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The biggest news in theme parks this summer has been the grand opening of Universal Epic Universe. It's the first major offering to open in the United States in two decades. Located in Orlando, Florida — close to Universal's original two theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure — travelers have a bevy of hotels bookable using award points to choose from.
This guide will focus on the best award options for your trip to Epic Universe, as well as the caveats to understand when staying off-site.
The Best Points Hotels Near Universal Epic Universe
There are a total of 11 on-site hotels operated by Loews Hotels. All of these properties include early entry into Epic Universe each morning.
I recently visited Epic Universe on its opening weekend, as I'm a massive follower of the theme park industry. For my stay, I opted to stay on site at the adjacent Helios Grand Hotel (Here's my full video review). By staying on property at Universal, I received several benefits that directly benefited my day at Epic Universe.
The biggest benefit to staying on site is early entry into the theme park, one hour before the general public. While not every ride will be open during early entry, a one-hour head start on those staying elsewhere allowed me to ride four attractions before I started my day.
In addition, Helios Grand offers its private entrance into Epic Universe. This isn't only convenient for the beginning and end of your day, but also allows guests or their families to take a break from the Orlando summer heat during the hottest part of the day. If staying off-site, this isn't really an option.
However, the bad news for points and miles fans: Loews doesn't currently have a traditional loyalty program like most hotel chains.
Find properties near Epic Universe through hotel collection programs
If you're looking for extra perks on-site, the Loews Portofino Bay participates in the American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts® program. When booking through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts, eligible cardmembers earn 5X Membership Rewards points per $1 spent, plus a $100 property credit, free breakfast for two, and late checkout, among other perks. Portofino Bay guests enjoy an included Express Pass at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure theme parks, but not at Epic Universe at this time.
You can also redeem Membership Rewards points for the stay, but only at one cent per point. That's below what AwardWallet users typically redeem them for through transfer partners. Keep in mind you'll need to take bus transportation to Epic Universe from Portofino Bay, about a 20-minute journey.
But what if you're looking to stay off property on points? I'd recommend staying at one of Universal's Partner Hotels, which offer proximity to the theme parks as well as bonus benefits like food and merchandise discounts, and even complimentary transportation at select properties. Let's dive into the details program-by-program.
Related: All the Amex Rewards Cards that Earn Membership Rewards
Hyatt properties near Epic Universe
Travelers have several interesting Hyatt-branded hotels available using points near Epic Universe. The first I'd recommend is the Hyatt Regency Orlando, which offers complimentary transportation to Epic Universe as well as a Universal Vacation Planning Desk in the lobby to handle ticket bookings.
The Hyatt Regency Orlando is a Category 4 property. Thanks to Hyatt's fixed category pricing, you'll pay the following Hyatt points per night, depending on your dates:
- Off-peak: 12,000 points
- Standard: 15,000 points
- Peak: 18,000 points
Despite being somewhat distant from the original two Universal theme parks, the hotel is quite close to Epic Universe and features a resort-style pool, among other perks.
Other options that are much closer to the original two Universal parks are the “Hyatt Place across from the Universal Orlando Resort” and “Hyatt House across from the Universal Orlando Resort.” The Hyatt Place is a Category 2, while the Hyatt House is a Category 3.
Both properties offer shuttle service to the Universal Orlando Resort, though you'll have to take a free bus from there to Epic Universe.
Related: Best Category 1–4 Hotels to Redeem Your World of Hyatt Free Night Awards
Marriott properties near Epic Universe
Marriott offers three partner hotels with bonus benefits within the Marriott program near Epic Universe. The closest option to Epic Universe is the Four Points by Sheraton International Drive. This property offers a complimentary shuttle to Universal Orlando, plus food and merchandise discounts at select locations in the parks.
I've previously stayed there, and while it's nothing fancy, it's certainly a convenient option located between the main campus of Universal Orlando and the new Epic Universe. If you're staying on points, rates are dirt cheap, as low as 12,400 Marriott Bonvoy® points in our search!
Closer to the original Universal parks, the Residence Inn Near Universal Orlando offers complimentary theme park transportation as well as bonus benefits. The rooms are also a bit more comfortable for families, with kitchenettes and more room to spread out.
Rates in October 2025 are a bit steeper on points, though, starting at 35,000 points per night. Keep in mind, Marriott utilizes dynamic pricing, so it's worth re-checking your booking later to see if the price has dropped.
Finally, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Near Universal Orlando Resort offers similar budget-friendly options with a complimentary shuttle and bonus benefits. The hotel's rates are slightly cheaper as well, starting at 27,000 points per night.
When booking Marriott hotels with points, consider utilizing Marriott's 5th night free benefit to stretch your points further. Or, if you're on a shorter stay, one of Marriott's Free Night Certificates might bring down your trip costs.
Hilton options for Epic Universe
Hilton offers one option that's walking distance from the original two Universal Orlando parks, but would still require a shuttle or a quick Uber to Epic Universe.
The DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando is about a ten-minute walk from CityWalk — which I'm familiar with as I walked it during my stay several years ago. Rooms are basic but functional, and you'll have resort-style amenities on-property when you're not at Epic Universe.
Hilton uses dynamic pricing for its hotels now, too, and we found rates as low as 36,000 points per night at the hotel. Plus, you can utilize Hilton's 5th night free benefit to save even more points on your vacation.
Three other Partner Hotels within the Hilton Honors program are Hilton Garden Inn Orlando International Drive North, HOME2 Suites Nearest Universal, and Homewood Suites by Hilton – Nearest to Universal Orlando. All three of these properties offer shuttle transportation to the Universal parks.
Wyndham options for Epic Universe
While no Wyndham properties include Bonus Perks at the Universal parks, there is one partner hotel within the Wyndham program to consider for your Epic Universe visit. The Wyndham Garden Orlando Universal/I Drive features budget-friendly accommodations and is located across the street from one of Universal's official resorts, the Endless Summer – Dockside Inn.
Award nights are reasonably priced at 15,000 Wyndham Rewards points per night. Keep in mind, this property does not have shuttle service to Epic Universe, but a quick walk across the street to Endless Summer would get you to the parks complimentary.
IHG options for Epic Universe
IHG fans have two options worth considering for your Epic Universe trip. The Holiday Inn & Suites Across from Universal Orlando offers award nights for 14,000 IHG One Rewards points per night. It offers shuttle service to Universal Orlando, as well as bonus benefits, including discounts on select merchandise and food in the parks.
You may also consider the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Nearest Universal, which offers rooms as low as 15,000 points per night based on our search, and also enjoys shuttle service to Universal Orlando.
Choice Hotels options for Epic Universe
Several Choice Privileges Hotels also provide bonus benefits while visiting Universal Orlando. The Comfort Inn & Suites Near Universal Orlando offers shuttle service and award nights for only 15,000 points per night.
A new entrant to the Choice Hotels program is Westgate Resorts, which don't offer discounts on food and merchandise at Universal but do provide shuttle service to the Universal parks. The Westgate Palace is very close to Epic Universe and is located very close to the Endless Summer Resort. Unfortunately, award rates per night are 35,000 points per night and require a two-night minimum stay.
Our Take
A visit to a brand-new theme park like Epic Universe should be a special one, and if we're being honest, staying off-property can be a big downgrade in terms of perks in the park. For one, on-property guests receive one hour of early entry in the park. That's a big game-changer for your day, if you're trying to see it all.
If you want to stay on-site, getting access to Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts® is critical. That means you'll want to get one of these cards:
(Terms apply)
- Earn 5X points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel® (up to $500,000 in purchases per calendar year).
- Earn 5X points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel®.
(Terms apply)
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com.
- Earn 1.5X Membership Rewards® points on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more.
- Earn 1.5X Membership Rewards® points on each eligible purchase with U.S. construction material and hardware suppliers.
- Earn 1.5X Membership Rewards® points on each eligible purchase with U.S. electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers.
- Earn 1.5X Membership Rewards® points on each eligible purchase with U.S. shipping providers.
- 1.5X earning rates are subject to a cap of $2 million in purchases per calendar year.
If you're ok staying offsite, there are a multitude of points hotels available close to Epic Universe and the other Universal theme parks. Before booking, understand if the hotel's shuttle works for your touring plans. Otherwise, you may be relying on Uber or Lyft to get you to the parks each morning and back to the hotel in the evenings.
For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: The Platinum Card® from American Express (Rates & Fees), and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express (Rates & Fees)
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