Before I went to Orlando last month for the Universal Stella Nova Resort‘s opening, I wondered what, if anything, this hotel would show this hardcore Disney fan that would impress me so much that I’d want to return. I couldn’t imagine that I’d enjoy my 3-night stay as much as I did, and today, I will share a few ways that it won me over.
The last time I had the opportunity to stay at a hotel on its opening night was when Disney’s Riviera Resort opened in December 2019. It doesn’t feel like it was that long ago, but the last five years have really flown by. For those who aren’t aware, Riviera is a Disney Vacation Club Resort, so it’s in the Deluxe Villa category for Walt Disney World, whereas Stella Nova is in the Prime Value category for Universal – more like Disney’s Value Resorts.
The moment my rideshare pulled up to the resort, I knew it was going to be special. This is the first time I’ve seen metallic-like, beveled tiles on a hotel’s entire exterior, and they were just stunning. I pictured them spectacularly catching the Florida sun most of the year, but there was no sunshine to be had during my visit this time.
At all of the Value Resorts I’ve ever stayed in (mostly Disney), there is a fairly decent walk from where you can catch theme park transportation back to your hotel room. The bottom line, at least for me, is that at the end of the day, when I’m completely exhausted from walking all day in the theme parks, the last thing I’m in the mood for is another ten more minutes of walking from the bus stop to my room. While it is cooler in Central Florida after the sun goes down, it is still far hotter and more humid than I can deal with, on top of being drained. The bus transportation is just steps away from the front entrance of Stella Nova, and I’m hoping that it stays that way because it’s wonderful.
This hotel feels like a step up from a Value Resort to me because everything you need is all in the same building. From the lounge and dining to fitness and shopping, it’s all right there in the same space with one set of elevators, so your chances of getting lost are not high. Typically, the only way to get everything you could want in a hotel close by and within the same building is to stay at a fancier place. When I tell you that quality was not sacrificed at this hotel, I really mean it.
I didn’t even get the chance to experience the gorgeous pool area as the weather was cold and rainy during my entire stay. There is a bar area and another quick service restaurant out by the bar, but neither opened during my visit. I was perfectly content with what I had available to me, but keep in mind that I was traveling alone, and I don’t consider myself a high-maintenance type of person at all. Had the rest of my family been with me, I might be singing a different tune here.
Truthfully, I can’t say enough good things about my experience at Universal Stella Nova Resort. I am so excited that I’m flying back to Orlando when its sister resort, Universal Terra Luna Resort, opens in late March. The two might look exactly the same on the outside, but the restaurants and theming are all different on the inside, and I’m looking forward to sharing that with you next month!
