The Hard Rock Hotel is the closest hotel to the Universal Orlando main gate and is situated in between the gates of the Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure theme parks. The main gate is directly in front of the hotel, and the CityWalk entertainment complex is easily accessible by foot. Guests who stay at this hotel will have views of the Hogwarts castle at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (at Islands of Adventure) as well as the Rip Ride Rokit Roller Coaster at Universal Studios. The Hard Rock Hotel also features the lowest prices of the three on-site hotels, and off-peak room rates are generally under $100 as of February 2011.
The Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is more secluded than the Hard Rock and is located on the east side of the Universal Orlando resort. The Loews Portofino Bay hotel does not feature views of the theme parks and attraction, but instead promises a quiet and tranquil respite from the energy of the parks. This Italian-themed hotel also features several restaurants and exclusive entertainment options. Although the Portofino Bay Hotel is easily accessible by foot, those who want to get there quickly from CityWalk or one of the theme parks can take a water taxi that will take them directly to the front of the hotel.
Though Universal Orlando is situated squarely in central Florida, the Royal Pacific resort aims to re-create a tropical beachlike atmosphere. This resort is on the west side of the parks and is closest to Islands of Adventure and the CityWalk entertainment district. This hotel features on-site restaurants, a generous amount of suites, and a pool that features a sandy beach. Like Portofino Bay, this hotel is easily accessed by foot from the east side of the resort, but if you are on the other side of the resort or your feet are tired, you can take a complimentary water taxi to the front of the resort.
Though staying in proximity to the main gate of Universal Orlando has more benefits than just being able to get to the theme parks and CityWalk easily. Guests who stay at these three resorts are also able to gain access to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction at Islands of Adventure an hour before the park opens to the general public, are able to skip the lines at "Express Pass" attractions, and also receive a 10 to 15 percent discount on food and merchandise purchased at the resort.
