Should you stay at Universal Orlando’s Aventura Hotel? We’re here to answer that question for you in this Aventura Hotel review and guide. In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about the hotel, from rooms and dining to amenities and location.
BOTTOM LINE: Aventura is a very minimalist budget option, but the prices are slightly raised by the location and the super cool rooftop bar. It’s on the same property as Sapphire Falls Resort, if you feel like taking advantage of their luxury amenities (including the water taxi). If you want luxury adjacent without the crazy prices, Aventura is the hotel for you.
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RELATED: Click here to read our reviews and probably offensive opinions of every other Universal Orlando on site hotel. As we always say, there is a fit for every single guest.
What is Universal’s Aventura Hotel? An Overview
Aventura exists in the nebulous “prime value” category that we still don’t fully understand. It opened in 2018 as the sixth (6th) Universal on site hotel. It is a high rise with floor to ceiling windows, whose most interesting feature by far is the rooftop bar.
Other than the rooftop bar, this is a strictly budget hotel option with the same basic amenities as Terra Luna and Stella Nova.
RELATED: Click here to read about the evolution of Aventura Hotel.
Immersive Theming: Minimalist Tech
Main Lobby
Everything at Aventura can be described as minimalist and sleek (another word for basic, if you’re a glass half empty kind of person). It has a dark concrete floor and minimalist seating. Like most Universal Orlando budget offerings, Aventura has a lobby bar and a cafeteria located off the lobby. Like all Universal Orlando hotels, it also has luggage storage and a Universal Vacation Planning Center in the lobby.
At the time of its opening in 2018, Aventura was sold as the on site hotel with the newest and greatest high tech features of all the hotels. Eight (8) years on, that claim is looking a little shabby. They have a robot, I’ll give them that. But other hotels are catching up with them in most tech areas. Aventura also boasts floor to ceiling windows that offer great views from high floor guest rooms. What’s left are good views, a good location, and not a lot else.
Bar 17 Bistro
The most interesting feature of Aventura Hotel is its rooftop bar, which offers 360 degree views of the surrounding area, including Universal Orlando’s north campus parks.
Bar 17 Bistro was the first rooftop bar to grace Universal Orlando Resort, a fact that it probably brags about now that the south campus has added a second. We personally prefer the rooftop at Aventura to the rooftop at the Helios Grand, but that’s a minority opinion. Bar Helios boasts direct views of the admittedly gorgeous EPIC Universe, especially at night.
We think Bar 17 Bistro holds its own, though. And it remains our favorite of the two.
RELATED: Click here to read our Helios Grand Hotel review and why we won’t be staying there again, despite its EPIC Universe views.
Sapphire Falls Property
The other interesting thing about Aventura Hotel is its location on the same property as Sapphire Falls Resort, which is a Signature Collection hotel located directly on the Universal river.
RELATED: Click here to read why we think Sapphire Falls is one of the best hotels at the resort.
With a five minute walk, you can access the luxury amenities at Sapphire Falls itself, plus its transportation options, which include the water taxi and walking path. Read more down in our transportation section.
Holidays at Aventura Hotel
Like all Universal Orlando on site hotels, Aventura gets into the holiday spirit in November and December (along with the theme parks) with festive Christmas decorations throughout the hotel. All Universal on site hotels have recently gotten into the Halloween Horror Nights spirit as well. See pictured.
Should You Stay at the Aventura Hotel?
RELATED: Click here to compare the cost and other amenities of all Universal Orlando on site hotels in our quick look on site hotel chart.
Pros & Cons
While we go into more detail about the benefits and drawbacks of staying at Aventura later in this article, a short list of pros and cons are below.
Pros
- Exclusive theme park benefits
- Rooftop bar, Bar 17 Bistro
- Floor to ceiling windows with views of Volcano Bay, Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Sapphire Falls Resort, CityWalk Orlando, Islands of Adventure, and Universal Studios Florida
- Location on the same property as Sapphire Falls Resort with access to both the water taxi and the walking path to CityWalk and the north campus theme parks
- Location next to Volcano Bay with a dedicated walking path to the water park
Cons
- Lack of any true identity
- Small rooms
- No premier hotel theme park benefits
- “Prime value” category cost
Aventura Hotel Price Comparison
RELATED: If you are looking to do Universal on a shoestring, check out our guide to the Endless Summer Resorts. They are, in our opinion, the best option for a budget Universal on site hotel stay. Click here for Surfside Inn and Suites, and click here for Dockside Inn and Suites.
As we mentioned at the top, Universal has a mysterious “prime value” category. This is where Aventura sits (as well as the new Terra Luna and Stella Nova Resorts on the south campus). They are consistently priced $30 to $60 per night above the standard budget hotels.
They cannot be mistaken for a Signature Collection hotel by any stretch, and they feel and look and act remarkably like a budget or “value” on site hotel. But something about them pulls them up a tier in Universal’s eyes, which ups the price for you.
For Aventura, this is undoubtedly the rooftop bar and the location on the same property as a Signature Collection hotel. It has the geographic access of a Signature Collection hotel and one Signature level amenity of its own, too.
At the end of the day though, Aventura’s own amenities place it firmly in the budget hotel category, while its hotel perks remain firmly in the lower tier. Read more on that below.
Universal Orlando Express Pass Unlimited
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.
RELATED: Click here to read more about the Universal Express Pass in our 2026 Ultimate Planning Guide.
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 Unlimited can run you up to $375 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 Aventura, buying the Unlimited Universal Express Pass for 3 days can set you back over $4,000. The math isn’t mathing. If skipping the regular lines is important to you, stay at a premier level hotel.
RELATED: Click here to read our review of Portofino Bay Hotel, a premier level resort and our favorite at Universal Orlando.
Exclusive Universal Orlando On Site Perks
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 Prime Value category hotel, Aventura 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 and water taxis provide convenient access to all Universal Orlando theme parks and Universal CityWalk.
- Resort-Wide Charging Privileges: Guests can use their room key for purchases throughout Universal Orlando Resort.
- Universal Vacation Planning Center: You can pick up your park tickets and purchase any other Universal Orlando tickets and passes, or make any reservations, you need.
- Universal Orlando 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.
- 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.
Exclusive Theme Park Benefits: What’s Missing?
While the Aventura Hotel offers the same exclusive park benefits as every budget hotel 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. Jump back up 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.
UNLOCKED TIP: We list this among things Aventura doesn’t have, strictly speaking, but when we mention location, this is what we’re talking about. Because Aventura sits on the same property as Sapphire Falls Resort, Aventura guests can walk five (5) minutes and access the Sapphire Falls water taxi (and walking path) to the north campus parks.
- Priority Seating at Resort Restaurants: Show your room key at restaurants across the resort and skip the walk in guest line.
Because Aventura is not a premier level resort, it does not offer any of these resort benefits.
Travel and the Aventura Hotel
Travel to Aventura Hotel
Whether you bring your own vehicle, rent a TURO or AVIS vehicle, use a rideshare service, 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: $30 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 per day
You’re going to experience similar 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.
Travel to and from the Parks
As we’ve already mentioned, Aventura sits in a unique position among the Universal on site hotels. The hotel itself does not have direct access to the Universal Orlando waterway (which gives guests access to both the water taxi and the walking path). But it is located steps from Sapphire Falls, which does have access to the river.
We think this is where its real value lies. It’s about $100 less per night than the neighboring river hotel (Sapphire Falls), but if you put in slightly more effort than Sapphire Falls guests, you can have the same transportation amenities.
UNLOCKED TIP: Keep in mind that no matter which entrance you use (CityWalk, water taxi, or walking path) you will still have to go through metal detectors to enter the resort. There is no way to get into the parks otherwise. Security sits at the entrance to CityWalk, both walking path gates, and each water taxi dock.
Sapphire Falls Transportation
If you choose to utilize Sapphire Falls transportation, you can take the 5-minute walk and either get on the water taxi to CityWalk Orlando and the north campus theme parks or continue along its walking path to CityWalk.
The water taxi is a boat that docks at Sapphire Falls Resort and takes you via the river to the CityWalk Orlando dock. From there it’s a quick hop to each of the Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida front gates. The water taxi is comfortable and breezy, and the views are amazing.
The walking path starts at Sapphire Falls, goes past the Royal Pacific Resort, and ends up at a gate next to Margaritaville at CityWalk Orlando. It has similarly amazing views to the water taxi, and you’ll probably watch several water taxis pass you as you walk.
Ambitious people probably choose to take the path for fun. People like us take the path only out of necessity. The water taxi service closes during inclement weather. You then have the option of the shuttle or the path.
UNLOCKED TIP: For Aventura (again, unique), there is also a dedicated walking path to Volcano Bay water park and Cabana Bay Beach Resort.
Aventura Transportation
If that seems like a lot of work to you, 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.
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.
UNLOCKED TIP: There is no water taxi option or walking path to the south campus and EPIC Universe. You must take the dedicated EPIC shuttle.
Aventura Hotel Accommodations
UNLOCKED TIP: Make sure to download the Universal Orlando official app. You can link your reservation and check in as early as 48 to 72 hours before your stay. There is a section where they specifically ask you for any special requests for your lodgings. The earlier you make them, the better your chances of getting the room location or features you want instead of choosing from whatever is left when you arrive. (And other guests are using this feature, so the chance of limited options is significant.)
One of the most fun things about Aventura is every room has floor to ceiling windows. The hotel offers standard rooms, deluxe rooms, and suites. This puts it, in our mind, a tier ahead of its “prime value” counterparts, the newly opened south campus budget hotels.
RELATED: Don’t miss our reviews of the new south campus budget hotels. Spoiler alert: we’re less than impressed. Click here for Terra Luna Resort and here for Stella Nova Resort.
Rooms
Standard Room
Standard queen rooms at Aventura Hotel are 315 square feet and have floor to ceiling windows on one side (standard king bed rooms clock in at 238 square feet). The decor is extremely basic and does not have a theme. As you can see pictured below, the rooms have a maroon/navy/grey color palette. There isn’t much to speak of otherwise. They were going for sleek, clearly.
Every room, including the standard rooms, has an iPad that controls the room’s functions and allows you to order room service from the limited pizza delivery menu.
Room Sizes Compared
At 315 square feet for standard queen rooms and 238 square feet for standard king rooms, Aventura falls directly within the average size for rooms at Universal on site hotels. Even Royal Pacific, Sapphire Falls, and Helios Grand (which are Signature Collection hotels) fall into this size category. The notable exceptions are the Hard Rock Hotel and Portofino Bay Hotel.
RELATED: Click here to read our review of the Hard Rock Hotel Orlando, another of Universal’s premier level river resorts.
Deluxe Room
Aventura offers deluxe rooms that are roughly 400 square feet in size. The amenities are otherwise the same as those in a standard room. We were lucky enough to be upgraded to a deluxe room on our recent stay, so all our accommodation pictures in this article are from a deluxe room, rather than a standard room.
Skyline View Room
Aventura is a high rise hotel, and as such it boasts incredible views from the higher floors. These are called Skyline View rooms, and we have to admit, our views of Volcano Bay and Cabana Bay Beach Resort were pretty incredible.
Suites
A normal “Kids Suite” at Aventura comprises one (1) king bed and two (2) twin beds separated by a curtain. It measures 575 square feet.
Aventura offers a “Kids Suite plus 2 Queen Bedroom” that measures 889 square feet and comprises one (1) king bed, two (2) twin beds, one (1) sleeper sofa, and an additional bedroom with two (2) queen beds. It sleeps nine (9). We’ve never seen it, but it sounds wild.
Dining at Aventura Hotel
Like other Universal Orlando budget hotel options, Aventura has a grab and go and cafeteria venue as its main all day restaurant offering, as well as a pool bar, a lobby bar, a Starbucks, and a short menu pizza delivery service. Unlike its budget hotel counterparts, it also has a Signature Collection offering—the rooftop bar called Bar 17 Bistro.
UNLOCKED TIP: Hours at all Universal Orlando Resort dining venues vary often and a lot of times the listed hours cannot be relied upon. Always double check the hours at check in.
Urban Pantry
- What: Cafeteria and grab and go venue
- Where: Off the main lobby
- Breakfast: 7AM to 11AM
- Lunch & Dinner: 11:30AM to 11PM
- Grab and Go: 7AM to 11PM
Every budget hotel at Universal Orlando has a single cafeteria style venue that also houses grab and go options. At Aventura it is called Urban Pantry. The menu skews Asian (they have a sushi bar), but American standards can also be found among the hot food stations.
Cafeteria
We had an incredible gluten free burger and fries at Urban Pantry from the dinner menu, and a really solid gluten free breakfast of waffles, bacon, eggs, and toast. The staff was incredibly helpful with our allergy order, and there is a dedicated area for preparing allergy friendly food.
There is a separate pizza and gelato station in the cafeteria where you can buy and pick up your pizzas if you prefer that instead of using pizza delivery to your room.
RELATED: Click here to read about Coke Freestyle and more Universal Orlando tips and tricks in our 2026 FAQ.
Grab and Go
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.
UNLOCKED TIP: If you have purchased a Coke Freestyle mug, you can use it here, but don’t forget that you can also just use the Coke Freestyle machines to fill up water bottles instead of purchasing expensive bottled water over and over. Buy one or two bottles and fill them up here.
BarVentura
- What: Lobby bar
- Where: Main lobby
- Hours: 5PM to 11PM
BarVentura is the standard lobby bar at Aventura Hotel. It is a small but cute full bar. Don’t forget you can get drinks to go and take them up to your room or elsewhere in the hotel.
Bar Sol
- What: Poolside bar
- Where: Poolside
- Hours: 11AM to 8PM
Bar Sol is a small bar only venue adjacent to the Aventura pool. Be careful with the hours for this one specifically. They are always listed as 11AM to 8PM, but we’ve seen it close as early as 6PM on multiple occasions. As such, we have never had a drink here.
It appears to offer the same basic experience as the lobby bar and other pool bars at Universal’s budget hotels.
Bar 17 Bistro
- What: Full service restaurant and bar
- Where: Rooftop of Aventura
- Food Service: 11AM to 10:30PM (11PM on Friday and Saturday)
- Bar Service: 3PM to 12AM (1AM on Friday and Saturday)
Bar 17 Bistro is the rooftop bar at Aventura Hotel. Take the dedicated express elevator to the seventeenth floor and explore the large rooftop and views in every direction. The menu skews Asian, and the drinks are amazing. So is the service.
This is a must do, either as a guest of Aventura or frankly a guest at any Universal hotel. Pop on over and take in the views with a nice cocktail.
Starbucks
- What: Starbucks
- Where: Main lobby
- Hours: 6AM to 5PM (6PM Friday and Saturday)
There is a traditional Starbucks in the Aventura lobby.
Pizza Delivery Service
- What: Pizza restaurant delivery
- Where: Your hotel room
- Hours: Unlisted
Pizza delivery service is available at this and every budget hotel. It offers pizza and other pizza restaurant fare, like wings and salads. They will also deliver select alcoholic beverages.
The menu and instructions will be in your room. You can order for delivery or pick up at Urban Pantry. You can order through the in-room iPad or by phone. We ordered by phone because of our allergy needs, and our pizza was great.
UNLOCKED TIP: Don’t be afraid to order room service because you have a food restriction.
Dietary Accommodations at Aventura Hotel
RELATED: Click here to read our series that reviews every single food venue at Universal Orlando Resort for celiac safety and gluten free options, including each on site hotel.
Aventura Hotel 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.
RELATED: Click here to read more about Universal Orlando Resort’s dietary accommodation policy in our 2026 Ultimate Planning Guide.
Amenities at Aventura
Pool at Aventura
Aventura has a relatively small pool with a hot tub and splash area, plus the adjacent Bar Sol. The pool itself is pretty basic, especially compared to some of Universal Orlando’s other hotel pools.
This is not a hotel we would choose specifically for a resort pool day.
Universal Studios Store
Every hotel has a Universal merch shop. Aventura’s is located off the lobby close to the check in desk. 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 at 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 tickets and room keys before you head to the parks.
Video Game Arcade
Every Universal Orlando on site hotel has its own version of a video arcade.
Fitness Center
The fitness center is relatively large for a hotel gym and well stocked. There are fitness machines, 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 on the day of arrival and on the day of departure.
Laundry Service
The hotel has credit and coin operated laundry facilities.
Text Service
All Universal Orlando Resort hotels have a texting service that you can use instead of calling the front desk. This is hardly new anymore as many hotels across the world employ it, but Universal was a pioneer in the field and has been using it for over a decade.
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. We used it several times during our stay at Aventura and found the service particularly good.
Universal Vacation Planning Center
Every Universal Orlando on site hotel has a Universal Vacation Planning Center. Aventura’s is located next to the check in desk in the main lobby. The planning centers are important because they’re where you pick up your park tickets from your vacation package.
They also have any and all other park needs covered. You can buy other tickets and passes there, including special event tickets like Halloween Horror Nights.
Food and Grocery Delivery
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 over the past couple years we have found that these services are spotty at best. Try it at your own risk.
Universal’s Aventura Hotel FAQ
Aventura Accommodations
Possibly! Aventura is a middle of the line up on site hotel, and it really depends what your party values. Read more here.
Aventura offers standard rooms, deluxe rooms, skyline view rooms, and suites. Read more here.
No, Aventura does not have event space at the hotel. However, they will direct you to their walking distance neighbor hotels, Sapphire Falls and Royal Pacific Resort, which have a combined event space of almost 250,000 square feet. Click on each hotel to read our reviews. Click here for more information on events.
See previous question.
No.
Universal Orlando Resort
Yes, many. Click here to read about them.
No. Preferred, Prime Value, and Value level Universal Orlando hotels do not include the Universal Express Pass Unlimited. Read more here.
Yes, at the Universal Orlando Store located in the hotel lobby.
Amenity hopping works in groups. All north campus river hotels plus Aventura and Cabana Bay Beach Resort are in one group (basically all north campus hotels excluding the Endless Summer Resorts). Go to the front desk of your chosen hotel, show them your Aventura room key, and they will give you a hospitality key to use at that hotel.
The other groups are the Terra Luna and Stella Nova sister hotels on the south campus, and the Endless Summer sister hotels. Helios Grand Hotel is not in a group and does not reciprocate amenities with any other hotel.
Yes. At the Universal Vacation Planning Center.
Click here to explore Aventura transportation.
Aventura Hotel Amenities & Activities
Yes, there is one (1). Read more here.
Yes. Decor can be seen throughout the hotel. Read more here.
No. Unfortunately, the Mandara Spa at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel closed in December 2024, and it was the only hotel spa on the Universal Orlando property.
Yes.
No.
Yes.
The hotel offers self parking and day parking. Check out pricing here.
Aventura Dining
Yes. There is a combo cafeteria plus grab and go, a lobby bar, a pool bar, a Starbucks, pizza delivery, and a full service rooftop bar and restaurant. Read more here.
Yes, of course. They are great at it. Read more here.
Yes.
Yes. Budget hotels all have Coke Freestyle machines both in the restaurant cafeteria and the pool bar.
Aventura, along with every budget on site hotel offering, has a pizza delivery service. Read more here.
Yes. All Prime Value and Value hotels offer pizza delivery service. Read more here.
Yes. Urban Pantry sells wine, beer, and hard seltzers. You can only get liquor at the hotel in drinks at sold at the bars.
Conclusion: Our Aventura Hotel Review and Guide for 2026
Thanks for reading! Make sure to bookmark this post if you’re thinking of staying at Aventura Hotel.
Click here to reach out if you have any questions or comments. We usually respond quickly!
At the end of the day, Aventura is a very minimalist budget option with a couple of features that push its price slightly above Universal’s standard value hotels. Bar 17 Bistro is easily the star of the show, with incredible views and one of our favorite nighttime atmospheres at Universal Orlando.
But Aventura’s location may be its biggest selling point. A quick walk puts you at Sapphire Falls Resort, where you can take advantage of its restaurants, bars, water taxi, and walking path to CityWalk and the north campus parks. You get to stay luxury adjacent without paying Signature Collection prices.
We still aren’t entirely convinced that Aventura’s own amenities justify its mysterious “prime value” designation. The pool is small, the hotel is extremely basic, and there isn’t much here that feels substantially more upscale than Universal’s cheaper hotels. But between the rooftop bar, excellent location, multiple room options, and easy access to Sapphire Falls, Aventura makes a much stronger case for itself than its south campus prime value counterparts.
If you want an immersive resort experience, this probably isn’t your hotel. But if you want a relatively affordable place to sleep with a great location and easy access to some much nicer amenities next door, Aventura might be one of the smartest value plays at Universal Orlando.
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