A hotel inside a theme park: First look at Universal Helios Grand Hotel coming to Epic Universe theme park

Universal Orlando currently boasts eight on-site hotels, offering guests easy access to the fun of Universal’s theme parks. Next year, they’ll add three more to that lineup to accommodate the influx of guests likely to flock to Orlando when Universal Epic Universe, the resort’s newest theme park, opens in 2025. Epic Universe is being built on a 750-acre site a few miles away from Universal’s existing parks and hotels and will nearly double the size of Universal Orlando Resort, further exacerbating the need for additional hotels.

The opening date, pricing and themes for two of those properties, Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort, were revealed earlier this year. On Thursday, Universal revealed details for Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a palatial hotel located inside Epic Universe.

Yes, Universal Helios Grand Hotel is a hotel inside a theme park, the first of its kind at Universal Orlando.

In a press release, Universal called the hotel “the crown jewel of Epic Universe and the pinnacle of Universal Orlando’s hotel experiences.”

Because of its proximity, the hotel will have a dedicated entrance to Epic Universe exclusively for Universal Grand Helios guests. That’s among the other perks all Universal hotel guests enjoy, like one-hour early theme park entry, complimentary shuttle transportation, resort-wide charging privileges, complimentary merchandise delivery and more.

The new theme park will have lands dedicated to popular film and video game properties, including Super Nintendo, “How to Train Your Dragon,” Universal Classic Monsters and “Harry Potter,” and more. There will also be an entirely original concept called Celestial Park.

Universal Helios Grand Hotel will be located along the back edge of Celestial Park, overlooking the land’s fountains, gardens and cosmos-themed attractions. In the press release, Universal described the hotel, which is co-owned and operated by Loews Hotels & Co., as a “majestic Mediterranean-inspired escape” that “draws inspiration from the astronomical and mythological themes of Celestial Park.”

Even the hotel’s moniker is derived from Greek mythology; Helios is the Greek god of the sun. The hotel is designed to be his palace, with Mediterranean-inspired architecture and design elements embellished with celestial patterns and constellations.

The hotel’s lobby and rooftop bar will provide some of the best views of Epic Universe. You’ll only be able to top the views if you are atop a speeding coaster. During the day, you’ll see the immersive, colorful lands in all their glory. And at night, you can view the park in a whole new light. The lighting on Stardust Racers is designed to make the dueling coaster cars look like comets soaring through the night sky. Universal also shared previously that the park will “transform” from day to night with lights and music each evening at dusk.

Guests of Universal Helios Grand Hotel will have a front-row seat for these one-of-a-kind “stargazing” events.

Guest rooms at this “elegant meets easygoing” hotel evoke the feeling of stepping into a watercolor painting with soft hues and floral accents. Several of the rooms will look out over Epic Universe, offering breathtaking views even when you return to your room for a break from the park.

Several Universal Orlando hotels have family suites themed to properties like “Despicable Me” and “Jurassic World,” and Universal Helios Grand Hotel is no exception. The hotels’ “How to Train Your Dragon” Kids’ Suites will feature a dragon mural behind the beds and furnishings inspired by the Viking village of Berk seen in the films.

Hotel guests will have several dining outlets to choose from, and Bar Helios is likely to become an instant favorite. This rooftop bar will serve a menu of tapas, familiar favorites and handcrafted cocktails, which guests can enjoy while they take in stunning 360-degree views of Epic Universe.

Lotus Lagoon will be the resort’s poolside bar and grill, serving cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages and casual meals like burgers, salads and sandwiches.

Flora Taverna, a full-service bar and restaurant just off the lobby, will feature an open-style kitchen cooking up Mediterranean fare and oven-fired pizzas. In addition to indoor seating, guests can dine al fresco for yet another vantage point of Celestial Park.

Also in the lobby, guests will want to start their day at Aurora Market. This quick-service eatery and coffee shop will serve grab-and-go food items, as well as snacks and desserts. Though not expressly stated in the press release, it is expected the hotel will offer a menu of Starbucks coffee drinks, similar to other Universal hotels.

Guests can cool off from Orlando’s hot summer (and spring, fall and winter) days in the zero-entry, resort-style pool. The pool area will feature underwater speakers, poolside cabana rentals, a hot tub, poolside movies, daily games and activities and more.

Like other Universal hotels, Universal Helios Grand Hotel will also house a fitness center, game room and a Universal Orlando gift shop.

The 500-room resort is scheduled to open in 2025, though Universal has not yet shared an official opening date. Universal Stella Nova Resort is scheduled to open on Jan. 21, 2025, and Universal Terra Luna Resort will open shortly after on Feb. 25, 2025. While the other two appear to be opening before Epic Universe, it’s likely Universal Helios Grand Hotel will open when the park does because of its location.

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