Inside Universal’s Stunning New Hotel: Helios Grand

Inside Universal’s Stunning New Hotel: Helios Grand

This morning, I’m arriving at one of the most anticipated hotel openings in Orlando. Universal’s brand new Helios Grand. Tucked just steps away from the gates of Epic Universe, this hotel blends luxurious design with the unmistakable energy only Universal can offer. And today, I’ll be taking you on a full tour of the experience. From the grand lobby to the theme park view room I booked for tonight. Hello everyone and welcome back to the channel. I’m Darren from Orlando Parks skuy.com. [Music] As my family and I pull up to the entrance, the first thing we notice is the tower’s architecture. It’s sleek and definitely has celestial vibes. Modern lines, golden accents, and the beautiful glass panes reflect natural light, something that separates this from a traditional tower hotel. The name Helios makes sense. Everything about this place seems to revolve around light. We stepped through the towering glass doors and into the lobby. Surprisingly, it’s not quite as I had expected. While it is flooded with natural light, it’s much smaller than I [Music] imagined. With a name like Helio’s Grand, I pictured an over-the-top grand lobby, but the tall column stretched toward the ceiling, and there’s a stunning light fixture designed to look like a solar flare hanging above the center atrium. Check-in is going to be a challenge today. It seems everyone is showing up early to get their room keys so they can get early park admission to Epic Universe. I’m doing the same thing, and this has overwhelmed the staff. But the staff is friendly and warm, trying their hardest to get us all room keys before the early park admission begins. They hand me my key cards, which depict Universal Resides and attractions. Now, it’s much too early to get into my room, and that’s okay. The hotel staff will text me my room number when it’s ready. I just need my room keys to show security that we qualify for early park admission as a guest of this hotel. Helios Grand has a private entrance into Epic Universe that we’ll be using today. But first, I stop at the market to grab a muchneeded cappuccino to [Music] go. So, I wait in line in the hotel corridor for a brief security check and then it’s into Epic Universe. [Music] I have so much to explore at Helios Grand today, but I want to take advantage of early park admission and lower crowds in Super Nintendo World. I hear this is the most popular section of Epic Universe, and it usually opens before the rest of the park, sometimes even earlier than what is posted online. And that’s exactly the case today. Universal went ahead and opened Super Nintendo World even earlier than they had announced. [Music] Wow, that was incredible. To see what Epic Universe is really like, be sure to watch my video tour. I’ll post the link at the end of this video and in the video description below. And if you’re new here, subscribe to my channel now because I make videos about Orlando vacations so you can have more fun. With Super Nintendo World checked off the list, I think we’ll walk back to Helio’s Grand and do some more exploring. And maybe my room is ready. Back in the lobby, I take a closer look at some of the design elements now that the morning rush is over. There’s beautiful artwork behind the check-in desk and the universal vacation planning center. Abstract flowers and planetary orbits etched into stained glass like something pulled from a Renaissance observatory. Across the space, a small lounge area beckons. Plush seating, cozy tables, and a cocktail bar that’s not yet open for the day. [Music] To my right is one of the signature features of the Helios Grand, the central reflecting pool and a massive statue of Apollo. And if I remember 8th grade mythology, Apollo is the god of music and light. And look at that. There’s a massive fountain that has powerful water jets and lighting that dance to celestial inspired music right in front of Apollo. What do you think this will look like from the room at night? Okay, so now we have something to look forward to. To my left is the hotel’s main restaurant floor to Viver Verna. The space is open air and feeling with floor to-seeiling windows and a view of epic universe outside. Now it serves Mediterranean inspired cuisine. I catch a peak of the space as staff prepares for the next meal service. A glowing woodfire oven, cozy seating areas, and elegant table settings. Flora Tivera has indoor and outdoor seating. This is the only restaurant at the hotel except for the grab-and-go market and the pool bar and grill. So, back in the lobby again, I see signs for the pool. But before we head there, we are told that we can change for the pool in the fitness center and store our bags at Bell Services. So, I change clothes in the fitness center locker room. And while I’m here, let’s take a look at the facilities. So, the gym has plenty of natural light. Floor to ceiling windows look out onto the gardens. And the space is filled with state-of-the-art equipment. Cardio machines line the front and a mirrored section in the back offers space for stretching and free weights. Now, with the fitness center checked off the list, we follow signs to the door that opens to the Helios Grand Pool deck. The pool itself is massive, but not in a sprawling and personal way. It curves organically, framed by palm trees, pale stone, and a series of private cabanas tucked into the aloves around the perimeter. The water has a slight turquoise tint under the midday sun, and the surface ripples gently in the breeze. There’s a serenity here that’s genuinely surprising, especially considering that the pool complex is located directly behind Dark Universe, the monsterthemed land of Epic Universe. Loungers stretch out along the pool’s edge, each with plush cushions and rolled towels. Attendants offered to set up our lounge chairs for us and bring us warm [Music] towels. To one side, there’s a shallow waiting section for families, but even that feels calm and elevated. This isn’t a chaotic splash zone. I wander towards the cabanas, which you can reserve for the day. Each has privacy curtains, a ceiling fan, mini fridge, and a small call button for poolside service. They’re surprisingly close to their neighbors, but I can easily imagine spending an off park day here just unwinding. Just beyond the pool is the Lotus Lagoon Bar, a sleek open air surface. It hasn’t opened for the day yet, but I peek at the menu. Plenty of small bites and a large selection of frozen drinks. What a great day at the pool. And we are really looking forward to seeing Epic Universe all lit up tonight. The room isn’t quite ready yet, so we change again in the fitness center and I discover a sign for the hotel’s transportation depot. So, of course, we need to go check that out and see how transportation works at the Helios Grand. I find that the buses arrive every few minutes to the other Universal theme parks and Volcano Bay. Transportation hub is located at CityWalk, an entertainment and dining district between Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure theme park. It takes about 10 minutes or so to get there from the Helios Grand. So, it’s late afternoon and our room isn’t quite ready yet. I understand this is a test and adjust period for the hotel, but now is a great time to check out the rooftop bar. So, the elevator bank is beautiful. Celestial scenes are projection mapped onto the wall. This is the attention to detail that I expect from Universal. And I’d love to see more of this technology being used in the lobby. Inside the golden elevator, my son presses the button marked sky bar. The doors open to a dramatic reveal, and there’s relaxing seating areas that feel more like private club than a lounge. Warm light shines through the windows, but I haven’t seen anything yet. This rooftop bar sits under a magnificent celestial dome. And to my right, an expansive outdoor terrace. I can’t wait to see the view from up here. So, let’s go check it out. Oh, and the staff up here shares a big secret. They say advanced reservations are highly recommended and may even be required. Wow, the view is stunning. It’s moments like these that remind me that I’m not just at a theme park hotel. I’m in something that feels more like a resort escape. From up here, you can see every land of Epic Universe, the whimsical world of Super Nintendo, the ominous spires of Dark Universe. There’s a gentle breeze, and the sound of distant coaster screams from Stardust Racers can be heard even way up here. I can already imagine how this place will transform after dark. Or imagine if Epic Universe ever does fireworks. Is that me dropping a big hint about some future plans? Maybe. We’ll just have to wait and see. And great news, while it took a little longer than I expected, our room is finally ready. I just got the text. Let’s go up and check it out. The elevator doors open and I make my way down a long but quiet hallway. Plush carpet underfoot. Soft lighting above. Room 494. Here we go. I tap the key card and the door opens with a satisfying click. Inside, the room is beautiful. A neutral color palette layered with soft golds and warm wood tones. Floor to ceiling windows command attention immediately. And I walk straight over to them. And wow, there it is. Epic Universe in all its glory. You can see it all from here. Celestial Park stretching out like an otherworldly garden. The coaster track of Stardust Racers gleaming in the sun. And in the distance, the dark brooding silhouette of the Monsters Unchained Castle. This view alone makes the room worth booking. Rooms on the other side of the hallway overlook the entrance area and parking garages and of course come at a much lower rate, but I’m a theme park guy, so this is what I like to splurge on. So, the room is impressively designed. There’s a soft, modern elegance to everything without being sterile. It feels like someone actually thought about how a guest would use the space rather than just trying to style it for photos. The two queen-sized beds anchor the room dressed in a crisp white linen set with a textured golden throw. There are no character references in the room as we’re seeing with Disney these days. I like this better. It can feel overdone when you see character theming all day and then again at your hotel at night. To the left, there’s a curved sculptural desk built into the wall. It’s not just functional, it’s genuinely beautiful. There’s a cure egg machine with a small rack of generic coffee pods beside it, wine glasses, and an ice bucket on a tray. The refrigerator is small and just enough to chill some beverages. And then there’s the bathroom. It’s a split bath. The vanity area is separate from the large walk-in shower. The vanity has an illuminated mirror and soft back lighting. The blue tiles give the otherwise warm room a cool and refreshing [Music] feel. Back in the room, I discovered that the curtains open and close by pressing a button. This is pretty cool because it reveals a beautiful view of Epic Universe, making the view feel even more dramatic. At night, this room will have amazing views. And speaking of that, it’s about time we head back into Epic Universe to do some after-dark exploring. I make my way down the hall to the elevators. The hallways are peaceful and quiet. The sound design here is excellent. Walking through security once again and through our private entrance into the park, the sunlight begins to fade and the park’s lights begin to turn on. Super Nintendo World is brilliant, better than I even imagined. And of course, we need to check out Dark Universe. This portal was made for nighttime. So this is surreal. Dozens of people gather around the Burning Blade Tavern, not to get a drink, but to watch it erupt in flames. [Music] Epic Universe is made for nighttime more than any other park I’ve ever seen. I hope this park is open late, like until midnight, because people really need time to experience it like this. But tonight, the park closes at a very early 900 p. p.m. We return to the room to enjoy the park view. Pulling up chairs to the window, my wife and I sit and watch the guests below make their way out of the park. It’s something of a rare moment, watching a theme park from above, removed from the chaos, but still completely within the experience. That’s what this hotel does best. It gives you both the magic and the pause. [Music] The next morning, I wake up just before sunrise. The bed was very comfortable. Maybe a little on the stiff side, but no complaints for me. If you watch my channel, you know that I’m an early riser. And let me just say, the park stayed illuminated all night. I woke up around 3:00 a.m. and took a peek out the window. Even the fountains were still going all night. I step over to the window and watch as the entire landscape slowly reawakens. Team members begin to arrive for work down below. It’s like watching the gears of a mega machine start to turn. Downstairs, the lobby is peaceful again. Early risers grabbing coffee, including me. The Aurora Market is light, bright, and modern. white tile, brass fixtures, and a bakery counter stacked with fresh pastries and a sleek espresso machine hissing gently in the background. I grab another cappuccino to go. I take my coffee outside to one of the terrace spots near the reflecting pool. There’s something about mornings at a resort like this before the energy of the day builds up. The balance of silence and anticipation, a kind of magic that only comes once per day. So, this is where I leave you today. But first, some final thoughts about the Helios Grand. This isn’t just another theme park hotel. The biggest draw here is that it’s attached to Epic Universe. Of course, I’m sure we’re all thinking that. But is that really a big enough draw? There are other Universal hotels that are within walking distance to theme parks. Maybe not as close. My room cost $656 for a theme park view room. That’s comparable to the Hard Rock Hotel at Universal and Portoino Bay. And both of those come with free express passes to Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. Helios Grand does not offer any free express passes. While the rooms are comfortable, they are small. Four people may find it cramped, and I can’t help but think they are nearly identical in size and layout to Stellanova and Teraluna. Here’s a look at Stellanova. See what you think. Stellanova and Teraluna are priced around $150 per night and located about 5 minutes away by shuttle bus. Is Helios Grand worth $500 more per night? For a signature hotel, I’m surprised at no water slide at the hotel pool and no complimentary express pass benefit. But on the positive, this hotel leans into calm and convenience where most theme park hotels lean into color and character. Here the theme isn’t a character or a movie. It’s a feeling. Light, time, celestial movement. These ideas are abstract, yes, but somehow it works. So, thanks for joining me today. Let me know what you think about the Helios in the comments. I would love to know. For more information about Orlando vacations, visit orlandop parks skuy.com. And now, here comes a video YouTube thinks you’ll really enjoy. I’ll see you over there. Heat. Heat. [Music] [Music]

Join me as I tour Universal Orlando’s brand-new Helios Grand Hotel, located just steps from the entrance of Epic Universe! In this full hotel walkthrough, I explore every corner of Universal’s most stunning and luxurious new resort-from the sun-soaked grand lobby and celestial architecture to the private guest-only entrance into the Epic Universe theme park.

I’ll show you the incredible pool deck, fitness center, rooftop SkyBar, and of course, my theme park view room overlooking Celestial Park and Super Nintendo World. If you’re planning a family vacation to Orlando, Florida or you’re a big fan of Universal Orlando Resort, this is a must-see video. I also take you into Epic Universe during early park admission and after dark, giving you a full look at what it’s like to stay at Helios Grand. Whether you’re comparing this to Portofino Bay, Hard Rock Hotel, or value options like Stella Nova, I share real opinions on if it’s worth the $656 per night price tag.

Discover what makes Helios Grand unique and what could use improvement. Perfect for Universal fans, Orlando trip planners, and families looking for the ultimate resort experience. Don’t forget to subscribe for more insider hotel tours and theme park tips!

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Chapters
0:00 Helios Grand Intro
0:30 Arriving at the Hotel
1:32 Private Entrance and Early Entry
3:57 Unremarkable Lobby
4:59 Flora Taverna Restaurant
6:02 Pool and Fitness Center Tour
8:09 Helios Bus Transportation
8:52 Bar Helios Rooftop Tour
10:46 Helios Grand Theme Park View Room
13:53 Epic Universe at Night
16:02 Final Thoughts and Review

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