TouringPlans’ Top Universal Orlando Hotels for 2026

Last year was huge for Universal’s hotels, with three brand new hotels brought online. So how do all the Universal Orlando hotels rank when compared to each other? Using our TouringPlans reader surveys, we have a ranked list of your favorite Universal hotels! We will be ranking based on the best overall score with superlatives given to hotels that rate highly in our survey categories.

11 – Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites (Overall – 78/100)

Universal’s cheapest and second-largest hotel is one of my personal favorites when I need a cheap getaway, but I understand why this is ranked so low. Front desk staffing feels inadequate for the room count, as we personally saw check-in lines backing up through the lobby. The rooms are well maintained, but noise remains an issue, especially when the hotel is host to rowdy kids.

10 – Hard Rock Hotel (Overall 81/100)

A SHOCKER on this list, Hard Rock Hotel is a deluxe hotel (Signature Collection in Universal parlance) that offers free Unlimited Express Pass with your stay and a quick walk to the parks. So why is it so low? We have some theories: the hotel draws high room rates, the check-in and staff experience aren’t rated the highest at Universal, and the food court rates the lowest of all the Universal hotels.

9 – Loews Royal Pacific Resort (Overall 81/100)

Another Signature Collection hotel is low on the list. What gives? Seems this is another case of the food court dragging the overall hotel rating down, with the small market at Royal Pacific the second-lowest-rated food court at the resort. Guests also ding the resort for not having a slide at the pool, the only one without in the category tier.

8 – Universal’s Aventura Hotel (Overall 82/100)

Many of you probably expected this hotel to be much lower, but Aventura does have its fans and strengths! Guests rave about the Team Members here, along with the check-in experience. Guests say they’d recommend this hotel to their friends the most out of any other Universal Orlando hotel. The food court ranks well in our ratings, and the rooftop Bar 17 is a hit. Plus, guests like being able to walk to the Sapphire Falls boat dock for transportation to the parks.

7 – Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort (82/100)

The hotel that has the most super fans is easily Cabana Bay, and it’s easy to see why! From the diverse room options available to the fun mid-mod architecture, the two pools and the lazy river, a bowling alley, and the cool Malt Shoppe! It’s truly a whole resort you can spend the whole day at. But Cabana Bay suffers from slow check-ins and a lower guest-to-staff ratio than other hotels.

6- Loews Sapphire Falls Resort (Overall 83/100)

Sapphire Falls is a hotel with lots of strong and weak components. The rooms are fantastic with large spaces and higher-end textiles. The lobby bar, Strong Water Tavern, is one of the best restaurants on property and offers a selection of incredible cocktails. And the pool is the biggest on the property with a pool bar, slide, cabanas for rent, and even a sandbar in the middle, allowing guests to easily cross the pool! The downside? Weak ratings on food at the food court.

5 – Universal Stella Nova Resort (Overall 84/100)

Stella Nova opened in 2025 as the first part of the Epic Universe expansion with an out-of-this-world design inspired by constellations and space. It is one of two hotels with a walking path to Epic Universe, the food receives good ratings, and the pool receives positive marks. Downside? It’s often more expensive than its sister hotel, Terra Luna, listed later on in this list.

4- Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites (Overall 84/100)

Most of Universal’s hotels are close in rankings, but Surfside’s 6-point lead over its sister resort, Dockside, stands out. Surfside is very similar to Dockside with a selection of standard and 2-room suites, quick service dining, pool and pool bar, and great value rooms. While Surfside is often more expensive than Dockside there are two things that it is way better at: check-in efficiency and elevators. Surfside’s check-in process is much quicker and the elevators are less busy during busy times.

3- Universal Helios Grand Hotel (Overall 85/100)

Universal’s newest hotel makes it all the way up to the top three! Helios Grand Hotel is, well, grand! The hotel has stunning views of the Cosmos Fountain and its nighttime show, along with vistas of the Chronos and Stardust Racers. The hotel receives good marks for its rooms and ease of access to Epic Universe.

2 – Universal Terra Luna Resort (Overall 85/100)

The twin to Stella Nova, Terra Luna, lacks the walking path to Epic Universe, so why is it ranked higher? Our guess: price. Terra Luna often is found $20-$80 lower per night than Stella and offers pretty much the same amenities: grab and go coffee, quick service dining, lobby bar, pool, pool bar & grille, and more. If it comes down to picking one or the other, go with whatever is cheaper.

1 – Loews Portofino Bay Hotel (Overall 87/100)

The number one hotel at Universal Orlando is Portofino Bay! This hotel recreates the beautiful port town of Portofino in Italy with a harbor full of boats and a huge plaza to relax and dine in. Rooms receive our highest rankings at Universal, 93 out of 100, and guests love the three pools to choose from. Dining rates highly too, with three full-service restaurants, a quick service station, and a pool bar & grill.

What is your favorite Universal Orlando hotel? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!