A review of the new Universal Helios Grand Hotel, the 'crown jewel of Epic Universe'
When it opens May 22, Universal Epic Universe will introduce five themed "worlds" — based on popular film franchises and video games — to Universal Orlando Resort. In addition to these exciting new lands, the Central Florida resort recently opened three new hotels to accommodate visitors clamoring to visit the park.
Two of those hotels, Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort, are a short bus ride or walk from Epic Universe. But the third, Universal Helios Grand Hotel, is inside Epic Universe.
TPG got the chance to stay at Helios Grand, which Universal is calling "the crown jewel of Epic Universe and the pinnacle of Universal Orlando's hotel experiences," on opening day, April 16. Here's what you can expect from this "epic" new hotel.
What is Universal Helios Grand Hotel?
Universal Helios Grand Hotel is a 500-room, full-service hotel co-owned and operated by Loews Hotels & Co. The hotel was designed to complement that of the Epic Universe land it is closest to, Celestial Park, and, in many ways, the hotel serves as a backdrop for the land.
The hotel blends Mediterranean design with astronomical and mythological themes. Even the hotel's moniker is derived from Greek mythology: Helios is the Greek god of the sun. The hotel is designed to be his palace, with white stonework and patterned tiles offset by blue and gold accents and artwork inspired by the cosmos.
Because of its proximity to the park, the hotel has a dedicated entrance to Epic Universe that's exclusively available to Helios Grand Hotel guests. That's among the other perks all Universal hotel guests enjoy, like early theme park entry, complimentary shuttle transportation, resortwide charging privileges and complimentary merchandise delivery.
Related: These are the best Universal Orlando hotels
Helios Grand is in Universal's "Signature" collection, the resort's highest hotel tier. This means that in addition to elegant theming and luxury amenities, you'll also find an elevated level of service. This extends from small details like coming back to my room and finding that the housekeeping attendant had straightened my shoes in the closet and left two water bottles on the nightstand to the spice blends used in many of the restaurant dishes that were custom-made for the hotel.
How to book Universal Helios Grand Hotel
Universal Helios Grand Hotel rates start at $293 per night for a standard room for stays of four nights or longer. On average, pricing starts closer to $400 per night for a standard room for a one-night stay. Pool or theme park view rooms, club-level rooms and suites are also available. You can book your room directly through Universal Orlando's website, but this property is also available through several credit card travel portals.
For example, eligible Capital One cardholders can book this resort via Capital One Travel or Capital One Business Travel, either by paying with their Capital One card or redeeming Capital One miles. When you pay using your card, you can earn up to 10 miles per dollar spent, depending on the Capital One card you carry. There are several cards to choose from, but the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and the Capital One Venture X Business have the highest earning rates for hotels.
Helios Grand is also bookable via the Chase Travel℠ portal, where you can book hotels and earn or redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points. If you book this way, we recommend using the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees). This card earns 8 points per dollar spent on purchases through the travel portal, and it comes with a $300 annual travel credit you can use to offset the cost of your stay (8 points per dollar are earned after the $300 annual credit is spent). You can also book this property using the the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees).
Helios Grand is also available via the Citi travel portal. When you book with the Citi Strata Premier® Card (see rates and fees), you'll earn 10 points per dollar and trigger the card's annual $100 hotel credit (as long as your stay is more than $500; taxes and fees excluded). Or, you can redeem Citi ThankYou Rewards points at a rate of 1 cent apiece for hotels booked through the portal.
If you are parking a car, self-parking costs $36 plus tax per night, and valet parking is $45 plus tax per night.
The closest hotel to Epic Universe
When I say Helios Grand is located inside Epic Universe, I don't mean you can squint your eyes and see Super Nintendo World or The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic. I mean, you are literally steps away from the park. Universal Helios Grand Hotel is located along the back edge of Celestial Park, overlooking the land's fountains, gardens and cosmos-themed attractions.
From my theme park view room, I could see practically the entire park. I had to force myself to close the drapes at the end of the night so I could get some sleep instead of staring at the park's colorful dancing fountains and vibrant lands. Even if you don't spring for a theme park view (though I highly recommend you do), there is a deck off the lobby that overlooks the park, or you can head up to the top floor to the rooftop bar for 360-degree views.
The dedicated theme park entrance for Helios Grand guests has a much shorter security line than the main entrance, helping you get to the fun even faster. It's located just next to the coffee shop, so you can stop in for some caffeine before you hit the park.
Related: How to use points and miles to save money at Universal Orlando
Serene guest rooms with smart amenities
Guest rooms at this elegant yet laid-back hotel evoke the feeling of stepping into a watercolor painting with soft hues and floral accents. The headboard in my room looked like a watercolor floral painting in soft pink and blue tones.
This color scheme is seen throughout the room, including in the accent furnishings and carpet. (You'll also see many of the same gold and white details found in other areas of the hotel.)
All rooms and suites have tablets that guests can use to digitally control the drapes, lights, TV and thermostat. Several of the outlets, including those near the desk and bedside tables, had standard USB and USB-C outlets. I also appreciated the inclusion of small reading lights on either side of the headboard in addition to bedside lamps.
Each room also has a coffee and tea maker, a minifridge and ample storage in the closet and the dresser.
The bathroom has a shower with refillable amenities and other bath products on the counter, including a shower cap, cotton swabs, cotton balls and lotion. The sink counter was large enough that I could set my items out and keep them within arm's reach rather than leave them piled up in my toiletry bag.
In addition to standard rooms, the hotel has one-bedroom suites and club-level rooms with access to a private lounge serving continental breakfast and hors d'oeuvres in the evening, plus personal concierge services. Helios Grand also has 14 "How to Train Your Dragon" kids suites, each of which features a dragon mural behind the beds and furnishings inspired by the Viking village of Berk seen in the iconic films.
Delicious dining with theme park views
Helios Grand has several dining outlets. Thanks to its proximity to the park, you don't have to stay at the hotel to pop over for a drink or something to eat. Sometimes, when you've been at a theme park for a few days, you just need something that feels fresh. There is no shortage of that at Helios Grand.
During my stay, I dined at Flora Taverna for breakfast and dinner. This full-service bar and restaurant just off the lobby features an open-style kitchen serving up Mediterranean fare and oven-fired pizzas. In addition to indoor seating, guests can dine alfresco for yet another vantage point of Celestial Park.
I sampled the Greek salata with salmon ($18), and it was colorful and light, with a large piece of salmon that was crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. For breakfast the next morning, I fueled up with the breakfast buffet ($36), but there were also several individual menu items to choose from.
Before dinner, I headed up to the rooftop for a cocktail and stunning 360-degree views of Epic Universe at Bar Helios. It was immediately obvious this bar would become an instant favorite across all of Universal Orlando. This rooftop bar serves a menu of tapas that are great for sharing and handcrafted cocktails with mythology-inspired names.
I had the This is Sparta ($18), a mix of rum, rye, Aperol, Ancho Reyes Verde liqueur and lime. It wasn't overly sweet or strong and tasted refreshing, a great complement to our Spreads and Mezze plate ($23) and wagyu beef sliders ($26).
In order to meet my daily caffeine needs, I also made several visits to Aurora Market in the lobby. This quick-service eatery and coffee shop serves grab-and-go food items, Starbucks coffee drinks, gelato and other desserts.
The hotel also offers 24-hour room service.
All of Universal Orlando's restaurants that accept reservations, including Bar Helios and Flora Taverna at Helios Grand, are eligible for the Resy credit available with select American Express credit cards.
A swimming pool with family-friendly activities
You will likely spend most of your time in Universal's theme parks when you stay at Helios Grand, but when you need a break or want to relax after a day in the park, head for the hotel pool.
Guests can cool off from Orlando's hot summer (and spring, fall and winter) days in the zero-entry, resort-style pool. The pool area is long and winding, so it never feels too crowded. It also features underwater speakers, poolside cabana rentals, a hot tub, poolside movies, and daily games and activities. Lotus Lagoon is the resort's poolside bar and grill, serving cocktails, nonalcoholic beverages and casual meals like burgers, salads and sandwiches.
Like other Universal hotels, Universal Helios Grand Hotel also houses a fitness center, a game room and a Universal Orlando gift shop with various sundries and a selection of Epic Universe merchandise.
Reasons Universal Helios Grand Hotel might not be for you
- If you prefer budget-friendly hotels when you visit a theme park, Universal does have less expensive hotel options. Look for one of Universal's Value or Prime Value properties like Universal Stella Nova Resort, Universal Endless Summer Resort or Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort. The nightly rate at each of these is about half the cost of Helios Grand.
- Though Epic Universe is right outside your window when you stay at Helios Grand, you are a few miles away from the rest of Universal Orlando Resort. If you prefer the convenience of taking a boat, bus or short walk to Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk, consider staying at one of Universal's other hotels.
Accessibility
Like all Universal Orlando hotels, public areas like the lobby, restaurants and pool are wheelchair accessible. The pool and hot tub also have wheelchair lifts. Several accessible guest rooms are available, with features like additional clearance, wider doorways, roll-in showers and hearing-accessible features.
Checking out
Epic Universe is redefining the concept of a theme park, and Universal Helios Grand Hotel is doing the same for what it means to be a theme park hotel. When you stay here, you feel as if you are still at Epic Universe, even when you are getting ready in the morning and tucking in to sleep at night. From the proximity and theme park perks to the upscale theming and delicious dining, Helios Grand truly is the paragon of theme park hotels.
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