Sneak Peek: Inside Universal Helios Grand Hotel – Luxury Meets Epic Adventure

Updated: April 6, 2025, 8:12am CDT

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First Look: Universal Helios Grand Hotel
Final Thoughts

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The author visited as an invited guest of Universal Orlando Resort. All opinions are the author’s own, and Universal Orlando Resort had no input in any part of this review.

Universal Epic Universe is scheduled to open on May 22, 2025, and so is its crown jewel hotel, Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel.

Helios Grand Hotel serves as a gateway to Epic Universe through Celestial Park, offering guests unmatched direct access to the park.

As part of a media event, Upgraded Points was invited for a sneak peek at what promises to be one of the most highly-anticipated hotel openings in theme park history.

Let’s take a look.

First Look: Universal Helios Grand Hotel

Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, is a 500-room hotel located on the far end of Celestial Park at Epic Universe, opposite where most park visitors enter.

Universal Helios Grand Hotel Loews Hotel Epic Universe entry driveway — Main driveway.

Celestial Park’s theme carries into the hotel in the form of celestial patterns and constellations, blending nicely with the elegant Mediterranean-inspired feel.

As soon as you walk into the lobby, you are immediately greeted with sweeping views of Epic Universe.

Universal Helios Grand Hotel Loews Hotel Epic Universe lobby window view — View of Epic Universe from the lobby.

As beautiful as Helios Grand Hotel is, its greatest feature is its location. Guests are just steps away from the theme park and can access it via the hotel’s dedicated entrance.

“You can look at not only the amazing views but just the ability to wake up in the morning, roll out of bed and step right into a theme park. It’s something that we’ve never done before, and we are so excited about.”
Dennis Quinn, Senior Vice President, Hotel Commercial Strategy, Universal Orlando

But even without Epic Universe, there is plenty for guests to enjoy at Helios Grand Hotel.

Amenities

Guests staying at Helios Grand Hotel have a long list of amenities to enjoy. Besides the location, the most popular amenity will likely be the pool for many people.

Universal Helios Grand Hotel Loews Hotel Epic Universe pool and hotel — This is a great pool for families.

The Lotus Lagoon is an 8,660-square-foot zero-entry pool with underwater speakers, a firepit area, a hot tub, and a bar.

There are 400 padded lounge chairs around the pool.

Universal Helios Grand Hotel Loews Hotel Epic Universe pool chairs — The chairs are very comfortable.

There are 18 cabanas that can be rented by the day, but pricing was not available during our visit.

Universal Helios Grand Hotel Loews Hotel Epic Universe pool cabana — 3 cabanas have direct water access.

With a zero-entry area, plenty of activities for kids, and evening movies, there is something for guests of all ages.

Universal Helios Grand Hotel Loews Hotel Epic Universe pool ping pong — Plenty of games for kids and adults throughout the Lotus Lagoon.

Room

During our visit, we saw a Park-View 2 Queen guest room, which is listed as 325 square feet and can sleep 5 guests. The fifth guest is accommodated via a rollaway, subject to availability (a fee also applies).

The room carried the same immersive theme as the lobby, with elegant blue and gold accents woven throughout the space.

Next to the bed was a chair, table, and lamp — a great spot to gaze out over Epic Universe.

Universal Helios Grand Hotel Loews Hotel Epic Universe room chair — Great spot for park watching.

Across from the beds was a TV, a set of drawers, a minifridge, a coffee maker, and a small desk with a chair.

Universal Helios Grand Hotel Loews Hotel Epic Universe room tv — There is a small fridge behind the cabinet door.

And, of course, the highlight of the room was the view.

Universal Helios Grand Hotel Loews Hotel Epic Universe room park view — Epic Universe at dusk.

The bathroom included a stylish vanity and a sliding door that opened to reveal the shower area.

Universal Helios Grand Hotel Loews Hotel Epic Universe room bathroom vanity — The sink and toilet areas are separated by a sliding door.

Inside, the shower was lined with vibrant blue tile and featured a built-in bench for added comfort.

Universal Helios Grand Hotel Loews Hotel Epic Universe room bathroom — The bench is a nice touch.

Hot Tip:

Club Level rooms come with Club Lounge access, which includes continental breakfast, evening hors d’oeuvres, and personal concierge service.

Food and Beverage

Guests at the Helios Grand Hotel will not go hungry, and if the preview was any indication, even guests at other hotels will out of their way to visit to dine here.

Flora Taverna

Located just off the main lobby, Flora Taverna will be open for 3 meals, and offers a full breakfast buffet, Mediterranean comfort foods, a pizza oven, and even a gyro station!

Universal Helios Grand Hotel Loews Hotel Epic Universe flora seats — Views inside and out.

With custom cocktails, beautiful plant life, and floor-to-ceiling windows with views of Epic Universe, this will be a busy spot any time of the day.

Aurora Market

Guests looking for something quick can stop by the Aurora Market.

Universal Helios Grand Hotel Loews Hotel Epic Universe aurora — Grab and go.

This grab-and-go market will have a coffee bar, sandwiches, wraps, and gelato. It’s the perfect spot to find something before rushing out to the park.

Lotus Lagoon

A good hotel pool deserves a proper pool bar, and that is what you will get at Lotus Lagoon.

Open-air and steps from the water, the restaurant offers guests the opportunity to order frozen drinks, snacks, and appetizers and enjoy them barside or poolside.

Bar Helios

Without a doubt, the most stunning bar and restaurant on the property is Bar Helios.

Universal Helios Grand Hotel Loews Hotel Epic Universe helios bar — 360-degree views.

Located on the top floor of the Helios Grand Hotel, this rooftop bar offers 360-degree views and a bird’s-eye view of Epic Universe.

Universal Helios Grand Hotel Loews Hotel Epic Universe view from Helios bar — Epic views.

Guests can sit at the bar, in an intimate dining area, or alfresco.

Universal Helios Grand Hotel Loews Hotel Epic Universe helios bar seats — Helios Bar seating.

With a menu featuring sliders, gyros, tapas, and creative drinks, don’t be surprised if it is hard to get a seat here.

Bottom Line:

Helios Grand Hotel is a stunning new property opening on May 22, 2025, at Epic Universe with direct access to the park.

Final Thoughts

Universal Helios Grand Hotel Loews Hotel Epic Universe signage — Helios is an epic hotel.

Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, is a sophisticated but comfortable hotel inside Epic Universe.

With a great pool, beautiful rooms, and an absolutely stunning rooftop bar, there is a long list of reasons to stay at this hotel — on top of the unparalleled access to the park.

Rooms start at around $600 per night this summer, and if you are planning a visit to Epic Universe, the hotel could be worth a visit. To save money, make sure to check out our detailed guide on how to visit Universal Studios using points and miles.