Pros

  • Massive resort set within the Universal Orlando complex
  • Spacious rooms with stylish decor, flat-screen TVs, and Keurig coffeemakers
  • Suites have separate living rooms, plus some have wet bars/kitchens
  • Large outdoor pool with a waterslide, waterfalls, two sandy beaches, hot tub, and kids' area
  • Dining options include restaurant with Caribbean fare and tavern with rum tastings, ceviche, and tapas
  • 24-hour room service
  • Weekly Caribbean Carnaval-themed dinner show
  • Kids' club and large game room
  • Fitness center with Life Fitness machines, plus locker rooms with saunas
  • Free water taxis to several areas within the park and free shuttle to sister resort
  • Free Wi-Fi throughout
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Cons

  • Fees for parking
  • Food and drinks are pricey
  • Kids' club costs extra
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Bottom Line

This massive 1000-room upscale resort is set within the Universal Orlando complex and comes with an array of theme park perks, including free water taxis and early admission to some parks. The outdoor pool is impressive, complete with a waterslide, two sandy beaches, and kids' areas, as are the hotel's indoor spaces, which feature stylish contemporary decor with Caribbean island inspirations. Inviting guest rooms offer a solid set of mod-cons and spacious bathrooms, while suites add living rooms. Dining options include Caribbean fare in a stylish restaurant and rum tastings in a tavern, plus there's a well equipped fitness center. For something with even more features, including a spa and three pools, check out sister property Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando -- but note that rates are more expensive.

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Amenities

Oyster Hotel Review

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort At Universal Orlando

Scene

Upscale Universal Orlando resort with stylish island-inspired interiors and a family-friendly vibe

Set within the Universal Orlando complex, this upscale resort is a breezy and stylish choice with a tropical atmosphere. Aiming to recreate an island feel that's more Caribbean getaway than Orlando hotel, it combines chic decor with a relaxed, beachy vibe. Lush palms and a collection of waterfalls surround the property, while inside, common spaces are bright and airy, filled with natural light and tastefully appointed with stylish contemporary decor. The New Dutch Trading Company cafe, for example, has eye-catching decorative tile flooring that's paired with rustic wood elements and industrial-chic lighting. The sunlit Amatista Cookhouse combines wooden tables with teal chairs, exposed wood ceiling beams, and striking lighting fixtures. Outdoor spaces, like the alfresco dining areas, are dotted with cheery colors, like umbrellas or bright art pieces. With 1000 guest rooms, it's a massive space, and clientele is mainly composed of families with kids.

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Location

Situated within the Universal Orlando complex; a five-minute drive to Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay

The hotel is situated within the Universal Orlando theme park/resort complex that's off of the I-4. Nearby theme parks include Universal's Volcano Bay and Universal's Islands of Adventure, both about a five-minute drive from the hotel. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is about seven minutes away. Universal CityWalk is a four-minute drive. Orlando International Premium Outlets are about a 10-minute drive. Walt Disney World is about a 19-minute drive. Orlando's city center is about a 20-minute drive from here, as is the airport. 

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Rooms

Bright, spacious rooms have flat-screen TVs, Keurig coffeemakers, and mini-fridges

Rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated with a soothing and inviting blue and white color scheme. The sunlit spaces are furnished with white or light wood furniture, including large white headboards with blue padding and fun palm tree-patterned accent pillows that pop against white bedding. All rooms have work desks with ergonomic chairs, as well as flat-screen TVs, iHome docks/clock radios, mini-fridges, Keurig coffee machines, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Suites include separate living rooms, and some also have kitchens or wet bars. Kids Suites have separate kids' bedrooms with fun and colorful decor.

Bathrooms feature lovely decorative floor tiling, funky colorful mirror frames, and walk-in rainfall showers or shower/tub combos with stylish subway tiling. Magnifying mirrors, toiletries, and hairdryers are provided. Sink vanity areas are separated from the baths/toilets by a sliding door, a thoughtful touch. Some rooms have nice views of the pools or lagoon. 

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Features

Large pool with waterfalls, two sandy beaches, impressive fitness center, and fun dining options

The hotel offers a varied wealth of features, one of the highlights is the large outdoor pool complete with a waterslide, waterfalls, two sand beaches, a hot tub, and a kids' play area. It's surrounded by loungers and there are private cabanas available for rent.

Dining options include Amatista Cookhouse, which serves Caribbean fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and has an outdoor area; a cafe with grab-and-go meals; a tavern with a ceviche bar, tapas, and rum tastings; and a poolside eatery serving seafood and cocktails. The resort also hosts a weekly Caribbean Carnaval- themed dinner show. Room service is available 24/7. Guests can also dine at any of the hotel's sister properties, and there's a free dining shuttle service provided.

The resort does a great job at catering to kids with a kids' club (for ages 4 to 14; incurs a fee), babysitting services, and kids' play areas, including a large game room that's filled with arcade games. Guests also receive a number of perks for the Universal Orlando theme park, including early admission to some of the parks, such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and free water taxis to some parks, such as Universal Studios.

Other amenities include an impressive fitness center that's equipped with a variety of LifeFitness cardio and strength-training machines, as well as men's and women's locker rooms with showers and saunas. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Parking incurs a daily fee.

See More Features

Oyster Hotel Review

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort At Universal Orlando

Scene

Upscale Universal Orlando resort with stylish island-inspired interiors and a family-friendly vibe

Set within the Universal Orlando complex, this upscale resort is a breezy and stylish choice with a tropical atmosphere. Aiming to recreate an island feel that's more Caribbean getaway than Orlando hotel, it combines chic decor with a relaxed, beachy vibe. Lush palms and a collection of waterfalls surround the property, while inside, common spaces are bright and airy, filled with natural light and tastefully appointed with stylish contemporary decor. The New Dutch Trading Company cafe, for example, has eye-catching decorative tile flooring that's paired with rustic wood elements and industrial-chic lighting. The sunlit Amatista Cookhouse combines wooden tables with teal chairs, exposed wood ceiling beams, and striking lighting fixtures. Outdoor spaces, like the alfresco dining areas, are dotted with cheery colors, like umbrellas or bright art pieces. With 1000 guest rooms, it's a massive space, and clientele is mainly composed of families with kids.

See More Scene

Location

Situated within the Universal Orlando complex; a five-minute drive to Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay

The hotel is situated within the Universal Orlando theme park/resort complex that's off of the I-4. Nearby theme parks include Universal's Volcano Bay and Universal's Islands of Adventure, both about a five-minute drive from the hotel. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is about seven minutes away. Universal CityWalk is a four-minute drive. Orlando International Premium Outlets are about a 10-minute drive. Walt Disney World is about a 19-minute drive. Orlando's city center is about a 20-minute drive from here, as is the airport. 

See More Location

Rooms

Bright, spacious rooms have flat-screen TVs, Keurig coffeemakers, and mini-fridges

Rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated with a soothing and inviting blue and white color scheme. The sunlit spaces are furnished with white or light wood furniture, including large white headboards with blue padding and fun palm tree-patterned accent pillows that pop against white bedding. All rooms have work desks with ergonomic chairs, as well as flat-screen TVs, iHome docks/clock radios, mini-fridges, Keurig coffee machines, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Suites include separate living rooms, and some also have kitchens or wet bars. Kids Suites have separate kids' bedrooms with fun and colorful decor.

Bathrooms feature lovely decorative floor tiling, funky colorful mirror frames, and walk-in rainfall showers or shower/tub combos with stylish subway tiling. Magnifying mirrors, toiletries, and hairdryers are provided. Sink vanity areas are separated from the baths/toilets by a sliding door, a thoughtful touch. Some rooms have nice views of the pools or lagoon. 

See More Rooms

Features

Large pool with waterfalls, two sandy beaches, impressive fitness center, and fun dining options

The hotel offers a varied wealth of features, one of the highlights is the large outdoor pool complete with a waterslide, waterfalls, two sand beaches, a hot tub, and a kids' play area. It's surrounded by loungers and there are private cabanas available for rent.

Dining options include Amatista Cookhouse, which serves Caribbean fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and has an outdoor area; a cafe with grab-and-go meals; a tavern with a ceviche bar, tapas, and rum tastings; and a poolside eatery serving seafood and cocktails. The resort also hosts a weekly Caribbean Carnaval- themed dinner show. Room service is available 24/7. Guests can also dine at any of the hotel's sister properties, and there's a free dining shuttle service provided.

The resort does a great job at catering to kids with a kids' club (for ages 4 to 14; incurs a fee), babysitting services, and kids' play areas, including a large game room that's filled with arcade games. Guests also receive a number of perks for the Universal Orlando theme park, including early admission to some of the parks, such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and free water taxis to some parks, such as Universal Studios.

Other amenities include an impressive fitness center that's equipped with a variety of LifeFitness cardio and strength-training machines, as well as men's and women's locker rooms with showers and saunas. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Parking incurs a daily fee.

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Balcony / Terrace / Patio

  • Cabanas

  • Cable

  • Cribs

  • Kids Allowed

  • Poolside Drink Service

  • Swim-Up Bar

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.