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This past New Year’s my family had the best time at Universal Orlando! We had three park days, hit up both theme parks and Islands of Adventure, enjoyed a non-park day and stayed, for the first time, at Loews Sapphire Falls. Sapphire Falls was one of the last resorts at Universal Orlando to reopen, but its available and I was excited to experience this new-to-me resort, and I can’t wait to share my full Sapphire Falls review with you.
Loews Sapphire Falls Review –Preferred Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort
Where is Loews Sapphire Falls?
Loews Sapphire Falls is located between the Royal Pacific and Aventura Resort. It’s across the street from Cabana Bay.
Sapphire Falls can be accessed by the water taxi, or you can conveniently walk to the Universal Orlando theme parks and City Walk. It’s also a short walk to Volcano Bay, so really a great location to experience everything at Universal!
If you are coming from the airport, you can take Universal’s Super Star shuttle right from the airport. Planning a Universal Orlando vacation is tough, but keep reading for how I make it so easy!
What is a Preferred Hotel at Universal Orlando?
Universal Orlando Resort has eight on site hotels. The highest level is the premier resorts, which include unlimited express pass with a stay.
Loews Sapphire Falls is a preferred hotel, the only one in this category, which means it is a luxury hotel like the premiers, but a stay at Sapphire Falls does NOT include express pass.
Hence the slightly lower price than a premier. Sapphire Falls is a great choice for a luxury Universal Orlando trip, where you don’t need unlimited express pass.
The remaining four Universal Orlando hotels are divided into two other categories – prime value (Cabana Bay and Universal’s Aventura) and value (Endless Summer Surfside and Dockside). These four tend to price out better than Sapphire Falls, but don’t have quite the luxury amenities and do not have water taxi access to the theme parks.
If you are comparing hotels, be sure to check out the ultimate guide to Universal Orlando Hotels.
Planning a Universal trip is tough. Which resort? Ticket type? Express Passes? Touring Plan? Of course, there is your budget to consider as well!
For those reasons, it’s always best to work with a travel professional to help plan a Universal vacation. I help you with EVERYTHING, And the best part? My services are free! That’s right, you pay the same price whether you book through me or directly through Universal.
Loews Sapphire Falls Pool
What really shines at Sapphire falls is the resort style pool area. In fact, it’s the largest pool at Universal Orlando Resort. The pool has a bar/restaurant, hot tub, and waterslide.
There is plenty of seating, but for added luxury, rent a cabana for a relaxing non-park day.
There is also a gym and game room on the lower level, by the pool area. We had one non -park day on our recent visit, so I did visit the gym. On park days, you probably don’t need the gym – you do so much walking!
Rooms at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
Sapphire Falls has a few room categories for guests to choose from. We stayed in a pool view, two queen room.
The room had everything a family needs – two queen beds, a desk, tv, dresser, closet, safe, and a split bath with a sink outside the toilet/tub/shower room. This is nice because it gives more space for families to get ready in the morning!
At Sapphire Falls, you can book this same layout in a standard view, or lagoon view. Because the pool is such a resort highlight, I prefer that view.
For larger families, consider booking a kids suite, the sapphire suite or a two bedroom suite! Lots of great rooms options at Sapphire Falls.
Restaurants at Loews Sapphire Falls
As a preferred property, there is a full service restaurant on the lower level, the Amatista Cookhouse.
For a quick snack, head to the café in the lobby.
There is also a bar/restaurant, Strong Water Tavern, with rum based cocktails – its a Caribbeaan themed resort after all!
SAPPHIRE FALLS PRO-TIP: Head next door to Aventura to the rooftop bar and restaurant. Great views of Orlando and a nice way to end your park day!
As always with all Universal Orlando Resorts, you can always order Instacart or Amazon Fresh to be delivery to your hotel. You do have to meet your delivery person in the lobby, but this is a great way to stock up on snacks, water, wine for your room. Since the Universal Dining Plan has been suspended, that is one of my best tips to save money on food at Universal.
Universal’s Loews Sapphire Falls Review
For your upcoming Universal Orlando trip, Loews Sapphire Falls is a great option for families that want luxury accommodations, but don’t want or need an express pass for their stay. The pool is awesome, and having water taxi access and the ability to walk to the parks is so great!
Definitely a property to consider for your next Universal Orlando stay!
Have you stated at Loews Sapphire Falls? What did you think? Be sure to join my Facebook group for more Universal Orlando Planning Tips! I’d love to have you there!
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Please share:
This looks like a nice place to stay. I’ll keep it in mind when we go to Universal Orlando!
It looks so dreamy, I would be lounging by the pool all da ahahah I’d for sure would love to visit
The pool at Sapphire is awesome! Such a selling point
What a great resort in Orlando! I grew up there (went to High School across the street from Universal) and am amazing now about the new options! I’ll have to bring my boys back to visit.
yes, I believe Sapphire is pretty new? I love universal. Going back soon!
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