By: Madison Hackett
May 19, 2025

I visited this resort during its opening weekend, and now I fear that I will never convince my husband to stay anywhere else on property. This resort went so far above and beyond our already high expectations, and I as much as I want to gatekeep how wonderful it truly is, I would be a terrible travel agent if I didn’t try to convince you to stay here for at least one night of your stay.

If you're dreaming of a vacation where every moment feels extraordinary, Universal Helios Grand Hotel is your new must-stay destination. Now open and welcoming guests, this stunning Loews property redefines what it means to stay in the adventure, offering luxury, convenience, and jaw-dropping immersion in the world of Universal Epic Universe.

Your Front Row Seat to the Future of Theme Parks

Let’s start with what makes Helios Grand truly revolutionary in the Orlando theme park landscape: a dedicated entrance into Universal Epic Universe. You can step right out of your elegant hotel and into the next generation of theme park thrills. There’s no shuttle, no long lines, just an exclusive path straight into the action (valid theme park admission required, of course.) Whether you're racing through celestial realms or soaring with dragons, you’re never more than moments away from the adventure of a lifetime.

An added advantage is the flexibility to enter and leave the park at your convenience. This feature is particularly beneficial for families with young children, multi-generational visits, and individuals like me who appreciate taking a midday break by the pool out of the midday sun!

If you're worried that staying at Universal Helios Grand Hotel means being too far from the excitement of Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, or CityWalk—let me put your mind at ease. I’ll be honest, I was a little skeptical about relying on shuttle transportation at first (Orlando traffic can be intense!). But I was genuinely impressed by how smooth and efficient the experience was. The resort uses dedicated shuttle lanes, and buses arrive quickly and consistently. We never waited more than 15 minutes to head over to the main Universal Orlando Resort campus.

Views That Leave You Speechless

From sunrise to starlight, the views from Helios Grand are unmatched. Picture yourself sipping coffee or a handcrafted cocktail while looking out at the sprawling, awe-inspiring world of Epic Universe. It's not just a hotel; it’s a viewpoint to the adventure. Every theme park-view window, every rooftop glance, every poolside moment feels like you’re a part of something spectacular.

It’s not just the park views, either. The resort is bright, airy, and compliments the celestial majesty of the park perfectly. From the architecture to the atmosphere, Helios Grand Hotel is simply stunning. The Greek-inspired sunlit design, luxurious details, and warm tones evoke a sense of calm and grandeur all at once. Listen, I’m picky and I think it is truly exceptional. I already have my next stay booked!

Early Park Admission = More Adventure, Less Waiting

Staying at Helios Grand means you’ll enjoy early park admission. This priceless resort-guest perk is amazing for anyone eager to beat the crowds and be among the first to explore Universal’s ambitious parks.

We took advantage of this resort perk (available to all Universal Resort guests) on both days of our adventure. Day one over in Islands of Adventure, we were on and off Velocicoaster AND Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure before 10:00 AM. Day two in Epic we were on and off Mine-Cart Madness before the park even officially opened.

A Pool Paradise You’ll Never Want to Leave

When you’re ready to relax, the resort-style pool area at Helios Grand is a slice of sun-drenched paradise. Whether you’re floating beneath palm trees or basking in a cabana, every detail is designed to help you recharge. Pack light, too, because the resort has you covered. There are towels and sunscreen available upon entry into the pool (you will need your hotel amenity key to access the pool area.)

Adults who imbibe, do yourself a favor and order a pool-side beverage from Lotus Lagoon (our favorite was The Spice of Life!) Sporting individuals can also look forward to poolside games hosted by team members or played on your own.

For a few additional, personal insights, I will tell you that II never fall asleep while sunbathing, but it was so relaxing that I dozed off. I will also say that the underwater pool speakers are the best we have heard so far in our travels!

Dining That Dazzles

At Universal Helios Grand Hotel, the dining is far more than convenient. From fresh Mediterranean flavors to poolside indulgence and grab-and-go delights, every meal is designed to elevate your stay.

Start your day at Flora Taverna, the hotel’s main restaurant, where the breakfast buffet is nothing short of bountiful. Later in the day, you can savor Mediterranean comfort foods, fresh pizza straight from the oven, and even a gyros station. A classic breakfast platter with a side of zhug before early park entry in this beautiful dining area made my entire day. Our server was incredible!

On the go? Aurora Market has you covered with a modern, grab-and-go selection of fresh food, drinks, and made-to-order coffee perfect when you're eager to catch early park entry or return to Epic Universe for more thrills.

If you're lounging poolside, Lotus Lagoon is an oasis offering cold beers, frozen cocktails, and refreshing fountain drinks, along with a light menu of snacks and appetizers.

When the sun dips low, there’s no better place to unwind than Bar Helios. This chic rooftop bar pairs inventive tapas and comfort food with signature cocktails and jaw-dropping panoramic views of Universal Epic Universe. It’s the perfect way to toast to a day well spent or to plan your next day of adventure. Talk to your travel agent about securing reservations here, it is very popular and has limited seating.

Magical Suites for Young Adventurers

If you’re traveling with little ones, the “How to Train Your Dragon”-themed kids’ suites are straight out of a dream. These immersive rooms transport your little adventurers into the Viking village of Berk. It’s more than just a place to sleep, it’s a storybook experience they’ll never forget. The room also includes plenty of modern space for parents to stretch out and wind down.

Ready to Make It Epic?

Universal Helios Grand Hotel isn’t just a place to stay; it’s a radiant new chapter in vacation magic. As your travel expert, I’m here to help you plan the perfect Universal Orlando getaway, complete with early park access, unforgettable views, and memories that start the moment you check in.

Let’s get you to your place in the sun! Connect with me here.

Universal Helios Grand Hotel: A Sunlit Sanctuary at the Heart of Epic Adventure