First Look at Universal's Helios Grand Hotel +  Views of Epic Universe!

I just got back from one of the most exciting trips I’ve had in a while — we were among the very first guests to check in at Universal’s Helios Grand Hotel, which officially opened its doors on April 16, 2025! I’ve stayed at many resorts on Universal’s property, but I can confidently say this one is something truly special.

As part of Universal’s Signature Hotel collection (operated in partnership with Loews Hotels), Helios Grand Hotel is packed with luxury, immersive theming, and top-tier service. It's located on Universal Orlando’s south campus, just steps away from the all-new Universal Epic Universe theme park, which officially opens on May 22, 2025. It’s also right next to Universal’s new Stella Nova Resort and Terra Luna Resort, forming an exciting new hub for Universal guests.

As we walked into the lobby, the energy was electric. The entire hotel staff lined up and greeted us with cheers — a magical moment that instantly set the tone for our stay. To add to the ambiance, a live harpist played softly in the background, which perfectly complemented the elegant, mythological theme of the resort. It truly felt like we were stepping into a new world.The ground floor of the hotel also includes a fun game room and a Universal Studios Store, where you can pick up Epic Universe-themed merchandise and other souvenirs.

But here’s what really sets Helios Grand apart, there’s a dedicated guest entrance into Universal Epic Universe right from the main floor of the hotel! That’s right, you can walk straight from your hotel lobby into the park. This makes it incredibly convenient to get in early, take mid-day breaks, and be back in your room in minutes after a long day. Whether you're catching a nap, cooling off at the pool, or calling it an early night, it's a game changer. 

When staying at Helios Grand Hotel, you’ll also get Early Park Admission to select Universal Orlando theme parks, including Epic Universe once it opens. This gives you early access to select rides and attractions before the general public! 

If you’re planning to head over to Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure on the north campus, there’s also a complimentary bus that runs between campuses. The ride took us just 10–15 minutes, and in every case, a bus was already waiting for us—both at the hotel and at the parks. So smooth!

We stayed in a Theme Park View Room on the 2nd floor, and let me tell you — the view was breathtaking. Our room overlooked Universal Epic Universe! From our window, it felt like we could almost reach out and touch the park. The vantage point from the lower floor gave us an immersive, up-close perspective that I highly recommend requesting when booking. From our window, we could see different themed lands, including glimpses of the Ministry of Magic and Dark Universe. And the best part? At night, I used the room’s automated curtains to reveal a magical fountain show taking place inside the park. It was absolutely stunning!

The room itself featured two standard beds, a bathroom with a separate tub and shower combo, and a split vanity area, perfect for families trying to get ready quickly. One of the cool features was the in-room tablet, which served as the TV remote, but also allowed us to log into personal streaming accounts, learn about the hotel and check out restaurant and room service menus.

The resort features a full-service restaurant called Flora Taverna offering a breakfast buffet, table-service lunch, and dinner. For quicker bites, the Aurora Market is a great grab-and-go option with Starbucks beverages, snacks, sandwiches, and more. We also tried the room service, and it was delicious, served hot, and came with all the necessary condiments, utensils, and napkins. Another spot I can’t wait to try next time is Bar Helios, a rooftop bar! 

Speaking of amenities, the pool area was a highlight! There were tons of chaise lounges and umbrellas, and we were immediately welcomed by a friendly pool attendant who offered us towels, sunscreen, and ice water. During the day, the pool came alive with games, scavenger hunts, and music, and at night it transformed into a cozy dive-in movie experience with a film playing on a giant screen right at the water’s edge. The pool bar, Lotus Lagoon was fantastic too, offering a great selection of food and drinks in a relaxed, stylish setting.

The fitness center was clean, spacious, and filled with a variety of equipment. They even had spare headphones if you forgot yours, plus a bowl of apples for a healthy post-workout snack.

As expected with a brand-new resort, there were a couple of tiny hiccups — our room service took a bit longer than expected, and the TV didn’t work at first. But the staff responded quickly and resolved everything with genuine care. The entire team at Helios Grand was warm, enthusiastic, and clearly thrilled to be part of something so groundbreaking.

Universal’s Helios Grand Hotel is a stunning new addition to Universal Orlando Resort. Whether you’re visiting Epic Universe or just want to treat yourself to an unforgettable resort experience, this hotel delivers comfort, luxury, and immersive theming in every way. I cannot wait to send my clients here, and I already can’t wait to go back!

Ready to experience Universal’s Helios Grand Hotel for yourself? Whether you’re dreaming of early access to Epic Universe or just want to relax in luxury steps away from the action, I’d love to help you plan the perfect getaway! Reach out to Be Our Guest Vacations and let’s start planning your unforgettable Universal Orlando vacation.