(A version of this article was shared with Pirates and Princesses and published on August 23, 2024.)
Universal Orlando continues to impress as they roll out more details associated with the new Epic Universe theme park, scheduled to open in 2025. Today, it’s the reveal of the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, which will be located adjacent to Epic Universe when it opens.
Back in January, Universal dropped a bombshell announcement offering a few tasty tidbits coming as part of Epic Universe. As part of the announcement, Universal identified five themed lands which will make up the resort’s fourth theme park, joining Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal Volcano Bay water theme park.
The themed lands of Epic Universe will include:
- Celestial Park (details released January 30, 2024)
- Dreamworks How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk (details released March 28, 2024)
- SUPER NINTENDO WORLD (details release May 2, 2024)
- Dark Universe (details released June 20, 2024)
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic (details released July 31, 2024
In addition to the theme park details, Universal has also announced that the addition of several new hotels, one of which – Universal Helios Grand Hotel – will be located at Epic Universe park itself. Now, Universal has released some details and concept art on this new hotel.
Here Comes the Sun!
The sun reigns supreme at Universal Helios Grand Hotel – a Loews Hotel and Universal’s newest hotel. According to Universal, guests will “step into a sunlit sanctuary, where light, life and laughter abound. Rising above the waters of Celestial Park, Universal Helios Grand Hotel puts guests at Universal Epic Universe. A shining gateway to adventure, Universal Helios Grand Hotel isn’t just near the park; it’s the sun that overlooks it.”
In other words, Universal Helios Grand will be located adjacent to Epic Universe, and will have a dedicated entrance to the park, similar to Disneyland’s Grand Californian and Pixar Place Hotels, both of which have dedicated entrances to Disney California Adventure theme park. Like Universal Orlando’s other hotels, the Helios Grand will also offer shuttle bus service to Universal’s other theme parks.
Universal Helios Grand Hotel Dining Highlights
Let’s peek at some of the fantastic dining offerings coming to Universal Orlando’s newest hotel.
Bar Helios
Offering unmatched views of Epic Universe and beyond, Bar Helios will be a lounge offering a menu of tapas and familiar favorites including sliders, tapas, and gyros, as well as specialty cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages.
Flora Taverna
This three-meal full-service restaurant will offer menus consisting Mediterranean comfort foods, pizza ovens, and al fresco seating options. Breakfast will be buffet-style. Flora Taverna will also have a lobby bar.
Lotus Lagoon
This open-air, poolside bar and grill will feature refreshing cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks, and a menu of casual fare options like burgers, salads, sandwiches, and more.
Aurora Market
This is the perfect spot for a pick-me-up at any time of day. Aurora Market is a contemporary grab & go area featuring a coffee bar and food and drinks like paninis, wraps and gelato.
Room Service
This guest-favorite dining feature will be available at the touch of the mobile app.
Hotel-Wide Amenities
For guests wanting to relax at the hotel, Helios Grand offers nice options.
Zero Entry Resort-Style Pool
Guests at Helios Grand can relax in the resort’s pool which will feature underwater speakers, 18 private, poolside cabanas available for rent, a hot tub, poolside movies, poolside service, and more.
Fitness Center and Game Room
A complimentary state-of-the-art fitness center will include strength and cardio equipment. An arcade room will offer guests the chance to play a variety of games using a paid game card.
Mandara Spa at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
Massages, facials, and more personal spa services are available down the street at the Mandara Spa at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. Fees apply.
Guest Rooms
Helios Grand will offer 500 guest rooms of various levels, including 35 suites, evoking “the tranquility of a blissful garden.”
Additionally, select rooms will offer views of Epic Universe theme park:
- Standard Guest Rooms – 398 rooms featuring 325-340 square feet and various views. Accommodates up to 5 guests.
- Deluxe Queen Rooms – 26 rooms featuring 415 square feet to unwind. Accommodates up to 5 guests.
- King Suites – 5 robust rooms featuring close to 500 square feet, a separate bedroom. Accommodates up to 4 guests.
- How to Train Your Dragon Kids’ Suites – 14 larger-than-life two-bedroom suites featuring one king bedroom and a second bedroom with two colorful rooms inspired by the Viking village of Berk. Accommodates up to 5 guests.
- Celestial Suites – 11 suites featuring 740 square feet of space, with a king bedroom and spacious living area. Accommodates up to 4 guests.
- Hospitality Suites – 3 ginormous 1,200-foot suites including one king bedroom, full living area, dining area with table and chairs, and kitchen area. Accommodates up to 4 guests.
- Presidential Suites – the 2 largest suites feature 1,500-square feet of living space, one king bedroom, living room, dining, and kitchen areas, and a workout room. While this is the largest suite option, it also accommodates the fewest, with a maximum of two guests.
Universal Helios Grand Hotel will truly put guests into the action of Epic Universe.
Check out this video tour of Universal’s newest hotel:
Want to immerse yourself in some of these details now? Universal Orlando recently opened the Epic Universe Preview Center, located in Universal CityWalk. It includes a model of the park, along with select information, photo experiences, and merchandise.
An exact date for the hotel’s opening has not yet been announced, but expect it to open sometime in 2025. Interested in visiting Universal Orlando? Contact Facts and Figment Vacation Planning to start the process. There are great deals to be had, and I can help you find them. My travel planning services are absolutely FREE, and I can help you score the best, hardest-to-get deals to make your vacation more affordable.
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