Universal Orlando’s Surfside Inn and Suites Review (2026)

Iconic Surfside sign in the lobby of Surfside Inn and Suites
Iconic Surfside sign in the lobby of Surfside Inn and Suites

We recently stayed at Surfside Inn and Suites at the Universal Orlando Endless Summer Resorts, and we can’t say enough good things about it. Keep reading this Surfside Inn and Suites review and guide to find out if this chilled out, beach town, budget option is for you.

BOTTOM LINE: If you have no problem taking the resort shuttle bus to and from CityWalk Orlando, Surfside is the best on site hotel at Universal Orlando. This is a budget conscious resort that makes you feel like you’re living your best beach vacation life. It’s great for families, couples, friends, and solo travelers.

If you’re looking for an affordable way to stay on property at Universal Orlando Resort without sacrificing vacation vibes or convenience, Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites is an excellent option.

Budget Option Bliss

With nightly rates typically ranging from $100–$200, Surfside delivers incredible value, especially for families and larger groups. From the surf inspired rooms to the relaxing pool (complete with a poolside bar and excellent beach vibes), a cafeteria, and a Starbucks, this hotel punches well above its price point.

Front entrance of Surfside Inn and Suites
Front entrance of Surfside Inn and Suites

Surfside feels like a hotel that understands the assignment. It’s clean, relaxed, thoughtfully themed, and manages to feel like a vacation destination instead of just a place to sleep between park days. And while it’s the furthest Universal on site hotel from the parks, we think it’s well worth the few extra minutes on the shuttle.

In fact, if Universal Orlando secretly raised the room rates by $20 per night and told everyone it was a Preferred hotel, most guests probably wouldn’t question it.

In this full Surfside Inn and Suites review and guide, we’ll walk you through the rooms, amenities, dining, and exclusive park perks so you can decide whether this Endless Summer Resort is the right fit for your next Universal Orlando trip!

RELATED: Click here to check out our reviews and probably offensive opinions of other Universal Orlando on site hotels.

Overview: What Is Surfside Inn and Suites?

The Endless Summer Resorts—opened in 2019 (Surfside) and 2020 (Dockside)—are the newest on site hotels on (or near) the north campus. Seventh (7th) and eighth (8th), respectively, they were the first on site hotels to be built further from the north campus parks with no access to the river that runs through the north campus resort.

The Endless Summer Resorts comprise two (2) sister hotels located a short distance away from the main campus that houses the other north campus on site hotels as well as Universal Studios Florida theme park, Islands of Adventure theme park, CityWalk Orlando, and Volcano Bay water park.

That distance is the tradeoff Universal made to bring truly budget friendly hotel pricing to the resort. The good news is that the dedicated shuttle service does an excellent job connecting guests to the parks, and the savings can be substantial compared to many of the other on site hotels.

Atmosphere at Surfside Inn and Suites

Seating in the main lobby at Surfside Inn and Suites
Seating in the main lobby at Surfside Inn and Suites

Unlike Dockside Inn and Suites across the street, which is very boisterous and busy, Surfside Inn and Suites is known for its quieter, more relaxed atmosphere. If staying out of the way and avoiding crowds is for you, Surfside might be perfect.

While the two hotels share many similarities, they have developed very different personalities over the years. Dockside often feels like a bustling convention of families trying to maximize every vacation dollar. Surfside feels more like a laid back beach hotel in a small beach town.

Surfside Inn and Suites is the smaller of the two (2) Endless Summer Resorts. It has a single pool, a single pool bar, a lobby Starbucks, and one (1) cafeteria.

For some guests, fewer amenities may sound like a negative. In practice, it often means shorter walks, fewer crowds, and a more relaxed pace. There is something to be said for being able to get from your room to coffee without embarking on a small expedition.

RELATED: Click here to read about the evolution of Universal Orlando on site hotels and Universal Orlando’s north campus.

Surfside has a basic exterior, a feature of the budget nature of the hotel. This is different from some other on site hotels, which have deliberately themed exteriors. But there’s tons of fun to be had inside.

The hotel leans heavily into its surf culture theme once you step through the doors. Bright colors, beach inspired artwork, and a casual coastal atmosphere help create the feeling that you’re on a Florida beach vacation rather than a budget hotel located off a busy Orlando roadway.

RELATED: Click here to read our review and guide of Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Universal Orlando’s first on site hotel.

Main Lobby at Surfside Inn and Suites

Main lobby at Surfside Inn and Suites
Main lobby at Surfside Inn and Suites

The main lobby at Surfside Inn and Suites holds the check in desks, concierge, Universal Vacation Planning Center, a Starbucks, and a Universal Studios Resort store.

The lobby is not nearly as grand as what you’ll find at Portofino Bay, Sapphire Falls, or Royal Pacific. Then again, that’s not what Surfside is trying to be. The space is bright, functional, and easy to navigate. Everything you need is right there without requiring a map, a compass, or a 15-minute walk.

Holidays at Surfside Inn and Suites

Like every other Universal Orlando on site hotel, Surfside Inn and Suites thoughtfully decorates for the holidays in November and December. Most on site hotels are also getting into the Halloween Horror Nights spirit in September and October.

While the holiday displays are not as elaborate as some of the premier hotels, Surfside does a nice job bringing festive energy into the public spaces. It’s one of those little touches that reminds you Universal treats even its budget hotels as part of the overall vacation experience rather than simply a place to sleep.

Should You Stay at Surfside Inn and Suites?

Depending on what you’re looking for, Surfside might be the perfect fit for you and your family (or just you!) for your 2026 (and beyond!) vacation.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Endless Vacation Vibes

The theming at Surfside (and Dockside for that matter) doesn’t hit you over the head, but we still feel transported to the coast every time.

Some hotels spend millions of dollars trying to create a vacation atmosphere. Surfside mostly accomplishes it with bright colors, surfboards, beach photography, and a generally laid back attitude. It works surprisingly well.

Decor at Surfside Inn and Suites
Decor at Surfside Inn and Suites
They’re Easy on Your Wallet

Both Dockside Inn and Suites and Surfside Inn and Suites are the most budget friendly on site hotels at Universal Orlando.

For many families, staying on site at Universal Orlando feels out of reach until they discover the Endless Summer Resorts. The price difference between Surfside and some of the Signature Collection hotels can literally be hundreds of dollars per night.

UNLOCKED TIP: Dockside Inn and Suites is consistently cheaper than Surfside Inn and Suites, despite having more amenities. People are willing to pay more for the quieter atmosphere at Surfside.

Exclusive Theme Park Benefits

We always recommend staying on site because we think the perks are too good to pass up.

You can stay at one of the Endless Summer Resorts for as cheap or cheaper than the chain motel down the street. Plus you get all the Universal Orlando perks of staying on site.

Those benefits include Early Park Admission, resort wide charging privileges, complimentary transportation, merchandise delivery, and the ability to fully immerse yourself in your vacation instead of battling Orlando traffic every morning.

Family Suites

Endless Summer standard rooms are similar in size to every other on site hotel except for Portofino Bay. However, each hotel offers family suites that allow for bringing those bigger groups to Universal Orlando on a budget.

The family suites are one of the biggest reasons larger families love the Endless Summer Resorts. Trying to squeeze five (5) or six (6) people into a standard hotel room is a strategy best left to people appearing on reality television.

It’s on the New Side

Surfside Inn and Suites opened in 2019 and still feels very new.

While six (6) years may not sound particularly new, many Orlando hotels have been hosting guests for decades. Surfside still feels fresh, clean, and well maintained compared to many similarly priced hotels in the area.

Decor at Surfside Inn and Suites
Decor at Surfside Inn and Suites

Cons

Depending on your needs and priorities, these cons may not be cons at all.

Resort Shuttle

You have to take the shuttle to all parks, other on site hotels, and CityWalk. Endless Summer does not have access to the river or a water taxi.

For some guests, this is a complete non issue. For others, it is the single reason they choose a different hotel. If you love the convenience of walking paths and water taxis, Endless Summer probably is not your ideal fit.

Basic Accommodations

The rooms at Surfside are not so much a “con” as just … you get what you pay for. The rooms are not carpeted or overly fancy. But as we mention above, they are not really any smaller than more expensive on site options.

The hotel does a very good job of spending money where guests notice it most. The rooms are clean, comfortable, and functional. You simply won’t find marble bathrooms, luxury finishes, or elaborate theming here.

Fewer Dining Options

Until the south campus (EPIC Universe) budget hotels opened, Surfside Inn and Suites had the fewest dining options of all on site hotels. (Stella Nova Resort and Terra Luna Resort came along in 2025 and made Surfside look like the lap of luxury.)

Except for Cabana Bay Beach Resort, each budget (or “value”) on site hotel has a single cafeteria and grab and go combo restaurant. It’s just the single venue, but it has tons of food options, both for the average guest and also any guest with dietary restrictions.

The good news is that Universal has gotten very good at designing these food courts. There is far more variety available than the term “cafeteria” would suggest.

Exclusive Universal Orlando On Site Perks

There are both pros and cons to Surfside park benefits. While Endless Summer Resorts give guests access to the amazing exclusive perks, they do not include the perks that you would get with the Signature Collection hotels.

RELATED: Click here to discover the exclusive benefits at each Universal Orlando on site hotel in our 2026 Universal Orlando Planning guide.

Benefits at Every Universal On Site Hotel

As a hotel in Universal Orlando’s Value tier, Surfside Inn and Suites includes every basic on site hotel exclusive benefit, including:

  • Early Park Admission: Access to select attractions at Universal Orlando theme parks up to an hour early with valid theme park admission.
  • Complimentary Transportation: Shuttle buses provide convenient access to all Universal Orlando theme parks and Universal CityWalk Orlando.
  • Resort-Wide Charging Privileges: 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 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 Studios Store: Like every on site hotel, Surfside Inn and Suites 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.
  • Universal Vacation Planning Center: Each on site hotel has its own on site Vacation Planning Center where you can pick up your park tickets from your vacation package and purchase any other Universal Orlando tickets and passes, or make any reservations, you need.
View of Islands of Adventure from Surfside Inn and Suites
View of Islands of Adventure from Surfside Inn and Suites

Exclusive Theme Park Benefits: What’s Missing?

While Surfside Inn and Suites offers the same exclusive park benefits as every budget hotel offering at Universal Orlando, it is missing some premier benefits.

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 (jump link) to read some hard numbers on its value.
  • Water Taxi Service: Every premier tier hotel at Universal Orlando (plus Sapphire Falls Resort) 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 only way to get to Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida is via the shuttle that services Universal budget hotels.
  • Priority Seating at Resort Restaurants: Show your room key at restaurants across the resort and skip the walk in guest line.

Because Surfside is not a premier level resort, it does not offer any of these benefits.

Surfside Inn and Suites Price Comparison

As long as you don’t want express passes and don’t mind the resort shuttle, there isn’t really any downside to Surfside.

The Surfside Numbers: Is It Worth It?

The Endless Summer Resorts are the best priced hotels across the resort for the budget conscious and still come with excellent theme park benefits.

For many guests, Surfside occupies a sweet spot that simply doesn’t exist at most theme park destinations. You get the convenience and perks of staying on site without the sticker shock that can accompany some of Universal Orlando’s higher tier hotels.

Decor at Surfside Inn and Suites
Decor at Surfside Inn and Suites

Do not stay here and buy Universal Express Unlimited for everyone in your party. If you plan to buy Express Passes, stay at a premier resort. They pay for themselves.

This is one of the biggest mistakes we see guests make when planning a Universal Orlando vacation. They focus on saving money on the hotel room and then spend thousands purchasing separately what the premier hotels include for free.

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 Surfside, buying the Unlimited Universal Express Pass for 3 days can set you back over $4,000.

At that point, the math starts getting very awkward.

Otherwise, it’s a great hotel for a great price with great access to the parks. For guests who plan to rope drop, use Early Park Admission, take advantage of the shuttle system, and spend most of their time in the parks, Surfside is one of the strongest values anywhere at Universal Orlando Resort.

RELATED: Click here to compare Universal Orlando on site hotel benefits in the easy reference chart in our 2026 ultimate Universal Orlando planning guide.

Travel and Surfside Inn and Suites

Travel to Surfside Inn and Suites

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.

Unlike many of the other on site hotels, arrival at Surfside tends to be pretty straightforward. There are no sprawling resort grounds to navigate and no mystery elevator systems to decode. You pull up, check in, and start your vacation.

If you bring a vehicle to the hotel (rented or otherwise), you have two options, self-parking and valet. The prices are:

  • Self parking: $26 per day.

If you are not staying at the hotel but want to park there for the day the prices are (30 minutes complimentary):

  • Self parking: $53

You can also pay to park an RV at Surfside for $80 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. Once you’re on property, Universal does a pretty good job moving you around without one.

Travel to and from the Parks

Resort shuttle at Surfside Inn and Suites
Resort shuttle at Surfside Inn and Suites

The Universal Orlando Resort shuttle bus will take you to EPIC Universe, Volcano Bay water park, and CityWalk Orlando. From CityWalk, you will enter the north campus parks, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.

This is the biggest difference between Endless Summer and the rest of the Universal Orlando hotel lineup. There is no walking path. No water taxi. There is only the shuttle bus.

Fortunately, the shuttle system is reliable, runs frequently, and is generally much less of an inconvenience than people imagine when they first book the hotel. The ride itself is only a few minutes.

The bus will drop you off at the shuttle 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 park shuttle will drop you at the Volcano Bay bus depot. The EPIC Universe shuttle will drop you at the EPIC Universe shuttle depot.

Resort shuttle at Surfside Inn and Suites
Resort shuttle at Surfside Inn and Suites

The biggest downside is simply that you lose some flexibility. At hotels like Sapphire Falls, Royal Pacific, and Portofino Bay, you can decide on a whim to walk back to your room or jump on a water taxi. At Surfside, you’re operating on Team Shuttle.

That said, for the amount of money most guests save by staying here, we’re willing to make that sacrifice most of the time.

UNLOCKED TIP: The shuttle depot at Surfside is just outside the Tower 1 elevator bank. You can see the shuttle from inside, so unless there is a line, we like to wait inside to avoid the Florida heat for as long as possible. The Florida sun has defeated stronger people than us. 😎

Surfside Inn and Suites Accommodations

Hallway in a guest room tower at Surfside Inn and Suites
Hallway in a guest room tower at Surfside Inn and Suites
Hallway in a guest room tower at Surfside Inn and Suites
Hallway in a guest room tower at Surfside Inn and Suites

As a budget hotel, Surfside offers mainly one standard guest room. However, unlike certain other Universal on site hotels, they do offer family suites.

Standard Room

As we mentioned, guest rooms are similar in size to most other Universal on site hotels. The biggest difference from the Signature Collection hotels is the lack of carpet. Each room comes equipped with a mini fridge, shower, free basic wifi, and an alarm clock. The decor is basic, but very cute and beachy/nautical themed.

Standard guest room at Surfside Inn and Suites
Standard guest room at Surfside Inn and Suites
Decor inside a standard guest room at Surfside Inn and Suites
Decor inside a standard guest room at Surfside Inn and Suites

Surfside does a nice job of making the room feel bright and cheerful without spending a fortune on elaborate theming. You’re not going to mistake it for Portofino Bay, but you’re also not paying Portofino Bay prices.

Standard guest room at Surfside Inn and Suites
Standard guest room at Surfside Inn and Suites
Standard guest room at Surfside Inn and Suites
Standard guest room at Surfside Inn and Suites

The hard flooring is also a surprisingly popular feature among many guests. It’s easier to keep clean, better for guests with allergies, and means you don’t have to wonder what happened to the carpet before your arrival. Some mysteries are best left unsolved.

Bathroom in a standard guest room at Surfside Inn and Suites
Bathroom in a standard guest room at Surfside Inn and Suites
Bathroom in a standard guest room at Surfside Inn and Suites
Bathroom in a standard guest room at Surfside Inn and Suites

UNLOCKED TIP: Ask guest services (via text service) for an extra blanket because the bedding is very thin.

You can also pay for a pool view if you want. For most guests, we don’t think a view upgrade is necessary at Surfside. This isn’t Sapphire Falls with a beautiful lagoon or Helios Grand overlooking a theme park. Save the money and spend it on Butterbeer.

Pool view from a standard guest room at Surfside Inn and Suites
Pool view from a standard guest room at Surfside Inn and Suites
Closet in a standard guest room at Surfside Inn and Suites
Closet in a standard guest room at Surfside Inn and Suites

Family Suites

Surfside offers 2-bedroom suites that sleep six (6). And the price still stays under $300 per night.

This is one of the biggest reasons families love the Endless Summer Resorts. Finding accommodations for six (6) people at Universal Orlando without booking multiple hotel rooms can get expensive very quickly.

The family suites provide a practical middle ground. Everyone gets a little more space, parents get a little more privacy, and the overall cost often comes in significantly below what you would pay for comparable accommodations elsewhere on Universal property.

For larger families, friend groups, or anyone traveling with teenagers who have suddenly decided they require their own sleeping space, the family suites are one of the best values at Universal Orlando Resort.

Dining at Surfside Inn and Suites

Beach Break Cafe

Entrance to Beach Break Cafe at Surfside Inn and Suites
Entrance to Beach Break Cafe at Surfside Inn and Suites
  • What: Cafeteria and Market
  • Where: Off the main lobby
  • Cafeteria Hours: 7AM to 11PM, daily
  • Market Hours: 7AM to 11PM, daily
Drinks at Beach Break Cafe
Drinks at Beach Break Cafe
Grab and go at Beach Break Cafe
Grab and go at Beach Break Cafe

Every budget hotel at Universal has this grab and go / cafeteria combo restaurant. You can order hot food or sandwiches at the counters.

Counters at the Beach Break Cafe
Counters at the Beach Break Cafe
Snacks at the Beach Break Cafe
Snacks at the Beach Break Cafe

And as for grab and go, you can grab water, soft drinks, beer, and wine there. Quick grab food options include chips, candy, cold sandwiches, charcuterie, desserts, and more. It also houses one set of the hotel’s Coke Freestyle machines. There are tables to eat there, or you can take it with you.

Gluten free fries from Beach Break Cafe
Gluten free fries from Beach Break Cafe
Gluten free burger from Beach Break Cafe
Gluten free burger from Beach Break Cafe

RELATED: Click here to read about Coke Freestyle and more Universal Orlando tips and tricks in our 2026 FAQ.

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 it to fill up water bottles instead of purchasing expensive bottled water over and over. Buy one or two bottles and fill them up here.

For a budget hotel cafeteria, Beach Break Cafe is surprisingly good. Universal has spent years refining these food court style venues, and it shows. The menu is large, the ordering process is straightforward, and there are enough options that most families can find something everyone will eat without starting a negotiation session.

Dietary Concerns

Gluten free selections at Beach Break Cafe
Gluten free selections at Beach Break Cafe

Beach Break Cafe will make food allergy people nervous. But they can safely make pizza, chicken tenders, burgers, breakfast, and more. The chef comes right out to speak with you about your food restriction and is very knowledgeable. Dietary restricted food comes in a marked box.

Gluten free quesadilla from Beach Break Cafe at Surfside Inn and Suites
Gluten free quesadilla from Beach Break Cafe at Surfside Inn and Suites

This is one of the reasons we continue to trust Universal Orlando with our celiac disease. The process is organized, the staff is well trained, and the protocols are consistent.

Click here to explore the Beach Break Cafe menu.

Sand Bar

Sand Bar poolside bar at Surfside Inn and Suites
The poolside bar at Surfside Inn and Suites
  • What: Poolside bar (no food service)
  • Where: Poolside
  • Hours: 11AM to 11PM, daily
Cocktail at the Sand Bar at Surfside Inn and Suites
Cocktail at the Sand Bar at Surfside Inn and Suites
Sand Bar at Surfside Inn and Suites
Sand Bar at Surfside Inn and Suites

The first time we stayed at the Endless Summer Resorts, we were shocked by how generously these budget hotel outdoor areas are stocked and decorated. These are the closest thing Universal Orlando on site hotels has to a “budget motel,” and yet it still feels like a very nice resort.

Surfside only has one (1) pool, and therefore one (1) pool bar. There is a beachy vibe cocktail menu, but it is also just a full bar where you can order what you want.

Sand Bar at Surfside Inn and Suites
Sand Bar at Surfside Inn and Suites
Sand Bar at Surfside Inn and Suites
Sand Bar at Surfside Inn and Suites

Most on site hotel pools are gated, so that if you aren’t staying there, you don’t have an amenities key, or the pool is closed, you will not be able to get in. But Sand Bar very specifically sits half in and half out of the gate. You can reach it without walking into the pool gate. We’re obsessed with this feature and think every pool bar should have it.

Night at the Sand Bar at Surfside Inn and Suites
The gate on the left swings out to close the pool
Sand Bar at Surfside Inn and Suites
Sand Bar at Surfside Inn and Suites

Need a frozen drink but don’t want to commit to an entire pool day? Sand Bar understands. They also have Coke Freestyle machines.

Coke Freestyle machine at Sand Bar at Surfside Inn and Suites
Coke Freestyle machine at Sand Bar at Surfside Inn and Suites

The poolside bar does not have food service, which is the budget part. We get our food from Beach Break Cafe and take it to the bar outside. The fans and the breeze are elite. You might end up staying all day.

Click here to explore the Sand Bar menu.

Starbucks

Outside the lobby Starbucks at Surfside Inn and Suites
Outside the lobby Starbucks at Surfside Inn and Suites
  • What: Starbucks
  • Where: Hotel lobby
  • Hours: 6AM to 10PM, daily

There is a lobby Starbucks at Surfside Inn and Suites.

Pizza Delivery

Pizza menu guide at Surfside Inn and Suites
The pizza menu guide at Surfside Inn and Suites
  • What: Pizza delivery service
  • Where: Your guest room or pick up from the cafeteria
  • Delivery: 4PM to 12AM, daily
  • Pickup: 11:30AM to 11PM, daily
Pizza from the delivery service at Surfside Inn and Suites
Pizza from the delivery service at Surfside Inn and Suites
Caesar salad from the delivery service at Surfside Inn and Suites
Caesar salad from the delivery service at Surfside Inn and Suites

Pizza delivery service is available at this and every budget hotel. It offers pizza and other pizza restaurant fare, like wings and salads. The menu and instructions will be in your room. You can order for delivery or pick up at Beach Break Café.

Click here to explore the Surfside pizza delivery menu.

Dietary Accommodations at Surfside Inn and Suites

RELATED: Click here to get our gluten free at Universal Orlando series that covers every single dining venue at Universal Orlando.

Surfside Inn and Suites takes the same approach to allergen safe dining as the rest of Universal Orlando Resort. The minute you mention a food restriction to the cafeteria, they are on top of it. Protocols for safe meal preparation are in place and well-practiced.

Gluten free dinner menu at Beach Break Cafe
Gluten free dinner menu at Beach Break Cafe
Gluten free breakfast menu at Beach Break Cafe
Gluten free breakfast menu at Beach Break Cafe

RELATED: Click here to read more about Universal Orlando Resort’s dietary accommodation policy in our 2026 Ultimate Planning Guide.

Amenities at Surfside Inn and Suites

Universal Studios Store

Universal Studios Store at Surfside Inn and Suites
Universal Studios Store at Surfside Inn and Suites

UNLOCKED TIP: There is Walgreens directly across the street from Surfside in case you need anything you can’t get at the resort shop.

The Walgreens across the street from Surfside Inn and Suites
The Walgreens across the street from Surfside Inn and Suites

Every hotel has a Universal merch shop. Surfside’s is located off the main lobby. These stores have last minute items like sunglasses, sunscreen, meds, umbrellas, ponchos, etc. They also have tons of merch from every land, including and especially Harry Potter merch. The selection is much more limited than the big stores at the parks, but sometimes they have unique items you won’t find anywhere else.

UNLOCKED TIP: Pop in here to grab lanyards and pouches to store your passes and room keys before you head to the parks.

Pool at Surfside Inn and Suites

As noted in the restaurant section of this guide, Surfside has a single pool and a single pool bar, Sand Bar.

Pool at Surfside Inn and Suites
Pool at Surfside Inn and Suites

The area feels noticeably smaller than its Dockside counterpart, but intentionally so. The vibe is less spring break and more relaxing beach trip to a small Caribbean caye. There is a walking path around the pool that takes you past a small lake (or large pond? We are not qualified to make that determination).

Like the rest of Surfside, the pool area feels scaled appropriately for the hotel. Nothing feels crowded or overwhelming. You can usually find a place to sit, relax, and pretend you don’t have a 7:00AM Early Park Admission alarm waiting for you tomorrow.

We have literally posted up at the Sand Bar for hours on end. It truly feels like the beach is just minutes away from you. The drinks are good, the people are nice. We couldn’t ask for anything more.

Poolside at Surfside Inn and Suites
Poolside at Surfside Inn and Suites

For a budget hotel pool, it punches far above its weight class. Universal could have easily treated this as a basic rectangle full of water and called it a day. Instead, it feels like a genuine vacation space that just happens to come with one of the lowest room rates at Universal Orlando Resort.

Video Game Arcade

Every Universal Orlando on site hotel has their own version of a video arcade. It’s just a normal game arcade. But if you or your kids love video game arcades, it might be right up your alley!

Sign inside Surfside Inn and Suites
Tower 2 sign inside Surfside Inn and Suites

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!

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 coin operated self-service washers and dryers.

Texting Service

Example of Universal Orlando hotel text service
Example of Universal Orlando hotel text service

This is hardly new anymore as many hotels across the world employ it, but Surfside 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 Vacation Planning Center

Check in desk and Vacation Planning Center at Surfside Inn and Suites
Check in desk and Vacation Planning Center at Surfside Inn and Suites

Every Universal Orlando on site hotel has a Universal Vacation Planning Center. Surfside’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.

Amazon Delivery/Door Dash/Instacart

Before and during the pandemic, you could reliably have packages, groceries, and food delivered to any on site hotel. This is still true in some cases, but the past couple years we have found that these services are spotty at best. Try it at your own risk.

Surfside Inn and Suites FAQ

Is Surfside Inn and Suites worth the price?

And then some! Like we say throughout this review, the Endless Summer Resorts are punching way above their price point.

What are the room options at Surfside Inn and Suites?

There are standard rooms and family suites. Read about them here.

Can I hold a business event at Surfside Inn and Suites?

No. Surfside does not have event space.

Decor at Surfside Inn and Suites
Decor at Surfside Inn and Suites

Universal Orlando Resort

Are there park benefits to staying at Surfside Inn and Suites?

Yes. Read about them here.

Does Early Park Admission come with my Surfside Inn and Suites Stay?

Yes.

Do you get Express Passes when staying at Surfside Inn and Suites?

No. Surfside is a budget offering and therefore does not include the Unlimited Universal Express Pass.

Can you buy Harry Potter merch at Surfside Inn and Suites?

Yes. At the Universal Studios Store off the main lobby.

Can you pick up your park tickets at the hotel?

Yes, at the Universal Vacation Planning Center in the main lobby.

How do you get to the Universal parks from Surfside Inn and Suites?

To reach the both the north campus parks (Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, and CityWalk Orlando) and the south campus park (EPIC Universe), you will take the resort shuttle bus. Look for the bus stop outside the hotel.

Surfside Inn and Suites Amenities and Activities

Are there pools at Surfside Inn and Suites?

Yes, read about the single pool here.

Does Surfside Inn and Suites decorate for the holidays?

Yes.

Is there a spa at Surfside Inn and Suites?

No. There is no longer a spa at any Universal on site hotel.

Is there a gym at Surfside Inn and Suites?

Yes.

Does the Surfside Inn and Suites have a business center?

No.

Does the Surfside Inn and Suites have a video arcade?

Yes.

How much is parking at Surfside Inn and Suites?

You can park at Surfside as a guest, a day visitor, and you can park an RV. Read more here.

Indoor and outdoor seating at the Beach Break Cafe
Indoor and outdoor seating at the Beach Break Cafe

Dining at Surfside Inn and Suites

Are there good dining options at the hotel?

Yes! Like most budget Universal on site hotels, Surfside has one (1) cafeteria and grab and go offering, one (1) pool bar with drinks only, one (1) lobby Starbucks, and pizza delivery service. Read more here.

Can Surfside Inn and Suites restaurants accommodate dietary restrictions?

Yes, of course. They are great at it. Read more here.

Does Surfside Inn and Suites have a Starbucks?

Yes.

Does Surfside Inn and Suites have a Coke Freestyle machine?

Yes, there is a set at the Beach Break Cafe main dining area, as well as at the Sand Bar pooside bar.

Does Surfside Inn and Suites have in room dining?

Surfside, along with every budget on site hotel offering, has a pizza delivery service. Read more here.

Can you buy alcohol at Surfside Inn and Suites?

Yes. Beach Break Cafe sells wine, beer, and hard seltzers.

Conclusion: Surfside Inn & Suites Review (2026)

Thanks for reading! Make sure to bookmark this page and come back when you’re ready to plan your incredible Universal Orlando Resort vacation.

The Endless Summer Resorts are consistently some of the most popular hotels at Universal Orlando Resort, and it’s easy to see why. Though they sit a little farther away from the parks, a quick shuttle ride will take you right to the action while keeping hundreds of dollars in your vacation budget.

Surfside Inn and Suites proves that “budget” doesn’t have to mean basic. With its relaxing atmosphere, beach vacation vibes, family friendly accommodations, and unbeatable value, it remains one of our favorite places to stay at Universal Orlando.

Would we love it even more if it had a water taxi? Of course. We are only human.

But if you can handle the shuttle ride, Surfside delivers one of the best values anywhere at Universal Orlando Resort. For families, couples, friend groups, and solo travelers looking to stretch their budget without sacrificing the on site experience, Surfside Inn and Suites is an easy recommendation.

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