The Resort
Experience luxury and excitement like never before at the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, the latest gem in Universal Orlando! Nestled right behind the spectacular Epic Universe Theme Park, this resort is the perfect getaway for thrill-seekers and relaxation enthusiasts alike. With room rates starting at just $293 per night for a four-night stay, you’ll find accommodations that cater to every taste and budget. Enjoy a wealth of amenities, including a stunning pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a top-notch restaurant, and a rooftop bar with breathtaking views. Your unforgettable adventure begins here!
The theme of the resort’s common areas is celestial, featuring suns, moons, and planets intricately woven into every detail. The resort offers four dining locations: Flora Taverna, Bar Helios, Lotus Lagoon, and Auroa Market. Each venue serves delightful food and beverages, all with a fantastic view of the amazing Epic Universe Theme Park.
Arrival
Unfortunately, our arrival was less than stellar. Currently, the route to the resort is confusing and not well-marked, but hopefully this will improve as construction is completed. I pulled up to the porte-cochère so my wife could check us in and we could get to lunch, but I was immediately told that I wasn’t allowed to park in the front. Unfortunately, I wasn’t welcomed to the resort or warmly greeted; I was just informed that I needed to move my car right after stopping to let my wife out. Fortunately, the parking garage is conveniently located right next to the entrance, probably even more convenient than any of the Universal resorts we have stayed at.
Dining
We started our visit with a meal at Flora Taverna. This restaurant is charming with a natural theme and features full-sized trees woven throughout the space. The lunch was excellent. Our family ordered a Margherita flatbread pizza to begin, and it was delicious. We all shared two pieces of this small, shareable flatbread, and everyone enjoyed it; it was the perfect starter.
My oldest son and I had the American Wagyu Beef Burger, and it was exquisite. The burger was juicy and delicious, with toppings that complemented rather than overshadowed its flavor. I chose to accompany my meal with a small side salad, which was almost as delightful as the burger. The greens were fresh, and the sumac vinaigrette added a unique mix of savory and sweet flavors, making the salad a memorable experience. It was very tasty, and I would definitely order it again. My wife had the Fried Chicken Schnitzel Sandwich, and she enjoyed that as well. The kids’ meal my younger son chose was a grilled cheese, and he said it was one of the best he had ever had.
Our experience was fantastic, and our server was incredibly accommodating and kind. I highly recommend enjoying a nice lunch either on the day of your check-in or just before you leave the resort. If your main focus is visiting Epic Universe for the day, I suggest dining within the park, as there are numerous wonderful places to eat and enjoy this restaurant on a non-park day.
We utilized the Auroa Market for coffee each morning and evening for drinks and snacks. It is right off the lobby, so it is extremely convenient and has all that you would need for a quick pick-up.
The Room
We booked a standard park view room, and it was beautiful. The view of Epic Universe was nothing short of amazing. We took tons of pictures of the brand-new park, and going to sleep with that incredible view was a fantastic experience. The room was well-appointed, though it wasn’t as large as you might expect for what Loews is charging, but it was very nice nonetheless. The theme was floral, which was surprising; we expected something related to the sun, stars, and moon, but it featured a pink and gray flower motif. The beds were very comfortable. However, I don’t feel that the room is genuinely “premium.” It felt similar to a room at Aventura, which is great since we love Aventura, but the price point at Helios is significantly higher. Still, the view is unbeatable. If you’re considering staying here, I highly recommend opting for a park view, as that’s truly what you’re paying for. We also enjoyed the patio at the rear of the resort, where you feel “in” the park without actually being inside it. It was so much fun to spend the evening there and watch the lights come on in the park.
Early Admission
Guests at the Grand Helios Hotel have the unique advantage of accessing Epic Universe one hour early. There is a special entrance that provides direct access to the park, located conveniently inside the lobby, right across from the Aruroa Market. However, the line can grow quickly, and getting through it isn’t fast, so I recommend arriving at least an hour before the early opening to make the most of your time. We arrived about 45 minutes early, and the line extended through the entire hallway and even outside to the opposite side of the hotel. Despite the wait, it was a time-saving benefit, as we were able to visit Super Nintendo World and Dark Universe before the general park opening.
Pool
We had the opportunity to enjoy the pool, which is absolutely beautiful and relaxing. The lounging area is spacious and open. One unique aspect is that the space is tiered, which gives it a more structured feel rather than resembling a crowded field of lounge chairs. The pool itself is quite simple, wrapping around the Lotus Bar to provide easy access to refreshments. There is no slide; however, there is a splash pad for the kids to enjoy. A fun feature is that the music is played underwater, allowing you to hear it while swimming. Pool towels are provided, and they are thick, soft, and luxurious. The thing we liked the most about the pool is that we could see Frankenstein Manor from our lounge chairs!
Merchandise
The Helios Grand Hotel features a Universal Studios Store that offers a wide selection of Epic Universe merchandise. If you’re looking for unique Epic items, this is the place to go! While they may not have everything available, the selection is quite impressive. One helpful tip is to purchase Power Up Bands for your kids the night before your visit to Epic Universe. We did this, and it made our park day much easier since we didn’t have to worry about that task.
Conculsion
In conclusion, our stay at the Universal Helios Grand Hotel was a memorable experience marked by a perfect blend of luxury, convenience, and exceptional service. While there were minor hiccups upon arrival, the overall ambiance of the resort, coupled with its breathtaking views and convenient access to Epic Universe, made it worthwhile. The charming dining options, particularly Flora Taverna, stood out and offered delightful culinary experiences. The well-appointed room, despite its slightly high price point, provided stunning vistas that enhanced our adventure. With the added perk of early park access, the hotel proved to be an excellent choice for both thrill-seekers and families looking for relaxation. We left with unforgettable memories and a desire to return for another exciting getaway at this enchanting resort. If you’re planning a trip to Universal Orlando, the Helios Grand Hotel is definitely worth considering for a taste of luxury and adventure right at your fingertips.
Let Us Help You!
We hope you enjoyed our review! Imagine the convenience of having your stay at Disney World or Universal Orlando Resort made even easier and more enjoyable. With our grocery delivery service, you can have all your favorite snacks right at your fingertips, allowing you to relax and save some money at the same time. Plus, don’t miss out on our delightful, magical gift baskets, designed to welcome your family and enhance their adventure from the moment they arrive! Make your trip truly unforgettable. Visit our website or contact us today to learn more—let us help you create the perfect vacation experience!
