A trip to Orlando's theme parks doesn’t have to just be about the kids. Sure, you can supply them with all the butterbeer and dinosaur eggs they can handle, but when it comes time to rest and relax, be a little selfish and book a hotel that will make the vacation worthwhile for both your kids and yourself. Whether you're interested in lounging by a big pool or resting your head in a super plush room, the best hotels near Universal Studios Orlando have you covered. Remember, convenience, location, and amenities make all the difference when you’re on the go all day, so choose a hotel nearby that caters to your every need.
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Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.
If you’re looking for convenience, staying at a Universal Resort is always wise. They come with a handful of perks, including early admission to certain attractions, skip-the-line benefits on specific rides, and free transportation to all of Universal’s parks. Plus, there’s plenty to do at the hotel to keep the fun coming, including a lagoon-style pool, fitness center, and a handful of restaurants to dine at.
Like Loews Royal Pacific, the Hard Rock Hotel is among Universal’s many resorts offering incentives and perks for those going to Universal’s parks. However, the vibe here is much different than its Loews counterpart, focusing more on its rock n’ roll aesthetic. The swimming pool here features underwater music and the walls are adorned with fun rock memorabilia. Plus, time your visit right and you might even sneak a concert into your itinerary.
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This pet-friendly, centrally-located hotel is truly in the heart of it all. A mere 15 minutes away from Universal Studios, SeaWorld, Walt Disney Parks, and the airport, The Florida Hotel manages to give every kind of traveler exactly what they’re looking for. If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the surrounding parks, there are also plenty of golf courses nearby, as well as the Florida Mall and Crayola Experience.
Less than 15 minutes from Universal Studios lies Marriott’s Castle Hotel, which is not only great for those looking to hit up all of the local theme parks and attractions but also an ideal place to set a home base if sticking routines while on vacation is your thing. The rooms are all equipped with desks should you need to get any work done, plus the hotel has a 24/7 fitness center as well as an outdoor fitness facility for those who like to get their sweat on in the great outdoors.
For families traveling with a crew in tow, Villatel combines your favorite aspects of hotel life with all the comforts of a home. There are numerous villas to choose from for your stay, ranging in size from four to nine bedrooms, some perfectly themed and others with in-house theaters or arcades. You can up the ante with easy crib or grill rentals or add-ons like babysitting services, private performances, and even spa services or cooking classes.
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Equipped with all the fun you could possibly need, Hotel Landy has plenty to offer if you abstain from the parks for a day or two. While the hotel is slated to offer a shuttle to the theme parks in the coming months, for now, you can get your game on at the property’s game room, which is open 24/7 and features games for everyone, from action games to arcade games to sudoku walls. You can also check out the lawn games the hotel offers or the property’s pool and hot tub.
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With a prime location in the heart of all of Orlando’s best attractions, Cambria Hotel attracts plenty of Universal-bound visitors. Take advantage of the hotel’s rooftop pool to cool off after a day at the park and enjoy views of the city, or hit up Ka La Rooftop Lounge or Veer Kitchen & Bar to satiate your appetite. The hotel places an emphasis on accessibility for all its guests and has staff available all day and night.
If you’re really looking for a luxe, elevated spot to hunker down for the evening, this is the place. Guests can often delight in a happy hour by Altira Pool + Lounge, sunset soirees, and even jazz brunch on Sundays—there’s always something happening at the Grand Bohemian. It is conveniently located near many of Orlando’s biggest attractions, and the hotel’s concierge service is happy to arrange everything from dinner reservations to private transportation to flower deliveries.
A little bit more removed from the bustling downtown of Orlando’s theme parks, The Ritz is more of a drive, approximately 20 minutes from Universal. Here, you can partake in one or more of the hotel’s spa offerings, lounge by the pool amidst the cabanas, or simply stroll around the surrounding lakes. Enroll the kiddos in the Ritz Kids program, go on a guided eco-tour, or join a falconry class. There’s no shortage of experiences to be had here.
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