Trying to decide if you should stay at Universal’s Helios Grand Hotel? We recently had the opportunity to stay at Universal’s new Signature Collection hotel located inside Universal’s newest theme park, EPIC Universe. Explore this Helios Grand Hotel review and guide to find out everything there is to do at this new hotel.
In this full review and guide, we’ll walk you through the rooms, amenities, dining, and exclusive park perks so you can decide whether the Helios Grand is the right fit for your next Universal Orlando trip … and if it’s worth the hefty price tag.
BOTTOM LINE: Only stay here if your #1 goal is to stay inside EPIC Universe. And be prepared to pay even more than the already expensive standard room for those park views. This hotel is beautiful, but the accommodations and amenities are not worth the extremely steep price, in our opinion. It is the most expensive hotel at Universal Orlando Resort by a wide margin (more expensive than the premier on-site hotels), and it doesn’t provide the Unlimited Universal Express Pass.
We stayed at the Helios Grand for two (2) nights in May 2025, several weeks after its grand opening. Read on to find out why, despite its beauty, we weren’t overly impressed with this hotel.
RELATED: Click here to check out our reviews and probably offensive opinions of other Universal Orlando on-site hotels.
Universal’s Helios Grand Hotel Overview
The Helios Grand Hotel is the newest Signature Collection hotel offering at Universal Orlando Resort. It is the 11th Universal Orlando on-site hotel, and the 5th in the resort’s Signature Collection. It opened on April 16, 2025, and has the distinction of being the only Universal Orlando on-site hotel to sit inside a Universal theme park.
RELATED: Click here to read about the evolution of EPIC Universe and Universal Orlando’s new south campus.
Immersion Fit for a God
Named after the Greek god in Greek mythology, Helios was the god of the sun. He was a radiant figure who drove his golden chariot across the sky each day, bringing daylight to the world. Often depicted with a crown of shining rays, Helios symbolized light, power, and watchfulness. He fits in perfectly with the theme of EPIC Universe and the south campus.
The hotel is immersed in the Greek mythology theme. From the restaurants and accommodations to the décor, you will feel the celestial and Mediterranean vibes everywhere.
The Helios Grand was BUSTLING when we stayed there, and given its proximity to EPIC Universe, we expect that to be the case into 2026. It is much busier, for example, than any other Signature Collection hotel. And it reminded us more of the bustling nature of Cabana Bay Beach Resort or the Endless Summer Resorts.
Main Lobby
The back of the hotel is the side that faces EPIC Universe. And a little bit like Portofino Bay, the Helios Grand is showcased more on the “back side” of the hotel, rather than the “front” of the hotel, where you find parking and drop-off at the porte-cochère.
RELATED: Click here to read our review and guide of Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Universal Orlando’s first on-site hotel.
This hotel is extremely long and narrow, and the main lobby—which is relatively small—opens both to the drop-off side and the theme park side of the hotel. Greek architecture and beautiful celestial murals greet you as you check in, and two (2) of the four (4) restaurant offerings sit on either side of the lobby.
There is a small seating area in the middle of the main lobby. And you will also find the Universal Planning Center (every on-site hotel has one) and concierge in the main lobby opposite the check in desks.
EPIC Universe
The biggest draw of the Helios Grand, of course, is the giant playground in its back yard. A beautiful patio behind the main lobby provides stunning views of the park. And a dedicated entrance (for hotel guests only) leads you out into the north side of EPIC Universe, exactly opposite of the park’s main entrance.
Holidays at the Helios Grand
Like every other Universal Orlando on-site hotel, we fully expect the Helios Grand Hotel to get into the holiday spirit come November and December, when the whole resort is covered in Christmas décor.
Should You Stay at the Helios Grand?
Pros and Cons
Much like Rory Gilmore, we make all our big decisions with pro and con lists. Let’s get into it.
Pros
It’s Brand Spanking New
There’s something special about staying in a brand-new hotel—everything feels fresh, modern, and thoughtfully designed with today’s traveler in mind. From untouched rooms and upgraded tech to brand-new amenities and dining options, guests often enjoy a more elevated and efficient experience.
Exclusive On-Site Hotel Theme Park Benefits
The Helios Grand Hotel offers the same exclusive park benefits as every budget on-site hotel, including:
- Early Park Admission: Access to select attractions at Universal Orlando theme parks up to one (1) hour early with valid theme park admission.
- Complimentary Transportation: Shuttle buses provide convenient access to all Universal Orlando north campus theme parks and Universal CityWalk.
- Resort-Wide Charging Privileges: Hotel guests can use their room key for purchases throughout Universal Orlando Resort.
- Complimentary Merchandise Delivery: Have purchases from any and all Universal Orlando Resort stores delivered directly to your hotel room. You can shop at any time during you trip and not worry about lugging your merch around. (Easily our personal favorite Universal Orlando on-site hotel feature!)
UNLOCKED TIP: Packages will usually show up in your room the day after your purchase. Make sure you leave enough time for your stuff to reach your suitcase before your departure.
- Universal Planning Center: Every Universal Orlando on-site hotel has its own on-site Universal Planning Center where you can pick up your park tickets and purchase any other Universal Orlando tickets and passes, or make any reservations, you need.
- Universal Orlando Resort Store: Every on-site hotel has a Universal Orlando merch shop. They’re great for picking up last minute souvenirs before you catch your flight, or for grabbing last minute necessities before you go to the parks.
Exclusive EPIC Universe Entrance
The main draw of the hotel and likely biggest pro. EPIC Universe is just steps away with its own dedicated entrance for hotel guests. This also provides a very close and convenient respite from the lines and the heat if you need a break midday.
Views of EPIC Universe
The other main draw of the hotel. EPIC Universe was built to be as visually stunning as it is functionally thrilling.
RELATED: Click here to read our ranking of every new ride at EPIC Universe.
Guest Rooms
Guests can take in stunning EPIC Universe views from the comfort of their guest rooms. However, as we mention below, these views come at a premium price even above the already steep guest room price tag.
Bar Helios
Hotel guests, and the general public, can also take in magnificent EPIC Universe views from the rooftop bar at the Helios Grand. As the highest perch at the hotel, the views are better here than anywhere else. However, the Bar Helios price tag is in line with the prices at the rest of the hotel. (Even the pros have pretty big cons. 😔😔)
Cons
Exclusive Theme Park Benefits: What’s Missing?
While the Helios Grand offers the same exclusive park benefits as every budget hotel offering at Universal Orlando, it is missing some key benefits that can justify the higher prices of the other luxury resorts.
Benefits Exclusive to Premier Resorts
- Universal Express Pass Unlimited: Premier level resorts include an unlimited express pass to use at the parks. Skip the lines, every time. Skip down to read some hard numbers on its value.
- Water Taxi Service: Every other Signature Collection hotel at Universal Orlando sits along the Universal river and offers relaxing water taxi service that drops you conveniently very close to the entrances to Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. The Helios Grand offers a dedicated entrance to EPIC Universe, but the only way to get to Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida is via the same shuttle that services Universal budget hotels.
UNLOCKED TIP: Loews Sapphire Falls Resort (a Universal Unlocked favorite!) sits on the river, giving it access to water taxi service, but it is the other Signature Collection hotel that doesn’t offer the Universal Express Pass Unlimited. Click here to read our pro tip for catching the water taxi from Aventura and Cabana Bay Beach Resort, even though they are budget hotels that don’t sit on the river!
- Priority Seating at Resort Restaurants: Show your room key at restaurants across the resort and skip the walk-in guest line.
Because the Helios Grand is not a premier level resort, it does not offer any of these benefits.
RELATED: Click here to discover which exclusive theme park benefits are available to guests at each Universal Orlando on-site hotel in our 2026 Universal Orlando Planning guide.
Price Tag
The price tag is high. Both the guest accommodations and the restaurant prices are quite stunningly expensive. Higher than any other on-site hotel, despite its missing benefits.
It’s Located Away from the North Campus
If you’re going exclusively to EPIC Universe, the Helios Grand puts you in perfect proximity for convenient access to the park. But if you want to explore any of the resort’s north campus, which houses the other three (3) parks, eight (8) on-site hotels, and Universal CityWalk, it’s a 20-minute shuttle ride away.
Helios Grand Hotel Price Comparison
Before Helios Grand opened, Hard Rock and Portofino Bay were always the most expensive on-site hotels at the resort. But these two (2) hotels also have the most amenities, including the Unlimited Universal Express Pass and other exclusive premier resort benefits.
The Unlimited Express Pass can run you up to $350 per day, per person. And depending on your party size, that will add up quickly. If you have four (4) people in two (2) rooms at, say, Cabana Bay Beach Resort, buying the Unlimited Universal Express Pass for 3 days can set you back over $4,000.
Many people stay at these premier level resorts because at certain times of the year, the value of the express pass can cover the entire cost of your hotel stay.
The Numbers: Is It Worth It?
2026 UPDATE: The prices for the Helios Grand standard rooms have mellowed in 2026. (Anything above a non park view standard room is still insane.) However, at all points in 2026 they are still comparable to the resort’s premier properties. And it doesn’t have the value to back that up.
If you want to book the Helios Grand, it will cost more than either the Hard Rock Hotel or the Portofino Bay Hotel, and usually by more than $200. The cost to stay at the Helios Grand is $800 to $900 a night. (That’s without park views. Park views will run you over $1000 per night, almost $500 more than any other on-site hotel.) You read that right. And that comes with the exact same exclusive benefits you get at a budget on-site hotel that can cost as low as $100 to $150 per night.
Also, the standard guest rooms are much smaller than either the Hard Rock Hotel or the Portofino Bay Hotel. And they’re only marginally larger than any Universal Orlando budget hotel. The only real difference we noticed between Dockside Inn & Suites guest rooms and Helios Grand guest rooms was the carpeting.
We would expect the prices of this hotel to align most with Loews Sapphire Falls Resort prices (under $300 per night in September 2026). It is the Helios Grand’s closest analogue in terms of amenities (Signature Collection property without the Universal Unlimited Express Pass). Instead, the Helios Grand out-prices even the premier on-site hotels that have better accommodations, amenities, and theme park benefits.
As we say multiple times in this guide, be very clear that you’re paying for the EPIC Universe park views and the park entrance. And very little else that you won’t get at one of the amazing Universal Orlando budget hotels. Make sure that price tag is worth it to you.
RELATED: Click here to compare Universal Orlando on site hotel benefits, room sizes, and prices in our easy reference chart in the 2026 ultimate Universal Orlando planning guide.
Travel and the Helios Grand Hotel
Travel to the Helios Grand Hotel
Whether you bring your own vehicle, rent a TURO or AVIS vehicle, use a rideshare service, or book the Universal Orlando official shuttle, just pull up to the circle entrance of the hotel, and the hotel team members will take care of you.
If you bring a vehicle to the hotel (rented or otherwise), you have two options, self-parking and valet. The prices are:
- Self parking: $36 per day.
- Valet parking: $45 per day.
If you are not staying at the hotel but want to park there for the day, the prices are:
- Self parking: $125 per day.
- Valet parking: $128 per day.
You’re going to experience similar overnight guest parking fees at every on-site hotel, and it’s frankly why we try to avoid bringing a car to Universal Orlando if at all possible.
The exorbitant day parking rates are doubtless due to the proximity to EPIC Universe (though you do need to be a hotel guest to use the hotel’s park entrance). However, the day rates at the main parking lot for EPIC Universe are nowhere near this high.
Travel to and from the Parks
The Helios Grand Hotel is, of course, the most convenient way to enter EPIC Universe. Use the park entrance. Be ready to go through metal detectors and show your room key.
On the other side of the hotel, shuttle buses will take you to the north campus parks, Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, CityWalk, and Volcano Bay. The bus will drop you off at the depot near the main Universal Orlando parking lot. From there, you can take the bridge to CityWalk Orlando and the north campus parks. The Volcano Bay shuttle bus will drop you at the Volcano Bay bus depot.
Helios Grand Hotel Accommodations
The Helios Grand Hotel offers standard guests rooms, suites, and club level rooms. The higher-end suites are the justification for calling this a Signature Collection hotel. In our opinion, the accommodations are the most unacceptable part of this hotel’s price point.
UNLOCKED TIP: Because this hotel is paper thin, extremely long, and has only a single elevator bank, be prepared to hike to your room. (After you wait in line for the elevator.)
Standard Rooms
Parking Lot Views
These are the bottom of the barrel rooms that have views of the parking lot and exterior walls of EPIC Universe. They are 325 square feet in size. Or ten (10) square feet larger than the EPIC Universe budget hotel offerings (Stella Nova Resort and Terra Luna Resort) that will run you $254 per night in July 2026. These are the most basic rooms that you’re paying that price tag for.
July 2026 price: $768 nightly.
Pool View Rooms
Also known as opposite of the park views. On one half of the front side of the Helios Grand (facing away from EPIC Universe) you can see the building that houses the EPIC Universe Battle at the Ministry attraction. This is the cheapest “standard” room (see above 👆).
The other half of the front side of the hotel houses the hotel’s only pool. Finding a way to fleece you even more for staying at this hotel, you have to pay extra to stay in the rooms on pool half of the side facing away from EPIC Universe. You can’t make this stuff up.
July 2026 price: $855 nightly.
Skyline View Rooms
While we have not stayed in a “skyline” view room (truly, whatever that means), we have seen the skyline. And given that there’s only two (2) sides of this hotel, we’re assuming they aren’t talking about the skyline over EPIC Universe. And given that they’re cheaper than the “pool view” rooms, we have to assume they just mean a higher floor view of the parking lot. Possibly the biggest scam here?
July 2026 price: $846 nightly.
RELATED: Click here to see the bathooms in a standard room at the Portofino Bay Hotel, which typically runs $200 cheaper per night than the Helios Grand.
Park View Rooms
The reason to stay at this “Signature Collection” hotel will set you back even more than the standard and pool view guest room abominations.
July 2026 price: $966 nightly.
Deluxe Rooms
The deluxe rooms at the Helios Grand are 415 square feet. As a comparison, the standard guest rooms at the cheaper Portofino Bay Hotel are 450 square feet. We don’t even know what else to say at this point.
July 2026 price (no park view): $946 nightly.
July 2026 price (park view): $1098 nightly.
Club Level Rooms
Same tiny rooms, but with club service, including a private lounge and concierge.
July 2026 price (no park view): $1101 nightly.
July 2026 price (park view): $1347 nightly.
Suites
King Suites
A family suite without park views. The Celestial Suite is the same price (at this time in July), twice as big, and has park views.
July 2026 price: $1196 nightly.
Kids Suites
These kid-themed suites appear at every Signature Collection hotel. They all have a separate kids’ room with two (2) twin beds themed in the style of specific Universal intellectual property. This one features How to Train Your Dragon.
July 2026 price (no park view): $1571 nightly.
July 2026 price (park view): $1789 nightly.
Celestial Suite
Somehow cheaper than a deluxe room and a king suite half its size. Plus it has park views. Go for it? It’s literally only $200 more expensive than a standard room. Might as well.
July 2026 price: $1833 nightly.
Presidential Suite
A 1500 square foot apartment should be about 4 times the cost of a standard room. This one is about half. Go for it?
July 2026 price: $2459 nightly.
You guys, that was a rough section to write about. Not even gonna lie. Phew this hotel is a mess.
Helios Grand Hotel Dining
UNLOCKED TIP: While we always list the hours of restaurants we review, the restaurant hours at the Helios Grand have changed multiple times since its opening. Make sure to check the website links below to confirm the hours before you go.
Flora Taverna
- What: Table service all day restaurant
- Where: Off the main lobby
- Breakfast: 7AM to 11AM
- Lunch: 12PM to 2PM
- Dinner: 5PM to 10PM
Flora Taverna is the morning to night, three meals a day offering at the Helios Grand. Every Universal Orlando Resort on-site hotel has one. Flora Taverna is located off the left side of the main lobby, across from the Aurora Market.
Curiously, for now, this one is closed between meals. Which is not usually the case for this type of restaurant. The hours are a bit misleading, however. Because the full bar is open all day (think mimosas for breakfast … you’re on vacation) and you can order bites from the restaurant at the bar.
The décor at this restaurant is lush, clean, and fresh. Very Mediterranean. The meals we were delicious but very expensive. My breakfast was $31.
Click here to explore the Flora Taverna menu.
RELATED: Click here to read our gluten free guide to the Helios Grand Hotel.
Lotus Lagoon
- What: Bar and small eats table service
- Where: Poolside
- Bar: 11AM to 11PM, daily
- Food: 11AM to 10PM, daily
Lotus Lagoon is the poolside bar and restaurant at the Helios Grand. It’s located on the other side of the hotel from EPIC Universe. (And it actually backs up to Dark Universe. You can see Darkmoor from the pool.) It’s also a hike to get there.
We went to Lotus on our last day while we waited until it was time to go to the airport, and it blew us away, frankly. If melting Florida heat didn’t bother us, it would probably our favorite venue at this hotel. It’s definitely the one aspect of the hotel we have no complaints about. Well, the prices are still high. But everything else is great.
Food & Drink
The bar is huge. Bigger than any other luxury on-site hotel bar by a pretty big chunk. (The Endless Summer Resorts have big bar areas, but they don’t serve food.) The beauty of this hotel’s theming really comes through at this venue. It’s all stars and gold, which is just luxurious-feeling and very pretty. The pool isn’t huge and doesn’t have water slides or other gimmicks, but it does feel very high end and there is a ton of seating among the lounge chairs, tables, and cabanas.
The restaurant has a pretty big menu of similar items that you find at Bar Helios and Flora Taverna. The bar has specialty themed cocktails and frozen drinks.
Click here to explore the Lotus Lagoon menu.
Bar Helios
- What: Bar and small eats table service
- Where: On the top floor of the hotel, access via elevator
- Bar: 4PM to 12AM (1AM on Saturday and Sunday), daily
- Food: 4PM to 11PM, daily
UNLOCKED TIP: At this time you need a reservation to get into this restaurant. Even if that changes, I highly recommend it. This place is in serious demand because of its views.
Bar Helios is getting all the love and attention during the new EPIC Universe press push because it’s located at the top of the Helios Grand, and it has 360 views. Who doesn’t love that? All the bar offerings at the new EPIC Universe campus have an impressive list of original themed cocktails, and Bar Helios is no different.
We checked this place out during the day and at night. We recommend doing that because the views at both times are spectacular. Just go up for one drink if the prices are turning you off (they will).
The inside of this bar is gorgeous, but the draw is obviously the views. So try to get a table on the patio. The seating options across the board are great. Outside there are big comfortable cushioned chairs that we sat in.
UNLOCKED TIP: If you’re only going to go to Bar Helios once, do it at night. EPIC Universe was built for the night views, and they are incredible.
This menu is limited to bar eats, so there aren’t a ton of options. They offer lots of seafood options, a beef skewer, and cheese plates. And yes, it’s incredibly expensive.
Crowds
This place was BOPPING when we came off the elevator around 10:30PM, but it wasn’t that boisterous once we sat down in our own little corner.
We went during the day right at the 4PM opening (we guess you could call it rope dropping?). It was considerably less crowded than at night, but there was a line already formed in the elevator bank waiting for the doors to open.
Click here to explore the Bar Helios menu.
Aurora Market
- What: Grab and go
- Where: Off the main lobby
- Hours: 6AM to 11PM, daily
When we stepped into this barely-standing-room-only grab and go market, it was the first time we knew we would never love the Helios Grand. It was a sad realization.
Every Universal Orlando on-site hotel has a grab and go market that’s open most of the day. The Aurora Market is located on the right side of the (also small) Helios Grand main lobby.
There is seating on the back patio of the hotel overlooking EPIC Universe where you can eat your meals. Or take it to go, obviously.
Food & Drink
This market is quite small by Universal Orlando on-site hotel standards and mostly taken up by the coffee bar. The grab and go options are hot sandwiches throughout the day (breakfast and non breakfast), and dry goods like cereal and chips. They also have gelato.
For drinks, they have standard canned and bottled drinks, including water, energy drinks, milk, juice, and soda, plus canned/bottled alcoholic beverages. These include beer, wine, Cutwater Cocktails, various hard seltzers, and Aperol Spritz. They are heavy on the Aperol at Helios Grand. It’s everywhere.
There is also a Coke Freestyle machine. This means you can buy your Coke Freestyle mug (if you want one) at the hotel and avoid having to search one out in the parks.
UNLOCKED TIP: If you have purchased a Coke Freestyle mug, you can definitely use it here, but don’t forget that you can also just use the machine to fill up water bottles instead of purchasing expensive bottled water over and over. Buy one or two bottles and fill them up here.
RELATED: Click here to get more Unlocked Tips about Coke Freestyle and other Universal Orlando travel hacks in our Unlocked Tips and FAQ post.
Room Service
- What: Room service
- Where: Your hotel room
- Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Room service is available at this and every Signature Collection hotel. At the Helios Grand the options are pulled from all food options at the hotel. You can use the tablet in your guest room to order from the in room dining menu.
UNLOCKED TIP: Don’t be afraid to order room service because you have a food restriction. They’re great about it.
Dietary Accommodations at the Helios Grand
The Mediterranean theming at the Helios Grand is mostly a good fit those with dietary restrictions, especially those guests who are gluten free. (Not so much for guests with shellfish or other seafood allergies.)
RELATED: Click here to read our gluten free guide to ten (10) safe places to eat at Universal Orlando’s north campus.
The Helios Grand takes the same approach to allergen safe dining as the rest of Universal Orlando Resort. The minute you mention a food restriction to your server, they are on top of it.
Protocols for safe meal preparation are in place and well-practiced at each restaurant. We were underwhelmed with the allergy protocols and grab and go options at Aurora Market. But the other three (3) restaurants had very solid options and protocols.
RELATED: Click here to read more about Universal Orlando Resort’s dietary accommodation policy in our 2026 Ultimate Planning Guide.
Amenities
Universal Orlando Store
The Helios Grand Hotel has one (1) shop, the Universal Orlando Store. Every on-site hotel has one. (To compare, Portofino Bay, the cheaper hotel of the two, has six (6).)
Dedicated EPIC Universe Entrance
The other big draw about this hotel. The dedicated entrance is located on the right side hallway across from the elevator bank and Universal Orlando Store. It has the standard metal detectors that you’re required to pass through at every Universal Orlando park entrance.
Pool
The Helios Grand has a single pool. (By comparison, the cheaper Portofino Bay has three (3).) It’s located off to the right as you enter the lobby from the porte-cochère. There are no water slides or other resort style offerings at this pool. But there is one hot tub, cabanas for rent, and plentiful other seating.
Video Game Arcade
Every Universal Orlando on-site hotel has their own version of a video arcade. The Helios Grand’s arcade is located off the right side hallway with all the other amenities including the business center, fitness center, resort shop, and resort pool. It’s just a normal game arcade. But if you or your kids love video game arcades, it might be right up your alley!
Fitness Center
The fitness center is relatively large for a hotel gym and well stocked. There are treadmills, bicycles, ellipticals, a free weight area, and a weight machine area. We’d rather get our workouts at the parks, but to each their own!
There is a locker room connected to the fitness center that has showers and changing rooms.
UNLOCKED TIP: The workout machines at the fitness center face a window that looks out over EPIC Universe, if you need extra motivation to use them.
Groups and Events
Away from the Universal Orlando and tourist offerings, the Helios Grand also offers over 4500 square feet of event space.
Click here to explore the Helios Grand as an events venue.
Convenience Amenities
Luggage Storage
This one is important. Don’t waste a day of your trip sitting around waiting for your check in or check out time. Store your luggage and spend that time exploring the resort. This is especially important if you booked a Universal Orlando vacation package. Because your tickets will be valid the day of arrival and the day of departure.
Laundry Service
The hotel has both self-service washers and dryers, as well as valet laundry service.
Business Center
The hotel’s business center is located down the right side hallway off the main lobby. This side also houses the Universal Orlando Store, the Aurora Market, and the hotel’s sole elevator bank. It’s just a standard business center.
Texting Service
This is hardly new anymore as many hotels across the world employ it, but the Helios Grand has a texting service that you can use instead of calling the front desk. They will send you a welcome text when you check in, and after that if you need anything or have any problems, just text the chain. It’s very helpful and convenient.
Universal Planning Center
Every Universal Orlando on-site hotel has a Universal Vacation Planning Center. The Helios Grand’s is located across from the check in desk in the main lobby. The planning centers are important because it’s where you pick up your park tickets from your vacation package. They also have any and all other park needs covered. You can buy any other passes there, including special event tickets like Halloween Horror Nights.
Door Dash/Instacart
You can have food or groceries delivered to the hotel. Pick up food from delivery apps outside the main lobby at the porte-cochère.
Helios Grand Hotel FAQ
Helios Grand Accommodations
If you’re willing to pay roughly a grand a night for EPIC Universe views and a dedicated EPIC Universe entrance, yes. If you’re not, no. This is a mid-level hotel with luxury hotel prices.
Read about them here. They are small and expensive. (But pretty.)
Yes. Read about them here.
The Helios Grand opened in April, but you will still catch team members putting on finishing touches, such as painting. Take care.
Universal Orlando Resort
Yes. Read about them here.
No. Despite the prices, the Helios Grand is not a premier level resort and therefore does not include the Unlimited Universal Express Pass.
Yes. At the Universal Orlando Store off the main lobby.
Yes, at the Universal Planning Center in the main lobby.
The Helios Grand Hotel has a dedicated EPIC Universe theme park entrance inside the hotel. To reach the north campus parks (Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, and CityWalk Orlando), you have to take the shuttle bus. You can catch it on the opposite side of the hotel from EPIC Universe.
Helios Grand Amenities & Activities
Yes, read about the single pool here.
Yes.
No.
Yes.
Yes.
Yes.
The overnight guest rate is the same as the other Universal Orlando on-site hotels. But the day parking rates are extremely expensive. Read more here.
Helios Grand Dining
There are four (4) restaurants at the Helios Grand, plus in room dining. An all day casual dining venue, a poolside venue, an all day market and coffee shop, and a rooftop bar. Read more here.
Yes, of course. They are great at it. Read more here.
The Aurora Market off the main lobby has a coffee bar.
Yes, at the Aurora Market.
Yes.
Not the same pizza delivery that other on-site hotels have (e.g., Cabana Bay Beach Resort). Instead, you can order from in room dining.
Yes. Aurora Market sells liquor, wine, beer, and hard seltzers.
Conclusion
Thanks for reading! Make sure to bookmark this post while you’re considering the Helios Grand Hotel for your next EPIC Universal Orlandos stay!
Staying at the Helios Grand Hotel definitely has its perks—there’s no denying the location inside EPIC Universe is incredibly convenient, and the early park access is a big win. But when it comes to overall value, your mileage may vary. For the price, we expected a little more in terms of amenities, polish, and that Signature-level wow factor.
If you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime EPIC Universe trip and want to be right in the center of the action, Helios might make sense. But if you’re weighing comfort, budget, and experience, there are other Universal hotels that could offer a better balance. Either way, now you’ve got all the details to make the choice that’s right for your trip.
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