Why stay at one of Universal’s Premier Hotels? So many reasons!

Lisa Parsons
4.8.21

  • Unlimited Express Included!!

When staying at one of Universal’s three Premier Resorts (Hard Rock, Portofino Bay or Royal Pacific), you will have the Unlimited Express Pass included with your tickets. This is invaluable if you prefer the shortest wait in lines at the parks. Unlimited Express can be added to other onsite hotels or tickets, but it is generally hundreds more to add it, making a Premier Resort worthwhile. 

When do you need an Express Pass?  I would recommend it during any national holiday week, or other known school breaks.  Summer can also be a very busy time at Universal.  Anytime lines are unbearably long!  My family has been to Universal with and without the Express Pass.  I personally feel that when you are at the park standing in the regular line, you will wonder why you didn’t spend the extra money as you watch the people in the express line skate by and ride attractions over and over.  This was especially true when waiting for the Hogwart’s Express to take you from one park to the other (you will also want a Park-to-Park option).

  • Early Park Admission

If getting on the new Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure is on your to do list, you will find it worth getting to the park an hour earlier than off site guests.  We were able to walk over to VooDoo Doughnuts, grab a breakfast donut, then get in line for early park admission at Islands of Adventure.  Once through the gates, we headed right to Hagrid’s with a minimum wait.

Photo Credit: Universal Orlando

  • Walkable Distances & The Water Taxi!

One of our favorite things about staying at The Hard Rock Hotel was the mere 10 minute walk to the entrance of Universal Studios.  If you are not in a hurry, you will also love the water taxi. These boats are so fun to ride and they drop off right in the heart of CityWalk.

  • Amazing pools & tranquil garden space!

After a busy day at the parks we were ready to relax.  The walk back to the Hard Rock is beautiful.  Stop and listen to the swaying bamboo and wander through a butterfly garden.  We then made our way to the pool and found the perfect table at Beachclub.  It is situated so you can watch your kids come off the waterslide, while sitting and enjoying the cocktail of your choice.  If you prefer, find a chair in the sand! 

At Universal you also have the chance to pool hop.  If you would like to experience all of the Premier Hotel pools, just simply hop on a water taxi to the other resorts.

  • Food Options and Unique Theming

Premier resorts offer amazing downtime options, including some of the top restaurants at Universal.  We enjoyed The Kitchen at Hard Rock, but you will also find Portofino Bay has the best Italian food and Royal Pacific is known for its Polynesian flare and Sushi Bar.  As an onsite hotel guest, you also receive priority seating at CityWalk restaurants.  Just show your room key to the hostess!

Each level of the Hard Rock Hotel features memorabilia near the elevator, you can get off at each level to find everything from one of Madonna’s stage outfits, to Elvis Presley’s pajamas.  You can also have your room key turned into a unique guitar pick souvenir!

At Portofino Bay you will feel like you just stepped into Italy. Check out the breathtaking pools and the Piazza!

Can’t get to the South Pacific? Royal Pacific is the next best thing! A lagoon style pool with a white sand beach!

If you are looking for a seamless theme park experience, and you would rather not do much planning ahead, staying at a Premier Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort should definitely be a contender.

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