Planning a Trip to Universal’s Epic Universe? Here’s Your Guide to the Closest Hotels
ORLANDO, FL — If you’re heading to Universal Orlando Resort’s highly anticipated Epic Universe theme park, choosing the right hotel can make or break your experience. And if budget isn’t a concern, the top pick is clear: the Universal Helios Grand Hotel.
This luxurious hotel is directly connected to Epic Universe and features a private entrance into the park. “You can almost literally roll out of bed and into the theme park,” said Dennis Quinn, Universal Orlando Resort’s Senior Vice President of Hotel Commercial Strategy. The location not only offers early access to the park but also makes it easy to return to your room or the pool for a midday break.
The Helios Grand Hotel is designed with guest immersion in mind, blending seamlessly with the theme park’s aesthetic. Inspired by historic world’s fairs, the hotel is visually integrated with Celestial Park, the central hub of Epic Universe. A statue of Apollo greets guests just outside, while the hotel’s rooftop Bar Helios offers sweeping views of the park.
However, this convenience comes at a cost. Helios Grand is one of the most expensive hotels at Universal Orlando. Prices vary depending on the season, length of stay, and promotions, so it’s best to check Universal’s website for current rates.
Universal Orlando offers 11 hotels with over 11,000 rooms, co-owned with Loews, catering to a wide range of budgets. Some even offer perks that may outweigh Helios Grand’s prime location.
Hotels Within Walking Distance of Epic Universe
Three hotels are within walking distance of Epic Universe:
– Universal Helios Grand Hotel – Adjacent to the park with a private entrance.
– Universal Stella Nova Resort – Located across the street, about a 12-minute walk.
– Universal Terra Luna Resort – Diagonally across from the park, slightly farther than Stella Nova.
All three opened in 2025 and were inspired by Celestial Park. “We wanted to capture the wonder of space, not space travel,” said Russ Dagon, Senior Vice President of Resort Development at Universal Creative. The same creative team that designed Epic Universe also developed early concepts for these hotels.
Stella Nova and Terra Luna are space-themed sister properties with subtle differences. Stella Nova features cooler tones and starry motifs, while Terra Luna leans into warmer, earthier aesthetics. Their layouts are mirror images, with dining and amenities placed on opposite sides of the lobby. Both offer two-queen guest rooms, pools, gyms, game rooms, and bars. Stella Nova includes a splash pad for kids, while Terra Luna’s pool features zero-depth entry.
Other Universal Hotels and Transportation
Most of Universal’s other hotels are located on a separate campus, home to Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, and CityWalk. These properties are not walkable to Epic Universe but are connected by complimentary resort shuttles, with a ride taking about 15 minutes.
The Endless Summer hotels—Dockside Inn and Suites and Surfside Inn and Suites—are budget-friendly options located between the two campuses. While not within walking distance, they offer some of the lowest rates and include free shuttle service to all parks.
When choosing where to stay, consider which parks you’ll be visiting most. All Universal hotels offer free transportation, early park admission with valid tickets, and other on-site benefits.
What Sets Helios Grand Apart?
Beyond its unbeatable location, the Helios Grand Hotel is a stunning blend of elegance and comfort. “We wanted it to feel rich and sophisticated, but also approachable,” said Dagon. Half the rooms face the park, offering incredible views. Guests can enjoy amenities like automatic curtains, a rooftop bar, and a front-facing pool (since the back opens directly into the park).
Staying at Helios Grand includes early park admission, resort-wide transportation, in-park purchase delivery to your room, and the ability to charge purchases to your room account. However, unlike other premium Universal hotels like Loews Portofino Bay, Hard Rock Hotel, and Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Helios Grand does not include free Universal Express Unlimited passes—valuable perks that let guests skip the regular lines at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. These passes typically cost $149.99 to $349.99 per person, per day.
Epic Universe will have its own version of Express passes, sold separately.
For guests planning to visit multiple parks, it may be worth splitting your stay between Helios Grand and another hotel that includes Express passes. “None of our hotels are designed to be all things to all people,” Dagon said. “You can create a unique stay at each property and find something for everyone.”
Whether you’re looking for luxury, convenience, or value, Universal Orlando’s hotel lineup offers something for every type of traveler visiting Epic Universe.
Editor’s Note: The reporter received access from Universal Orlando Resort. USA TODAY retains full editorial control of the content.
Source: usatoday.com