Universal Orlando Opens First of 3 New On-site Hotels as It Begins Multibillion-dollar Expansion

Universal Orlando Resort is celebrating the opening of Universal Stella Nova Resort, a Loews Hotel, as part of an unprecedented expansion.

Brought to life by the award-winning Universal Creative team, the space-themed hotel was “designed to reflect the infinite vastness of the universe – where galaxies spiral ever outward and unknown worlds revolve around unnamed stars,” according to a release shared with Travel + Leisure. Located across the street from the highly anticipated Epic Universe theme park, opening May 22, it’s the first of three new on-site hotels.

The atmosphere is set as soon as guests arrive at Universal Stella Nova Resort and notice the building’s unique shimmering exterior. One hundred and forty thousand tiles made up of stainless steel dichroic materials change colors depending on your vantage point, mimicking the galaxy’s infinite stars. Once inside, the hotel embraces a modern feel “highlighted in serene teals and calming purples to instantly put guests at ease,” per the release.

Accommodations include 750 “ultramodern” guest rooms with two queen beds that can sleep up to four. Unique spaceship-styled windows offer incredible views, including some rooms with that of Epic Universe. Guests can take advantage of a dedicated walking path to Epic Universe theme park.

On-site amenities include a game room, complimentary fitness center, and a Universal Orlando Resort Store. The resort-style pool features a nearly 10,000 square foot pool with a hot tub, fire pit, and space for recreational activities, like outdoor games and poolside movies. New cosmic-inspired dining options include Cosmos Café and Market, Galaxy Bar and Galaxy Grill, and Nova Bar, with a craft cocktail program.

The new hotel, and its upcoming sibling property Universal Terra Luna Resort, offers the advantage of staying on-property in the middle of all the action, while providing value. Prices start at $147 per night.

The opening of Universal Stella Nova Resort brings the property’s hotel portfolio up to nine, with two more expected on the way, Universal Terra Luna Resort (opening Feb. 25) and Universal Helios Grand Hotel (opening May 22), the destination’s first ever hotel resort connected to a theme park. When all three open this year, it will bring the grand total up to 11 hotels with 11,000 guest rooms.

Guests of Universal Orlando hotels have exclusive benefits, like complimentary shuttle bus transportation to theme parks and Early Park admission, including Epic Universe.

Epic Universe joins two existing theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, and water theme park, Universal’s Volcano Bay. It will add dozens of new attractions that push the boundaries of theme park entertainment and welcome park goers into five immersive lands: Super Nintendo World, Celestial Park, Dark Universe, How To Train Your Dragon — Island of Berk, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic. This exciting addition is anticipated to transform the tourist favorite into a weeklong vacation destination.

Single-day tickets to Epic Universe are now on sale and hotel reservations are open for all properties.