If you’re looking to take your Universal Orlando vacation to the next level, a stay at the brand-new Universal Helios Grand Hotel is the way to do it. This stunning resort has its own dedicated entrance into Celestial Park in Universal Epic Universe, which means you’re just a few steps away from all the action. Whether you’re heading into SUPER NINTENDO WORLD or exploring the magical The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic, being this close to the park makes it super convenient, and honestly, pretty magical.
Another one of the incredible perks of staying at Helios Grand is Early Park Admission to Universal Epic Universe. That means you can beat the crowds and hop on your favorite rides before the park opens to everyone else. It’s perfect for families who want to make the most of their day, or anyone who wants to get in a few laps on the popular attractions before the lines get long later in the day.
The hotel itself is just as epic as the park. The design is modern and elegant, with a celestial theme that feels both luxurious and fun.
Let’s step inside!
I loved having a desk plus an extra chair with a little table for my coffee, making it a lovely place to chill without being in front of my computer, tempting me to work. The warm lighting, sleek finishes, and lots of space to unwind after a day in the parks made the space so inviting.
I also appreciate having a refrigerator in the room so I can order groceries and keep them fresh during my visit. It feels like such a luxury to have my coffee creamer from home while I’m out of town in a hotel.
You’ll have plenty of room to unpack between the huge dresser drawers and the closet.
The bathroom area was also gorgeous and spacious, and I always love a walk-in shower. They really thought of everything here, especially with the corner shaving ledge.
There were nightlights in both bathroom areas, but for the life of me, I could not get them to turn off. Housekeeping was also stumped because they were supposed to shut off automatically, and they did not. The tablet on the night table had all the room controls, but they did not shut the lights off either. Engineering was called, but I ended up closing off that area at nighttime because it was too bright to sleep.
Speaking of that tablet, you could do just about anything, from ordering in-room dining to looking at theme park maps, requesting items from housekeeping, and setting the temperature on your thermostat. You could even sign in to your own Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, or YouTube (and more) accounts.
The rooms are comfy and spacious, and there are amazing views of Epic Universe (with a theme park view room), especially at night when everything lights up. If you don’t have a theme park view room, you can head upstairs to Bar Helios, where the view is mesmerizing. It’s the kind of place that feels like a vacation within your vacation. Something I found peculiar in the bar, as gorgeous as it was, was the placement of a rather chunky railing on the outside. If you were sitting at a table, the railing was right in the way of your view. Of course, if you stood up, you could see just fine. There are a few tables right in the center, along the windows with a better view.
Foodies will be happy here too. Helios Grand features a variety of dining options, from quick bites to upscale meals, all with creative menus and fresh ingredients. Whether you’re grabbing breakfast before heading into the parks or sitting down for a relaxing dinner at the end of the day, the hotel has you covered. And yes, there’s a beautiful pool area too, perfect for relaxing in between park adventures.
Because I was using an ECV during this stay – a REALLY cool, Minion-themed one from Buena Vista Rentals, I might add – I want to share something about this hotel that I found to be challenging. I was quite honestly surprised that it wasn’t considered before they began welcoming guests. Most doors in the hotel didn’t have a button anywhere to open them hands-free. The door in the image above, leading from the lobby to the outdoor area, was the only one I found that had a button on the inside, but once I rolled outside, I quickly realized that there was no button to get back in. If you’ve ever used an ECV, you know how difficult, if even possible at all, it is to open the door with one hand and drive the ECV through the door with the other. So, my only choice was to sit there in the blazing sun and wait for either a team member or another guest to notice me and come over to open and hold the door so I could get back inside. Not fun.
The same was true in the restroom area just down the hall from the lobby, except there wasn’t a button on the outside or the inside of the door. Someone happened to come out when I was looking to get in, so they were kind enough to hold the door for me. I will say that this situation was a bit more odd than the lobby, because no one could see me waiting to get out if they weren’t heading into the restrooms themselves.
I ran into the same situation when trying to leave the area where Lotus Lagoon (the pool bar) is located near the pool. Fortunately, a team member happened to see me looking around and came over to help with the gate. I have to say, as someone who doesn’t regularly use a mobility device to get around, it was a strange feeling to be almost helpless in regards to getting around the hotel in the public areas without the assistance of others who happened to notice that I needed a hand.
Despite the challenges with the doors, the Helios Grand Hotel really impressed me from the first moment I arrived. It is more than just a place to sleep; it’s part of the experience of visiting Epic Universe. Its unbeatable location, early park access, top-notch amenities, and gorgeous atmosphere make it the perfect home base for an unforgettable trip to Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe. If you’re planning a visit, staying here is a decision you won’t regret.
The hotel is amazing, the team members are second to none. Jackie, did you really think the rooms were spacious? You have an ECV as do I. Maneuvering it around the room was almost impossible. We didn’t have a park view so maybe those rooms are bigger. For 700.00+ a night I wasn’t impressed. I’m sure the prices will go down soon, we were there May 24th, 25th and 26th. It’s a splurge but an exceptional way to experience Epic Universe.
I actually didn’t bring the ECV into my room, so it felt roomy. I left the scooter up against the wall in the hallway to charge and no one had an issue with that. I can imagine how having it inside would make things real tight. I’m sorry to hear that you weren’t impressed. I also hope the prices will level out a bit, too.
Jackie, I was impressed. I had no idea you could leave the EVC in the hallway. That could make a difference. I have been watching and reading your articles since 2012, 2013 I can’t remember but it’s been a very long time. And with the Dis, still a supporter, love all the team. Best to you, aways.