Orlando website

PBH participates in the Loews Loves Pets program with guests being allowed up to two pets per room. At check-in, all pets receive their own gifts including a pet tag, bowl and a special treat to kick off their vacation. Owners are given a detailed brochure with information on hotel pet services such as a special room service menu, local dog walking routes, and area pet services, including veterinarians, pet shops and groomers. Guests who wish to bring their pet are charged an additional one-time fee of $100 per stay to allow for extra cleaning. There are several pet relief areas throughout the resort grounds. For the complete Loews Loves Pets Policy, click HERE.

As with the other “premier” hotels, PBH is home to a kids club, hosted by Kids’ Nite Out. Camp Portofino is located near the West Guest Wing and Beach Pool. For more information on policies and hours, call (407) 503-1200.

Room Types

Standard Rooms – the largest standard rooms on property at 450 square feet. Rooms with two queen-sized beds can accommodate a rollaway (at an additional charge) and sleep up to 5 guests. Rooms with a king-sized bed can accommodate a rollaway and sleep up to 3 guests. These rooms can be booked with either a “garden” view or a “bay” view.

Deluxe Rooms – Deluxe rooms at PBH are slightly larger than the standard rooms at 490 square feet with some featuring a separate tub and shower. Again, rooms with two queen-sized beds can accommodate a rollaway (at an additional charge) and sleep up to 5 guests. Rooms with a king-sized bed can accommodate a rollaway and sleep up to 3 guests. These rooms overlook one of the resort’s three pools.

Club Level Rooms - As a “premier” hotel, rooms at PBH also be booked with a club level upgrade that includes access to an exclusive lounge. The lounge features complimentary continental breakfast and evening hors d'oeuvres, beer and wine, plus desserts. Other amenities include evening turn-down service, signature bathrobes, personal concierge service and reduced prices on pool-side cabanas.

Kids’ Suites – 650 square feet and sleep up to 5 guests with a rollaway. These rooms are essentially a standard king room with an attached interior area with two twin beds. Kids’ suites at RPR are themed to Despicable Me.

Portofino Parlor Suites – 900 square feet with a standard two-queen or king room with connecting 450 square-foot parlor that includes a spacious living area, and an additional half bathroom. The sofa in the living area can be pulled out into a full-sized bed and the room can also accommodate a rollaway, allowing the king version to sleep up to 5 and the 2-queen version to sleep up to 7. These suites can also be booked with an additional adjoining room to increase the sleeping quarters.

Villa Parlor Suites – these suites come in at 1110 square feet with a deluxe two-queen or king room with connecting 620 square-foot parlor that includes a dining area with a kitchenette, spacious living area, and an additional bathroom. The sofa in the living area can be pulled out into a full-sized bed and the room can also accommodate a rollaway, allowing the king version to sleep up to 5 and the 2-queen version to sleep up to 7. Some of these suites also have a balcony. These suites can also be booked with an additional adjoining room to increase the sleeping quarters.

Hospitality Parlor Suites – 1370 square feet with a standard two-queen or king room with connecting 920 square-foot parlor that includes a dining area, large kitchenette, spacious living area, and an additional full bathroom. The sofa in the living area can be pulled out into a full-sized bed and there is also a pull-down Murphy bed, allowing the king variation to sleep up to 6 and the 2-queen to sleep up to 8. These suites can also be booked with an additional adjoining room to increase the sleeping quarters.

Governatore Suite – include 2265 square feet of luxurious finishes but sleep only two guests. There is a large living/dining area with a kitchenette, separate office space, balcony, huge master bathroom with whirlpool tub, and an additional bathroom. They can be booked with additional adjoining rooms to increase the sleeping quarters.

Presidente Suite –This suite is 2725 square feet of luxurious finishes and sleeps three with a rollaway. This suite has a large living/dining area with a kitchenette, fireplace, separate office space, balcony, over-sized bedroom, huge master bathroom and an additional bathroom. It can also be booked with additional adjoining rooms to increase the sleeping quarters.

Recreation & Public Spaces

The Beach Pool, the largest of three pools, is a zero-entry, “family” pool with a Roman aqueduct-themed water slide, a sandy beach, adjacent children’s pool and activities, two hot tubs and three colorful beach cabanas. Splendido Bar & Grill is located in the Beach Pool area.

The Villa Pool is smaller and is intended to be a more relaxing environment with upgraded amenities and lounge chairs. Cabanas are available for rent here, as well.

The Hillside Pool, the smallest of the three pools, is an “adults-only” retreat that offers more privacy and a quiet place for relaxing.

Game Room – There is a small arcade game room located near the Beach Pool.

Shopping – PBH is home to 5 boutiques and shops - Alta Moda for your Italian apparel needs; Family Art Photography & Printing offers a variety of HD prints on unique media that will turn your photos into memorable works of art; L'Ancora carries a selection of gifts, souvenirs and sundry items; Le Memories de Portofino features gifts and souvenirs specific to Portofino Bay; and finally the Universal Store sells all the usual Universal-specific merchandise. These shops are located off the main lobby or on the Harbor Piazza.

PBH also has Universal Orlando Resort’s only full-service spa – the Mandara Spa + Fitness Center – this facility includes 14 private treatment rooms, two couples' rooms, relaxation lounges, co-ed hydro-therapy pool, separate men’s and women’s sauna and steam rooms, full-service hair and nail salon, full-service Fitness Center and its own retail boutique. For more information and to see the “spa menu”, click HERE.

Dining

Quick Service

• Gelateria – located on the Harbor Piazza; serves ice cream and some breakfast options.
• Sal's Market Deli – located on the Harbor Piazza; serves pizza, sandwiches and salads. Open for lunch and dinner.
• Starbucks - located on the Harbor Piazza, a typical full-service Starbucks.

Table Service

• Bice Ristorante - one of Universal Orlando Resort’s “fine dining” restaurants; open for dinner only.
• Mama Della's Ristorante - located on the Harbor Piazza; one of Universal Orlando Resort’s “fine dining” restaurants; open for dinner only.
• Trattoria del Porto - located on the Harbor Piazza; a full-service restaurant; serves breakfast (either buffet or “a-la-carte”), lunch and dinner.

Bars and Lounges

• Bar American – located in the lobby; serves beverages and late-night snacks. Only open in the evening.
• Splendido Bar & Grill – located near the Beach Pool; serves lunch and dinner and has a full bar.
• The Thirsty Fish – serves some food items and has a full bar. Only open in the evening.

Special Events / Entertainment

Musica della Notte (Music of the Night) - every evening, the hotel’s Harbor Piazza comes alive with a musical celebration that captures the romance and charm of Italy and the allure of Mediterranean hospitality. Musica della Notte showcases a unique blend of classic opera, romantic and festive music, along with 'popera'—the popular musical style that bridges the gap between pop and opera. The activities begin every night at sunset (weather permitting) with strolling musicians followed by the show.

Harbor Nights – Held quarterly, Harbor Nights is a wine tasting and jazz event designed to capture the ambiance of the Mediterranean, featuring select wines, gourmet food samples, live music and more. Event information, tickets and menus can be found HERE.

 

[mjhtvchick]

Royal Pacific Resort

General Information

Royal Pacific Resort is one of Universal’s three “premier” hotels. Marketed as a tranquil South Seas retreat, this resort has a laid-back Polynesian theme with lush landscaping, exotic wood carvings, and a serene orchid court off the lobby.

The resort has a central “lobby” area with three wings or “towers” housing 1000 guest rooms and suites as well as a separate conference center that connects the hotel to Sapphire Falls Resort.

It is located at 6300 Hollywood Way, Orlando, 32819

Phone: 407-503-3000

Official Loews website

Official Universal Orlando website

RPR participates in the Loews Loves Pets program with guests being allowed up to two pets per room. At check-in, all pets receive their own gifts including a pet tag, bowl and a special treat to kick off their vacation. Owners are given a detailed brochure with information on hotel pet services such as a special room service menu, local dog walking routes, and area pet services, including veterinarians, pet shops and groomers. Guests who wish to bring their pet are charged an additional one-time fee of $100 per stay to allow for extra cleaning. There is a special pet relief area near tower 2. For the complete Loews Loves Pets Policy, click HERE.

As with the other “premier” hotels, RPR is home to a kids club, hosted by Kids’ Nite Out. The Mariner’s Club at RPR is located in tower 3 with an exterior entrance near the pool area. For more information on policies and hours, call (407) 503-3200.

Room Types

Standard Rooms – All standard rooms at RPR are 335 square feet. Rooms with two queen-sized beds can accommodate a rollaway (at an additional charge) and sleep up to 5 guests. Rooms with a king-sized bed can accommodate a rollaway and sleep up to 3 guests. These rooms can be upgraded to a “water” view room overlooking the pool or waterway.

Club Level Rooms - The lounge features complimentary continental breakfast and evening hors d'oeuvres, beer and wine, plus desserts. Other amenities include evening turn-down service, signature bathrobes, personal concierge service and reduced prices on pool-side cabanas.

King Suites – larger than the standard room at 670 square feet, these rooms have a king-sized bed with a separate living area with a sofa that pulls out to a full-sized bed, allowing the room to sleep up to 4 guests.

Kids’ Suites – kids’ suites at RPR are 670 square feet and sleep up to 5 guests with a rollaway. These rooms are essentially a standard king room with an attached interior area with two twin beds. Kids’ suites at RPR are themed to Jurassic World.

Hospitality Parlor Suites – These suites come in at 1,005 square feet with a standard two-queen or king room with connecting 670 square-foot parlor that includes a dining area with a kitchenette, spacious living area, and an additional full bathroom. The sofa in the living area can be pulled out into a full-sized bed and the room can also accommodate a rollaway, allowing the king version to sleep up to 5 and the 2-queen version to sleep up to 7.

Presidential Suites – include 1,340 square feet of luxurious finishes but sleeps only three with a rollaway. These suites have a large living/dining area with a kitchenette, huge master bathroom and an additional half bathroom. They can be booked with additional adjoining rooms to increase the sleeping quarters.

Recreation & Public Spaces

Pool Area - RPR’s 12,000 square-foot lagoon-style pool is home to a white sand beach, two hot tubs, a water volleyball area, and the impressive Royal Bali Sea interactive water play area for children. There are also poolside activities, cabanas available for rent and a nearby beach volleyball court. Bula Bar & Grille is located in the pool area.

The Gymnasium Fitness Center - includes cardio-vascular and weight training equipment, sauna, hot tub, lockers, showers and changing facilities. It is located in tower 3 with an exterior entrance near the pool area.

Game Room – there is a small arcade game room located in tower 3 with an exterior entrance near the pool area.

Shopping – RPR has three small shopping establishments. Toko Gifts, located in the lobby, sells a limited selection of Universal and resort-specific merchandise along with a few sundry items. Mas, located in the lobby, sells a variety of Polynesian-themed gifts and apparel. Treasures of Bali, located in tower 3 with an exterior entrance near the pool area, sells primarily apparel (swim suits, Hawaiian shirts, hats, grass skirts) with a small selection of jewelry, beach towels and Universal apparel, as well as some sundry items and souvenirs.

Dining

Quick Service

• Orchid Court Lounge – located in the lobby; open as a quick-service breakfast restaurant in the morning.

Table Service

• Islands Dining Room - located on the ground floor of the hotel; a full-service restaurant; serves breakfast (either buffet or “a-la-carte”), lunch and dinner.
• Jake's American Bar – located on the ground floor of the hotel; a full-service restaurant; serves lunch and dinner.

Bars and Lounges

• Bula Bar & Grille - located in the pool area; serves lunch and dinner and has a full bar.
• Orchid Court Lounge & Sushi Bar – located in the lobby; open as a full bar and sushi bar in the evening.

Special Events / Entertainment

Despicable Me Character Breakfast – once a week, on Saturday mornings, come to RPR to meet your favorite Despicable Me Characters. Event information, tickets and menus can be found HERE.

Wantilan Luau– once a week, on Saturday nights, RPR hosts the Wantilan Luau – a buffet dinner show with authentic Polynesian food and entertainment. Event information, tickets and menus can be found HERE.

Jake's Beer Dinners & Festivals - Jake's Beer Dinner is offered several times throughout the year and features a five-course meal paired with the beers of a featured beer vendor. Additionally, twice each year, Jake’s Beer Festival takes place in the outdoor Wantilan Pavilion. The festival features 50 or so craft and specialty beers, creative and tasty foods plus live entertainment. More information on these events can be found HERE.

 

[mjhtvchick]

Sapphire Falls Resort

General Information

Sapphire Falls Resort is currently Universal’s only “preferred” hotel. This resort has a modern Caribbean theme with tropical landscaping and a relaxing, peaceful ambiance.

The resort has a central “lobby” area with three wings or “guest houses” housing 1000 guest rooms and suites as well as a separate conference center that connects the hotel to the Royal Pacific Resort.

It is located at 6601 Adventure Way, Orlando, FL 32819

Phone: 407-503-5000

Official Loews website

Official Universal Orlando website

SFR participates in the Loews Loves Pets program with guests being allowed up to two pets per room. At check-in, all pets receive their own gifts including a pet tag, bowl and a special treat to kick off their vacation. Owners are given a detailed brochure with information on hotel pet services such as a special room service menu, local dog walking routes, and area pet services, including veterinarians, pet shops and groomers. Guests who wish to bring their pet are charged an additional one-time fee of $100 per stay to allow for extra cleaning. There is a special pet relief area at the back of guest house 2. For the complete Loews Loves Pets Policy, click HERE.

Room Types

Standard Rooms – standard rooms at SFR are 321 square feet. Rooms with two queen-sized beds can accommodate a rollaway (at an additional charge) and sleep up to 5 guests. Rooms with a king-sized bed also have a sofa that pulls out to a full-sized bed and sleep up to 4 guests. These rooms can be upgraded to a “lagoon” view room or a “poolside” room.

King Suites – larger than the standard room at 595 square feet, these rooms have a king-sized bed with a separate living area with a sofa that pulls out to a full-sized bed. These rooms can also accommodate a rollaway allowing them to sleep up to 5 guests.

Kids’ Suites – kids’ suites at SFR are 529 square feet and sleep up to 5 guests. These rooms are essentially a standard king room with an attached interior area with two twin beds. There is no specific theming to these rooms at Sapphire Falls.

Sapphire Suites - offer 851 square feet and sleep up to five guests. These suites include a large bedroom with a king-sized bed, a dining area, living room with wet bar, and two bathrooms.

Hospitality Suites – SFR’s largest suite at 1,353 square feet. It includes a separate dining area with a kitchenette, spacious living area, one and a half bathrooms. It still only sleeps five guests with a rollaway. Some of these suites include a balcony overlooking the lagoon.

Presidential Suites – SFR’s presidential suite is 1,294 square feet but sleeps only three with a rollaway. These suites have upgraded finishes throughout, a large living/dining area with a kitchenette, one and a half bathrooms, in-room fitness equipment and balcony.

Recreation & Public Spaces

Pool Area - the pool at SFR is the largest on property at 16,000 square feet. It has a sandy beach area, hot tub, water slide, children’s play area, fire pit and cabanas for rent. Drhum Club Kantine is located in the pool area.

Kalina Health and Fitness Center - Includes cardio-vascular and weight training equipment, sauna, lockers, showers and changing facilities. Located near the pool area on level 2.

Calypso Game Room - The hotel’s arcade game room. It is located near the pool area on level 2.

Shopping – SFR is home to a large Universal Studios Store that sells both Universal and resort-specific merchandise along with a selection of sundry items. It is located off the lobby on level 4. New Dutch Trading Co. also offers a few souvenirs for sale.

Dining

Quick Service

• New Dutch Trading Co. – located in the lobby; a grab-and-go marketplace where you can purchase pre-made sandwiches, salads, breakfast pastries, ice cream, snacks, coffee and more.

Table Service

• Amatista Cookhouse - a full-service restaurant; serves breakfast (either buffet or “a-la-carte”), lunch and dinner. It is located on the first floor of the resort (down 3 floors from the lobby).

Bars and Lounges

• Drhum Club Kantine - located in the pool area; serves lunch and dinner and has a full bar.
• Strong Water Tavern – located off the lobby; a rum bar with tapas-style dining options. Only open in the evening.

Special Events / Entertainment

Caribbean Carnival – once a week, on Friday nights, SFR hosts the Caribbean Carnival – a buffet dinner show with music, dancing and food inspired by the Caribbean Islands. Event information, tickets and menus can be found HERE.

 

[mjhtvchick]

Bump!

 

[mjhtvchick]

Bump! Reminder - Questions are welcome!

 

[mjhtvchick]

Bump!!

 

[schumigirl]

Bump! Reminder - Questions are welcome!

Is this thread necessary?

Macraven and I created the stickies with all this and more information and people already post and ask questions there........

When folks don’t use that they post a thread of their own.

Just wondered if we really needed duplicate information on the boards.

 

[mjhtvchick]

Is this thread necessary?

Macraven and I created the stickies with all this and more information and people already post and ask questions there........

When folks don’t use that they post a thread of their own.

Just wondered if we really needed duplicate information on the boards.

Mac approved the thread before I developed and posted it - we had hope it could be a bit of a "catch all" for some of the "one-off" posts comparing one resort vs the other or looking for basic info - then, they could visit the stickies (which I have linked at the top of the thread) for more in-depth information, photos, etc.

It hasn't worked out exactly as we had hoped but we would like to give it a bit more of a try before abandoning it.

I saw your PM and can chat a bit more about it with you there, if you like!

 

[schumigirl]

Nope no need to chat more.

 

[EveDallas]

Is this thread necessary?

Macraven and I created the stickies with all this and more information and people already post and ask questions there........

When folks don’t use that they post a thread of their own.

Just wondered if we really needed duplicate information on the boards.

Kind of wondering that myself but