Universal’s Aventura Hotel: Modern Luxury Next to the Movie Magic

There are two things Orlando, Florida, is never short of: fun and fine accomodations.

From the tried and true Holiday Inn to the fancy shmancy Gaylord Palms Resort, there are plenty of options not far from the action. But if you’re vacation is centered around a single theme park, like Universal Orlando, you may want to consider staying on resort property.

If you choose to stay on Universal Orlando property, you’ll find limitless fun and fantastic digs all in the same place! Universal Orlando is currently home to seven unique hotels and resorts. One of the most stylish and “grown-up” options is the Aventura Hotel.

With its central location and all of the special Universal hotel amenities, the Aventura Hotel is an excellent choice for folks who want to experience everything the Universal theme parks have to offer. The reasonable pricing and sleek decor make this hotel even more inviting!

But is is the best resort for your Florida family vacation? Let’s dive into the details!

Aventura Hotel – Adventure Awaits!

Aventura Hotel is at the heart of Universal property, offering great views of all three theme parks. Whether you’re hoping to hit up Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, or all three, these accommodations are ideally situated for going on an adventure.

While excitement surrounds the Aventura Hotel, its design, though unique, is the least adventurous of the resorts. Stylish and modern, there isn’t really a theme beyond being cool. If you’re just looking for a place to relax in between park activities, Aventura is perfect for that! With its calming, free-flow design, this is an especially great option for couples. However, families with younger kiddos might enjoy more heavily themed hotels, like Cabana Bay, which has bright colors, retro decor, and a bowling alley.

Considered a “prime value” hotel, Aventura is on the lower end of Universal hotel pricing – perhaps one of its most appealing aspects! As of writing, standard rooms start at $140.00 a night, and kids suites (which sleep 5) start at $244.00 a night.

Aventura Hotel Amenities

Like all Universal hotels, the Aventura Hotel comes with its own unique set of special amenities, including great perks that follow you into the parks.

Hotel Perks

By virtue of staying on Universal property, you’ll be granted these benefits when you book a room at the Aventura…

• Early admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• An easy access walking path straight to Volcano Bay, as well as walking paths to other parks
• Complimentary transportation (shuttle buses) to Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Universal CityWalk
• Resort-wide room key charging privileges for easy purchases
• Delivery of purchases to your hotel room (available with select stores in the parks and CityWalk)

In-Room

Rooms at the Aventura Hotel are simple and stylish, and each one comes with complimentary wifi, a flat-screen TV, a coffee maker (very important), a mini-fridge, extra outlets for chargers, a safe, and a separate bathroom area with a vanity and complimentary toiletries. Many of the room’s features are controlled via tablet, making it a truly “smart” space!

Unlike some other Universal hotels, Aventura does not provide 24-hour room service, and pets are not allowed. However, there is housekeeping, so your room will always feel bright, fresh, and welcoming whenever you return from a day at the parks!

Looking for pet-friendly Universal hotels? Check out our article on pet-friendly hotels at Universal Orlando.

Out of Room

Stay chill, Aventura-style, in the luxurious pool or grab a bite to eat when the munchies strike!

Activities

Aventura Hotel boasts a fun resort-style pool and a splash zone that kids will love! During the day, you might find poolside activities like ping pong, hula hooping contests, or even a movie! There’s also a firepit for cozy nighttime conversations. And maybe roasting marshmallows.

There’s also a fitness center with cardio and weight training equiment, because being on vacation doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your workout routine. (Unlesss you want to, of course. We certainly won’t judge you for taking a break!)

Parking

While this aspect isn’t part of the “fun,” it’s worth noting that Universal’s Aventura Hotel parking is $18 per night for overnight guests (self parking), so you’ll want to add that into your prospective vacation budget.

Dining Options

Feeling hungry? Aventura Hotel has some yummy options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Just like the architecture, Aventura’s meals are deliciously urban in nature.

• Urban Pantry: Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this quick service food court offers up a variety of international and American flavors. With waffles, burgers, salads, custom woks, pizza, gelato, and more, there’s something to satisfy just about any craving. Kiddos will enjoy traditional offerings like grilled cheese sandwiches, chicken fingers, and mac n cheese.
• Bar 17 Bistro: Open for the evenings, this rooftop hangout is a great place to wind down with a cocktail and light meal. Try some perfectly steamed baos or indulge in some beef empanadas. (Kids’ menu available.)
• Bar Sol: Satisfy your hunger while staying poolside! Frozen drinks (including alcoholic offerings like wine, beer, and cocktails) and snacks are always at the ready.
• barVentura: A lobby bar has never looked so sleek! Great for a casual get-together in the evening, this drinks-only location is best enjoyed by the adults.
• Starbucks: Get your coffee fix with your favorite frappe or cool down with the iconic Pink Drink.

Note: There are also restaurants and eateries at the other Universal hotel properties, and you can visit any of them without being a guest at that specific hotel. In the mood for some decadent Italian dishes? Don’t be shy about popping into Portofino Bay Hotel for the evening!

Aventura Hotel vs Other Universal Resorts

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly and stylish stay, then Aventura is the way to go! Its central location is probably its crowning feature, as the pool, dining, and theming are generally outdone by the other resorts. (That being said, these features are by no means “bad” at Aventura! They’re simply not as extravagant.) While generally geared toward couples or friend groups, kiddos can still have a great time at this hotel, especially with the pool and splash zone! The skyline views are also incredible and make a stay at Aventura Hotel feel truly breathtaking.

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Have you been a guest at the Aventura Hotel? What features did you enjoy the most? Would you stay there again? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below!

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