I Stayed at the $900-a-Night Hotel Inside Universal's Newest Theme Park—Was it Worth the Splurge? ...Saudi Arabia

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While the spacious rooms and impeccable dining are huge highlights, the real benefit is staying inside Universal’s newest theme park, Universal Epic Universe. Yes, you read that right. The hotel is literally inside the park, with some rooms offering incredible views of it, plus a rooftop bar overlooking the five worlds of Epic Universe. If you’re planning your next trip to Universal Orlando Resort and are still thinking about where to stay, let’s say you’ll want to really consider staying at Helios, even if it's just for one night.

Rooms at Universal Helios Grand Hotel

The rooms at Universal Helios Grand Hotel are spacious and comfortable.

Universal Orlando Resort

Most standard rooms are nearly identical, but prices increase depending on the view you book—during peak season, you'll find rates around $500. Standard view rooms have a view of the city or hotel grounds, while skyline view rooms offer a view of Orlando from the massive floor-to-ceiling window. There are also pool view rooms overlooking the sprawling resort pool. 

Kids will love sleeping in the How to Train Your Dragon suites at Universal Helios Grand Hotel.

Universal Orlando Resort

But if you really want the ultimate Helios experience, you’ll do what I did and book a park view room. These are some of the most expensive accommodations, clocking in at nearly $900 some nights during high season. While this may be sticker shock for some, especially since the amenities in the park view rooms are the same as the amenities in the standard rooms, the view is truly breathtaking. 

During my stay, I was given a room on the third floor, which offered excellent views of the theme park, including the sweeping gardens of Celestial Park, the spooky spires of Dark Universe, and the kinetic skyline of rollercoasters like my favorite ride, Stardust Racers. In the morning, I woke up and opened the curtains to see the park come to life as team members (what Universal calls employees) put the finishing touches on gardens and overnight work. It felt like getting a backstage pass to see how theme parks really start the day before guests arrive. Then at the end of the night, I watched the fountain show right from the comfort of my room, which was a truly magical way to end an incredible day. 

Dining at Universal Helios Grand Hotel

Grab a bite to eat at Flora Taverna at Helios Grand Hotel.

Universal Orlando Resort

In the middle of the day, the Lotus Lagoon pool bar and restaurant was a hot spot for families. I loved that I could order food and drinks right from my pool chair, but the actual restaurant near the pool is also beautiful if you’re looking for a quick meal without hopping in the pool. Currently, service starts at 11:00 a.m., which is ideal for those who want to get in a few rides at Epic Universe before taking a break back at the pool. A few highlights on the Mediterranean-inspired menu include the chicken avocado wrap and beef kebab. 

During my stay, I dined twice at Flora Taverna (once for breakfast and once for dinner), a beautiful restaurant right off the resort's lobby with indoor and outdoor seating. When the weather is nice, you should always opt for the outdoor seating, which overlooks Celestial Park inside Epic Universe. Breakfast at the restaurant starts at 7:00 a.m. and runs until 11:00 a.m.. During breakfast, you have two options. The first is the breakfast buffet, which includes all of the breakfast staples, plus a drink, for $38 for adults and $16 for kids. Alternatively, you can order à la carte. I particularly love the baklava French toast, a fun mashup of the classic Greek dessert with a sort of griddled bread pudding topped with crushed pistachios, dried roses and honey. Flora Taverna’s dinner service takes place from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. The menu really leans into Mediterranean specialties like falafel, lamb lion kebabs, grilled prawns, and watermelon and feta salad. 

Bar Helios is a must-visit at Universal Helios Grand Hotel

Universal Orlando Resort

The crown jewel of Helios's restaurants is Bar Helios, a rooftop bar with indoor and outdoor seating that overlooks the city of Orlando on one side and Epic Universe on the other. Inside the bar, there’s a jaw-dropping mural overhead showcasing different constellations. Bar Helios is open daily for food and drink service starting at 4:00 p.m.. Just know that food service ends at 11:00 p.m., and bar service ends at midnight. The food menu is mostly shareable tapas, which is always fun if you’re traveling with a bigger group, so you can have a taste of everything. A few of my favorites are the fig carpaccio served with truffles and preserved lemon, and the hot butter crispy calamari with pickled Turkish peppers. 

Clash of the Titans from Bar Helios

Universal Orlando Resort

You also can’t leave without trying some of the cocktails, which are all handcrafted. My favorite drink is the Medusa, which is a fun concoction of The Botanist Gin, za’atar-infused agave, Luxardo Maraschino, lemon and Fever-Tree Sparkling Grapefruit. Additionally, the Clash of the Titans, a close second favorite of mine, is part of the Alchemy by Loews beverage program. The program features a curated menu of drinks layered with subtle sensory elements to elevate the cocktails. The unique concoction is a Tanqueray-forward cocktail featuring lemon, St. German, egg whites, feta-infused honey, and a feta garnish. It's a fantastic cocktail for those who love experimenting with new flavors without being too over-the-top. 

Amenities at Universal Helios Grand Hotel

The pool is a great spot to rest and reset at Universal Helios Grand Hotel.

Universal Orlando Resort

Be sure to browse the souvenir shop too. Here, you’ll find some pieces to complete your ensemble for Epic Universe, including branded backpacks, cute headbands, and t-shirts. There’s also fun tschotchkes to bring home. I ended up finding a great t-shirt to wear into Epic Universe, and now I have it for return trips too.  

Access to Universal Epic Universe

The Gate is Open: Universal Epic Universe is officially part of the resort's new weeklong ticket bundle, making the "Theme Park Capital of the World" easier (and cheaper) to visit in 2026.

Universal Studios

Pro-tip: From the hotel, you’re very close to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, so consider going there first to ride Battle at the Ministry before exploring other parts of the park. This will ensure the lowest wait times for the marquee attraction. Just be sure to check the digital info boards near security to ensure the ride you want to do first is open during early entry, since it can change.

Related: The Epic Universe Ride Order That Saves 74% More Time This Spring Break

Universal Parks

At the end of the night, your hotel room’s proximity to the park is also a major perk. It was so nice to walk right to my cool room rather than trudge through the front of the park, then to the complimentary shuttle buses, drive to another resort, then walk to my room, which can take upwards of 30 minutes. 

Related: All the Rides at Epic Universe—Including the Secret Attraction—Ranked

Access to the Other Universal Orlando Theme Parks

Universal Studios globe sign at the entrance of Universal Studios Florida.

cveltri for getty

Just know that the buses to the other theme parks can take a while. During my visit, it took nearly an hour to get from my room at Helios to the ticket scanner at Universal Studios Florida. You’ll want to leave earlier than you think if you have timed plans at one of the other three parks. 

Related: This is One of the Best Mardi Gras in the Country—And It’s Not in New Orleans

More Universal Hotel Perks

Universal Helios Grand Hotel

Universal Orlando Resort

If you’re looking for a deal, the best way to see all of the offers at once is to check out Universal’s special offers tab on its website. Right now, there are discounted rates at Universal Helios Grand Hotel for Florida residents.

Is Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, Worth the Cost?

The view of Helios Grand Hotel from Celestial Park.

Universal Orlando Resort

If you don’t want to spend a small fortune to stay at the resort for your entire stay, I suggest booking two Universal Orlando hotels as a split stay. First, check in at one of the cheaper Universal hotels that offer the same hotel perks as Helios. Stay here for the days you plan on visiting Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Florida, and Volcano Bay. Then change to Helios for two nights, the first being your check-in day, and enjoy the pool and resort amenities. Then on the second day, enjoy early entry and proximity at Epic Universe. Then on your third day, your check-out day, you can continue your Orlando vacation elsewhere or head home. This route can also be done in reverse, starting at Helios, then moving to another cheaper Universal Orlando Resort hotel.

Related: Universal Orlando Just Unveiled a Huge Twist for Fall 2026

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