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Last week I got to stay at the newest Universal Orlando resort – Universal’s Aventura Hotel! I loved my stay here and am so excited to share my full review with you. There are eight amazing hotels at Universal Orlando, each with its own great theming and personality. Aventura is a prime-value, boutique hotel, perfect for couples trips, honeymoons, but is also family friendly. Keep reading to find out more about Universal’s Aventura Hotel!
Universal’s Aventura Hotel Review
Universal Orlando Resort has eight amazing hotels, there is definitely one for every travel style and budget. On my first trip to Universal Orlando, I stayed at Loews Royal Pacific, which is a fabulous premiere hotel (which includes Unlimited Express pass for the length of your stay).
But if a premiere hotel doesn’t fit in your budget, a prime-value property like Aventura is a great option!
Aventura is a boutique, high-rise hotel with only 600 rooms. The style is urban, minimalist décor.
Where is Universal’s Aventura Hotel located?
Universal’s Aventura Hotel is located adjacent to Loews Sapphire Falls (a preferred property) and across the street from Cabana Bay.
From Aventura, you can take a long walk to City Walk and the parks, or take a resort bus to City Walk.
Aventura PRO-TIP: You can walk over to Sapphire Falls and take the water taxi to City Walk, just enter the lobby and head down to the lower level and out the back door.
From Aventura, you can also walk to Volcano Bay. Head around the back and go through security at the bus stop. Then keep walking down the path that goes under Universal Boulevard and over to Volcano Bay.
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Universal’s Aventura Hotel Rooms
On my recent stay, we were in a Skyline View Room on the 16th floor. I love the high floors for great views of the greater Orlando area.
Our room was well-appointed and had everything we needed for a great stay. Our room had two beds, although I’m pretty sure they were doubles. The bathroom had a tub/shower combo and toilet behind a pocket door. The sink and mirror were outside so two people can be getting ready at once.
The room (like all Universal Orlando hotels) had a mini fridge, coffee maker, and safe. There was a small desk, a little chair and three dresser drawers. The flat screen TV was controlled with an in-room iPad, which also controlled the thermostat, lights, and was equipped with all the park info you might need.
People always ask if Universal Orlando Hotel room have microwaves – they do not, but you can rent one for $15/day (subject to availability).
It looked like you could also use the ipad to order room service!
Other Aventura Hotel room options include –
- Standard Room or Deluxe (314 square feet vs 395 square feet)
- Kids Suite – 575 square feet and sleeps five with a separate sleeping area for the kiddies.
Restaurants at Universal’s Aventura Hotel
After a long park day, or if you want a quick breakfast in the morning, you want to have some on-site food options.
In the Aventura lobby, there is a Starbucks which has coffee but also all of its food offerings for a quick breakfast or lunch.
Behind Starbucks is the Urban Pantry where you can find stir fry bowls, and burgers and sandwiches. There are lots of tables and chairs, and comfy nooks to sit in.
In the lobby is also a bar, although when we visited in September 2021, it seemed to be closed in favor of Bar Sol, which is right outside the lobby by the pool area. Also worth noting that as of this writing, The Universal Dining Plan is still suspended. Who knows if it will come back?
And speaking of bars, the best part of Aventura is the rooftop bar – Bar 17, located on the 17th floor of the hotel.
This rooftop oasis is kid friendly, but serves up cocktails, wine, beer and small plates of food. PRO-TIP Ask your server for kid options – they made chicken fingers and fries for my daughter.
Hit up the rooftop at sunset, or after dark where you can also see fireworks from Disney!
Amenities at Universal’s Aventura Hotel
The Aventura is a great home base for exploring the Universal Orlando parks, but if you are sticking around the hotel there are some fun amenities on property.
The Aventura has a small pool area, with a hot tub, and splash pad for the little ones.
Adjacent to the pool area is a spot with some arcade games and a pool table.
Inside the lobby, you will find a Universal Orlando merch store and there is a car rental desk on site. This is perfect if you want to do a day trip to the east (or gulf side) beaches or even just explore the greater Orlando area.
If you have your own car or a rental, there is guest parking adjacent to the hotel. Note, there is a charge to park at all Universal Orlando Resorts.
A Universal trip can be exhausting (with the amount of walking one will do) but if you need your fitness fix, there is a large gym on the second floor.
Universal’s Aventura Hotel Review
Universal’s Aventura Hotel is small, but has everything you need for a comfortable stay!
I love the location and the price point. It’s one of the least expensive places to stay at Universal and there is no skimping on quality. It was really nice to walk to Volcano Bay and we took advantage of both the water taxi at Sapphire Falls and the bus transportation to City Walk. Both easy ways to get to the parks!
I really liked the rooftop restaurant and bar, this was THE BEST way to relax after a long park day. The rooftop is geared for adults, but is family friendly as well. Bistro 17 is open to the public so be sure to stop by even if you are not an Aventura guest.
I will continue to recommend Aventura to my clients and I know they will love their stay as much as baby girl and I did.
Have you stayed at Universal’s Aventura Hotel? What is your favorite Universal Orlando resort?
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I got to stay at Aventura for a yoga meet up and absolutely loved the rooftop bar area! The sunset was stunning. It’s such a unique hotel on property and very different than the others. It’s larger than a boutique hotel but they did a wonderful job making it feel intimate. The windows were my favorite part of the room!
wow. that is awesome that you got to stay there! yes, I should mention in my article the windows are floor to ceiling!
This trip looks amazing, I’m jealous because I live in Canada and could really use some beach and sun. This article has definitly inspired me to head south next winter.
do it! Florida is the best!
This is great!! i actually want to go to Universal, I am still not sure when but this is very helpful!
What a fun hotel near Universal I always feel like it gets overlooked because of Disney but it is such a fun theme park too.