Orlando is nothing short of a haven for families. It’s got it all, from sunny beaches and the great outdoors to some of the world’s best theme parks, like, yes, you guessed it, Universal Studios! Whether you are a solo thrill seeker or a family looking for epic adventures, this theme park has it all. But after a long day at the parks, it’s the comfort of your room that will determine how well the day really went. Especially when you have tired, grumpy little ones in tow!
From nearby budget-friendly hotels to luxurious resorts at the Universal properties, this list of hotels within walking distance of Universal Studios has everything to make your trip a fun and comfortable one.
We also include hotels close to Universal which are just over a mile away, so whilst walking may be a bit far, catching transport or driving means you are nearby to all the Universal fun!
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Hotels Within Walking Distance Of Universal Studios
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The Closest Hotel to Universal
Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel
If you’re someone who can’t help but think of Hard Rock Cafe every time you hear the word “rock”, this is the place for you! Not only does the hotel offer vibrant, rock-themed rooms, but it’s also the closest hotel to Universal Studios Orlando.
It’s situated only a short scenic walk from Universal Studios and is accessible by both water taxi and complimentary shuttle bus. In fact, one of the best things to do here is taking a water taxi in the evening to check out Universal CityWalk’s nightlife!
The onsite amenities at the Hard Rock Hotel are also worthy of praise. The pool, for one, is perfect for families with kids. Not too deep and complete with a fun water slide, it has underwater music as well as plenty of lifeguards to make it kid-safe. Kick back and relax with a drink from the poolside Velvet Bar. And if you happen to pop by during the afternoon, you might even catch the DJ playing some gnarly tunes!
For a bite to eat, head to the breakfast buffet at The Kitchen for a delicious range of food and drinks. Be sure to try the Elvis French Toast to kick-start your day! The Palm Restaurant is great for some delicious steak later in the day.
Staying at the hotel closest to Universal Studios Orlando also comes with a special perk: complimentary Universal Express Unlimited Ride access, which allows you to skip past long lines! It does also make it one of the most expensive hotels on the list, but it’s well worth the price if you love music and want to be steps away from the parks.
The Best Budget Hotel Closest to Universal Studios
Super 8
Super 8 by Wyndham Orlando International Drive is located only a mile away from the Universal theme parks and is the most budget-friendly option you’ll find. The hotel offers free WiFi and free parking that is large enough to accommodate both small and large vehicles.
For food, guests have a free light breakfast with cereal bars, fruit, hot coffee, and fruit juice to look forward to. Amenities include an outdoor pool with a sundeck, laundry services, and ticket booking services for the theme parks. All the rooms feature a work desk, cable TV with HBO, coffeemakers, a seating area, a microwave, a mini fridge, and spacious bathrooms with premium toiletries.
The best part about this hotel is its location. Apart from being one of the hotels near Universal Studios in Orlando, it is also close to other popular attractions such as SeaLife Orlando Aquarium and Madame Tussauds Orlando.
Universal’s Loews Portofino Bay
Inspired by the small Italian fishing village of Portofino, this Italian-themed hotel makes luxury and comfort its number one priority. It offers three themed pools, a fitness center, and an entertaining game room for amenities, and is set amid a picturesque setting that has a small lake with water taxis and rowboats.
Young Dr. Seuss fans will love the two-bedroom Dr. Seuss-themed kids suite! This premier hotel, like most others, provides complimentary transport to Universal Studios along with complimentary Express Passes. For those who are always in a hurry, water taxis are a lifesaver!
Of the three onsite Loews hotels, this one is the most extravagant but also very kid-friendly. Start off your day by indulging in the breakfast buffet at Trattoria del Porto before heading to the pools! The beach pool is terrific for families.
It has a Roman aqueduct-themed water slide, a splash area, and a little sand beach, and is located adjacent to the children’s pool, making it easy to keep an eye on the kids. There are also poolside games to keep you and the little ones entertained, and a Villa Pool if you want some privacy at one of the private cabanas.
At only 0.5 miles from the Universal theme parks, Universal’s Loews Portofino is one of the few hotels within walking distance of Universal Studios Orlando.
Universal’s Loews Royal Pacific
With two hot tubs, a volleyball court, a large swimming pool, cabana rentals, and a fitness center, Universal’s Loews Royal Pacific is a hard one to pass up. At 0.6 miles from the parks, it’s another one of the hotels within walking distance of Universal Studios Orlando.
Take the scenic, sign-posted path for a calm walk to the theme park, or make use of the complimentary transport services. Much like the other Loews hotels, this one is a premium hotel that provides Express Passes to guests.
True to its name, the hotel is filled with tropical flowers, fountains, rare orchids, and lush palms. The Asian-inspired hotel comes with several kid-friendly restaurants, along with the option of character dining.
Choose from 6 restaurants on the site including the The Islands Dining Room and Orchid Court Lounge & Sushi Bar. The Bula Bar & Grille has a separate buffet for kids and has live Hawaiian music, hula dancers, and fire eaters.
Families with little budding paleontologists in their midst will love the Jurassic Park suites. The hotel also has a large swimming pool inspired by the natural lagoons of the Royal Bali Sea and an interactive play area attached to the pool.
Kids get to shoot water guns and canyons, play water volleyball, or other water games here. When you need a little time away from the kids, there’s the Mariners Club that will keep the kids entertained with arts and crafts, board games, and even story time.
Be sure to set aside one night to attend the resort’s torch-lighting ceremony, complete with a fire dancer, that’s conducted every night by the pool as a tribute to Hawaiian culture.
DoubleTree by Hilton
Located only 0.7 miles from the parks, DoubleTree by Hilton is one of the hotels closest to Universal Studios Orlando. It offers warm chocolate chip cookies at check-in, a splash area for little ones, a full-sized heated lap pool, a kiddie pool, a mini-golf course, a modern fitness center, and even a hot tub, among much else!
Situated next to SeaWorld in a beautiful tropical backdrop, the hotel offers complimentary shuttles to SeaWorld, Discovery Cove, and Aquatica. However, a small surcharge is applied if you want to go to either Universal or Disney parks.
Each of the hotel’s spacious suites comes with premium cable and a coffee maker, and also offers free continental breakfast for up to 2 guests per room. If you’re not in the mood for a buffet, pick up a pick-me-up at the onsite Starbucks to kickstart your day instead.
Holiday Inn Universal
The Holiday Inn is just perfect for families thanks to its 4D theater, onsite water park, Batman Laser Challenge, and spacious suites with connecting rooms, cribs, and kitchenette or full kitchen. Located a mere 0.7 miles from the park, this is a hotel close to Universal Studios Orlando that won’t burn a hole in your pocket.
The hotel offers on-site discount tickets to the theme parks and a complimentary hot breakfast buffet. Families love the seasonal heated outdoor pool, massive splash pad complete with five waterslides, and the game room for a fun time. Previously known as the Nickelodeon Suites Hotel, the lobby lounge today has a video screen that plays shows with your kids’ favorite animated characters to keep them occupied.
Hyatt Place Hotel Universal
This family-friendly hotel close to Universal Studios Orlando is located 0.7 miles from Universal Park and is completely non-smoking. It has an outdoor heated pool and offers complimentary shuttle service to the Universal Orlando hotel and the GHC conference center. Just make sure to book your shuttle before your visit, as it’s only available at select times.
The hotel offers a complimentary continental breakfast with yogurt, fruit, English muffins, cereal, and more. But if bacon and French toast are more to your liking, you can always try some fancier options from The Kitchen. When staying at the Hyatt Place Hotel Universal, expect a typical comfortable stay in Orlando with free Wi-Fi, free parking, and rooms with cozy sofa sleepers.
Universal’s Loews Sapphire Falls
Universal’s Loews Sapphire Falls has the casual elegance of the Caribbean mixed with modern decor. It has complimentary WiFi and a large lagoon-style swimming pool that comes with a sandy beach, waterslide, private cabanas, outdoor games, cascading waterfalls, a children’s play area, and a poolside bar. There’s also a Game Room for fans of the arcade.
The hotel features four on-site restaurants. Indulge in the Caribbean cuisine at the Amatista cookhouse or head to the Drhum Club Kantine by the pool for some Tapas-style cuisine. There’s even a weekly interactive dinner show at the Caribbean Carnaval that cannot be missed!
Best of all, like most Loews hotels, it offers early entrance to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Volcano Bay, as well as complimentary shuttle boat and van services to Universal Studios. Located 0.8 miles away, it is one of our favorite hotels within walking distance of universal studios.
Clarion Inn & Suites
Located 0.8 miles from Universal Studios Orlando at ICON Park, Clarion Inn and offers a splendid outdoor pool with a hot tub. The rooms are equipped with mini-fridges to keep your water cold during hot Orlando summers. It offers some great breakfast options in big portions at its on-site Roast Cafe, which are value for money. For lunch and dinner, guests prefer the Tabla restaurant.
Clarion Inn & Suites offers free, albeit scheduled, transportation services to the Universal Orlando hotel, Aquatica theme parts, and SeaWorld.
Extended Stay America Suites
This affordable stay is located only 0.8 miles from Universal Studios and literally across the street from it! It is also easy to commute to SkyVenture Orlando indoor sky diving and The Mall at Millenia from the hotel.
The hotel features an outdoor pool, a sun terrace, a fitness center, and a free grab-and-go breakfast of hot cereal, coffee, tea, muffins, and breakfast bars every morning.
All the rooms come with a fully equipped kitchen. The resort is family-friendly and pet-friendly, with special rooms to accommodate visitors traveling with their furry friends. Just be sure to check beforehand for any additional costs.
Residence Inn by Marriott
Between the make-your-own-waffles at the hotel’s buffet breakfast to its barbecue grills, you’ll find this one to be the perfect choice for picky eaters. And if none of the onsite restaurants curb your cravings, there’s always takeout pizza from a nearby Giordano!
0.8 miles away, it’s one of the hotels close to Universal Studios Florida that offers free parking, bikes, a fitness center, and a shuttle service to all three Universal Parks. Take a dip in the outdoor pool or relax in your room, which is equipped with a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a kitchen, air conditioning, and spacious bathrooms.
Fairfield Inn & Suites
This hotel offers connecting rooms and cribs for families with kids. Its pool is the perfect place to relax after a long day at the parks. Grab a bite at the onsite restaurant and head to Pollos Pio Pio or the Cheesecake Factory for dessert!
Located 0.8 miles from Universal Studios, this hotel offers free scheduled transportation to the Universal parks, free parking, as well as free wifi. It’s budget-friendly and offers a complimentary hot breakfast too.
You can get help booking tickets for the theme parks and buying meal plans for the day from a Universal representative in the lobby during the morning hours.
Universal’s Aventura Hotel
If early park admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Volcano Bay sounds good to you, then head to the Adventura Hotel. It offers free transportation services to the Universal Citywalk and Universal theme parks. Located 0.9 miles from Universal Park, it is one of the hotels closest to Universal Studios.
All rooms are equipped with a small refrigerator, coffee maker, and a flat-screen TV. It offers connecting rooms, cribs, and an entertaining game room for families with little ones.
The hotel has a large pool, a hot tub, and a splash area for the little ones. It also has multiple onsite restaurants, including a rooftop bar, a pool bar, and even a Starbucks, to provide guests a complete luxury experience.
Universal’s Cabana Bay
If you love the nostalgia of the 60s and 70s, you’ll feel right at home at Universal’s Cabana Bay. The hotel sticks to the authenticity of the time with four vintage cars parked outside the hotel, including a station wagon.
The Bayliner diner plays TV shows in black-and-white while the Cabana Courtyard Pool plays dive-in films like “Grease” to take you back in time. Bayliner Diner also offers Sonic Fill, which allows you to purchase a giant cup and pay for the time you wish to fill it ($8.99 for a whole day or $17.99 for the entire length of your stay)! It even offers guests Zest and VO5 soaps in the Family Suits and a retro gift shop that’s modeled after Universal Orlando hotel’s very first shop!
From babysitting services, children’s programs, connecting rooms, cribs, and Kids’ Themed Meals to a game room, Cabana Bay Beach hotel is ideal for families with kids. With two large swimming pools, hot tubs, and plenty of pool chairs and lifeguards, there’s everything you need for a fun and safe time with your water-babies.
The Cabana Courtyard Pool has a vintage dive tower with a giant waterslide, zero-entry access, and shallow waters for little ones. If you feel like relaxing in the waters, head to the other pool that comes with a lazy river. There’s also a splash area with canyons and buckets for the kids!
The hotel also offers volleyball, ping pong, pool tables, a bowling alley, and hula-hoop contests for the sporty ones. There’s even an arcade room called Game-O-Rama right beside the bowling alley.
Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach is just 0.9 miles to Universal Studios, and perfect to reach by the special scenic garden walking path which weaves through Sapphire Falls.
Hilton Garden Inn
Located 0.9 miles from Universal Studios, the Hilton Garden has the grandeur of a resort and the charm of a splendid garden. Hop aboard a complimentary scheduled shuttle to head to the Universal Orlando hotel, Aquatica, or SeaWorld. Alternatively, a walk to Universal will take about 25 minutes. It’s one of the hotels in Orlando near CityWalk that is budget-friendly and located on a beautiful property.
Cool off with a cocktail at the Tiki Bar, relax by the fire pit with your family, or unwind at the outdoor heated pool with a whirlpool after a long day. All the hotel’s rooms are equipped with a microwave, crib, flat-screen TV with cable channels, mini-fridge, and Keurig coffee makers with K-cups.
Wingate Inn
Wingate by Wyndham is located at the heart of Orlando and right by the Kennedy Space Center. It’s only about 0.9 miles off, making it one of the hotels near Universal Studio Orlando.
It offers an outdoor pool, fitness center, Wi-Fi, free parking, as well as grab-and-go breakfast bags. All rooms are equipped with cable TV, Wolfgang Puck coffee, coffee makers, and a flat-screen TV. The hotel offers adjoining and connecting family rooms with cribs and laundry services for large families.
Go for a morning dip in the outdoor pool and then enjoy a free breakfast with the kids before heading out for the day.
Hampton Inn
Hampton Inn features an outdoor pool, fitness center, laundry services and free transportation to the theme parks. Each room features a refrigerator, microwave, kitchenette, and a flat-screen with cable services. There are numerous accommodation options for families, from suites with separate bedroom areas and accessible rooms to family rooms.
Hampton Inn offers a free breakfast buffet with a range of cold and hot breakfast items. It’s one of the best budget-friendly hotels across from Universal Studios, that’s only about 0.9 miles away. It’s perfect for families looking for comfort near theme parks.
Hilton Homewood Suites
Hilton Homewood Suites is located 0.9 miles from Universal Studios and offers free WiFi, a free hot breakfast buffet, and an evening social. Kids are sure to enjoy the Mickey Mouse Waffle at breakfast. Take the hotel’s complimentary shuttle service to Universal Studios or choose to take a peaceful walk there instead.
The rooms make guests feel at home with full kitchens, a cooktop, a refrigerator, a microwave, and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Even the lobby is decorated in a colorful modern way to keep homesickness at bay for the little ones!
Wander out and find the Disney-themed photo spot to take some fun pictures with the kids. There’s also a basketball court for a fun game. It is one of the hotels near to Universal Studios Orlando that has barbecue grills, a fire pit, and an outdoor pool.
Hotels Close to Universal (Just over a Mile Away)
Home2 Suites By Hilton
Located about a mile from Universal Studios, Hilton’s Home2 Suites features a fitness center, a chemical-free eco-friendly swimming pool, free WiFi, and barbecue facilities. This pet-friendly hotel has spacious family suites equipped with a flat-screen TV with cable channels, as well as a kitchen with a microwave, a refrigerator, a toaster, and a coffee maker. It also has a seating area, a dining area, and air conditioning with private bathrooms.
Enjoy a free hot continental breakfast or get some snacks from the vending machines. Complimentary shuttle services are offered to most theme parks around the area. There’s also a convenience store onsite if you want to pick up some essentials before hitting the road for the day. There are plenty of restaurant options nearby too. Choose between Benihana, Outback Steakhouse, and more.
Motel 6
Motel 6 is an ideal choice for a budget stay in Orlando. It is kid-friendly as well as pet-friendly. Pets can stay with you without any additional cost. It offers free Wifi, free parking, and free coffee in the lobby.
An outdoor swimming pool with a large sundeck, spacious rooms with air-conditioning, and a flat-screen TV are some of the hotel’s offerings. Depending on your requirements, you can also opt for a room with a microwave and mini-fridge.
This is one of the Orlando Fl hotels near Universal that’s situated right in the heart of Orlando, about a mile from the parks. There are multiple dining options around the hotel too, such as Broadway New York Pizza, Coco Thai, and more!
SureStay Plus By Best Western
SureStay Plus By Best Western is situated a mile from Universal Studios and features an outdoor pool and free WiFi all throughout the property. The hotel’s free continental breakfast buffet includes a variety of muffins, bread, cereals, and more, but you can also walk to the nearby IHOP or Denny’s to grab a bite if you want something else. All rooms are fully equipped with a microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, and a flat-screen with cable channels.
SureStay Plus by Best Western is one of the affordable hotels in Orlando close to Universal and is about 20 minutes from the Orlando International Airport.
Four Points By Sheraton
Located on International Drive, Four Points By Sheraton offers an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and free WiFi. It is only 1.1 miles from Universal Studios and comes with three on-site restaurants. Have a wholesome breakfast buffet at the Tropical Palms Restaurant or enjoy a cocktail at the Tropical Breeze Pool Bar. The shareable bites with specialty sandwiches, desserts, salads, and pizza at Tropical Breezes deli Diner are a must!
All rooms feature seating areas, a safety deposit box, a hairdryer, and an iron. Families can opt for the connecting rooms for more space. The hotel has a large outdoor heated pool and a separate children’s pool. Guests are also welcome to use the onsite business center and banquet rooms.
Wyndham Garden
Located 1.1 miles from Universal Studios, it is one of the hotels within walking distance of Universal Studios. True to its name, Wyndham Garden comes with a beautiful tropical garden, a sun terrace, and free Wifi. The hotel offers Disney character breakfast, arcade games, as well as a self-guided scavenger hunt, which are all great fun to do with kids! Accommodations include connecting rooms with cribs and laundry services, making it ideal for families with kids.
Between the beach volleyball tournaments, tennis, basketball games, Oasis Aquatic Playground, and splash area, both kids and parents are bound to fall in love with this paradise. There’s also a kid’s pool along with an outdoor pool.
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Southwest
This 3-star hotel is located 1.1 miles from Universal Studios and offers free bikes, free Wifi, barbecue facilities, a fitness center, a gift shop, vending machine, and an outdoor swimming pool. Choose between a drink at the snack bar or a continental or buffet breakfast in the mornings, or do both!
The rooms are family-friendly with free cribs, infant beds, cable channels, stovetop, microwave, and refrigerator. You can also avail the laundry and dry cleaning facilities at the hotel. BBQ grills, outdoor furniture, and a picnic area make it perfect for relaxing outdoors after a tiring day. As one of the hotels within walking distance to Universal, TownePlace Suites by Marriott Southwest might just be the ideal location for your stay in Orlando.
Universal’s Surfside Inn & Suites
If you are a fan of the beach and surfing (and who isn’t), this Universal hotel is the ideal place to stay in Orlando. As part of Universal’s Endless Summer Resort, this hotel offers Early Park Admissions to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Volcano Bay so that you can start your day of fun one hour earlier than the muggles.
Take a dip in the surfboard-shaped zero entry pool and enjoy a beer, cocktail, daiquiris or some non-alcoholic Barney beverages at the Sand Bar. The hotel delivers plenty of fun-packed experiences too, like ping pong tournaments and hula hoop contests, to name a few.
The hotel is about 1.2 miles from Universal Theme Park, which is a big walk in the heat, so whilst technically it is walkable, we would advise you to not skip the complimentary transport facility to the Universal Orlando Theme parks from the hotel. However, Walgreens is just across the road for supplies!
Universal’s Dockside Inn & Suites
Part of the Endless Summer Resort, these hotels are over a mile away so whilst walkable, it would not be pleasant in the heat. Where the Surfside hotel is for surfing fans, this hotel is for the ones who love to relax by the dockside.
Also part of Universal’s Endless Summer Resort, Dockside Inn & Suites is essentially just a twin of the Surfside hotel with identical features and similar pricing. Located 1.3 miles from the Universal hotels, this hotel offers early admission to Volcano Bay and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter with free shuttle services to the Universal parks.
It has a pool and splash pad at Tower One and another pool by Tower Two which is zero entry. The entertaining game room are also a bit hit among kids. Head to Pier 8 for an onsite meal, and don’t forget to try the Cuban Sandwich. Starbucks is also an option for a quick snack or meal.
Each room has a mini refrigerator and a 43-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels. Suites include a wet bar, a coffee maker, and an extra television.
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