A luxurious hotel for those who truly desire a Universal Express Unlimited Pass
The Royal Pacific Resort is one of the most luxurious hotels at Universal Orlando, offering some of the best perks available. These include early park admission to Islands of Adventure or Universal Studios, walking distance to Universal’s CityWalk as well as an Unlimited Express Pass for your entire stay. So, if you stay at the Royal Pacific, you can ride the Velocicoaster over and over and over again, using the express line until you get tired… or until you pass out, whichever comes first.
If you want to compare the Royal Pacific to a Disney resort, the closest match would be Disney’s Polynesian Village. Both resorts have a South Pacific-inspired aesthetic, and Universal’s resort even prides itself on being called the "Polynesian Paradise." No, you won’t find Moana here, but you will find a beautiful resort with lush gardens, hardwood buildings, and an elegance that’s rarely found in a theme park hotel.
What we like about Loews Royal Pacific Resort
Do you love the idea of getting amazing perks when staying at a hotel? C’mon, I know you do!
I love that the premier hotels at Universal Orlando offer so much value during your stay. Yes, a room here has a starting price of $410 per night, but you’re within walking distance of the theme parks, have early park access - one hour before regular opening - to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, and best of all, you receive a complimentary Universal Unlimited Express Pass for both the day you arrive and the day you leave. These are incredible perks that can make a real difference, especially if you’re short on time during your Florida vacation.
If you don’t want to walk to the theme parks, you can also take advantage of the complimentary boat transportation. I usually stick to walking since it’s faster, but the boat works wonders too, and there’s something cool about a short, fun boat ride to Universal before hopping on Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure or getting soaked at Jurassic Park River Adventure.
There’s also a complimentary bus service to Volcano Bay if you’re planning to enjoy the water park. The location here is excellent and connects seamlessly to everything Universal Orlando currently offers. We’ll have to wait and see how it all connects when Epic Universe launches in May 2025.
The Royal Pacific Resort is beautiful and manages to feel incredibly quiet and peaceful, even though it’s just a short distance from Universal’s CityWalk. The secret lies in the lush vegetation surrounding the entire resort, giving it a more secluded and charming ambiance. The resort is primarily a large tower with a few amenities around it, making it feel compact yet cozy.
The Royal Pacific Resort features a large pool, two table-service restaurants, and a food court (which includes a Starbucks and also a sushi bar). While there isn’t a full water park, there is a fun water play area with water cannons and a pirate ship that kids will love. In the evenings, movies play by the pool, perfect for relaxing and enjoying a romantic moment after a long day at Islands of Adventure.
The rooms are okay, with an elegant and romantic feel, and some even feature subtle tiki theming. The standard rooms are slightly smaller compared to those at the other two Premier Hotels at Universal Orlando, but they’re still larger than the rooms at the Moderate Resorts. There aren’t, however, any special amenities that set them apart, and the bathrooms are very similar to the ones found at the Value hotels as well.
What we don’t like about the Loews Royal Pacific
I really enjoy the Royal Pacific, but keep in mind that it primarily consists of three large towers full of rooms. It looks beautiful, especially from the outside, although some guests online have noted a few issues with certain rooms.
Some rooms feel slightly rustic, and a few guests mention that they expected them to be cleaner. Additionally, some online reviews suggest that the beds can be quite uncomfortable, with guests reporting that they can hear the springs just from touching the mattress. Ouch.
So, do I recommend the Royal Pacific? Yes, if you really want the Unlimited Express Pass and prefer to stay close to Universal CityWalk. Depending on the tower you’re in, you can reach the theme parks with just a six-minute walk, which is impressive. The Unlimited Express Pass is an incredible perk, especially considering that it starts at $100 on its own, while a room at Royal Pacific starts at $410. This means you can save a lot of time if you were already planning on buying a fast pass.
Loews Royal Pacific FAQ
How much is a room at Loews Royal Pacific?
Prices vary, but a room at Loews Royal Pacific typically starts at $410 per night.
Is Loews Royal Pacific within walking distance to Universal Orlando?
Yes! You can reach Universal’s CityWalk in just 6 to 15 minutes on foot.
Does Loews Royal Pacific provide a free Universal Express Unlimited Pass?
Yes! Guests receive a complimentary Universal Express Unlimited Pass for the duration of their stay at Loews Royal Pacific.
Is there a swimming pool at Loews Royal Pacific?
Yes, there is a large lagoon-style pool with cabanas available for rent, as well as a children’s water play area.
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