Loews Hotels & Co, co-owner and operator of the hotel portfolio at Universal Orlando Resort, has opened its newest hotel – Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel – in time for the May 22 opening of Universal Epic Universe.
This next-level hotel is one of three new hotels from Loews Hotels & Co debuting this year at the theme park destination. Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort opened this past January and March respectively.
The opening of Helios Grand Hotel brings the Orlando hotel portfolio to a total of 11 hotels and 11,000 guest rooms, with each property blending Loews Hotels’ hospitality and service with Universal’s expertise in world-class entertainment and creative theming. The joint venture partnership between Loews Hotels & Co and Universal Orlando now spans more than 25 years. This year marks the largest expansion ever for the destination.
“Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel will be a one-of-kind hotel not just because of its proximity to Epic Universe, but also due to the unique guest experience value proposition that, when coupled with Loews’ service excellence, will continue creating exceptional experiences for guests, team members and neighbors,’’ said Alex Tisch, President/CEO, Loews Hotels & Co.
Located steps away from Epic Universe, the hotel is a 500-room Mediterranean retreat that combines immersion and relaxation to create a one-of-a-kind experience. It becomes the newest addition to the destination’s Signature Collection hotel category. Guests can enjoy amenities and benefits including a stunning rooftop bar, resort-style pool, poolside cabanas, a dedicated entrance to Universal Epic Universe that is accessible from the hotel lobby and Early Park Admission (valid theme park admission required).
Guest Rooms and Suites
The hotel’s guest rooms evoke the tranquility of a blissful garden, with many rooms offering amazing views of Epic Universe. Its line-up of suites range from Presidential, Celestial and Hospitality Suites to the imaginative How to Train Your Dragon Kids’ Suites, where kids can take to the skies and rest among dragons in a colorful room inspired by the Viking village of Berk.
Dining Experiences
How to Train Your Dragon Kids’ Suite
Dining options are thoughtfully curated throughout the hotel to include:
- Bar Helios – a sparkling and stylish rooftop lounge offering creative tapas and handcrafted specialty cocktails, a lively circle bar, an intimate dining area and an outdoor terrace with stunning views of Epic Universe.
- Flora Taverna – a full-service restaurant offering breakfast, lunch and dinner and a lobby bar. The captivating design of the restaurant incorporates bougainvillea features on the ceiling and olive trees to evoke the light, airy feel of Mediterranean spaces.
- Lotus Lagoon – the poolside bar and grill, whose name pays tribute to the lotus flower in Greek mythology and where guests can enjoy casual fare, refreshing cocktails or non-alcoholic drinks.
- Aurora Market – a contemporary coffee shop and market offering freshly-roasted coffees, quick and casual food items and dessert options from morning to night.
- Indoor rooftop event space – a unique private event option offering Epic views and exceptional catering menus.
Creative Expression
Artwork throughout the hotel is inspired by adventure and wonder. Lobby arches depict a rising sun transforming into a setting moon, while the projection mapping experience at the elevator landing reflects both a sun and a moon in the cosmos. Guests leaving for the theme park in the morning will be surprised when returning for the evening to see a new image.
The Court of the Sun, located off the lobby, is a sun-filled terrace perched over cascading waterfalls. A statue of Apollo sits nearby, ready to launch his symbolic arrow over the theme park, and transform day to night.
Universal Epic Universe is a radically transformational theme park experience that will fully immerse guests in cross-generational stories that empower them to be the “epic heroes’’ of their adventures. Located just a few miles from Universal Orlando’s current offerings, Epic Universe will create create an entirely new level of experience that will forever change theme park entertainment.
Guests will explore five spectacularly themed worlds, an array of unique dining, shopping and entertainment experiences, and so much more. Epic Universe will also be adjacent to three new Universal hotels, co-owned and operated by Loews Hotels & Co, – including sister properties, Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort, and the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel.
www.universalorlando.com/epicuniverse.
Photos Courtesy of Loews Hotels & Co.