Universal Orlando Resort's Hotel Perks

The addition of its three new Epic Universe hotels -- Stella Nova, Terra Luna, and Helios Grand -- brings Universal Orlando Resort’s hotel tally to 11. And while these properties range in amenities and costs, they all offer nearly the same perks:

• Park-wide charging privileges
• One-hour early entry to Universal theme parks
• Free merchandise delivery to hotel room
• Complimentary shuttle transportation to Universal theme parks and Universal CityWalk
• Select hotels offer complimentary Express Passes to Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure

Univeral Epic Universe Hotels

Kids will love these How to Train Your Dragon suites at Helios, featuring a separate room for privacy. 

Universal Helios Grand Hotel

• Rooms: 500
• Cost: $475 per night and up, depending on day and season

What to expect: This palatial hotel is so close to Epic Universe that it feels like it’s actually part of the park...and with its grand facade acting as the park’s central backdrop, it kind of is! A few steps past the dedicated park entrance and you’ll be plunked into Celestial Park—the gorgeous and otherworldly central hub of Epic’s hub-and-spoke layout.

Why stay there: Universal officials call Helios the “crown jewel” of its newest hotel offerings—and it’s no wonder: The Mediterranean-styled building stands over the Epic sprawl like the Taj Mahal of theme park accommodations. And it’s so close to the theme park that you can hear the Stardust Racers' screams wafting in the breeze. The best part: There’s a dedicated park entrance/exit next to the hotel lobby --making the extravagant cost worth it, especially when you take advantage of early entry.

Choose from standard queen rooms (sleeps up to five guests with a rollaway bed) or suites with dedicated kids' rooms (sleeps up to six guests). Accommodations range from 325 square feet to the 1,500-square-foot presidential suite, which features walk-in closets, living rooms, and private en-suite fitness areas.

Amenities: High-end room decor with theme park views, resort-style zero- entry pool; poolside cabanas; hot tub; fitness center; game room; Universal Studios store; four dining options (including two upscale restaurants as well as grab-and-go spots); one-hour early entry to all Universal theme parks; dedicated Epic Universe entrance/exit; free shuttle to other Universal parks; and Club Level rooms that include access to a private lounge, a continental breakfast, evening hors d'oeuvres, and personal concierge service.

Don’t miss the Bar Helios, the hotel’s spectacular rooftop bar and restaurant with 360-degree views. You don’t have to be a hotel guest to visit Bar Helios, but if you are, you can make reservations up to 60 days in advance.

Insider’s Tip: Helios has How to Train Your Dragon kids' suites featuring a separate room with Viking-themed decor and dragon-adorned walls. 

The rooms at Srella Nova Resort are designed to make guests feel like they're floating through space. 

Universal Stella Nova Resort

• Rooms: 750
• Cost: $170 and up, depending on the day and season

What to expect: A sleek and stylish "prime value" hotel with a walking path or shuttle ride to the Epic Universe gates.

Why stay there: This budget-friendly hotel sits across the street from Epic Universe, with an easy walking path to the front gates -- a head start that matters when you want to make the most of that extra hour in the morning. It’s also got a groovy space vibe with spacepod-styled windows in all the rooms and a sprawling zero-entry, resort-style pool featuring a hot tub, splash pad, and poolside bar and restaurant.

Relax beside James Webb Space Telescope images of distant galaxies in any of Stella Nova’s 750 rooms. The 315-square-foot rooms feature two queen beds and accommodate up to four guests (the hotel does not provide rollaway beds). Designed to evoke the feeling of being inside a spaceship, the rooms all have a minimalist aesthetic, with hues of rich blues and purples and oval-shaped windows to peer out at the cosmos.

Amenities: Galactic-themed bar and restaurant on the first floor; 10,000-square-foot zero-entry pool; hot tub; poolside bar and restaurant; fitness center; game room; Universal Studios store; free shuttle to Epic (and other parks); and one-hour early entry to all Universal theme parks.

Insider’s Tip: Make sure to check out all those stars on the walls -- they’re actually real NASA images of the cosmos!

RELATED: Space-Themed Fun in Orlando for Kids and Budding Astronauts

Hop the shuttle to Epic Universe from the Terra Luna Resort. 

Universal Terra Luna Resort

• Rooms: 750
• Cost: $187 per night and up, depending on the day and season

What to expect: From the outside, Terra Luna is a mirror image of its sister hotel, Stella Nova. But once you enter the property, the Terra Luna Resort is all about the planets. Its decor features gentle curves, neutral colors, and sleek images of planets we have yet to explore. As for its location, it’s a bit further from Universal Epic Universe, with a nearly mile-long walking path that crosses big streets -- consequently, guests are advised to use the free shuttle to and from the park.

Why stay there: The Terra Luna is nearly identical to the Stella Nova, with a slightly lower price point. So if you’re pinching pennies, it may run a bit cheaper. As for design, some people prefer Terra Luna’s soothing, earthy design to the more spacey theme of its sister hotel. Our opinion? Stella Nova’s poolside splash pad and shorter walking access to Epic Universe may make it the better choice, especially if you’re traveling with younger children.

Terra Luna rooms have a futuristic style, with a giant central image of a planet looming on the wall behind the beds. Each guest room spans 315 square feet and features two queen beds, accommodating up to four guests (no rollaway beds).

Amenities: A 10,000-square foot, zero-entry pool; hot tub; poolside grill/bar; grab-and-go dining; lobby bar; fitness center; game room; Universal Orlando Resort store; free shuttle to Epic (and other parks); and one-hour early entry to all Universal theme parks.

Photos courtesy of Universal