Helios Grand Hotel: Everything You Need to Know + Photos

If you’re planning a visit to Universal’s Epic Universe and want a stay that feels just as magical as the parks themselves, then Helios Grand Hotel is the place to be. I recently stayed there and couldn’t wait to spill all the details. From gorgeous rooms to exclusive perks and great views this resort exceeded my expectations in some ways - and surprised me in others. Helios is located adjacent to the new park, but furhter away from the original two Universal Orlando parks. 

Lobby Desk

🌟 Theme: Mediterranean Magic with Modern Luxury

Helios has a stunning Greek-Mediterranean theme that feels both upscale and relaxing.  The hotel is one main building with only 500 rooms, not a resort style layout with multiple wings or buildings. There is one pool, within close proximity to the back of the resort. There are ample loungers, umbrellas, complimentary towels, sunscreen, and cold water. They have roaming servers to bring you drinks as well. The pool has a zero entry area for kids too. 

 The modern, upscale vibe is beautiful, but may feel a bit less “kid-themed” compared to other Universal resorts, so families with younger kids might prefer a more playful atmosphere elsewhere.

🛏️ The Rooms: Comfortable with a Few Caveats

The rooms are pretty, but run a little small, especially for families. But what they lack in square footage, they make up for in comfort and details. You'll love the park view or pool view, whichever you prefer. The vanity area in the bathroom is smaller than other Universal hotels, but the giant walk in shower with glass doors is very pretty. The floor to ceiling windows give skyline views that are amazing. The rollaway bed was very comfy, but it barely fit between the window and the bed. There are ample outlets, USB ports, a large TV, and a desk with a lamp. There is plenty of space in the drawers to store things, both in the dresser and the bathroom. There is also a closet with 2 robes and several hangers.

The tablet on the nightstand allows guests to adjust drapes, lights, thermostat, and even order room service. It also functions as a way to access guest media and information about Universal Orlando Resort. 

Body wash, shampoo, and conditioner are anchored to the wall in the shower for your convenience. As with other Loews hotels, a coffee maker, hair dryer, luggage rack, safe, and small refrigerator are in the room. Overall the room was standard for a premium hotel. 

Pro Tip: If you're traveling with kids or need an extra bed, ask for a rollaway for a 5th person.

rollaway bed

products in the shower

Chargers and tablet

🛏️ Room Types & Capacities at Helios Grand Hotel

Standard Rooms:

• 2 Queen Beds: 325 sq. ft., accommodates up to 5 guests with a rollaway bed.

• 1 King Bed: 340 sq. ft., accommodates up to 4 guests with a rollaway bed

Pool View Rooms:

• 2 Queen Beds: 325 sq. ft., offers views of the pool, accommodates up to 5 guests with a rollaway bed

Skyline View Rooms:

• 2 Queen Beds: 325 sq. ft., located on higher floors with city skyline views, accommodates up to 5 guests with a rollaway bed

Theme Park View Rooms:

• 2 Queen Beds: 325 sq. ft., offers views of Universal Epic Universe, accommodates up to 5 guests with a rollaway bed 

• 1 King Bed: 340 sq. ft., offers views of Universal Epic Universe, accommodates up to 3 guests with a rollaway bed

• 2 Queen Beds with Sleeper Sofa: 415 sq. ft., accommodates up to 5 guests without the need for a rollaway bed, and views of EU.

Club Level Rooms:

• 2 Queen Beds: 325 sq. ft., includes access to the Club Level Lounge with complimentary breakfast, snacks, evening hors d'oeuvres, and personal concierge services.

Suites:

• Standard Suite: 495 sq. ft., features a king bed, separate living area with a sleeper sofa, accommodates up to 4 guests with a rollaway bed 

• Kids’ Suite: 545 sq. ft., includes a king bed and a separate kids' room with two twin beds themed after "How to Train Your Dragon," accommodates up to 5 guests.

• Celestial Suite: 735 sq. ft., features a king bed, separate living area with a sectional sleeper sofa, dining table, microwave, and small refrigerator, accommodates up to 4 guests with a rollaway bed 

• Helios Grand Suite: 945 sq. ft., includes a king bed, living area with sleeper sofa, dining table, half bath, and kitchenette, accommodates up to 4 guests (maximum 3 adults) with a rollaway bed 

• Hospitality Suite: 1,200 sq. ft., features a king bed, expansive living area with a sectional sleeper sofa, kitchen with bar seating, accommodates up to 4 guests with a rollaway bed 

📍 Location, Location, Location: 2-Minute Walk to Epic Universe

Yes, you read that right. It took us literally two minutes to walk into Epic Universe. There’s even a dedicated guest security line that speeds up the process. We came and went multiple times throughout the day, which was perfect for mid-day pool breaks or grabbing something from the room.

Pro Tip: Use early park entry (included with your stay!) which is one hour before opening to beat the crowds. It’s a game-changer!

 private security and entrance to Epic 

🌅 Club Level: Worth the Upgrade?

If you’re considering a Club Level room, here’s the scoop - you’ll get access to a private lounge with daily refreshments, continental breakfast, evening snacks, and even free drinks such as wine, champagne, beer and an espresso machine. You should arrive at the beginning of the snack times to get the best selection. For example, if the nightly snacks and beverages are scheduled from 8-9pm, I recommend coming in at 8. If you wait until closer to 9, everything will be picked over. 

Club Level Lounge 9th floor

                                      

Booking a Club Level room is a great way to relax and recharge in a quieter setting. One perk of the lounge is having a concierge there to answer all your questions! They are very helpful and knowledgable about all things Universal.

Pro Tip: Even if you're not a big eater, the breakfast and evening offerings are perfect for a light meal or filling snack, and the drinks are a nice bonus. The free espresso drinks and pastries were the perfect way to start the day... and we grabbed bottled water for the parks.

🍴 Flora Taverna: Sit down dining

Flora Taverna is a nice restaurant that serves "elevated Greek cuisine," and everything we ordered was really good. It's located just off the the hotel lobby. 

Flora Taverna

🍸 Bar Helios: Upscale Lounge 

Head up to the top floor of the domed resort. Bar Helios is not your average hotel bar — it’s a sleek, ambient space with golden tones, glowing light fixtures, and a vibe that feels somewhere between a luxury cruise and a trendy rooftop lounge. The domed ceiling is lit up with constellations.

Whether you’re in the mood for a classy cocktail, a pre-dinner drink, or delicious dessert, Bar Helios is the spot. The menu features Mediterranean-inspired drinks, top-shelf spirits, and a few creative surprises.

Park view from Bar Helios

Domed ceiling of Bar Helios

🔥Under Smoke

This dessert is part presentation, part flavor bomb. It’s brought to your table under a glass dome filled with smoke. When they lift it, that cloud of rich smoke comes out. This might be bothersome if you don't like the smell of  woodfire smoke, but it looks really neat! The dessert itself is a dome layered, decadent, chocolate mousse, on chocolate soil, and a thick caramel filling in the center. The "soil" was very smoky...almost too much for my taste. The filling was the best part!

Under Smoke

Pro Tip: If you’re dining at Flora Taverna, stop at Bar Helios first for a drink and circle back after dinner just for this dessert. Check out the Shattered Rose too! It comes with a rose dipped in liquid nitogren that you get to "shatter" all over your dessert. 

🌟 More Must-Know Amenities

 For quick bites, snacks, and drinks, the Aurora Marketplace is your go-to stop...it’s a sleek, modern grab-and-go with everything from fresh pastries to espresso and souvenirs. Near the pool, you’ll find a stylish pool bar serving up tropical drinks and light fare, perfect for lounging under the Florida sun. Families will love the arcade, filled with modern and classic games, great for killing time before dinner. If you're hitting the pool or fitness center, the locker rooms are a huge bonus. They’re clean, spacious, and super convenient for freshening up, especially if you’ve checked out but still want to enjoy the resort before heading home. There are showers, towels and a hair dryer.

Aurora has grab and go food, made to order coffees, and a Universal Store

gelato at Aurora 

desserts at Aurora

🏊‍♂️ Pool Time: Big, Beautiful, and Relaxing

The zero-entry pool is massive and perfect for families. There's also a small jacuzzi tucked off to the side — a nice escape if you want a soak without the crowd. The whole pool area has a resort-like feel, with loungers, umbrellas, and poolside service. There are pool side movies at night, and games led by staff during the day. There are also cabana rentals. 

Pro Tip: Head to the pool during the afternoon when the parks are busiest — it's the perfect time to unwind, cool off and enjoy the sunshine.

jacuzzi

cabanas 

💥 Perks for Epic Universe Visitors

• 🎟️ Early park entry

• 🚶 Just 2 minutes to the entrance

• 🔐 Separate security line

• 🌆 Fireworks and drone show views

• 🚪 Super easy to pop back to your room

Honestly, this resort is practically designed to make your Epic Universe visit  magical.

🏨 How Helios Compares to Other Universal Resorts

• Versus Portofino Bay Hotel
  Portofino has a charming, old-world Italian vibe, while Helios is sleek and contemporary. Both offer luxury, but Helios is more modern and closest to the new Epic Universe park. Portofino is great for walking to City Walk, Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios; Helios is better for those wanting immediate access to Epic. Portofino guests get complimentary Express Passes for the original 2 parks, and Helios does not yet have them. 

• Versus Hard Rock Hotel
  Hard Rock is loud, fun, and energetic, with a major music theme and the closest walk to Universal Studios Florida. Helios is more refined, and while not as close to the original parks, it will be the resort for Epic Universe. Music lovers will really enjoy this resort. HRH guests get complimentary Express Passes for the other 2 parks, and Helios does not yet have them. 

• Versus Royal Pacific Resort
  Royal Pacific is tropical and family-friendly, with a laid-back island feel. Helios is more upscale and less "theme-y." While both offer early park access and club-level options and character themed kids suites, Helios has a more adult-focused vibe, while Royal Pacific caters more to families. You can walk or ride the boats to the original 2 parks from here. There is typically a luau dinner show, and a character meal here. RP guests get complimentary Express Passes for the other 2 parks, and Helios does not yet have them. 

• Versus Sapphire Falls, Cabana Bay, Aventura, Stella Luna, Terra Nova, and Endless Summer Resorts
  These are all moderate to value-tier properties. They’re great for families on a budget, but they don’t compare in terms of amenities, dining, or proximity to Epic. Think of Helios as Universal’s answer to a Deluxe Disney hotel. These hotels do not get complimentary Express Passes. Helios does not have quick service dining or a food court, while these hotels do. Sapphire Falls and Cabana Bay have water slides. Cabana Bay has suites and a bowling alley. Stella Luna and Terra Nova are close to Epic Universe, while the others are closer to the original 2 parks. 

🧳 Bottom Line: Who Should Stay at Helios?

If you want early access to Epic Universe, crave modern luxury, and appreciate sleek design with fewer crowds, Helios Grand Hotel is worth the splurge. It's ideal for adults, couples, and families with older kids, or anyone planning to spend a lot of time at Epic Universe. If you prefer themed hotels, or want walkable access to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, one of the other resorts might be a better fit. If your priority is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, then Helios would be a good choice. It's is the closest portal to the hotel. If your priority is Super Nintendo World, you can access it with early entry, and have the smoothest park entry by staying at Helios.

Pool bar: Lotus Lagoon

🧳 Final Thoughts: Would I Stay Again?

When I am visiting Epic Universe again, I will definitely consider Helios for at least for one night to take advantage of the perks. The convenience alone is unmatched, but the beauty of the resort makes it even more worthwhile. I just wish the rooms were a tad bigger, but that wouldn’t stop me from booking again. I also prefer the fun themeing of the other resorts more. I really need a resort with a quick service option, or even better yet- a food court for my picky eaters. 

 There isn't much for young kids to do here, beside the pool and arcade. There isn't a waterslide, which my kids love at some of the other resorts. I'm hoping that Helios gets the complimentary Express Passes like the other Premier Hotels at Universal, because it will make the price tag worth it to stay there. There are two new hotels that are close to Epic as well, but are at a value price point: Terra Luna and Stella Nova. We're looking forward to reviewing those soon!

Got questions about Helios Grand Hotel? Drop them in the comments — We are happy to share more tips and answer anything you’re curious about! Email us at Vacations@KingdomKonsultant.com for a price quote for your Universal Vacation. 

Agent Summer can be found in the Wizarding World with a Butterbeer in hand when she's not planning exciting Universal vacations. Email her at summer@kingdomkonsultant.com.