ORLANDO, Fla. – For the first time ever, Universal Orlando Resort guests will have direct hotel access to a theme park, and the Universal Helios Grand Hotel is an attraction in itself.
Just like Epic Universe, the Universal Creative Team had their hands in designing the 500-room Loews Hotel located on theme park property. The majestic Mediterranean-inspired stay looks out over Celestial Park’s lush gardens and scenic waters and ties directly into the world’s storyline, including the color scheme. Lights will start cool at the entry of Celestial Park and then become warmer leading up to the hotel. The hotel’s warm gold colors represent Helios, the Greek god of the sun.
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Guests staying at Universal Helios Grand Hotel will have early park access. As for park proximity, guests will be able to access Epic Universe through an interior security lobby, complete with turnstiles and X-ray scanning.
Besides that direct entrance perk, the resort features tranquil sleeping accommodations, entertaining amenities, and dining options, including a stunning rooftop bar.
The lobby
According to Universal, as soon as guests enter the hotel they will be “transported to a fantastical world within the palace of Helios, the Greek god of the sun, adorned with beautiful details of celestial patterns, dazzling constellations, and elegant yet casual Mediterranean design elements.”
Through the lobby’s magnificent floor-to-ceiling windows is that first look at Epic Universe with the vista of Celestial Park.
Guest rooms & suites
The guest rooms and suites at Helios Grand Hotel are bright, inviting and warm with many of the rooms offering fantastic views of Epic Universe.
Unique to the new hotel is the imaginative “How to Train Your Dragon” Kids’ Suites, where young Vikings can take to the skies and rest amongst dragons in a colorful room inspired by Berk.
Amenities
The resort-style pool is the ultimate spot for rest – complete with underwater speakers, poolside cabanas available for rent, a hot tub, poolside movies, recreational activities, and more.
Dining options
One of the new hotel’s dining locations, Flora Taverna, is a full-service restaurant offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner and a lobby bar with a light and airy atmosphere — featuring an open-style kitchen with live cooking, Mediterranean comfort foods, pizza ovens and al fresco seating overlooking Celestial Park.
Aurora Market is a grab-and-go food option at Helios Grand Hotel, complete with a contemporary coffee shop and market offering freshly roasted coffees, quick bites, and snack and dessert options from morning to night.
Lotus Lagoon is a poolside bar and grill where guests can cool off with refreshing cocktails or non-alcoholic drinks and enjoy casual fare options like burgers, salads, sandwiches and more.
Bar Helios
One of the biggest draws of the Helios Grand Hotel is the sparkling and stylish rooftop lounge, Bar Helios.
From the ground, guests see the golden dome at the top of the hotel. Inside, guests will get 360-degree views of Epic Universe and beyond.
While sipping on handcrafted cocktails, guests can look up and see a golden constellation ceiling above the bar. As for food, guests can dine on creative tapas and familiar favorites.
An official opening date has not been announced for the Helios Grand Hotel or when booking will be open.
Besides the Helios Grand Hotel, Epic Universe will have a pair of space-themed sister hotels, Stella Nova Resort and Terra Luna Resort, located just south of the theme park.
Just like other Universal Orlando Resorts, resort shuttles will be available for Epic Universe hotel guest transportation to other theme parks and CityWalk.
Epic Universe is set to open in 2025 and sits on 750 acres of land and will be Universal’s largest theme park in the U.S., complete with the following worlds:
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic: Transporting visitors to a different era of the wizarding world, blending 1920s wizarding Paris from the “Fantastic Beasts” films with the iconic British Ministry of Magic.
- Super Nintendo World: Featuring beloved characters like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Donkey Kong in an interactive gaming experience.
- Dark Universe: A realm of myth and mystery, where guests encounter the experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein and traverse a shadowy landscape inhabited by monsters like Dracula and the Wolfman.
- How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk: Discover an island where Vikings and fire-breathing dragons exist together in harmony.
- Celestial Park: Thrilling rides, entertainment, dining, shopping, plus the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, all come together to create an amazing world of discovery and excitement.
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