Are you planning a trip to Universal Orlando but worried about breaking the bank on accommodations? Not to worry at there are several budget-friendly on-site hotels that offer great amenities and convenience to the theme parks.
In this article, we’ll highlight some of the best budget on-site hotels at Universal Orlando that won’t compromise on comfort or location. From retro beach themes to modern vibes, there’s a hotel for every taste and budget. So, let’s dive in and explore the top picks for affordable on-site hotels at Universal Orlando.
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Budget Friendly Hotels at Universal Orlando
- The Cabana Bay Beach Resort
- Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn & Suites
- Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn & Suites
Cabana Bay Beach Resort
The Cabana Bay Beach Resort is a retro-style hotel that offers a fun and affordable option for guests visiting Universal Orlando. The hotel is located within walking distance of the Universal theme parks, and offers a free shuttle service to and from the parks.
The rooms at Cabana Bay Beach Resort are spacious and comfortable, with a fun 1950s and 60s retro theme. Each room features two queen beds, a flat-screen TV, a mini-fridge, and a coffee maker. There are also family suites available, which can accommodate up to six people and feature a separate living area and kitchenette.
In addition to the comfortable rooms, Cabana Bay Beach Resort offers a wide range of amenities and activities. There are two large pools, including a lazy river and a water slide, as well as a splash pad for younger children. The hotel also has a bowling alley, an arcade, and a fitness center, as well as two dining options which include the Bayline Diner and the Hideaway Bar & Grill (poolside dining).
Room rates at Cabana Bay vary based on the time of year but typically start around $129 per night plus tax. There are no resort fees but the hotel charges $18 per day for overnight parking.
Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites
The Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites is a newer hotel that opened in 2020. It is part of the Endless Summer Resort family, which also includes the Surfside Inn and Suites. The hotel is located within walking distance of the Universal theme parks, and offers a free shuttle service to and from the parks.
The rooms at Dockside Inn and Suites are spacious and comfortable, with a laid-back coastal vibe. Each room features two queen beds, a mini-fridge, a coffee maker, and a smart TV. There are also two-bedroom suites available, which can accommodate up to six people and feature a separate living area and kitchenette.
In addition to the comfortable rooms, Dockside Inn and Suites offers a variety of amenities and activities. There are two large pools, including a splash pad for younger children, as well as a fitness center and an arcade. The hotel also has a food court with several dining options including pizza, burgers and sandwiches.
Room rates at Dockside vary based on the time of year but typically start around $89 per night plus tax. There are no resort fees but the hotel charges $18 per day for overnight parking.
Click here to see the photo gallery for Dockside Inn & Suites
Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites
The Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites is a fun and affordable hotel that offers a beachy, surf-inspired theme. It is part of the Endless Summer Resort family, which also includes the Dockside Inn and Suites. The hotel is located within walking distance of the Universal theme parks and offers a free shuttle service to and from the parks.
The rooms at Surfside Inn and Suites are clean, modern, and comfortable, with a beachy color scheme and fun surf-inspired touches. Each room features two queen beds, a mini-fridge, a coffee maker, and a smart TV. There are also two-bedroom suites available, which can accommodate up to six people and feature a separate living area and kitchenette.
In addition to the comfortable rooms, Surfside Inn and Suites offers a variety of amenities and activities. There is a large fish-shaped resort pool as well as a fitness center and a game room. The hotel also has a food court with several dining options, including pizza, burgers and sandwiches.
Room rates at Surfside vary based on the time of year but typically start around $89 per night plus tax. There are no resort fees but the hotel charges $18 per day for overnight parking.
Click here to see the photo gallery for Surfside Inn & Suites
Benefits of Staying On-Site
There are many benefits to staying at an on-site hotel at Universal Orlando. Here are some of the most notable ones:
- Early Park Admission: Guests staying at on-site hotels get early access to the parks, which means they can enter the parks an hour before they open to the general public. This can be a huge advantage when it comes to riding popular attractions and avoiding long lines.
- Free Transportation: On-site hotel guests can take advantage of free transportation to and from the parks, which can save time and hassle. Depending on the hotel, transportation may be provided by shuttle buses, water taxis or even the Hogwarts Express train.
- Proximity to the Parks: On-site hotels are located within walking distance or a short shuttle ride from the parks, which means guests can easily return to their rooms for a break or to change clothes.
- Theming and Immersion: Universal’s on-site hotels are themed after popular movies and TV shows, which means guests can immerse themselves in their favorite worlds even when they’re not in the parks. For example, the Cabana Bay Beach Resort has a fun 1950s and 60s retro theme, while the Hard Rock Hotel has a rock-and-roll theme.
- Priority Seating: On-site hotel guests can enjoy priority seating at select restaurants, which can save time and hassle. This means that guests can skip the lines and get a table more quickly.
- Package Delivery: Guests staying at on-site hotels can have merchandise purchased in the parks delivered to their hotel room, which means they don’t have to carry it around all day.
Overall, staying at an on-site hotel at Universal Orlando can enhance the guest experience in many ways, from early park admission to theming and immersion. While on-site hotels can be more expensive than off-site options, the added benefits can be well worth the cost for many guests.
