Universal's Epic Universe Hotel Speculation

[Ahmanet]

What would be the most comparable hotel in Orlando to Helios? Downtown or WDW area or elsewhere.

 

[graspthesun]

What would be the most comparable hotel in Orlando to Helios? Downtown or WDW area or elsewhere.

It's hard to say without knowing more specifics about decor, room features/amenities and F&B concepts.

 

[UniversalRBLX]

What would be the most comparable hotel in Orlando to Helios? Downtown or WDW area or elsewhere.

Gran Destino at Coronado Springs at WDW from a design perspective. They look identical, nearly the same height, shape, and size. The major difference is that Helios will have a far nicer backdrop when in the lobby with the garden & hub views.

 

[Ahmanet]

Good thoughts ... wonder if Helios will be featured in the preview center (if there is one)

 

[GAcoaster]

I would guess that Helios will be part of it since it's an integral part of the park.

I'm hoping/picturing the center of the building being a large model with corresponding merchandise and additional displays/video screens around it. Essentially walk with the model in front of you, and each land having an array of merchandise around it.

 

[Disneyhead]

I would expect both Helios and Stella/Terra to be highlighted.

 

[HandsomePete]

What would be the most comparable hotel in Orlando to Helios? Downtown or WDW area or elsewhere.

This is a cop out of sorts, but I honestly think the closest comp will be Grand Floridian - not in rate, Universal can never dream of touching that, but in a general sense of 425ish square foot rooms, number of amenities, “luxury” hotel but not actually a luxury hotel vibe.

Shame the thing looks like they had a bunch of Finfrock gift cards laying around though.

 

[Alicia]

Shame the thing looks like they had a bunch of Finfrock gift cards laying around though.

Helios was not built by Finfrock. It was not built using prefab concrete walls raised into place, instead using more traditional building methods (otherwise it would be done by now).

Helios’ contractor is PCL I believe.

EDIT: Helios’ parking garage was built by Finfrock, which is why that went up so fast.

 

[HandsomePete]

Helios was not built by Finfrock. It was not built using prefab concrete walls raised into place, instead using more traditional building methods (otherwise it would be done by now).

Helios’ contractor is PCL I believe.

EDIT: Helios’ parking garage was built by Finfrock, which is why that went up so fast.

Except it was actually built by lifting prefab exterior walls into place, which is early-mid aughts design for a 4-4.5 star hotel with no balconies. I get that it has to blend in with the aesthetic of the park but I would have expected something a little better. That said, if they can match what the inside of Beijing looks like, it’ll be fine.

I would say the same about the Fantasy Springs hotel in Tokyo, especially compared to the art they released.

 

[Disneyhead]

I think the Helios Grand Hotel will be more grand than the Universal Grand Hotel in Beijing. Park view rooms will come close to Grand Floridian prices.

 

[Mad Dog]

I think the Helios Grand Hotel will be more grand than the Universal Grand Hotel in Beijing. Park view rooms will come close to Grand Floridian prices.

This is the type of subject that Dave is generally right on about. I'm giving this info very heavy weight, and high probability. Take it to the bank.

 

[Ahmanet]

Having recently rented a Volcano View room in Cabana Towers - think you have the right idea.

The wow factors of the views are worth the premium price.

 

[Loki]

New Helios concept drawings (including interiors)

source: EBartlett Spring 24 Design Portfolio

 

[Cup_Of_Coffee]

Said it in another thread but I’m blown away.

Aside from operations and management which I expect to be good, this is on day 1 likely the best Universal Orlando Resort hotel to date. Rivals some of Disney’s best hotel work. Will be the most expensive surely, but I’m obsessed!

 

[Fedic]

I realize it's just the architect's portfolio, but I bet they're going to love Disney being mentioned in the description of their new flagship hotel.

"The client sought to create a "Disney castle" which was inhabitable."

 

[graspthesun]

That lobby

 

[Brian G.]

and with that... topic locked.

Helios Grand Hotel

A spectacular world of celestial patterns and dazzling constellations – complete with 500 guest rooms, one-of-a-kind views of Epic Universe and its very own dedicated entrance into the theme park.

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Universal Stella Nova & Terra Luna Resorts

Universal Orlando Resort announced the addition of two new hotel properties to the Universal Orlando hotels portfolio - Universal Stella Nova Resort, opening Jan 2025, and Universal Terra Luna Resort, opening Feb 2025. @UniversalORL READ MORE...

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