Universal's newest (and nicest) hotel opens next week — here's how to book it with points
In addition to themed experiences and innovative rides based on some of the world's most popular movie and video game franchises, Universal Epic Universe is home to three new hotels. Though Universal Orlando's newest theme park isn't scheduled to open until May 22, the hotels will welcome guests ahead of the grand opening.
Two of the hotels, Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort, are already open to guests. These two properties fall into Universal's affordable Prime Value lodging category, with prices starting as low as $147 per night (for stays of four nights or longer). The third, Universal Helios Grand Hotel, was originally only taking reservations from May 22 onward. However, Universal announced Tuesday that the hotel would open April 16, and reservations are available now.
Universal Helios Grand Hotel is in Universal's highest Signature Collection category and is anticipated to be Universal's best on-property hotel offering to date. The 500-room, full-service hotel is co-owned and operated by Loews Hotels & Co., and it's inside Epic Universe — a first for Universal Orlando. Guests who stay here will enjoy exclusive perks like a private entrance to Epic Universe and unforgettable theme park views.
Related: These are the best Universal Orlando hotels
In a press release, Universal described the hotel as a "majestic Mediterranean-inspired escape" that "draws inspiration from the astronomical and mythological themes of Celestial Park." The hotel's public spaces embrace this "Mediterranean-meets-mythology" ambience, with white stonework and patterned tiles offset by gold detailing inspired by the cosmos. Guest rooms lean more into elegant florals and a soft color palette for a relaxing, elegant aesthetic.
Hotel guests will have several dining outlets to choose from, including a rooftop bar with 360-degree views of Epic Universe, a poolside bar and grill, a full-service restaurant in the lobby and a quick-service eatery offering coffee, grab-and-go items and more. The hotel also has a resort-style pool, fitness center, game room and gift shop.
Rates for Universal Helios Grand Hotel start at $293 per night for a standard room (though additional rates are available for pool and theme park view rooms or larger deluxe rooms and suites). You can book directly through Universal Orlando's website. Or, if you're a savvy spender, you can book a stay for no out-of-pocket cost by using reward miles.
Related: How to use points to save money at Universal Orlando
The hotel may be available on additional credit card travel portals after it officially opens, but it is currently bookable through the Capital One Travel portal. Eligible Capital One cardholders can book this resort via Capital One 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 to choose from, but these have the biggest benefit for hotel bookings:
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Earn 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars and 5 miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel.
- Capital One Venture X Business: Earn 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars and 5 miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel.
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
- Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card: Earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
We searched for a date shortly after the hotel is scheduled to open, and Capital One Travel displayed a cost of $418 or 41,800 Captial One miles per night. After taxes and fees, the total cost for a standard view room comes out to $457 or 45,700 miles per night. If you were to pay cash, you could earn up to 4,570 Captial One miles per night during your stay.
Most theme park hotels do not participate in major loyalty programs, and only a handful offer a way to redeem miles. Helios Grand has a prime location, an interesting theme and unique park perks, so being able to save money by redeeming credit card miles makes it just that much more "epic."
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| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
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