Visitors to Universal Orlando have five onsite resort hotels to choose from, each conveniently located near Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, and Universal CityWalk. Here are a few reasons we love the luxurious Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando.
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando; view from the water taxi.
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is a beautiful waterfront property with a tropical island vibe, featuring waterfalls, palm trees, and coastal accents throughout. The newest of Universal Orlando Resort’s onsite hotels, this property boasts convenience to the theme parks, a variety of fine dining experiences, and a 16,000-square-foot resort-style pool.
The lobby.
I recently spent a week at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, so I had the opportunity to fully explore the property. I dined at the restaurants, relaxed poolside, and tried the complimentary transportation to and from Universal Orlando theme parks. Here are a few reasons I would gladly book another stay.
Reasons to Book a Stay at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando
Beach tones with bursts of tropical color make Sapphire Falls guests feel like they’re on island time.
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort: Early Park Admission
A stay at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort entitles guests to early park admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Volcano Bay water theme park (valid theme park admission required). This allows hotel guests to beat the crowds by riding popular attractions one hour before the parks open to the public!
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort: Free Transportation
Water taxi at Sapphire Falls Resort.
Guests of Loews Sapphire Falls Resort can also take complimentary water taxis or shuttle buses directly to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Universal CityWalk. The water taxi, which runs until 2 a.m., is a delightfully relaxing mode of transportation. Just be advised that it will stop running in the event of inclement weather, so you should know your shuttle options as well.
In addition to the regular shuttles, a complimentary shuttle is available for guests who would like to dine at other Universal Orlando Resort hotels. This evening shuttle provides free transportation to and from restaurants at Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, and Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort. It runs from 6 to 10 p.m.
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort: Beachside Pool with Waterslide
You can’t go to Florida without spending time by a pool, and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort has a great one. Lounge by the water and order a drink. This pool boasts two sand beaches, a water slide, a splash pad, a jacuzzi, private cabanas, and two bars.
Much like the inter-hotel dining option, guests of Universal Resort Orlando onsite hotels are invited to play in all of Universal’s onsite hotel pools! Read about all the fun you can have pool-hopping from resort to resort here.
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort: Island Cuisine
The New Dutch Trading Co.
There are five dining options at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, in addition to 24-hour room service. My favorite was The New Dutch Trading Co., a Caribbean style grab-and-go marketplace. Here you can buy everything from a prepackaged cup of Ramen soup ($3) to a grab-and-go meal of pan cooked chicken and rice ($12). There are breakfast options that range from cups of Frosted Flakes to pastries and doughnuts with gourmet coffee. And there are desserts galore, including ice cream, cake, and pie.
I also enjoyed the scrumptious breakfast buffet at Amatista Cookhouse, the hotel’s full-service restaurant. The spread was incredible — fresh fruits, baked goods, oatmeal, lox, eggs, bacon, sausage, and an omelet bar. But, it was pretty pricey for a light breakfast eater like myself. The cost of the buffet for one person was $21.99 plus service fee plus tax. Amatista Cookhouse serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Strong Water Tavern.
For dinner one evening, I ate at Strong Water Tavern, the lobby lounge that features tapas style dishes. I ordered a mouthwatering Cuban dish called Arroz con Pollo, which was heavenly, but the portion was small for $10. I fared much better, portion-wise for the price, at The New Dutch Trading Co.
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort: Amenities Times Five!
As I’ve mentioned, a major perk of staying at a Universal Orlando Resort hotel is that a room in one hotel allows you to use the amenities at all of the onsite hotels. This includes character breakfasts, themed luaus, and pools at other properties. All onsite hotel guests can also utilize the Kids’ Camp at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, and Loews Royal Pacific Resort. Plus, all onsite hotel guests can visit the Mandara Spa located at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel.
It would be easy to fill a whole vacation by staying at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort and enjoying the amenities of all the Universal Orlando Resort hotels. So, the next time you visit Orlando, be sure to leave eave extra time for pool-hopping!
Learn More About Universal Orlando Resort
Dinner at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium at Universal Orlando CityWalk
Everything You Need to Know about Volcano Bay at Universal Orlando Resort
4 Steps to Planning a Trip to Universal Orlando Resort
7 Cool Reasons to Stay at the Hard Rock Hotel Orlando
13 Things to Do with a Teen at Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando
5 Ways to Skip the Line at Universal Orlando Resort
Disclosure: I was hosted by Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando for a Volcano Bay press event. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this article.