Review: Universal Helios Grand Hotel at Epic Universe
What Works, What Doesn’t, and What to Know Before You Go
During our recent visit to Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe, we stayed at the brand-new Universal Helios Grand Hotel—a shining, celestial-themed property designed to immerse guests in the mythology of Helios, the Greek god of the sun. From the design to the amenities to the location, this hotel has a lot going for it, but it’s also experiencing some of the growing pains typical of a soft opening.
Here’s a full breakdown of our experience, what we loved, and where we think there’s room for improvement—plus tips to help you plan your stay.
First Impressions: Theme and Design
One of the most striking things about the Helios Grand is its immersive theme. The hotel is filled with Mediterranean design elements, celestial motifs, and constellation-inspired décor, all meant to represent the palace of Helios. As you ascend each floor, you metaphorically move through the phases of the day. The second floor is pink (sunrise), and the colors shift gradually to dark blue (nighttime), with Bar Helios at the top serving as the symbolic culmination of the day under the stars.
The lobby is stunning, with sweeping floor-to-ceiling windows offering a direct view of Celestial Park. But while the design is undeniably impressive, functionality at this early stage left a bit to be desired.
There is a spacious patio, straight through the lobby outside. Amazing views of Epic Universe and Celestial Park. Beautiful for sunrise and sunset photos. You can stand directly behind and look through the statue of Apollo with his arrow pointing across the park to Luna, the goddess of the moon. The message in the arch over Apollo reads, "At break of Dawn the God of light a bow he draws with all his mite. His flaming arrow in its flight will burn away the darkest night".
The Check-In Experience
We arrived during the hotel’s soft opening and unfortunately, the check-in process was extremely slow. With only 4–5 parties in line ahead of us, we still waited about 40 minutes. A system issue with the room key printer contributed to the delay. The staff was gracious and tried to help, even offering to tag and check bags at the desk, but it slowed things down further. When we returned later, there was no dedicated line for guests simply picking up keys. The line wrapped across the lobby toward the restaurant. I was able to bypass it by going to the concierge desk, where they kindly retrieved my keys. While helpful, this is clearly an area that needs a dedicated process or express check-in option.
Hotel Rooms and Views
We stayed on the 6th floor, and I highly recommend requesting a high floor if you want a view of the Celestial Park fountains, Stardust Racers, and all the Portals. The view from our room was incredible, especially at night. I spent hours just sitting and watching the lights and nighttime activity across Epic Universe. The room itself was modern and comfortable. However, I was surprised that even the suites only accommodate four guests. For a family of 5–6, the lack of rooming options feels like a missed opportunity—especially in a hotel of this size.
Food and Drink: Beautiful but Pricey
Flora Taverna
This is the hotel’s full-service restaurant, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a beautifully themed, airy space. You can watch chefs prepare Mediterranean dishes in an open kitchen, or dine on the patio with views of Celestial Park. That said, the restaurant felt too upscale and expensive for casual family meals, and I wished there were more mid-range options.
Aurora Market
Located off the lobby, this coffee shop and market offers grab-and-go snacks, drinks, and light meals. Unfortunately, service was very slow. It took 20 minutes just to buy water and snacks, and I had to sign a receipt, which felt unnecessary for quick service. The electronic systems seemed sluggish overall and contributed to the delay.
Lotus Lagoon (Poolside Bar & Grill)
The food and drinks here were solid and the setting was relaxing. However, its location feels like an afterthought. Families dressed for dinner had to walk through wet pool areas to reach it. I would have preferred a closer, more integrated option near the hotel main building—or even a swim-up bar, which would have better matched the resort-style vibe of the pool area.
Bar Helios (Rooftop Lounge)
This was one of the most highly anticipated features of the hotel, and while the views were fantastic, access and service were frustrating. You can’t just walk up—you’re required to wait for a host to escort you in. Despite seeing only a few parties inside, we waited 10 minutes to be seated and another 10 minutes to get served. I had to ask if I could place an order.
The Atlas cocktail was fantastic but expensive—$26 for a bourbon-based drink. Food included sliders, steak skewers, salmon, and chocolate mousse. The sliders and mousse were highlights, but portion sizes were small given the price. The outdoor area is beautiful, though it was very windy—possibly a result of the architectural design. Also the bulky railing blocked your views. I wish it was designed with the windows similar to Adventura Hotel.
View of EPIC Universe from Bar Helios on rooftop of Helios Grand Hotel
Amenities and Features
Pool: Large, attractive zero-entry pool with underwater speakers, cabanas, and a hot tub. I loved the layout but felt the pool bar could be more accessible from the main building.
Fitness Center: My son gave it two thumbs up. Clean, spacious, and stocked with brand-new strength and cardio equipment.
Game Room: A fun touch for teens, with standard arcade and video games.
Universal Studios Store: Convenient and well-stocked. We picked up Power-Up Bands for Super Nintendo World right in the lobby.
Luggage Services: Friendly and efficient—no complaints here.
Transportation to the Parks
The bus situation needs work. We waited over 20 minutes for a bus to Universal Studios, and when one finally came, it drove right past us. The eventual ride took about 12 minutes, but we were dropped off at the curb with no clear signage or designated drop-off point yet.
Tips and Final Thoughts
The Universal Helios Grand Hotel is a stunning addition to the resort, offering immersive design, elevated food options, and gorgeous views of Epic Universe. But the hotel is clearly still working through opening pains. Be prepared for slower service, long waits, and a few logistical quirks.
Here are my tips for your visit:
Pack your patience—especially during check-in and dining hours.
Request a high floor for best views of Celestial Park.
Skip the long line for room keys by going directly to the concierge.
Make a reservation or arrive early if you plan to visit Bar Helios.
Don’t expect quick service at Aurora Market—plan accordingly.
Bring water and snacks if you want to avoid long lines for small items.
Take advantage of the pool and gym, which are excellent and less crowded than other amenities.
Overall, this hotel has incredible potential, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it evolves once Epic Universe fully opens. The theming is among the best at Universal Orlando, and the location can’t be beat for park lovers. Just be ready for a few hiccups if you're visiting early.
