For those that want to breathe Epic Universe 24/7
The Helios Grand Hotel has been highly anticipated ever since Universal announced plans for a Deluxe Resort in the middle of their newest theme park. Over the years, we watched as this impressive hotel took shape, and now it’s finally here.
The Helios Grand is a 500-room resort featuring a large swimming pool, arcade, multiple room types, and an exclusive entrance to Epic Universe. If you're looking to upgrade your time at Epic and want something more luxurious than Stella Nova or Terra Luna, this might be the perfect option. Let’s check it out.
What we like about Universal Helios Grand Hotel
Let’s be honest, we can spot the best thing about this resort the moment we set foot near Epic Universe, right? Actually, even before we get inside the theme park. The Helios Grand Hotel is literally located inside Celestial Park! So, in theory, you're sleeping right next to Stardust Racers and the Constellation Carousel. Rope dropping from a location this close? Pretty awesome. Plus, you get access to an exclusive entrance to the theme park. If you’re prioritizing Epic Universe above anything else, this hotel might be a pretty great option.
Another strong point? The hotel looks awesome, especially the lobby and the exterior. It features a blend of Mediterranean and Greek design, inspired by celestial and mythical creatures that could very well be Cronos and Zeus. Maybe they even are? I don’t know, my Greek god knowledge mostly comes from God of War.
Anyway, the rooms are solid and definitely get the job done. This is a brand-new hotel, so everything still looks fresh and in top shape. Standard rooms start at around 325 square feet, but you can also snag themed suites, like the How to Train Your Dragon one, which comes in at about 525 square feet. The mattresses, and the beds in general, get great reviews online, so it sounds like guests are getting a good night’s sleep. If you can, try to get a room with a park view, since Epic Universe looks absolutely fantastic at night.
I do wish the hotel had a solid table-service restaurant. That’s not the case, but it does feature Bar Helios - a rooftop bar similar to the one at Aventura Hotel. The bar offers fantastic views of Epic Universe, and really, what’s better than sipping a beer and munching on tapas while people scream their lungs out on Stardust Racers? It’s the perfect spot to relax, especially after a full day of roller coasters. Bonus: it also offers amazing views of the nighttime show that takes place right next to the Helios Grand.
What we don’t like about Universal Helios Grand Hotel
The Helios Grand Hotel is good, but I wouldn’t call it great. One of my main issues is the pool. It’s fine, sure, but it lacks splash zones, slides, or anything else for kids to really have fun. Compared to the pools at Hard Rock Hotel, Royal Pacific, or Portofino Bay, it definitely feels like a downgrade. Don’t get me wrong, the pool does the job if you just want to relax and do nothing else. Some people even call it a little oasis in the middle of Epic Universe. But I can’t help feeling like it’s missing something.
I just wish the Helios Grand Hotel had something special to truly put it on par with the other Deluxe Resorts. Hard Rock Hotel is a five-minute walk from CityWalk and has an amazing pool. Royal Pacific and Portofino Bay both offer excellent pools, great dining options, and they're just a short stroll from Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios.
Yes, Helios Grand is actually inside Epic Universe, and that’s definitely a huge perk, but it also feels like that’s its only standout feature. There’s no top-tier restaurant, the standard rooms are only slightly larger than what you’d get at Terra Luna or Stella Nova, and the pool is, frankly, a bit underwhelming.
Prices for the Helios Grand Hotel start at $400, but expect to pay more than that in 2025. Even looking at September, which is low season, rooms start at $630. That’s nderstanable, since people are excited about Epic Universe and want to try out the new hotel. My advice? Book way in advance, and we here at Famvia can help you with that.
Conclusion
You should stay here for one simple reason: location. Waking up and heading straight into Epic Universe with almost no wait time is a huge perk. But I still can’t shake the feeling that the Helios Grand Hotel is missing something.
I wish the pool had a bit more going on, and that there was at least one truly cool, themed restaurant. I mean, we’re inside Epic Universe, why not have a restaurant that brings all five lands together in one epic dining experience?
Universal Helios Grand Hotel FAQ
Where is the Universal Helios Grand Hotel located?
The Universal Helios Grand Hotel is located inside Celestial Park at Epic Universe. Need help getting there? Click that Request a Quote button and let’s talk!
Do I get an Express Pass for Epic Universe if I stay at the Universal Helios Grand Hotel?
No, guests do not receive a complimentary Express Pass for any theme park when staying at the Universal Helios Grand Hotel.
How much are rooms at the Universal Helios Grand Hotel?
Prices vary depending on the date and room type, but they typically start at around $400 per night.
Does the Universal Helios Grand Hotel have a private entrance to Epic Universe?
Yes! Guests staying at the Universal Helios Grand Hotel can enter Epic Universe through a special, private entrance.
