A Diamon-- Sapphire in the rough?
Loews Sapphire has something unique among all the Universal hotels: it’s actually the only Preferred Hotel in Florida, a tier that sits between Prime Value hotels like Aventura and Premier hotels like Portofino Bay Resort. Speaking of Aventura, Sapphire Falls sits basically shoulder to shoulder with it, and it’s just a short two-minute walk between them. Sapphire Falls, however, has its own swimming pool, parking lot, and set of details that differentiate it from its close neighbors.
There’s a lot to like about Sapphire Falls, but there are also some things you should pay attention to. This resort is very comparable to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, as both share a similar theme. Sapphire Falls also has rooms that cost around $270 per night, though prices fluctuate constantly. It offers a pretty great swimming pool for its price, and it’s within walking distance of Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. If you can score a good deal, this can be a great choice for your next Universal vacation.
What we like about Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
The location is probably the best thing about Sapphire Falls. If you checked out our recent Aventura Hotel review, you probably noticed that we also listed the location as a plus but mentioned that guests needed to walk through Sapphire Falls to reach the boat station and the walking path to Universal’s CityWalk. Guess what? By staying at Sapphire Falls, you’re even closer to Universal! The boat station is right in front of the hotel, and it’s just a five-minute ride to Universal CityWalk. Or, if you prefer, you can take a leisurely walk along a scenic path, which should take about 15 minutes to reach Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.
The pool is another highlight of Sapphire Falls. It’s massive at 16,000 square feet, featuring a waterslide, two sand beaches, a kids' splash area, and a fantastic atmosphere with palm trees and lighthouses that bring the Caribbean theme to life. This is the kind of pool you’d find at many Deluxe resorts, and considering you might be paying around $270 per night here, it’s a great deal for pool lovers.
Sapphire Falls is also beautiful, featuring a huge lobby, its own table-service restaurant, and one of the most fun pubs at Universal - Strong Water Tavern. The table-service restaurant, Amatista Cookhouse, is just okay, but Strong Water has a great atmosphere, with large windows offering views of the resort and excellent service. You might want to skip Amatista, but if you’re staying at Sapphire Falls or Aventura, be sure to visit Strong Water at least once to try the drinks and food.
What we don’t like about Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
This might sound like a weird con, but Sapphire Falls’ price point and its designation as a Preferred Hotel sometimes work against it. The reason is simple: Sapphire Falls is a tier below the Premier Hotels, which means you don’t get free Universal Express when staying there. Sometimes, the price difference between Sapphire Falls and the Premier Hotels isn’t that big, and by choosing Sapphire, you’re missing out on free Universal Express, meaning you won’t be able to skip the lines and save time on rides like VelociCoaster or Revenge of the Mummy.
Because of this, Sapphire Falls requires more research than other hotels when it comes to pricing, as well as a bit more consideration. If you’re staying at Universal for just a day or two, it might be better to book a Premier Hotel and take advantage of Universal Express. However, if you’re staying for four days or more, Sapphire Falls could be a good option to help you save money. Still, its prices fluctuate a lot, which is why we at Famvia (and VacationLab) are here to lend you a hand.
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort FAQ
How much is a room at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort?
Prices for Loews Sapphire Falls Resort fluctuate frequently, but starting rates are around $270 per night.
Is Loews Sapphire Falls Resort within walking distance of Universal Studios?
Yes! A 15-minute walking path connects Loews Sapphire Falls Resort to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.
Is Loews Sapphire Falls Resort close to Epic Universe?
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is not within walking distance of Epic Universe, as the new theme park is about four miles away. However, complimentary buses will transport guests between the resort and Epic Universe.
Is parking free at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort?
No, parking is not free - it costs $36 per night.
