From the earliest concept art, Helios Grand Hotel has stood as a beacon behind Epic Universe. I still remember seeing the preview for the first time and thinking to myself, “I just have to stay there.” The Tokyo DisneySea Hotel MiraCosta and Disneyland Hôtel had been on my bucket list for as long as I could remember, and this felt like a more attainable version.
Earlier this year, I got to check off another item on my bucket list: staying at Helios Grand Hotel for my first trip to Epic Universe. My family initially booked a standard park-view room with two queen beds, but was upgraded to a deluxe park-view room at check-in. After three magical nights, Helios quickly became my happy place and my new favorite hotel.
The Room
If you’ve stayed at other Loews properties at Universal Orlando Resort, the room layout will feel remarkably similar.
You walk into a small entryway with a full-length mirror, then pass the bathroom entrance. Past that door, you’ll come to your bed arrangement, a nightstand with a remote, TV, counterspace, and lounge seating by the window. In addition to hall lighting, a floor light, and a nightstand light, there are reading lights on the right and left sides of the beds. The deluxe park-view room has slightly more floor space, an extra couch, and curved windows instead of flat ones.
The lights, TV, and curtains were all controlled by a central iPad, similar to the design that debuted at Universal’s Aventura Hotel a few years ago. The light settings were easy to follow and could be controlled individually or collectively. The TV settings let you browse by channel or review a guide of what’s currently playing.
The bathroom counter space felt a bit limited compared to other hotels, but there was enough space for my family of three’s cosmetic and toiletry bags. The toilet and shower were separated from the sink, providing a bit more privacy and making getting ready a little easier.
The park view was undoubtedly the highlight. I was staying on the eighth floor, and a more perfect view could not exist. From sitting in my bed, just a little bit away from the window, I could see the entirety of Celestial Park, plus the portals and higher elevation details of each of the four themed lands. This view was particularly beneficial for watching the nighttime fountain show; having a bird’s-eye view was the best way to get the whole experience and see just how vast the lighting design is. I personally believed my hotel room view was better than the one at Bar Helios, though I might be slightly biased.
The Amenities
Helios Grand Hotel, of course, offers standard amenities such as a fitness room and a game room. Still, the experience provides so much more, making it the perfect complement to your time at Universal Orlando Resort.
If you’re looking to eat in during your stay, you’re in luck. Right off the lobby, you can find Flora Taverna, a table service restaurant with a floral ceiling, and Aurora Market, a grab & go with coffee bar and refillable Coca-Cola Freestyle station, both boasting patio seating overlooking Epic Universe’s Celestial Park. They offer a variety of menu options, including vegetarian and allergy-friendly choices, making it easy to accommodate different dietary needs. On the top floor, you’ll find Bar Helios, a bar with 360-degree views and a dome reminiscent of Grand Central’s constellation ceiling.
Hoping to squeeze in a swim? The zero-entry pool is accessible off the ground floor and includes plenty of poolside seating, cabanas, and Lotus Lagoon, a poolside bar. My favorite touch was that you could see the top of Dark Universe’s Frankenstein Manor from anywhere in the pool area. While simple, the area is beautifully designed. I haven’t spent an afternoon at a hotel pool in Orlando since I was a kid, but I plan to bring my swimsuit for my next stay at Helios.
When you’re ready to hit the parks, you can find an exclusive entry to Epic Universe right next to the Aurora Market. Helios guests are eligible for early park admission from their exclusive entrance. I noticed that the Helios entrance got a slight head start over the regular entrance, was significantly less crowded, and was closer to popular attractions like Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. Park hopping is remarkably easy; there’s a shuttle stop at the front entrance with buses to CityWalk, Universal Studios, and Islands of Adventure, or Volcano Bay. I never waited more than 10 minutes for a bus to arrive, I always got a seat, and the ride was under 20 minutes in each direction.
Forgot to pick up a souvenir for your friends, family, or yourself? There is a small souvenir shop featuring primarily Epic Universe merchandise, but there was a display of Helios-exclusive merchandise, including t-shirts and sweatshirts. Like everywhere else at Universal Orlando Resort, you can charge your purchase to your hotel room with your room key and have it delivered to your room for free! I picked up the light tan Helios hoodie to commemorate my new favorite stay (and to keep the comfy magic alive at home).
The Verdict
Helios Grand Hotel probably ruined any future trip for me because I couldn’t imagine staying anywhere else to visit Epic Universe. Being practically in the park and having entry access at the back door was a convenience beyond description, and the room view was nothing short of spectacular. Even walking through the hallways felt like a dream, with cloud-inspired, celestial-themed decor all around! From the second you enter the main lobby, you are immediately immersed in the feeling of out-of-this-world grandeur. I’ve never fallen in love with a hotel the way I have Helios, and I desperately look forward to my next trip.
The Helios Grand Hotel TLDR
My Room Type: Deluxe Park View 2 Queen Beds (8th Floor)
Top Amenities: Exclusive Epic Universe entrance, early park entry, incredible park views
Transportation: <20min free shuttle to CityWalk, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay
Dining: Flora Taverna (lobby), Aurora Market (lobby), Lotus Lagoon (pool), Bar Helios (10th floor)
Shopping: Lobby gift shop, free room delivery of purchases in-park
Additional amenities: Parking garage, zero-entry pool, game room, fitness center, business center, charge Universal Orlando Resort purchases with room key
