Loews Sapphire Falls Resort: A Luxurious Tropical Paradise the Whole Family Will Love
In recent years, Universal Orlando has upped their game when it comes to attractions, entertainment, and amenities—and guests are positively buzzing about their new themed resorts!
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is part of the hype. Universal’s fifth hotel property, Sapphire Falls, opened in the summer of 2016, offering travelers a tropical getaway in the heart of Universal property. It’s quickly become a favorite for guests!
As Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is one of the preferred Universal resorts, it offers several additional perks and upscaled amenities compared to others. It also means that it comes with a higher price tag. Is it worth the splurge? Let’s take a look at this Caribbean-inspired resort and see what makes it such a popular hotel for Universal guests —then you can decide if it’s right for you!
The Tropics Await
The resort’s tagline is warm, inviting, and luxurious: “Step into paradise in the heart of the tropics.” Yes, please!
It’s not just a line though, it really describes the accommodations you’re about to experience. The Caribbean influences are immediately apparent on this bright, beautiful property. The Sapphire Falls Resort is designed to look as if it were built upon the ruins of a defunct sugar mill plantation, half hidden behind trees and lush tropical foliage. The lobby’s centerpiece is a four-story stone turret, and multiple bubbling waterfalls dot the property.
While the theme certainly draws from the past, it doesn’t pretend to be anything but a modern take on Caribbean living. The architecture blends some fun elements with contemporary colors and design. Light features heavily in the design, as the lobby and most communal areas, have floor-to-ceiling windows, bathing guests in welcoming natural light – as well as offering some spectacular sunset views over the lagoon and the nearby Islands of Adventure theme park!
Cozy Accommodations
With one thousand rooms, Sapphire Falls is one of the larger resorts at Universal and includes 83 suites. Roughly half of the rooms are connected, and about 70% only have a shower stall and not a tub. ADA accommodation rooms are available at the resort. You can also rent a rollaway bed for an additional $25 per night (subject to availability).
There are three variations of standard rooms as well as four types of suites guests can book for their stay:
Standard Rooms
- Standard Double Queen (rollaway availability)
- Pool View Double Queen (rollaway availability)
- Lagoon View Double Queen (rollaway availability)
- Pool View King (includes sleeper sofa)
- Lagoon View King (includes sleeper sofa)
Each of these rooms is 321 square feet. Standard rooms are stocked with the usual amenities, including a mini-fridge, coffee maker, flat screen television, free wi-fi, and a separate vanity area in the bathroom.
Suites
- King Suite – Available in 1-bedroom (595 square feet) or 2-bedroom (916 square feet).
- Kids Suite (529 sq ft) – This room includes one king bed and two twin beds separated in a second room attached to the main bedroom.
- Sapphire Suite (851 sq ft) – These rooms have a king bed and a pullout sofa. They also have a general living area.
- Hospitality Suite (1353 sq ft) – Made for two people, there is one King bed. These suites are equipped with a kitchenette and a full living area.
- Presidential Suite (1294 sq ft) – The most luxurious room category, these suites have one king bed, a conference area, a living area, a full-sized refrigerator and sink, two bathrooms, and an outdoor balcony with comfortable seating.
You can upgrade any suite to a Lagoon or Pool view for an additional fee.
Amenities for Endless Fun
The Pool
The Sapphire Falls Resort pool is one of the biggest draws to the property. This massive lagoon-style pool is 16,000 square feet, making it the largest on Universal’s resort properties! The poolside is absolutely gorgeous, with just enough tropic-theming to put you in vacation mode without being kitschy. This pool has a ton of cool features, including a water slide and two separate beach areas to enjoy. There’s a poolside bar with a decent food menu if you need a snack or libations. There’s also a children’s play area for the younger family members to enjoy.
Calypso Game Room
Great for kids of all ages, the Calypso Game Room has a variety of arcade and video games. Time to finally get a high score on Pacman!
Kalina Health and Fitness Center
Hotel guests can enjoy the complimentary Kalina Health and Fitness Center with treadmills, bicycles (upright and recumbent), elliptical machines, variable resistance weight machines, and a stretching area. The locker rooms offer a dry sauna and showers.
Pet Friendly
Traveling with a furry friend? Pets under 75 lbs are welcome at Sapphire Falls Resort, though you will need to pay an additional fee upon check-in. There is also a 2-pet maximum per room. Loews properties offer certain pet amenities (like food bowls and pet mats) upon request. Note, you will need to call ahead to confirm this at booking!
Parking Pricing
Parking at the resort is (sadly) not free. Guest parking is $27 per night with self-parking or $33 for valet parking. There are hourly rates for non-guest parking starting at $10 (for 5-10 minutes) with a maximum daily fee of $45 per vehicle. While making the budget for your vacation, it’s important to remember this parking expense!
Restaurants & Dining Options
Amatista Cookhouse
Located at the bottom of a massive spiral staircase turret, Amatista Cookhouse is the signature restaurant of the resort. In keeping with the cozy feel of the hotel, it doesn’t push too far into upscale or fancy but rather offers a contemporary Caribbean menu that leans into comfort food. Yum!
Drum Club Katine
This poolside bar serves up cold drinks and quick-service fare. You can treat yourself to delicious street tacos, grilled fish, or just go for a burger and fries. They also serve a variety of tropical drinks and margaritas, as well as a decent beer selection.
New Dutch Trading Co.
This is a grab-and-go option for guests who need to get a quick bite. They have ready-to-go meals, snacks, and beverages for the family. This is usually the place to get food for those picky eaters. New Dutch Trading Co. is a small spot, so there’s often a bit of a wait to check out.
Strong Water Tavern
Probably the most popular spot at Universal’s Loews Sapphire Falls Resort (and often considered the best bar on the property), Strong Water Tavern is a unique lounge located in the hotel lobby. You can’t miss the wall of vintage rums (or the giant TV). Their resident rum specialist can help guests choose the most delicious drinks. They serve a tapas-style menu at dinner that brings together several international flavors from Columbia, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and more! The menu also features several types of ceviche.
Room Service
Of course, you can always order room service—available 11 AM – 11 PM—if you are feeling particularly lazy after a long day at the parks. After all, vacay is about kicking back! The menu offers a good mix of simple fare like pizza and burgers along with some more exciting entrees and seafood selections.
Perks for Booking at Loews Sapphire Resort at Universal Orlando
Staying on Universal property does come with some unique perks (besides the pool, of course!). These are some of the best reasons to book with Sapphire Falls.
Easy Access to City Walk
Because Sapphire Falls is on Universal property, it is very easy to get around! It’s within walking distance of several other hotels (including Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Aventura Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and Hard Rock Hotel) and just a short 15-20 minute walk from Universal City Walk (and the entrance to the two Universal theme parks).
However, guests can also hop aboard a water taxi at the dock outside the lobby that will take them around the lagoon and drop them off right at City Walk. It’s much more convenient (and comfortable) than a crowded shuttle on busy days!
Conveniently Located in Orlando
The resort is convenient for accessing other Orlando attractions, too! It’s only a few miles from Icon Park, SeaWorld, and many of the other well-known I-Drive attractions.
Early Park Admission
Guests at Sapphire Falls are eligible for early park admission to both Universal theme parks as well as Universal’s water park, Volcano Bay (with a valid theme park admission ticket). Early entry begins one hour before the park opens for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Florida or Universal Studios Islands of Adventure, depending on the daily park schedule. For Volcano Bay, early admission begins 30 minutes before park opening.
*No Included Universal Express Passes
Given the Preferred status of the hotel, you might think your stay would come with Universal Express Passes, allowing you to skip the lines at the theme parks. Unfortunately, that is not the case with Loews Sapphire Falls at Universal Orlando. Only hotels in the Premier category come with this perk, so you’ll need to upgrade to somewhere like Loews Royal Pacific Resort or Hard Rock Hotel for passes.
Overall Thoughts
Ultimately, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando is a great mid-range hotel option for couples or families looking to book a room on Universal property. It’s well worth the price for the convenience and amenities on site.
It has a distinctly laidback feel that is perfect for guests interested in a relaxing vibe once they leave the parks. Sapphire Falls’ theming isn’t overwhelming compared to some of the premier hotels, but it isn’t lacking, either. With a focus on natural light and a soothing blue and white color scheme, this hotel exudes calm, comfortable vibes. The pool is especially fantastic if you build a rest day into your trip. And if you’re looking for a grown-up experience one evening, we definitely recommend visiting the Strong Water Tavern for a drink!
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