‘CROWN JEWEL’: Universal Orlando reveals hotel of Epic proportions

Universal Orlando Resort has provided a preview of its new 500-room resort, the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, to be located at the Universal Epic Universe theme park, which will open on May 22, 2025. Managed by Loews, the property will have its own dedicated entrance to the park and brings UOR’s portfolio to a total of 11 hotels and 11,000 guest rooms.

Described as the “crown jewel” of the Epic Universe, the palatial Helios Grand will have a Mediterranean theme and rise above the lush gardens and calm waters of Celestial Park at Epic Universe.

As soon as guests arrive, 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. And through the lobby’s magnificent floor-to-ceiling windows is a vista of Celestial Park – boasting some of the best views of Epic Universe in the entire hotel.

Hotel highlights include:

  • Serene Guest Rooms and Spacious Suites – Bright, inviting and warm, the guest rooms and suites of Universal Helios Grand Hotel evoke the tranquility of a blissful garden – with many of the rooms offering fantastic views of Epic Universe. And unique to Universal Helios Grand Hotel are the imaginative How to Train Your Dragon Kids’ Suites, where little ones can take to the skies and rest amongst dragons in a colorful room inspired by the Viking village of Berk
  • Dedicated Entrance to Universal Epic Universe – Located off the lobby is the hotel’s dedicated entrance into Epic Universe – an amenity for guests of Universal Helios Grand Hotel that provides direct, convenient access to and from the theme park (valid theme park admission required)
  •  Bar Helios – A sparkling and stylish rooftop lounge, Bar Helios at Universal Helios Grand Hotel offers a delectable menu of creative tapas and familiar favorites, thoughtfully-handcrafted specialty cocktails, and unmatched 360-degree views of Epic Universe and beyond – making this the perfect spot for guests to kick back in the evening after a busy day in the parks
  •  Resort-style Pool – The oasis of the zero-entry pool is the ultimate spot for rest and relaxation – complete with underwater speakers, poolside cabanas available for rent, a hot tub, poolside movies, recreational activities and more
  • State-of-the-art fitness centre featuring a variety of strength and cardio equipment
  • Game room for guests to blast, zap and race their way through a collection of arcade games with the purchase of a game card
  • Guests looking to have a meal or grab a quick snack in between visits to the parks can choose from a variety of unique dining options, including:

Guests staying at Universal Helios Grand Hotel, or any of the other Universal Orlando hotels, receive Early Park Admission to enjoy select attractions at the theme parks – which will expand to include Universal Epic Universe with the park’s opening – up to one hour before the park opens with valid theme park admission.

Universal Orlando hotel guests can also take advantage of complimentary shuttle bus transportation to the theme parks and Universal CityWalk, resort-wide charging privileges, complimentary merchandise delivery and more.

The addition of Universal Helios Grand Hotel also brings three reimagined hotel categories to Universal Orlando:

  • The Signature Collection – including Universal Helios Grand Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort – offers full-service amenities, distinguished service, exceptional dining and more
  • Prime Value Hotels – including Universal Aventura Hotel, Universal Stella Nova Resort (opening Jan. 21, 2025) and Universal Terra Luna Resort (opening Feb. 25, 2025) – offer a mix of services and amenities made for comfort; and,
  • Value Inns and Suites – including Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Universal Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites & Dockside Inn and Suites – are fun, affordable options offering standard rooms and spacious suites with kitchenettes.

More details about Universal Epic Universe and how to book a reservation at Universal Helios Grand Hotel will be revealed soon.

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