The Universal Studios theme park in Orlando, Florida, is an ideal vacation spot for thrill seekers. Guests who stay at one of Universal's three on-site hotels are entitled to bypass long lines and use complimentary transportation in the theme parks. Universal CityWalk is nearby as are golf, jogging and sports facilities. The surrounding area offers fishing, jet skiing, and boating.
Loews Royal Pacific Resort
The Loews Royal Pacific Resort strives for the feel of a Pacific island tropical resort. Its massive lagoon-style swimming pool features a realistic sandy beach, a special children's play area, and a beach volleyball sand pit. For a fee, guests can rent private cabanas complete with television, phone, ceiling fan, water, soda and a fruit bowl.
Every Saturday night, guests can attend the Wantilan Luau for a Polynesian buffet complete with Hawaiian music and hula and fire dancers. Guests can participate in the show and learn the hula. Other features include a 5,000 square-foot fitness center complete with private saunas and steam rooms, five restaurants and lounges, and daily activities such as Ping-Pong tournaments, hula contests and basketball in the pool.
Loews Royal Pacific Resort
6300 Hollywood Way
Orlando, Florida 32819
(407) 503-3000
loewshotels.com/en/Hotels/Royal-Pacific-Resort/Overview.aspx
Hard Rock Hotel
Universal's Hard Rock Hotel offers guests the rock star lifestyle. Authentic rock star memorabilia line the walls of the hotel. Guests can find Eric Clapton's guitar and Elton John's boots. A DJ plays Thursday nights, live bands perform Saturdays, and on Sundays guests watch concerts from top bands on a large screen.
Hard Rock's 12,000 square-foot pool features underwater music and a 260-foot water slide. At weekly "dive-in" movies, guests gather under the stars to watch favorite family blockbusters on the large, poolside screen. Other features include a shop filled with rock-themed clothing, five restaurants, a workout room, and monthly Velvet Sessions, rock-themed cocktail parties featuring special cocktails and live music performances.
Hard Rock Hotel
5800 Universal Blvd.
Orlando, Florida 32819
(888) 832-7155
hardrockhotelorlando.com
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel brings the flavor of the Mediterranean to Orlando. Courtyards, rooms, restaurants and recreation facilities match the Italian theme with marble architecture and authentic Italian furnishings. Guests can play Bocce Ball at the specially designed courtyard, splash in one of three themed swimming pools, or shop at five on-site stores.
The hotel's centerpiece is the Harbor Piazza, an open harbor and plaza area. Boats fill the harbor and Italian sports cars line the streets. The Harbor Piazza houses two of the hotel's eight restaurants as well as the presidential suite and villa suite. The daily "Musica della Notte" show that showcases a variety of Italian musical styles begins at sundown in the Harbor Piazza. Other features include a jogging track, game room, "dive-in" movies, spa and fitness center, and "Harbor Nights," a special wine-tasting and jazz event.
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
5601 Universal Blvd.
Orlando, Florida 32819
(407) 503-1000
loewshotels.com/en/hotels/portofino-bay-hotel/overview.aspx
