hotels at universal orlando

We recently had the chance to spend a few nights at the lovely Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando, and I have to say that we loved every minute there! The resort is beautiful, it’s super convenient to the parks and City Walk – just a short boat ride away – and best of all, is a moderately-priced resort that totally feels like you’re splurging on a deluxe!

Blue waterfalls cascading across lush grounds, a beautifully landscaped, resort-style pool with a water slide and white sand beaches, and in the distance, the calming sounds of steel drums all invite you to take in the scenic water views, ease into ‘island time’, and relax. And yet – you’re literally a few minutes away from thrills and fun at 3 world class theme parks! Talk about the best of both worlds!

Let’s take a quick tour today, and start with your view as you enter the resort. The lobby is spectacular and inviting at the same time.

We especially loved the ruins of the stone turret in the lobby area, with it’s winding staircase that took you down to the boat dock.

So what about the guest rooms? Decorated in warm “island” colors, the minute you walk in you immediately feel at home. And the large and luxurious bathroom is pretty nice too!

Sapphire Falls has 4 scenic restaurants and lounges, several with water views that making dining or having a drink with friends especially nice. While we ate most of our meals at the Universal parks or City Walk, we did enjoy a delicious and leisurely breakfast one morning at Amatista Cookhouse, which features Caribbean cuisine prepared in an open exhibition kitchen. Of course, if you want more of a quick breakfast, there is a grab-and-go option at New Dutch Trading Co. Add in another dining area at the pool and an actual tavern with lovely views of the area, and there is truly something for all of your dining needs!

One of the things we appreciated the most was the quick ease of the water taxis that take you to City Walk and just a few steps from there to Islands of Adventure or Universal Studios. What is especially nice is not only do the boats drop you off literally in the middle of everything, but you are able to go through security right at your resort, rather than dealing with long security lines along with everyone else who arrives at City Walk via bus or private car. Convenient in the morning and relaxing when you return in the evening, we loved everything about the boat transportation. (Our boat captain leading everyone in singing “YMCA” and “”Sweet Caroline” as we returned one evening was pretty awesome too.)

All in all, we truly enjoyed our stay at Sapphire Falls, and I can’t recommend this beautiful -and moderate! – hotel enough for your next Universal Orlando vacation!

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