Helios Grand Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort

Overview

Helios Grand Hotel is one of the newest hotels at Universal Orlando Resort, opening alongside Epic Universe. It is Universal's highest-tier Signature Collection hotel, offering elevated elegance and upscale amenities. The hotel has a Mediterranean palace aesthetic with detailed lighting, floral decor, and a warm color palette carried throughout.

Location

Epic Universe Access The hotel's biggest selling point is its proximity to Epic Universe — it is literally built into the park. It looms over Celestial Park and features a dedicated private entrance just steps from the lobby. Security is on-site, and it takes roughly 30 seconds to 1 minute to walk from the hotel door into the park. Ideal for maximizing early park entry and convenient for mid-day breaks.

Other Parks & Transportation This hotel is not close to Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Florida, or Volcano Bay. All require bus transportation.

• Bus to CityWalk: ~15–20 minutes (budget 20 to be safe)
• No private walkway to IOA or USF (unlike Hard Rock Hotel)
• No private entrance to Volcano Bay (unlike Cabana Bay)
• Must go through main CityWalk security checkpoint for IOA and USF
• No free airport transportation — Universal Superstar Shuttle (Mears) available at extra cost

Rooms & Accommodations

Standard rooms are on the smaller side for a Signature Collection hotel — comparable to Royal Pacific and Sapphire Falls, not Portofino Bay or Hard Rock.

Park View Rooms — Highly recommended. Stunning, unobstructed views of Epic Universe day and night. Seeing the park lit up at night or waking up to it in the morning is described as a bucket-list experience.

Room Features

• iPad bedside tablet controls lights, blinds, and room settings
• Programmable curtains and lights (can be set to open automatically in the morning)
• Ample power outlets throughout
• Comfortable beds; comforters are on the lighter side — request extra blankets at front desk or via text service at check-in
• Fan produces strong white noise at higher settings
• Bathroom has a separate sink area from shower/toilet — convenient for groups
• Bathroom space is limited; may feel tight for larger parties

Dining & Food Options

Flora Taverna (Main Restaurant) Italian and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with both indoor and outdoor seating. Breakfast buffet and dinner service offered.

• Breakfast buffet: One set price, unlimited, made-to-order omelets available — food quality praised as excellent
• Dinner: Italian/Greek dishes with solid portions; pasta with red sauce is a standout
• Note: Bread and dipping sauce are NOT complimentary — ordered separately
• Great setting with views right alongside Epic Universe

Bar Helios (Rooftop Bar) Located on the hotel rooftop with panoramic views of Epic Universe. The nightly light show and fountain show audio is piped into the bar — a must-visit at night.

• Full views of the park from every angle
• Cocktail menu features adventurous, unique pairings — not great if you prefer classic drinks
• Drinks are expensive — check the menu online before ordering
• Standard orders (Old Fashioned, etc.) available even if not on the menu
• Cool interior with constellation-themed lighting

Aurora Market (Quick-Grab) Conveniently located near the lobby and the Epic Universe entrance.

• Breakfast sandwiches, drinks, and pre-packaged items
• Gelato station on-site
• Expect crowds in the morning as guests head into the park

Pools, Perks & Amenities

Pool Area

• Mediterranean-themed, spacious with ample seating
• Rentable cabanas available
• Poolside bar with drinks and light food
• Relaxed, adult-oriented atmosphere — no slides or splash zones
• Background music playing; no sandy beach element

On-Property Perks

• Early Park Admission: Especially powerful here — private Epic Universe access makes it effortless
• Free bus transportation to CityWalk (connects to IOA and USF) and directly to Volcano Bay
• Free package delivery: In-park purchases sent to the hotel, available up to 24 hours before checkout
• Gift shop on-site: Universal, Harry Potter, and Minions merchandise plus travel essentials
• Text service at check-in for room requests

Express Pass — Important Note Express Pass is NOT included and Universal has no current plans to add it. This mirrors Sapphire Falls, which is also Signature Collection without Express Pass.

• Hotels with Express Pass included: Hard Rock, Portofino Bay, Royal Pacific
• No current Epic Universe hotels are expected to offer Express Pass
• Upside: Pricing is expected to drop closer to Sapphire Falls levels over time

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Unbeatable proximity to Epic Universe — private entrance, 30-second to 1-minute walk
• Park view rooms offer a stunning, immersive experience day and night
• Beautiful Mediterranean palace atmosphere throughout
• Strong dining — Flora Taverna and Bar Helios are both standouts
• Bar Helios has arguably the best view of Epic Universe available anywhere
• Tech-forward rooms with iPad controls, smart curtains, and programmable lighting
• Pricing expected to become more competitive as the newness settles

Cons

• Currently priced on the higher end as a new property
• No Express Pass included
• Standard rooms are smaller than other Signature Collection hotels
• Not convenient if spending most time at IOA, USF, or Volcano Bay
• No private entrance to IOA, USF, or Volcano Bay
• No free airport transportation
• Bar Helios cocktail menu is niche and expensive
• Pool lacks water play features for kids

Who Should Stay Here

Great fit for:

• Guests whose primary focus is Epic Universe
• Anyone wanting an upscale, elegant resort experience
• Guests looking to maximize Early Park Admission at Epic Universe
• Those who want a park view room for a truly memorable stay
• Adults or couples seeking a more relaxed pool environment

May not be the best fit for:

• Budget-conscious travelers
• Guests primarily visiting IOA, USF, or Volcano Bay
• Anyone who needs Express Pass included
• Families needing a larger room or kids' water play area
• Anyone not planning to visit Epic Universe

Final Thoughts

Helios Grand Hotel earns a spot in the reviewer's top three Universal Orlando hotels. The combination of a private park entrance, park view rooms, rooftop bar, and Mediterranean design make it unlike anything else on property. Dining is strong, the atmosphere is elegant, and the tech-forward rooms feel fresh and modern. The main trade-offs are the premium price, lack of Express Pass, and a location that only works in your favor if Epic Universe is your primary destination.