First Look at the Upcoming Universal Helios Grand Hotel

Hey Universal Vacationers! Imagine stepping into a sanctuary bathed in sunlight, where every corner radiates warmth and joy. That’s exactly what you’ll find at the upcoming Universal Helios Grand Hotel, the newest gem in Universal Orlando’s crown. Opening its doors in 2025, this Mediterranean-inspired haven is set to redefine the theme park hotel experience. Here’s everything you need to know about this upcoming marvel, which promises to be more than just a place to stay—it’s your place in the sun.

A Seamless Blend of Theme Park and Luxury Resort

Located within Universal Epic Universe, the Helios Grand Hotel isn’t just adjacent to the action; it’s woven into the very fabric of the park itself. As Russ Dagon, senior vice president of resort development for Universal, puts it, “This hotel isn’t just theme-park-adjacent, it is at the theme park.” Indeed, the hotel serves as a majestic backdrop to Celestial Park, one of the many immersive worlds within the Epic Universe.

David Bartek, senior vice president of operations for Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando, shares the same excitement: “It’s definitely going to be one of our most immersive hotels with the park views and its own dedicated entrance directly into the theme park.” This seamless integration ensures that guests can easily transition between their hotel stay and park adventures, creating an unparalleled, immersive experience.

The design teams from Universal and Loews have worked closely together to ensure that every detail of the hotel complements the surrounding theme park. From the color palette of the building to the celestial-inspired patterns adorning its walls, the Helios Grand Hotel is an extension of the park’s story, making it a true palace for its namesake, the Greek god of the sun.

The Art of Theming: More Than Just a Hotel

When it comes to theming, Universal is known for going above and beyond, and the Universal Helios Grand Hotel is no exception. “We like to refer to Universal Helios Grand Hotel as a different book in the same series as Celestial Park,” says Jessica Iaconis, assistant director of facility design for Universal. The hotel’s design is a harmonious blend of celestial and terrestrial elements, creating an atmosphere that’s both futuristic and fantastical.

One of the most intriguing features of the hotel is its transition from day to night. The elevator lobby, for instance, will feature a show element that displays the sun, moon, stars, and clouds. In the morning, guests will be greeted by a sunlit scene, while in the evening, the lobby will transform into a twilight experience. This is just one of the many ways the Helios Grand Hotel will set a unique tone and create different atmospheres throughout the day.

“I think one of the things that we’ve always done well with our hotels is theming them,” Jessica explains. “It’s not just a hotel, there is a theme to it, and that’s what you get from a theme park company, right? That’s what we do every day and we bring that to the hotels. And I think that this is at a different level than we’ve ever done before.”

Russ Dagon adds, “I get nervous when I hear the word ‘theme’ because it sounds applied, and it’s not—it’s woven throughout.” This approach ensures that every aspect of the hotel, from the materials to the finishes, contributes to the overall experience, creating a space that’s both relaxing and deeply connected to the theme park.

Luxurious Accommodations: A Room for Every Traveler

Universal Helios Grand Hotel is set to offer a range of accommodations designed to suit the needs of every guest, from solo travelers to families. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the room types:

Standard Rooms

• Standard 2 Queen Beds: These 325-square-foot rooms offer two queen beds and a two-compartment, three-fixture bathroom, comfortably accommodating up to five guests with a rollaway bed (subject to availability, fees apply).
• Standard King Bed: Offering 340 square feet of space, these rooms feature one king-size bed and a two-compartment, three-fixture bathroom, accommodating up to four guests with a rollaway bed (subject to availability, fees apply).
• Standard Deluxe 2 Queen Beds: With 415 square feet of space, these rooms place you practically within the theme park. They include two queen-sized beds, a small sleeper sofa, and a two-compartment, three-fixture bathroom, accommodating up to five guests.

Club Level Rooms

Guests staying on the Club Level enjoy exclusive extras such as access to a private lounge, continental breakfast, evening hors d’oeuvres, and personal concierge service.

• Club Standard 2 Queen Beds: Similar in size and layout to the Standard 2 Queen Beds rooms, these 325-square-foot accommodations offer the same features with the added benefits of Club Level amenities.
• Club Deluxe 2 Queen Beds: These 415-square-foot rooms offer the same features as the Standard Deluxe 2 Queen Beds rooms, plus Club Level perks.

Suites

Perfect for families or those looking to stretch out, the suites at Universal Helios Grand Hotel offer additional space and privacy:

• How to Train Your Dragon Kids’ Suite: These 545-square-foot suites feature a separate kids’ room with two twin beds themed after How to Train Your Dragon, offering a whimsical and imaginative space for younger guests.
• King Suite: With 495 square feet of space, these suites include a king-size bed in a private room, a common area with a small sleeper sofa, and a two-compartment, four-fixture bathroom. Ideal for families wanting a bit more privacy.
• Celestial Suite: This expansive 740-square-foot suite includes a private bedroom with a king-size bed, a separate common area with a sectional sleeper sofa, a powder bath, and a dining table, making it perfect for entertaining.
• Presidential Suite: For the ultimate in luxury, the 1500-square-foot Presidential Suite offers unparalleled comfort, with a private bedroom, large common area, and views of Universal Epic Universe.

Dining: A Feast for the Senses

The dining offerings at Universal Helios Grand Hotel are designed to enhance the overall guest experience, seamlessly blending with the theme park’s ambiance. Here’s a breakdown of the dining options:

Bar Helios

• Location: Rooftop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
• Offerings: Sliders, salads, lamb and chicken gyros, tapas, antipasti
• Drinks: Spritzes, bellinis, martinis, negronis, plus a selection of cocktails, beer, and wine
• Highlights: 360° views of Universal Epic Universe and the perfect spot to watch the fountain shows

Flora Taverna

• Location: Three-meal restaurant
• Cuisine: Mediterranean comfort foods
• Offerings: Fish, seafood, lamb, roasted chicken, steaks, flatbreads, burgers
• Highlights: Authentic, high-quality, fresh ingredients with a focus on simple flavors complemented by olive oils, citrus, and herbs

Lotus Lagoon

• Location: Poolside bar
• Cuisine: Casual fare
• Offerings: Burgers, salads, cocktails, beer, and wine
• Highlights: A serene, casual dining experience by the pool

Aurora Market

• Location: Grab-and-go station
• Cuisine: Artisanal, quick bites
• Offerings: Freshly roasted coffee, paninis, wraps, salads
• Highlights: Ideal for theme park guests looking for a quick, quality meal on the go, especially in the morning

Relaxation and Recreation: The Perfect Balance

The Helios Grand Hotel is designed to offer guests a tranquil escape from the excitement of the theme park. At the heart of this experience is the hotel’s zero-entry pool, located at the front of the property. This beautifully landscaped area provides a serene setting where guests can unwind and recharge.

David Bartek elaborates, “It’s going to be a very serene, tranquil place to take a break and fit in a pool day during your theme park vacation.” And with the hotel’s proximity to the Epic Universe, guests can easily split their day between the pool and the park, enjoying the best of both worlds.

“This hotel will be interesting with that idea,” Russ Dagon adds. “Because it’s so close to Epic Universe, you can do a partial pool day. You can do half a day in the theme park, half a day back at the pool. It offers more flexibility.” Jessica Iaconis even suggests, “You could take a midday nap!”—a tempting thought for those looking to escape the midday heat.

The Path to Opening: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity

For the teams at Universal and Loews, the Helios Grand Hotel represents a once-in-a-career moment. As David Bartek reflects, “This is a transformational year for Loews Hotels but also for Orlando. It’s that next big step forward, and to be part of that — it’s been really exciting, and we want to make sure that we take that in and understand our role in that.”

Jessica Iaconis shares this sentiment, adding, “I think, because we’ve been working on this for so long we’ve just learned a lot about ourselves and our resilience along the way. There are ideas that we started with six years ago that are finally being implemented today, and to go out on the site and see the plan all come together… it’s incredibly rewarding.”

Universal Helios Grand Hotel is more than just another addition to Universal Orlando’s portfolio; it’s the culmination of years of collaboration, creativity, and dedication. As Russ Dagon proudly states, “This hotel is it. It is absolutely gorgeous. It was gorgeous on day one on the drawing board, and it’s going to be gorgeous the day we open it for our guests.”

Final Thoughts

As we eagerly await the opening of the Universal Helios Grand Hotel in 2025, it’s clear that this isn’t just another hotel. It’s an experience, a destination, and most importantly, a place in the sun where guests can create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re looking for luxury accommodations, immersive theming, or simply a place to relax after a day at the theme park, the Helios Grand Hotel promises to deliver an unforgettable experience.

So, if you’re planning your next visit to Universal Orlando, be sure to keep an eye on this sunlit sanctuary—it just might be your new favorite place to stay.

Meet the Author: Nate Bishop

I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!