Guests who stayed at a Universal Orlando Resort hotel for a past Orlando Informer Meetup were twice as likely to be very satisfied with their stay, compared to checking in at another venue in Orlando. Even members of our local Orlando Informer team stay at their favorite Universal hotel for the OI Meetup.
All of these resorts offer complimentary transportation to and from the theme parks, including after the Orlando Informer Meetup. We make staying close to the action easy, with up to 30% savings when you book with our OI rate.
However, with multiple Universal Orlando properties to choose from, it can be overwhelming to select the right one for you. Having had the pleasure of staying at all of them, I’ll walk you through some considerations to keep in mind when selecting your humble weekend abode.
Details to keep in mind: space is extremely limited and will fill up quickly. The below rates are valid for travel up to three days before and after the OI Meetup, subject to group room availability. At the start, the group rate will have a two-night minimum requirement. As the group rate begins to reach capacity at each hotel, they will begin accepting one-night reservations, as well. Some hotels will begin accepting one-night reservations faster than others. Rates are based on double occupancy and do not include parking or tax.
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Value hotels
Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites & Dockside Inn and Suites
Using complimentary shuttle buses, you’re a 10-minute ride away from the action.
The fun, family-oriented Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites & Dockside Inn and Suites introduce extra affordability to your Universal vacation. If relaxing vibes (with a touch of surf and sun) are what you seek, this is the right place to be. They’re also the newest venues to open at Universal: Surfside Inn and Suites debuted in June 2019, while Dockside Inn and Suites landed in December 2020.
In addition to standard rooms, the resorts boast two-bedroom suites, which are also available with our discounted rate for a small amount more. These 440-square-feet suites accommodate up to six guests. Their kitchenette area has a cool picnic table for meals or just hanging out, and their bathroom features separate bath and vanity areas, so it’s easy for multiple people to get ready at the same time.
Book Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites for November 19-20, December 3-4, or December 10-11, starting at $85/night.
Book Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites for November 19-20, December 3-4, or December 10-11, starting at $85/night.
Prime value hotels
Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Using complimentary shuttle buses, you’re a 10-minute ride away from the action.
Relax with a splash at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, surrounded by amazing iconic architecture inspired by classic Florida beach resorts of the 1950s and ‘60s. When this hotel opened in 2014, it quickly became many guests’ favorite and changed the selection of Universal properties forever.
Cabana Bay Beach Resort has a number of other features that make it unique. Galaxy Bowl is the first and only on-site bowling alley at Universal (fees apply). At the Swizzle Lounge in the lobby, you can sip on classic cocktails from a bygone era. And if anybody in your party is a classic car fan, they’ll love the array on display in front of the building.
Cabana Bay Beach Resort offers family suites that sleep up to six, complete with a kitchenette. These are also available with our discounted rate for a small amount more.
Book for November 19-20 or December 10-11, starting at $109/night.
Universal’s Aventura Hotel
Using complimentary shuttle buses, you’re a 10-minute ride away from the action.
Engage in a sleek and streamlined hotel experience, one that prizes calming aesthetics and high technology over traditional theming. Each room comes equipped with a tablet that does everything from control the lights and room temperature to ordering fresh towels and room service, and there’s even a virtual-reality game room waiting to be explored upstairs.
Of course, one of the coolest elements of this hotel is Bar 17, a sleek and stylish rooftop bar and grill located on the 17th floor. This is the perfect place to meet up with friends and relax with stunning panoramic views of Orlando.
Book for November 19-20, starting at $110/night.
Preferred hotel
This is Universal’s middle category, offering some benefits above the value and prime value entries. As far as what features the sole preferred resort offers, look for 24-hour room service, valet parking, and the allowance of pets.
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
Using complimentary water taxis, you’re a 10-minute ride away from the action.
Everybody on our team has their own favorite Universal hotel, and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort happens to be mine! From the stone turret in the lobby to the inviting charm of each room, you’re surrounded by a vivid and textured haven that is inspired by landmarks of the islands. I could go on and on when it comes to everything I love at this property, but one of my very favorite features is the floor-to-ceiling windows that allow an abundance of natural lighting in.
Sapphire Falls Resort has the largest hotel pool at Universal Orlando, coming in at 16,000 square feet. Not to worry – that won’t stop you from getting to the poolside bar, as they designed a “sandbar” in the middle of the pool for easy access from one side to the other.
Book for November 19-20 or December 10-11, starting at $134/night.
Premier hotels
The hotels below have an extra benefit that the others above do not offer: they include a free* Universal Express Unlimited Pass to skip the regular lines at most popular attractions. Keep in mind that Universal Express is not available after the parks close to daytime guests at our Orlando Informer Meetup, but you can still utilize the passes upon entering for the first few hours with daytime guests.
Loews Royal Pacific Resort
Using complimentary water taxis, you’re a 10-minute ride away from the action.
Before I lived in Orlando, Loews Royal Pacific Resort was the hotel that I stayed at the most. Why? You get swept away to a place filled with tropical wonders, exotic food, and carefree fun. Not that you’d expect anything less, but this venue is home to some of the finest and most unique orchid species in the world. Royal Pacific even has its own exclusive and locally-brewed beer: Jake’s American Red Lager.
If you’d prefer to walk instead of taking a leisurely boat ride back to your room after the Orlando Informer Meetup, it’s only about a 10-minute stroll from Universal’s Islands of Adventure. This is the closest property to that park.
This hotel is currently sold out for our three winter Orlando Informer Meetup weekends.
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
Using complimentary water taxis, you’re a 10-minute ride away from the action.
Three words: musica della notte. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel boasts daily sunset musical performances for the nights you’re not at the OI Meetup. Relax in surroundings inspired by the beauty and charm of the picturesque seaside village of Portofino, Italy. In case you couldn’t already tell, this is one of the most romantic resort options at Universal.
If you’re not convinced yet, the delightful hotel also offers three(!) pools and a multitude of restaurants and lounges. The culinary voyage through Italy includes everything from fresh gelato to fine dining.
This hotel is currently sold out for our three winter Orlando Informer Meetup weekends.
Hard Rock Hotel®
Using complimentary water taxis, you’re a 10-minute ride away from the action.
What was that? Sorry, I couldn’t hear you because I was listening to the underwater sound system. No, seriously – the pool has music playing underwater. Live like a rock star at Hard Rock HotelⓇ and savor the perks of rock ‘n’ roll royalty with impeccable surroundings, posh laid-back style, and show-stopping service. And throughout the property, you’ll find over 200 pieces of music memorabilia.
The Kitchen restaurant has an award-winning wine selection that includes an average of 1,300 bottles. The Palm, bringing the legacy of the famous New York steakhouse to Universal Orlando, is one of my favorite restaurants in the entire city.
Hard Rock is the closest hotel to Universal Studios Florida – only about an eight-minute walk away.
This hotel is currently sold out for our three winter Orlando Informer Meetup weekends.
Now it’s your turn to choose!
I hope that this has helped you decide which hotel is the right choice for you. Don’t sweat it too much, though – no matter which one you select, I’m confident that you’ll have a great stay.
To book online, tap one of the links above. If you’d prefer to book over the phone, call (866) 360-7395 and mention the Orlando Informer group rate.
OI Meetup tickets are limited. Learn more and secure yours today.
Questions? Email meetup@orlandoinformer.com or call/text us at (855) 245-4636.
OI Meetup tickets are limited.
Learn more and secure yours today.
Questions? Email meetup@orlandoinformer.com or call/text us at (855) 245-4636.
Universal Orlando is excited to enhance your experience with the latest local health and safety guidelines. Learn all you need to know by visiting www.universalorlando.com/safetyinfo.
*Requires theme park admission. Valid only at participating rides and attractions in Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Not valid at Universal’s Volcano Bay. Excludes separately ticketed events. Park-to-Park admission required to board the Hogwarts™ Express. Benefit valid only for guests of Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort and Hard Rock Hotel®, for the number of guests staying in the room for the length of hotel stay. Available during normal theme park operating hours only. Additional restrictions may apply and benefits are subject to change without notice.
© 2021 UCF Hotel Venture V. UNIVERSAL TM & © Universal Studios. ENDLESS SUMMER registered trademarks, Bruce Brown Films, LLC. All rights reserved. Cabana Bay Beach Resort TM & © 2021 UCF Hotel Venture II. Aventura Hotel TM & © 2021 UCF Hotel Venture IV. All rights reserved. All rights reserved. Royal Pacific Resort TM & © 2021 UCF Hotel Venture. All rights reserved. Hard Rock Hotel ® Hard Rock Cafe International (USA), Inc. Portofino Bay Hotel TM & © 2021 UCF Hotel Venture. All rights reserved. Sapphire Falls Resort TM & © 2021 UCF Hotel Venture III. All Rights Reserved. Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2021 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.