A few years back we reviewed the budget family suites at Universal Orlando. During a recent stay at the Cabana Bay Beach Resort, we toured them again and found they exceeded all expectations. The best perk (in addition to a full wallet!) is that Universal’s “value” properties grant the same one-hour early park admission as pricier on-site neighbors.
Several of the value and prime value hotels are also managed by the classy Loews Hotels & Co., who operate several of the park’s other lodging options. They offer their own family perks, and at some, guests can swim, dine and even enroll kids in supervised programs (for a fee) at other properties.
What Makes the Budget Family Suites at Universal a Good Deal?
To reiterate, the top benefits of staying at one of Universal’s Value or Prime Value category hotels:
- Early theme park admission
- Free shuttle bus transportation to the theme parks
- Free transport to use other Loews hotels’ facilities
- Easy, free shuttle access to Universal CityWalk
- Resort-wide charging privileges with your keycard
- Free delivery of merchandise purchased throughout the Universal Orlando complex
No Express Passes at Budget Family Suites at Universal
Let us note up front, these budget hotels do not grant first-in-line Universal Unlimited Express Passes that come with rooms at some of the other, more expensive on-site hotels.
But the “value” class Cabana Bay Beach is a helluva deal, with so many hotel activities to keep you busy that you can hang out for several days, spread out your themepark visits over a few early mornings, and accomplish everything your family came for. We also toured the nearby Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, priced higher but also more posh. This resort is connected to more upscale Loews resorts by water taxi, so check out our video and then read on.
Affordable Family Rooms for a Universal Orlando Vacation
Small families will appreciate the two queen size beds, minifridge, and a flat screen TV in the Cabana Bay Beach’s standard rooms.
Even better are the innovative family suites. Of Cabana Bay Beach’s 2,200 rooms, the family suites sleep six using two queens separated by a screen from the kids-style foldout sofabed in the living area.
Best news, the one bathroom is divided so three people can get ready to party at the same time. Plus, expect kitchenettes for a quick early morning repast or evening pizza delivery. Additionally, most rooms connect to other double rooms to house muggles, bachelorette parties, spring break groups and couples who can’t afford the posh digs at other nearby Loews Hotels.
Two blue glass towers add 400 rooms to the Cabana Bay Beach. They’re two-bedroom suites with kitchenettes for larger families, direct views over Volcano Bay and subtle Pacific island theming. As the first of the cheap hotels, Cabana Bay Beach was the model for several other budget family suites at Universal. Plus, it’s still our pick for large family groups looking for a laid back vibe.
Innovative Design of Value Family Suites and Amenities
We love the motel style layout in separate wings because it keeps these budget resorts feeling small and uncrowded. Cabana Bay Beach’s fun design plays out in neon signage, mid-century modern architecture, framed vintage photos and posters the grandparents will love.
Colorful Cabana Bay Beach Theming & Pools
The two enormous themed pool areas service different wings. Kids run between them, depending on whether it’s time for sandy “beaches” lined with chaise lounges, or the lazy river (those inner tubes are our favorite souvenir of the trip), waterslide races or a ping pong match. Both pools have hot tubs, not true at all the budget family suites hotels. However, all have lots of super attentive lifeguards, loaner lifejackets in bright colors, and zero entry toddler splash zones.
Surprising Family Entertainment Options, Plus More for a Fee
Entertainment includes occasional free group activities, free nightly movies at each pool, free movie classics at the family cafeteria, free WiFi, fitness room, and gaming arcade. The Cabana Bay Beach even boasts a pay-as-you-go, on-site Galaxy Bowling Alley (open to the public.) We enjoyed several of the lounges, well-priced cafes and on-site Starbucks, too.
However, unlike other Loews Hotels, the Cabana Bay Beach won’t welcome your owls, bats or snakes because it’s not pet-friendly.
Loews Sapphire Falls Up the Rates for Budget Family Suites
Directly across the street from Cabana Bay Beach, another resort serves visiting conventioneers as well as Volcano Bay guests. It’s not as cheap or as playful, however. Loews Sapphire Falls Resort theme is tasteful Caribbean nautical. Interior stone and plank wooden accents remind us of classic island sugar mills.
Parents gravitate to the Strongwater Tavern, a hot tequila tasting bar. Families like the waterwheel being turned by “Sapphire Falls” on the resort’s lagoon side. This hotel will please families who want a more sophisticated, adult environment. From the tranquil lagoon side, guests at any of these resorts can board a free water taxi to CityWalk and the themeparks or, from there, to the other resort hotels.
Of interest to larger groups, the turquoise-hued Sapphire Falls has 1,000 rooms, including 83 fun suites, that connect by walkway to the Loews Royal Pacific Hotel. That brings it in close proximity to the Orchid Lounge and Sushi Bar, one of our favorite nearby dining options.
Sapphire Falls Family & Pet Amenities
Sapphire Falls has a somewhat calmer 16,000 square-foot resort-style pool with its own waterslide, interactive kids’ play and splash area, hot tub, fire pit and cabana rentals — all overseen by those great lifeguards.
There’s a seasonal program of activities, a weekly Caribbean Carnaval dinner and entertainment show, the big Calypso Game Room and, for kids’ night out, a supervised camp program at the Royal Pacific if parents want some alone time. As at other Loews Hotels, guests of all stripes are greeted with kid-friendly amenities. Ask for pet-friendly welcome kits if you have Fido along.
More Value Hotel Adventures or Aventuras!
We didn’t stay at Universal’s Aventura Hotel, though it was just across the road from the Volcano Bay waterpark. We didn’t love its very different style, but many families do. This sleek, stylish blue glass tower has 600 guest rooms, including 13 kids’ suites, decorated in a contemporary way for a more urban feel.
Great facilities include a resort-style pool with a hot tub and kids’ splash pad, fitness center, game room, fast-casual food hall, lobby bar, a pool bar and grill, and Starbucks. And, let’s not forget — a very cool rooftop bar. Managed by Loew’s Hotels & Co., Aventura is considered a “prime value” hotel.
Endless Summer Resort Offers Budget Family Suites Off International Drive
The Universal Endless Summer comprises two adjacent resorts: Surfside Inn and Suites and Dockside Inn & Suites. Among the newer budget or “prime value” options, both are very popular, with the Surfside slightly edging out the Dockside in ratings. While comparable in price to the above-mentioned budget hotels, they’re located off International Drive farther away from the action at Universal Orlando. That means more time waiting for the free shuttle buses or parking the car, but the savings are real.
Families love that rooms are spacious and decorated with bright sunny colors and beachy themes. There are standard doubles with two queens, plus two-bedroom family suites with a kitchenette that sleep six. Surfboard selfie spots and hang 10 decor abounds. There’s a huge social lobby and the Pier 8 food court, but no fancy or fine dining restaurants. Endless Summer’s two wings are built around a very large pool and sundeck — but hot tub fans won’t find one here. Other online review complaints mention thin hotel room walls and mediocre food. Nonetheless, reviewers note that the lower prices offset any lack of amenities offered by hotels closer to the Volcano Bay waterpark or Epic Universe.
The Latest Out of this World Prime Value Universal Hotels Land at Epic Universe; But No Suites!
The long-anticipated new theme park, Epic Universe, prompted the construction of several new hotels in partnership with Loews on adjacent property. Budget-watchers are thriled to discover another 750 rooms each at the star-themed Universal Stella Nova (opened Jan. 2025) and the new planet at the Universal Terra Luna Resort (opened March 2025.) Both are great buys running 10%-15% above the price range of the Cababa Bay Beach, but the Stella Nova is a bit closer to the Epic Universe entrance. Additionally, the Stella Nova has a kids area at the pool, making it a better choice with young kids.
At both the new resorts, you’ll have to fit the family into two queens because there are no larger suites. The Terra Luna does have fun, space station-styled windows that kids will enjoy. Both have a fast casual style place for three meals, a bar for weary parents, and a poolside snack stand and grill.
Terra Luna Resort offers a resort-style pool with a large hot tub and fire pit; however, no kids area. Adults say the fitness center and game room are all they need. Check out this Universal Orlando savings page for current Epic Universe ticket and hotel lodging packages for your visit.
Pro Tip: Wait another 6 months for the Epic Universe buzz to simmer and you’ll see the rates come down at these new hotels, too.
Trip Planning Tips for Universal’s Budget Hotels
Booking ahead is the best tip we have, as these budget rooms — especially the family and kid suites — go really fast. In terms of pricing, the Aventura is on par with Cabana Bay Beach, with rooms starting at about $130 (sometimes even less than $100!) with frequent room plus three park ticket packages.
Loews Sapphire Falls is priced about 60% of the Loews Royal Pacific with rooms from about $250 and up, also with excellent park pass deals for families.
To book any hotel stay and explore ticket options for Universal Orlando’s three theme parks, visit UniversalOrlando.com or call one of their knowledgeable agents at 800.BE.A.STAR.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
