My recent stay at Universal Helios Grand Hotel was fantastic. The hotel is inspired by Helios, the Greek sun god so you’ll see celestial details with Mediterranean touches, and a warm color palette. Its location next to Epic Universe is unbeatable and the views from the floor-to-ceiling windows in the lobby, guest rooms, patio, and restaurants are stunning.
Dedicated Epic Universe Park Entrance: The hotel has its own entrance to Epic Universe, and security is located inside the building, making the process quick and easy. If you’re visiting City Walk, Islands of Adventure, or Universal Studios, the hotel also offers complimentary shuttle buses.
Early Park Admission: Beat the crowds by entering an hour before the park opens to other guests for certain attractions. We were able to enter the park as soon as we went through security and waited until the early entry time (around 9 AM) prior to entering a portal. We selected The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, the closest portal to the Helios park entrance. We were on and off Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry by around 9:15. The only downside was we didn’t get to fully enjoy the attraction’s immersive queue. Then we headed to Super Nintendo World and rode Mario Kart: Browser’s Challenge before the park opened to other guests.
Variety of Room Categories and the Views:
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Standard rooms – Select from one King bed, two Queen beds, or the Deluxe two Queen beds with an amazing view of the park.
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Club Level Rooms – Includes access to a private lounge with continental breakfast, evening snacks, and concierge service.
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Suites – Several categories are available, including Celestial Suites with an abundance of room – the 740 square foot suite includes a bedroom with a king size bed in a private bedroom and a separate room with a sleeper sofa. Another category is perfect for families with younger children. the How to Train Your Dragon themed suite features a separate kids’ room with two twin beds. Other premium suite categories are also available.
Our Deluxe two Queen bed room was spacious and comfortable. Controlling the drapes, lights, television, and shower from the in-room tablet was a fun touch. The room views of Epic Universe, day and night, were incredible.
Themed Dining:
- Flora Taverna – An open-kitchen restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We enjoyed lunch on the patio on our arrival day and overlooked Epic Universe. Their specialty dish is delicious – chicken or beef gyros served in a pita with cucumber, tomato, shaved red onion, and tzatziki.
- Bar Helios – This rooftop bar offers tapas and amazing views. Time your meal around the nightly water show at Epic Universe so you can grab a great spot in the viewing area to watch and hear the show.
- Aurora Market – A convenient grab-and-go market with coffee, pastries, salads, wraps, and delicious gelato. Some of the gelato flavors we tried included Colada Coffee Crunch, Lavender & Honey, Cookies & Cream, and my favorite, Passionfruit Stracciatella. Bring water bottles from home and refill your water at the Coca-Cola Freestyle machine to stay hydrated in the Florida heat.
- Lotus Lagoon – The pool bar features beer, cocktails, snacks, and appetizers.
Other Amenities:
- Large zero-entry resort pool with plenty of seating and a small game area
- Private transfers to other Universal hotels for a small fee (book through concierge)
- Universal planning desk – convenient location in the lobby to pick up your park tickets
- Fitness center with locker rooms
- Universal souvenir shop
We’re already discussing our next visit to Epic Universe, and staying at the Universal Helios Grand Hotel is a must for future trips.
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