Best Universal Orlando Hotels For Every Budget RIGHT NOW!

I had a short stay at Aventura last week. I was in a standard queen, had a noisy connecting room, but… it was great! i just canceled by 4 nights at Cabana to book a deluxe room at Aventura. Bistro 17 was incredible, the amenities and size are a hidden gem. In addition, I loved walking to the park and taking a water taxi “home.” being next to sapphire falls is amazing. Strong Water tavern and the smoothies are great! The staff were good, Starbucks was fast and quick service was awesome. For me, the size of Cabana bay is a turnoff… the idea of long bus lines, class trips and family reunions is awful to me 😂.

Before you book through universal check out compare prices through Costco travel I'm booking my 3rd universal trip through them

You’re wrong about adventura. The huge benefit is it’s across the street from Sapphire Falls. So for less, you can still get the water taxi.
And no way is Portifino the best. Ever try to navigate it? Your walk might be super far from the boat. Which is the longest ride. The walk is super far.

My first visit a few years ago I stayed at Hard Rock which was convenient but for as little time as I'll spend in the hotel, i couldn't justify the price so I'm headed to Sapphire Falls in a month. Still convenient but a lot cheaper.

We stayed at Portofino and cabana Bay previously. We always do express passes, and we’re leaning toward a signature hotel that has them included, but it was actually cheaper to do. Cabana Bay and get express passes separate. We absolutely loved the cabana Bay! The theme is awesome, it’s a great family environment. If you’re pricing it out and cabana Bay is in the mix, don’t be afraid to select it over another hotel. It was a lot of fun. Although, I will say, it is an awesome experience to be able to get on the boat go to your hotel in just a few minutes. If the money isn’t an issue, pick a hotel that has the express pass and the boat ride to and from the parks. A whole different level of experience.

Three letters, KOA

Nice overview, thanks. Never stayed at a Universal hotel but am considering one for next year.

If we are visiting only epic world and perhaps universal city walk what hotel do you recommend?

Those dates are when school starts for half the country. They are probably the cheapest time. So, take it with a grain of salt. Yes, I am sure there are places that are still on summer break (for kids and teachers), but as a teacher, everyone I tend to meet has been experiencing this earlier and earlier back to school trend.

How do you have so many subs?

That was Perfect brother thanks

Helios is actually 900 bucks per night

Staying in Sapphire Falls this July. We almost went Portofino, but decided it wasn't worth it without them offering express for Epic. Instead we bought express passes and that plus Sapphire Falls was still less than Portofino.

We went to Loews hotel last year, the last week of January and the first week of December, paid $360 and $380 per night respectively. I can’t believe how expensive it is now!!

Stayed here3 years ago and loved it!

Does Disney have any Adult only properties? Or Best resorts for Adults?

Porto fino is my least favorite hotel for the cost and location. Royal pacific is the best for unlimited express pass

Whose two bedroom family suites are the best for a family of 9-there are 6 adults and 3 kids.
love the video just not enough on family suites

Aventura is hands down the best value hotel due to the nearby water taxis and its smaller size, meaning less walking to reach the buses for Epic and CityWalk. We are going to Epic on June 12th and 13th for three days. it is $160 a night, compared to every other resort being $200+.

Aventura is my favorite when I want to save money while not being far from the boats, great for weekend trips.

What about resort and parking fees?

The prices for most of these hotels are outrageous. The prices do go down if you have an annual pass or are staying more days. I'll be staying 8 nights in September, and my prices are slightly below annual passholders' rates.

Great video as always! I didn't understand why you rated Helios so low. I understand that it might not be the closest to the OG parks… but if your main experience is Epic (with a dedicated entrance), they will also have underground sound speakers in the pool and will have a "Movie theater" at the pool area.

er near the pool area.

Only discrepancy i have is that portofino should be the lowest ranked express pass resort. It is so far away. If you want to walk, its a good 20 minutes to get to Citywalk.

If we dont need express, Sapphire Falls is by far our favorite. If we are looking for express, Royal Pacific is amazing. Some of the best restaurants on the universal campus.

Royal Pacific is our family favorite! Great hotel and love the unlimited express pass (UEP) included for the day you check in, all days you stay, and even the day you check out. Become an annual pass (AP) holder family is a great option to save money. The lowest price is $425 per person (Seasonal AP) and does have blackout dates you might have to work around. With the AP, you get a year of entry, park hopping, and hotel discounts. And it might be the same or cheaper than regular tickets to UO. During August 14th-17th, 2025, AP discount for Dockside is $117 per night and Endless Summer is $144 per night. With AP rate the Aventura is $156 per night, Stella Nova is $139 and Terra Luna is $135 per night, Cabana Bay is $146 per night, Sapphire Falls is $267 per night, Royal Pacific is $547 per night, Helios does not have any AP rates for 2025, Hard Rock is $707 a night and UEP, and lastly Portifino Bay is $449 per night with UEP. With or without the AP hotel rates, always book as early as you can. Friday and Saturday nights are usually more expensive than staying mid-week. If you can come Sunday through Thursday, you can definitely save on your stay. We stayed at RP in June of 2024 and UO was busy with the summer crowds but the UEP worked out wonderfully.

I like Hard Rock Hotel. What’s your favorite?