by Erik Yates
Last updated: 10:00 AM ET, Mon November 7, 2016
A gleaming glass tower rises above glistening pools at Universal Orlando Resort. Guests hurriedly walk to the water taxis or take a bus, as well rush to start their vacation before the crowds hit. After a fun day, they take in a gorgeous view of the Orlando skyline from the comfort that Loews Hotels are known for. It's not real just yet, but when Universal Orlando opens Aventura Hotel in 2018, it will be. The newest hotel will be the sixth onsite hotel at Universal Orlando.
When it opens in 2018, Aventura will be the smallest of the six Universal onsite hotels. It will also likely be the last hotel to be built in close proximity to Universal Orlando's two theme parks, and their soon-to-open Water Theme Park, Volcano Bay. In fact, with huge panoramic windows and a 16-story tower, you will be almost eye level with the top of the signature Volcano of the park. The lobby will include a great new bar, as well as a lobby level restaurant with five different cuisine choices. There will also be a gorgeous rooftop bar that will give great views of the rest of the resort, and small plate dishes and craft cocktails.
Each one of Universal Orlando's hotels has a signature look, and the look of Aventura will be the sleek design and massive windows that will go from floor to ceiling. The hotel will reflect the Florida sky and sunsets with colors of blue and rose.
The newest hotel will add 600 rooms to Universal Orlando's resort line up. The amenities will feature early access to Universal theme parks, and free transportation. Aventura will not include free front of the line access, Universal Express, like the three premium hotels do. That feature is saved for Royal Pacific, Hard Rock Hotel and Portofino Bay. While Express is nice, early entry more than makes up for the difference. The big question will be, what benefits will this new hotel offer for the new Water park, Volcano Bay?
While construction is underway on Aventura, it is not the only hotel work being done. Universal's Cabana Bay Resort will open two towers in 2017, adding an additional 400 guest rooms and giving spectacular views of the new Volcano Bay. Once Aventura is completed, Universal's total room count will be 6,200. Executives have said that the hope to have 10,000 onsite hotel rooms within the next few years, which is a testament to the growth that Universal is experiencing.
Universal will close the long-standing Wet n Wild on International Drive at the end of 2016, which is believed to be the site of the next phase of development for the park. Rumors suggest that a new nightlife and hotel district could pop up on the former waterpark property by 2020, with yet another theme park on 450 acres that Universal purchased earlier this year.
Aventura is just one step closer to making the new resorts and the further growth a reality for the resort. More details about how he sixth hotel will be available in the next few months. Opening is expected in early 2018.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
