A Return Visit with the Whole Family and We’re Even More Obsessed!
Back in May, I had the chance to stay at Universal Helios Grand Hotel during my first whirlwind visit to Epic Universe. I loved it then… but returning this fall with Honey and Whit sealed it. We are officially smitten with this resort!
Located right at the edge of Celestial Park, Helios Grand is a true gem, blending celestial elegance with Mediterranean charm. Intricate constellations and cosmic patterns are woven throughout the design, creating a dreamy atmosphere that feels both luxurious and otherworldly.
With 500 stylish rooms, exclusive park views, and its own private entrance into Epic Universe, staying here felt like an experience in itself. From the rooftop bar with stunning nighttime vistas to the elevated dining and tranquil amenities, Helios Grand is the perfect retreat after a day of cosmic adventures.
Helios Grand Rooms & Suites
Tastefully highlighted in hues of blue and rose, the guest rooms of Helios Grand Hotel evoke the tranquility of a blissful garden, with impressionistic depictions of flowers adorning the headboard.
2 Queen Room
Accommodating up to five guests (with a rollaway bed – this would be SUPER tight, additional charge), there are two queen-sized beds and a two-compartment, three-fixture bathroom in this 325-square-foot room.
Park View Rooms
We splurged on the theme park view, and it was so worth it. Just outside our window was Universal Epic Universe in all its glory. You’ve truly never stayed this close to a theme park. It felt like we were practically inside it, watching the magic unfold from the comfort of our room. Waking up to that view (and winding down with it at night) made our stay feel extra special.
Every evening, Celestial Park comes alive with its nighttime fountain spectacular, and watching it from our room felt magical, romantic, and relaxing all at once. We watched it three nights in a row – in pajamas, with snacks – and it was a highlight of the trip.
Club Level Rooms
On this visit, we stayed Club Level, and it elevated the experience even more. Here’s what to expect:
- Located on the dedicated top floor (rooms themselves are identical to standard floors)
- Continental breakfast daily
- Mid-day snacks
- Evening hors d’oeuvres + sweets
- Beer & wine in the evening and mimosas at breakfast
- A bright, comfortable lounge with plenty of seating (never crowded on our stay)
- Self-serve beverages all day (canned sodas, bottled waters & juices)
- Dedicated team members on hand to assist with reservations and needs
For families traveling together or multigenerational groups, this lounge becomes the perfect daily gathering spot.
How to Train Your Dragon Suites
Kids Suite themed from top to bottom in How to Train Your Dragon and offering separate sleeping space for kids.
Helios Grand Dining
Flora Taverna
Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Flora Taverna offers a full breakfast buffet and Mediterranean comfort foods. Featuring an open kitchen, live cooking, pizza oven, open grills, and a gyro station, the light and airy atmosphere is the perfect complement to any meal. Whether dining indoors or al fresco, guests have amazing views of Epic Universe.
Aurora Market
From breakfast to dessert, Aurora Market is the contemporary grab & go area featuring a coffee bar and offering croissants, cakes, paninis, wraps, salads, gelato, and more. It’s the conveniently delicious option for those who can’t wait to get out to the day’s adventures.
Lotus Lagoon
Whether you’re spending the day soaking in the pool, relaxing in a cabana, or watching a poolside movie, this casual bar and grill is at your service. Cool off with a frozen cocktail, cold beer, or refreshing fountain drink. When hunger strikes, snacks and appetizers can be ordered and enjoyed in the open-air restaurant or right from your chair.
We enjoyed a delightful lunch from Lotus Lagoon served right in our cabana!
Flora Taverna – Lobby Bar
The perfect place to wind down and enjoy incredible views of Celestial Park, Flora Taverna’s lobby bar, with its plentiful plant life and floor-to-ceiling windows, features custom cocktails, beer, and wine.
Bar Helios at Universal Helios Grand Hotel
Comfortable, stylish, and high above it all, Bar Helios offers a delicious menu including sliders, tapas, and gyros, drinks, and unmatched views of Universal Epic Universe and beyond. I’ve now visited three times and that speaks for itself!
Room Service
Whether you want breakfast in bed or crave an evening snack, you’ll find a wide variety of menu options to choose from. There’s something extra special about avo toast with a side of Epic views.
Helios Grand Amenities
Resort-style pool – 8,660 sq. ft zero-entry pool featuring underwater speakers, terraced deck, outdoor firepit area, hot tub, 18 private cabanas for rent, lounge pool chairs, a towel cabana, and poolside activities, including poolside movies (weather permitting).
Cabana Rentals – A cabana day here is not just relaxing, it’s worth adding a full “resort day” to your trip for. We enjoyed our cabana day so much we almost added another! I’ll gladly arrange the reservation and build it into your itinerary for a seamless stay.
Game room – Purchase a game card and then blast, zap, and race your way through a variety of arcade games in the hotel’s game room (fees apply).
Fitness Center – The fitness center offers a variety of strength and cardio equipment and is complimentary to hotel guests. Cardio-vascular equipment includes:
- Treadmills
- Bicycles (upright and recumbent)
- Elliptical machine
- Variable resistance weight machines
- Stretching area
Universal Orlando Resort Store – Offers sundries, guest necessities, and Universal Orlando and resort logo merchandise.
Full-service concierge and Universal Orlando Vacation Planning Center – A Destination Universal Ticket Desk and Kiosk.
And more!
Fitness Center – The fitness center offers a variety of strength and cardio equipment and is complimentary to hotel guests. Cardio-vascular equipment includes:
- On-Site Business Center – Available 24 Hours with Room Access for Computer Usage and Printing.
- Mail Services – Guest can receive mail throughout their stay. If you intend to receive mail during your stay, please be sure to include the resort’s mailing address, along with your name and arrival day for your reservation. Please note that a per-package handling fee will apply to all packages that are received through the Luggage Service desk. Pricing may vary and is based on the size of the package. The hotel cannot accept groceries or any other perishables that are mailed to the resort.
- Avis® car rental desk
- Self Service and Valet Laundry available
- Dry Cleaning: For dry cleaning or laundry, same-day service is available 6 days a week, including holidays. Express service is also available.
- Luggage Storage
Dedicated Entry into Epic Universe
One of the biggest perks of staying at Helios Grand Hotel is the exclusive, dedicated entrance straight into Epic Universe. No buses, no crowds – just a seamless stroll from your hotel into the heart of the park via Celestial Park. It made our mornings feel effortless and our afternoons flexible, whether we wanted to rope-drop a headliner or pop back for a midday break. This kind of convenience is a total game-changer, and honestly, once you’ve experienced it, it’s hard to imagine doing it any other way.
Let’s Go There!
Dreaming of a luxury escape that’s lightyears beyond the ordinary? I specialize in high-end travel to Universal Orlando, and let me tell you… Epic Universe is every bit as epic as the name promises!
As a Premier Level Advisor with Glass Slipper Concierge, I’m proud to be recognized for delivering the highest level of personalized service, industry expertise, and insider knowledge. I use my firsthand experience and trusted connections to design unforgettable Universal vacations for even the most discerning travelers.
Theme park vacations are a big investment, and I know how to maximize both your time and your budget. I often hear people say that Universal is “so easy” you don’t need a travel advisor. And while that might be true, here’s the best part: my planning services for Universal are completely FREE to you! Your trip won’t cost a penny more than if you booked it yourself, but you’ll receive a custom touring plan, expert tips, dining reservations, and so much more – all curated from my frequent, personal visits to the parks.
And when you book with me, you’re not just getting a seamless travel experience. You’re also supporting my small business. It’s a total win-win!
