Just steps from the heart of Universal Epic Universe,
Universal Helios Grand Hotel is set to welcome guests ahead of schedule, now
opening April 16, 2025 — five weeks ahead of the theme park’s official debut
and the hotel’s originally announced opening date. The Mediterranean-inspired
resort will be the 11th hotel at Universal Orlando Resort. Part of Universal
Orlando’s “Signature Collection” of hotels, Helios Grand was designed by
Universal Creative and is operated by Loews Hotels & Co.
With a dedicated entrance exclusive to hotel guests, Helios
Grand offers direct access into Celestial Park, placing guests in the center of
the action in minutes. The 500-room resort is described by Universal as “the
crown jewel of Epic Universe and the pinnacle of Universal Orlando’s hotel
experiences.”
Reservations
are now open for stays beginning April 16 ahead of newly announced guest
previews, which begin April 17. Preview tickets to Universal Epic Universe are now
available April 17 through May 8 for select guests, including Universal
Orlando Passholders, 2025 Military Freedom Pass Ticket holders, and Universal
Rewards Signature VISA Card members. Guests staying at Universal Orlando hotels
can also purchase preview tickets, subject to availability, at the Vacation
Planning Center in the hotel lobby.
We got an early first look inside Universal Helios Grand
Hotel — here’s a sneak peek.
A Celestial Welcome
Helios Grand’s design blends Mediterranean elegance with
celestial grandeur. The expansive lobby is lined with floor-to-ceiling windows
that look out at a huge statue of Apollo, the sun god, with Universal Epic
Universe in front of him. On the opposite end of Epic Universe’s Celestial
Park, a statue of Luna, goddess of the moon, faces Apollo with the park’s
central icon, the Chronos, to her back.
Visible just off the lobby, Flora Taverna, the hotel’s
three-meal restaurant, is a striking complement in Mediterranean white, blues
and golds, accented by vivid red floral installations blooming across the
ceiling.
Accommodations
We toured a Standard Two-Queen Theme Park View room, one of
several available room types. The décor reflects the hotel’s
garden-meets-celestial theme, with soft blues, purples, and floral motifs
accenting the headboards. Rooms are designed to be bright, airy, and serene,
and the view over Epic Universe is a stunner that guarantees to be even more
impressive after dark.
Additional accommodations include Deluxe and Club Level
rooms, How to Train Your Dragon-themed Kids’ Suites, and multi-room suites
including the Celestial, Helios Grand, and Presidential options.
Dining and Rooftop Views
One of the hotel’s most striking features is Bar Helios, the
rooftop bar and lounge. Featuring a gorgeous constellation-adorned dome ceiling
over the bar and 360-degree views across Epic Universe, Bar Helios offers a mix
of indoor and open-air spaces, ideal for watching the park glow at day and
night. From here you can see so many of Epic Universe’s stunning details
— from the towering peak of the Mead Hall in Isle of Berk, to coins
spinning in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD’s Mushroom Kingdom, to Stardust Racers dueling
coasters flying by in Celestial Park.
We also got a quick peek at Aurora Market – a grab-and-go
coffee and snack shop, and poolside bar and grill serving casual food, cold
drinks, and frozen cocktails.
Lotus Lagoon
The hotel’s expansive pool area features a zero-entry pool,
hot tub, underwater speakers, private cabanas available for rent, and daily
recreation like evening poolside movies. The open air dining area includes bar
and table seating, and also offers service direct to poolside loungers and
cabanas.
Park Access and On-Property Perks
One of the most enticing aspects of Universal Helios Grand
Hotel is its dedicated guest entrance into Universal Epic Universe. The hotel
sits directly between the portals to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter –
Ministry of Magic and Dark Universe, and the walk from a guest room to the
entrance into Epic Universe’s Celestial Park will take just minutes.
With the promise of the top-notch service and amenities
already proven to deliver at Universal Orlando’s other Signature Collection
hotels, celestial design, rooftop views, and immediate access to Epic Universe,
Universal Helios Grand Hotel is positioned as one of the most immersive and
convenient ways to experience the new park. And with its opening date now moved
up to April 16, guests now have the opportunity to stay inside the resort and
access Epic Universe preview experiences even before the park’s official May 22
debut.
Guests looking for other budget-friendly options can also
look to nearby Universal
Stella Nova and Universal Terra Luna Resorts. Both hotels are now open and
will offer access by walking path or complimentary shuttle when Epic Universe
opens.
Guests at Helios Grand or any Universal Orlando hotel get
exclusive perks like Early Park Admission (up to one hour before opening) to
Universal Volcano Bay Water Park and select attractions at either Universal
Studios Florida or Universal Islands of Adventure, and Epic Universe when open
(valid theme park admission required; check
the schedule here), complimentary shuttle service to Universal’s theme
parks and CityWalk, resort-wide charging privileges, free merchandise delivery,
and more.
Stay tuned for more updates, impressions, and a closer look
at more room types as the countdown to Epic Universe continues.
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