Earlier this month, work bestie T and I were invited to attend an agent preview of Universal Epic Universe. For our stay, we opted to check out the brand new Helios Grand Hotel. Friends, this was our Best. Decision. Ever.
Located at the edge of Celestial Park, Helios is a unique and immersive hotel experience. As you step into the stunning hotel lobby, you’ll immediately feel as though you’ve entered the sun-drenched palace of Helios, the Greek Titan himself. Floor to ceiling windows reveal breathtaking views of the park. This is truly a seamless guest experience from hotel to park.
Because of its prime location, Helios has a dedicated entrance to Epic Universe just off the lobby. This is exclusively for hotel guests with valid theme park admission. You are quite literally in the heart of the magic.
Helios Grand Hotel is home to 500 beautifully designed rooms and 35 spacious suites. Most of the rooms feature two comfy queen beds, perfect for families or friends traveling together. If you’re looking for something a little more luxurious, you’ll find King Suites, Hospitality Suites, and even Presidential Suites ready to impress. But here’s where it gets really fun—because this is Universal, after all. That means the kids get their own slice of adventure with special How to Train Your Dragon-themed Kids’ Suites.
We stayed in a Standard 2 Queen Room, which would comfortably accommodate a party of four. For parties of five, the hotel provides rollaways for a nominal fee. If you pay close attention, you’ll discover a button that draws the drapes and sheers for you, and an iPad with room controls. Such luxurious touches in this beautifully designed, garden-inspired room.
I highly recommend splurging on a Theme Park View Room.
Or a themed suite for the littlest fans.
Cosmic adventures continue at Bar Helios. This rooftop restaurant serves up Mediterranean cuisine with 360-degree views and an observation deck. Other dining venues include Flora Taverna (Mediterranean cuisine sit-down dining with separate bar area), Lotus Lagoon (casual poolside dining), and Aurora Market (grab and go).
As you would expect with a resort of this magnitude, amenities include 18 poolside cabanas for rent, poolside activities, arcade, fitness center, resort store, Concierge Desk, and a Universal Ticket Desk.
It is important to note that Helios Grand Hotel does not come with any complimentary Express Passes: not for Epic Universe nor for Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. This is unlikely to change amid intense demand for the property. The location simply cannot be beat.
After experiencing both the hotel and the park, I have several recommendations.
- Epic Universe is a multi-day park. One day simply is not enough to see and do it all. Particularly because some of the more popular attractions are standby only. Just this weekend I saw a five-hour wait time for Battle at the Ministry.
- Express Passes for Epic Universe are a must. Even better, ask me about VIP Tours!
- With a multi-park visit, I would recommend a split stay. Stay at Helios during the time you’re at Epic Universe, then transfer to one of the original Signature properties that offer complimentary Unlimited Express Passes for Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure for your remaining park days.
Stay tuned for my review of Epic Universe. Spoiler alert…I LOVED it!!
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Helios Grand Hotel / Epic Universe
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