Universal Orlando has announced the first-ever details about their upcoming Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a 500-room resort situated at the end of Epic Universe.
Theme Elements
Universal Helios Grand Hotel will immerse guests in a fantastical world within the palace of Helios, the Greek god of the sun, adorned with celestial patterns, constellations, and Mediterranean design elements. The lobby will feature floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views of Epic Universe.
“We like to refer to Universal Helios Grand Hotel as a different book in the same series as Celestial Park,” Jessica Iaconis, assistant director of facility design for Universal, said. “We took the same language and style and made an extension of the story, so it really is a seamless experience.”
At Universal Helios Grand Hotel, guests can experience the hotel’s transformation from day to night. One of these transitions can be found in the elevator lobby, which will feature a show element displaying the sun, moon, stars, and clouds. As guests head to Universal’s theme parks in the morning, they are greeted by a vibrant, sunlit scene. Returning at night, they will find the display has transformed into a serene, twilight setting.
Accommodations
Universal Helios Grand Hotel will feature 500 rooms, including 35 suites. Most rooms will be furnished with two queen beds, while the hotel will also provide King Suites, Hospitality Suites, Presidential Suites, and more. The design of the accommodations aims to capture the tranquility of a blissful garden. Guests can choose rooms that offer direct views of Epic Universe.
Additionally, families traveling with young adventurers can book a kids’ suite themed to How to Train Your Dragon, inspired by the whimsical and adventurous Viking village of Berk.
Each guest room at Universal Helios Grand Hotel will be equipped with tablets, allowing guests to digitally control various room features such as drapes, lights, the thermostat, and room service. Additionally, there will be a standard partition between the bathroom and vanity area.
Amenities
Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including a zero-entry pool with underwater speakers and poolside cabanas available for rent. Other features include a hot tub, poolside movies, a fitness center, and a game room.
Dining Options
The Universal Helios Grand Hotel boasts a variety of dining options:
Flora Taverna
Flora Taverna is a full-service restaurant offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner with an open-style kitchen, live cooking, Mediterranean comfort foods, pizza ovens, and al fresco seating overlooking Epic Universe.
“It’s all authentic, high-quality, fresh ingredients, leaning heavily into grilling,” said David Bartek, senior vice president of operations for Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando. It’s simple flavors made with exceptional ingredients and complemented by bringing in olive oils, citrus and herbs and just emphasizing that Greek/Italian style of cooking and dining. Think fish, seafood, lamb, roasted chicken and steaks. But of course also flatbreads and a great burger because we know some of our guests like that.”
Aurora Market
Aurora Market is a contemporary coffee shop and market offering coffee, grab-and-go items, snacks, and desserts.
Lotus Lagoon
Lotus Lagoon is a poolside bar and grill offering a selection of cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages, burgers, salads, sandwiches, and more.
Bar Helios
Bar Helios is a rooftop lounge offering tapas, handcrafted specialty cocktails, and unparalleled 360-degree views of Epic Universe and beyond.
“It’s a rooftop bar and restaurant,” said Bartek. We’re going to lean into that Mediterranean approach with sliders, salads, lamb and chicken gyros, tapas, antipasti. We’ll serve really sunny-type cocktails, like spritzes, bellinis, martinis, and negronis in addition to typical cocktail, beer, and wine options.”
Hotel Benefits
Guests staying at Universal Helios Grand Hotel will receive:
- Early Park Admission to enjoy select attractions at the theme parks
- Complimentary shuttle bus transportation to the theme parks and Universal CityWalk
- Resort-wide charging privileges
- Complimentary merchandise delivery
The hotel will also feature a dedicated entrance into Epic Universe.
New Hotel Categories
The addition of Universal Helios Grand Hotel introduces three reimagined hotel categories to Universal Orlando: the Signature Collection, Prime Value Hotels, and Value Inns and Suites. Universal Helios Grand Hotel will be part of the Signature Collection, which includes Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort.
Universal Orlando did not mention whether this property will offer complimentary Universal Express, a popular benefit at other Signature hotels, but one that is also absent at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort.
Universal Helios Grand Hotel is slated to open in 2025.
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