Premier Hotels Archives - Winds in the East Travel, LLC

Universal’s Helios Grand Hotel

by Heather | Apr 15, 2025 | Premier Hotels

Where Radiance Meets Relaxation in the Heart of the Universe

Welcome to Universal’s Helios Grand Hotel, a luminous escape inspired by the brilliance of the sun itself. As part of Universal Orlando Resort’s newest lineup of hotels, this Premier category resort is a celebration of warmth, elegance, and timeless luxury. With glowing design details, immersive amenities, and proximity to all the action, Helios Grand is where your next vacation truly shines.

Whether you’re here to soak up the thrills of Universal’s theme parks or simply unwind in celestial sophistication, Helios Grand offers an elevated experience that’s perfect for couples, families, and guests who enjoy the finer things.

A Shining Example of Luxury Accommodations

Every room at Helios Grand Hotel feels like a sun-drenched retreat. From plush bedding to beautifully curated finishes, you’ll be wrapped in both comfort and style. Choose from a range of elegant accommodations including Standard Rooms, Club Level Rooms, and spacious Suites that offer exclusive perks and expansive views.

Room Highlights Include:

Premier-level elegance with modern sun-inspired décor
Floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views of the resort or parks
Club Level access available with exclusive lounge privileges
Complimentary Wi-Fi and Smart TV streaming
Luxurious bedding and spa-like bathrooms
In-room dining available

Amenities That Radiate Relaxation and Fun

From golden hour to starlight, Helios Grand delivers world-class amenities designed to bring sunshine into every part of your stay.

Resort Features:

Sun Terrace Pool with private cabanas and bar service
Upscale fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment
Full-service spa offering massages, facials, and body treatments
Exclusive Club Lounge (for Club Level guests)
Helios Kids’ Activity Club for younger travelers
Boutique retail shops with resort wear and gifts

Of course, you’ll also enjoy exclusive theme park perks, including:

Free Universal Express Unlimited Passes to skip regular lines at most attractions (valid theme park admission required)
Early Park Admission to select parks and attractions
Complimentary transportation to Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay
Resort-wide room key charging privileges

Radiant Dining Options

Helios Grand Hotel delivers a culinary experience as radiant as its design. With everything from elegant fine dining to sunlit cafés, there’s something delicious for every mood and moment.

Celestia – Fine Dining Restaurant: Savor upscale cuisine and expertly curated wine in a dreamy, starlit setting
Sol Café: The perfect spot for morning pastries, fresh coffee, and light bites
Sunset Lounge & Bar: Enjoy handcrafted cocktails and small plates as you wind down your day in style
Poolside Bar & Grill: Casual favorites, tropical drinks, and kids’ options just steps from your lounger

Room service is also available for those slow, relaxing mornings or cozy evenings in.

The Premier Experience at Universal Orlando

As a Premier Resort, Helios Grand Hotel offers the highest level of comfort, service, and park perks. Plus, its close proximity to Universal’s theme parks means you’re never far from the action. Whether you’re watching fireworks from your balcony or hopping on a shuttle to Hogsmeade™, your stay at Helios Grand is seamless, stylish, and unforgettable.

Let Winds in the East Travel Plan Your Stay

When you book with Winds in the East Travel, you’re not just booking a vacation—you’re unlocking expert guidance, personalized planning, and peace of mind. Our advisors know Universal’s resorts inside and out, and we’re here to help you make the most of your time at Helios Grand Hotel.

From Express Passes to dining reservations, we’ll help you plan every sunlit detail.

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

by Heather | Jun 21, 2022 | Homepage Featured, Premier Hotels, Universal Orlando Resort

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is one of three premier hotels at the Universal Orlando Resort. Inspired by the Italian village of Portofino, this hotel offers luxury with a variety of amenities and close proximity to the theme parks.

Resort Overview

The hotel opened in 1999 and was designed to give Universal Orlando guests a luxurious vacation experience, just a short distance from the park. It is one of three premier hotels at the Universal Orlando Resort, offering a water taxi to and from Universal CityWalk. It is a serene location, with bay views and beautiful architecture. Although it is a little further compared to the Hard Rock Hotel or Loews Royal Pacific Resort, this is a benefit for a more relaxing vacation experience.

Reasons We Love This Resort:

Theme: This hotel is gorgeous, inspired by the Italian village of Portofino. From the guest rooms to the dining options and the restaurants, the whole experience exudes elegance.

Amenities: Although guests are just a short water taxi ride or walk to the theme parks, it’s easy to spend your whole visit at this hotel too! With delicious restaurants the whole family will love, a spa with a variety of options to help you relax, live music, and beautiful pools, there is plenty to do during your stay. In addition, since it is a premier hotel, Universal Express Pass Unlimited is included for the length of your stay. Having this amenity is sure to make for an amazing theme park experience too!

Amenities:

Wi-Fi Service (complimentary wi-fi access in guest rooms, main lobbies, and main pools)
Dining Options (table service, quick service, and poolside service)
Business Center (computer services, print services, shipping services, office supplies)
Designated Smoking Area
Luggage Service (luggage assistance, valet parking assistance, dry cleaning)
Housekeeping Services
Valet and Self-Parking
Rental Car Service – Avis Desk
Front Desk Service (banking and mail)
Merchandise Delivery and Pickup
Grocery Orders
Weddings
Vacation Planning Desk (purchase tickets, upgrade tickets, special requests)
Wake-up Call Service
Disability Service (mobility, hearing, visual, and service animal accommodations)
Universal Express Pass Unlimited Benefit
Early Park Admission
Priority Seating at Restaurants

A Full Range of Accommodations

Room Types

There are 750 guest rooms and 45 suites at Loews Portofino Bay Resort. The suites are of varying sizes, designed to accommodate travel parties of any size and additional rooms can be added for more space. Each standard guest room includes the following amenities:

300-thread-count, 100% cotton bed linens
Complimentary turndown service (upon request)
WiFi access in each guest room and throughout the hotel
Bathrobes & towels
Julien Farel skin and body care products
Flat Panel Television
Hair dryer & make-up mirror
Separate bath and vanity area with two sinks
On-Demand movies (fee applies)
Clock radio with docking station
In-room safe
Iron & ironing board
Keurig coffee maker
Mini refrigerator
USB ports & outlets

Garden View

Sleeps up to 5 guests (with a rollaway)
Views of the Garden or Courtyard area

Bay View

Sleeps up to 5 guests (with a rollaway)
Views of the Bay
1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds

Deluxe Room

Sleeps up to 5 guests
Extra space, up to 490 square feet
Views of one of the resort pools or garden areas
1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds

Club Level Rooms

Photo Courtesy Universal Orlando

When you opt to stay in a club-level room at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, you will have access to the newly remodeled, 3,500 square-foot club lounge, located off of the main lobby. Throughout the day, head to the lounge to enjoy your choice of food and beverages including continental breakfast, hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, and complimentary beer and wine.

Suites

Photo Courtesy Universal Orlando

Photo Courtesy Universal Orlando

Photo Courtesy Universal Orlando

Despicable Me Kids’ Suite

Sleeps up to 5 guests (with a rollaway)
1 King Bed and 2 Twin Beds
Features attached kids’ room, with Minions theme

1-Bedroom Portofino Suite

Sleeps up to 7 guests (with a rollaway)
1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds and 1 Sleeper Sofa
Garden or Bay View with living space and separate bedroom

2-Bedroom Portofino Suite

Sleeps up to 10 guests (with a rollaway)
1 King Bed and 1 Sleeper Sofa, Connecting room with 2 Queen Beds

1-Bedroom Villa Suite

Sleeps up to 7 guests (with a rollaway)
Features living space with separate bedroom, dining area, and kitchenette
1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds and 1 Sleeper Sofa

2-Bedroom Villa Suite

Sleeps up to 10 guests (with a rollaway)
Features living space with separate bedroom, dining area, and kitchenette
1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds in each bedroom and 1 Sleeper Sofa in the living area

1-Bedroom Hospitality Suite

Sleeps up to 8 guests (with a rollaway and murphy bed)
Features dining room, kitchen area, and spacious living area
Views of the Garden or Courtyard area
1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds, 1 Sofa Bed, 1 Murphy Bed

2-Bedroom Hospitality Suite

Sleeps up to 8 guests (with a rollaway and murphy bed)
Features dining room, kitchen area, and spacious living area
Views of the Garden or Courtyard area
1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds, 1 Sofa Bed, 1 Murphy Bed

Governatore Suites

Sleeps up to 5 guests (with a rollaway) and additional connecting rooms are available
Features living & dining room, kitchen & separate office space
1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds
Views of the Bay and Harbor

Presidente Suites

Sleeps up to 5 guests (with a rollaway) and additional connecting rooms are available
Features living & dining room, spacious kitchen & separate office space
1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds
Views of the Bay and Harbor

Dining Information

There are several dining options available at the resort. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance. In addition, Universal CityWalk is a short walk or water taxi ride away and has additional options.

All Dining & Lounges

Mama Della’s Ristorante℠

Head here to enjoy authentic Italian cooking, complete with musicians strolling around and an atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.

Bice Ristorante

A small trattoria in Milan opened in 1926 and is now an international network. Stop here to enjoy Northern Italian cuisine and excellent service in a classy atmosphere.

Trattoria del Porto^TM

With Italian charm and a family-friendly menu, this full-service restaurant has a casual vibe where you can dine indoors or out by water.

Sal’s Market Deli^TM

Enjoy Italian favorites such as homemade pizzas, sandwiches, and salads, along with fresh fruit and cheeses.

The Thirsty Fish^TM

This waterfront bar has a casual atmosphere serving champagne, beer, and cocktails. There is also a menu with appetizers.

Splendido Bar & Grill^TM

There is a wide variety of menu options available 24 hours a day.

Gelateria

This shop offers your choice of gelato, milkshakes, smoothies, biscotti, and more.

Starbucks®

Head to the Harbor Piazza to choose from a menu including pastries, sandwiches, smoothies, teas, and of course, coffee.

Room Service

Available 24 hours a day, room service is here to bring breakfast or an evening snack!

Pools, Grounds, & Recreation

The Beach Pool

This fun and lively pool area is the perfect spot for families to enjoy some pool time. With a Roman aqueduct-themed waterslide, a children’s pool, two jacuzzis, and more, there is plenty of poolside fun waiting.

The Villa Pool

This pool offers a more exclusive experience with additional amenities such as private cabana rentals and upgraded lounge chairs.

The cabanas include a ceiling fan, refrigerator, phone, and TV.

The Hillside Pool

Located on the east wing of the hotel, this pool offers a quieter location to relax by the water, with a bit more privacy.

Poolside Activities

Enjoy activities poolside all day long including ping-pong tournaments, water balloon tosses, pool basketball, hula hoop contests, and more. Check with the front desk for a full schedule during your stay.

Game Room

This game room is the place to be to find the latest video games. It is located near the Beach Pool and is open daily.

Spa & Fitness Center

The Mandara Spa® offers a variety of spa treatments customized to your needs. The options include skin care, wraps, hair and nail care, massages, and more. There is also a complimentary fitness center with exclusive steam and sauna facilities.

Walking & Jogging Paths

Take in the views on a beautiful walk around the resort grounds as you enjoy extensive paths. There is also a designated dog-walking area.

Harbor Nights & Musica della Notte

Head out to the Harbor Piazza each evening to sip wine and sample some Italian favorites. Then, enjoy live music, and traditional opera, performed by talented musicians.

Loews Portofino Bay Resort Transportation

When you stay at Loews Portofino Bay Resort, the Universal Orlando theme parks are right at your fingertips! You may be wondering how to get to each one.

We have it broken down for you:

Universal Studios: The water taxi runs approximately every 20 minutes and takes guests to Universal CityWalk, just a few minutes away from the park entrance. Alternatively, there is a walking path from the hotel. It takes approximately 15 – 20 minutes to walk.
Universal Islands of Adventure: The water taxi will take guests to Universal CityWalk where guests can walk to the park entrance. Alternatively, there is a walking path and it takes approximately 15-20 minutes to walk.
Universal CityWalk: The water taxi is available to take guests to Universal CityWalk, running approximately every 20 minutes. It is also a short walk, approximately 15-20 minutes.
Universal’s Volcano Bay: Buses run approximately every 20 minutes to Volcano Bay.

Parking

*Guests who drive either their own vehicle or a rental car to Universal Orlando should know that a standard overnight self-parking fee of $28 plus tax per night will be applied to the guest hotel folio upon check-out. Valet parking is available for $37 plus tax per night. Parking is also available for day guests, with self-parking starting at $10 plus tax and valet parking at $42 plus tax.

If you love following along for the most up-to-date park information and news, follow us on TikTok @themeparkprofessor and Instagram: @themeparkprofessor.

Hard Rock Hotel Orlando

by Heather | Jun 13, 2022 | Blog Posts, Premier Hotels, Vacation Planning

The Hard Rock Hotel at the Universal Orlando Resort is a premier hotel offering a great location and stellar amenities to guests. The hotel has a theme embracing rock music and celebrates beloved musicians throughout history.

Resort Overview

The hotel opened in 2001, as the second on-site hotel at the Universal Orlando Resort. This resort is a tribute to all things rock ‘n’ roll! From the saxophone chandelier to the music playing underwater at the pool, the entire hotel celebrates the music! There are photos and artwork of beloved musicians from John Lennon to Madonna and Justin Timberlake. There is also memorabilia throughout the floors of the hotel including outfits and costumes from famous performers such as Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, and more.

The vibe at this resort is fun for all ages, especially adults and families with older kids.

Reasons We Love This Resort

Location: The resort is located very close to the entrance of Universal Studios. Guests can use the complimentary water taxi to get to the parks and Universal CityWalk. There is also a walking path, and it takes about 10-15 minutes to walk to either park entrance.

Theme: The resort has a great theme, especially for any music lovers! Around every corner, look for memorabilia and photos of all your favorite musicians from the past and present. There is always music playing by these artists as well. You can even hear music when you’re swimming underwater at the pool!

Amenities: The amenities at the Hard Rock are a huge perk. Specifically, for guests who stay at this hotel, the Universal Express Pass Unlimited is included for the length of their stay. This includes the check-in and check-out days. Plus, the resort celebrates the music! There is often live music in the lobby and guests can even rent records or guitars to play!

Amenities:

Wi-Fi Service (complimentary wi-fi access in guest rooms, main lobbies, and main pools)
Dining Options (table service, quick service, and poolside service)
Business Center (computer services, print services, shipping services, office supplies)
Designated Smoking Area
Luggage Service (luggage assistance, valet parking assistance, dry cleaning)
Housekeeping Services
Valet and Self-Parking
Rental Car Service – Avis Desk
Front Desk Service (banking and mail)
Merchandise Delivery and Pickup
Grocery Orders
Meetings & Event Space
Vacation Planning Desk (purchase tickets, upgrade tickets, special requests)
Wake-up Call Service
Disability Service (mobility, hearing, visual, and service animal accommodations)
Universal Express Pass Unlimited Benefit
Early Park Admission
Priority Seating at Restaurants

A Full Range of Accommodations

The hotel features 650 guest rooms, including 29 suites. There are a few room types available to choose from, with different views such as the gardens or the pool. Each guest room features amenities including a flat-screen TV, plenty of storage space with a dresser and closet, a mini-refrigerator with coffee maker, a hairdryer, and a desk area.