Inside Helios Grand Hotel at Epic Universe

Share: 

Inside Helios Grand Hotel at Epic Universe

Hi, I am Chali Francis, a vacation planner based out of Oklahoma. I spend quite a bit of time each year in Orlando exploring the theme parks and staying up to date on the latest offerings to help my clients plan magical, memorable vacations.

https://youtube.com/shorts/m076OyvEnaU?si=4EFmAmd4aWOplKJ3

On a recent trip to visit EPIC Universe prior to the park’s official opening date of May 22nd, I had the opportunity to stay at the brand-new Helios Grand Hotel—Universal’s flagship resort at Epic Universe. It is a beautifully designed property, and the level of theming throughout the hotel truly mirrors the immersive feel of the park itself. From the lighting and architecture to the artwork in the hallways, it is clear that Helios was built to be part of the story, not just a place to sleep.

• 

One major perk: Helios offers a private, dedicated entrance directly into Epic Universe. This makes it incredibly convenient to return to your room for a midday break or to drop off souvenirs. In the Florida heat—especially since there is not much shade in the park yet—this easy back-and-forth access is something guests will really appreciate.

The on-site dining was another highlight. I had a pasta dish at Terra Flora that I will genuinely be thinking about for a while—it was that good. And Bar Helios offers great drinks with even better views of the park, especially at night.



 

 

When it comes to the rooms, Helios offers some truly elevated features. Each room includes a digital tablet where you can make requests, view your folio, and access hotel information. There are also thoughtful touches like automatic drapes, which add to the overall upscale feel of the space. I found the beds to be very comfortable, and I had a great night’s sleep during my stay.

That said, it is worth noting that the area to get ready is on the smaller side. The bathroom does have a split-bath layout, which is helpful for multiple people getting ready at once—one person can be in the shower while another uses the vanity—but it is still just a single-sink setup with limited counter space. Something to keep in mind if you are traveling with a group

The Standard Rooms at Helios Grand Hotel feature two queen beds and a split bathroom layout. These rooms can accommodate up to five guests with the addition of a rollaway bed (available upon request and subject to availability).

For families looking for a more immersive stay, the How to Train Your Dragon Kids’ Suites are a fantastic option. These themed suites offer a separate kids’ room inspired by the Isle of Berk, complete with two twin beds and playful décor straight out of the How to Train Your Dragon films. The main bedroom includes a king bed for the adults. These suites can also sleep up to five guests total.

One important thing to note: Helios does not include Universal’s Express Pass benefit like some of the other Premier Resorts (such as Royal Pacific, Portofino Bay, or Hard Rock Hotel). If you are planning to spend time in Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure, I still recommend one of those three hotels for the Express Pass perk.

My top recommendation? Do a split stay. Spend the nights you are visiting Epic Universe at Helios to enjoy the immersive experience and convenient park access, and book another Premier Resort (Royal Pacific, Hard Rock or Portofino Bay) for the days you are touring the original parks. While Universal is not currently offering luggage transfers between Helios and the other resorts, it is still very easy to catch a quick rideshare or shuttle. You can drop your luggage at Bell Services at Helios, grab your key, and head straight through the private entrance into the park.

If you do book a stay at Helios, I highly recommend upgrading to a theme park view room. Watching the park come alive at night from your window is a truly special touch that makes the stay even more memorable.



The resort also features a well-equipped fitness center, a fun arcade, and a beautiful pool area that I hope to enjoy more on a future visit. While I did not have much time for relaxing on this trip, those amenities definitely caught my eye.

If you are ready to plan your own Universal Orlando vacation—or just want more honest travel tips and updates—follow me on social media at @ChaliPlansMagic. And if you are ready to start planning, reach out directly. I would love to help you put together the perfect trip.