Nestled within the vibrant landscape of Universal Studios Orlando and inside Epic Universe, the Helios Grand Hotel offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors. From the moment you step into the lobby, the atmosphere is charged with excitement and elegance, setting the tone for your stay. While the Helios wasn’t slated to open until May 22nd they allowed booking to start with AP previews of Epic and we decided to stay and check it out!
The hotel itself is very stylish in it’s integration with celestial park and sticking to Greek theming, but the most obvious benefit is the hotel is inside Epic Universe! Much like Hotel MiraCosta in Japan you can’t help but to feel the excitement of Epic right outside your window! We timed our walk from Dark Universe to Helios at 5 minutes!
Accommodations
The rooms at Helios Grand are tastefully designed, combining modern luxury with thematic elements that reflect Celestial Park. Spacious and comfortable, each room is equipped with top-notch amenities, ensuring that guests have everything they need for a relaxing stay. One thing that is becoming more common is the amount of ports for phones and cameras and Helios of course added to that! You can check out our walk-through below of room 294 with a theme park view.
Dining Experience
For dining, we decided to check out Flora Taverna, located inside Helios’s lobby area. We have heard great things about bar Helios, but didn’t have time to eat there. Other options include room service and the pool area.
Flora Taverna features a made-from-scratch menu that is focused on Mediterranean dishes. While studying the menu, I was thinking of seafood and ended up going with a cheeseburger as our waiter sold me on it. Emma grabbed the Salmon and I decided to throw the ahi tuna crudo on the order to start with.
The olive oil they paired with this was spot on. It brought out the ahi tuna flavor, and the lime hint played nicely with it. It is on the pricey side, which is to be expected for a hotel restaurant, but we do recommend it if raw fish is your jam.
Next up was the Ora King Salmon. The most interesting part of this dish was the cilantro pesto, which I had never had before. At first, I was a bit thrown off by it. I didn’t dislike it, but I needed a moment to process the taste. It did work well with the Salmon and the fennel. We felt this dish was truly unique in taste and wonderful in flavor.
When we walked into Flora Taverna, I didn’t expect to order the burger, but our waiter talked me into it, and wow, it is good! The American Wagyu patty was juicy and cooked to my liking, making it medium rare. The bun was a complement to it and didn’t overpower the meat, which I always like. Also, the fires you need to order separately are at the next level in taste, so give them a try!
The Pool area also features dining options where you can order from the Lotus Lagoon, and inside the lobby, there is a convenient grab-and-go spot available! Eagle eyes may spy a certain Easter egg there!
Location and Pool
The Helios Grand’s location is perhaps one of its biggest selling points. Being situated within Epic Universe means that guests have easy access to all the attractions, allowing for a more convenient and immersive experience. This proximity to the parks makes it easy to return to your room for a quick break or to freshen up before heading back out. In fact around four PM we decided to leave Dark Universe and go to our room for a break and the walk took five minutes total. That kind of proximity is unparalleled.
The Helios Grand Hotel boasts a stunning pool area that is both stylish and inviting, perfectly complementing the hotel’s celestial theme. Surrounded by lush landscaping and modern design elements, the pool offers a serene escape from the excitement of Epic Universe. Guests can relax on chic loungers or take a refreshing dip in the sparkling waters, all while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere that enhances their overall experience. With its elegant aesthetics and comfortable amenities, the Helios pool serves as a delightful oasis for relaxation after a day spent exploring the park.
Overall Experience
Overall, the Helios Grand Hotel is an exceptional choice for anyone looking to enhance their visit to Universal Studios’ Epic Universe. Its beautiful accommodations, outstanding dining, and prime location seamlessly combine comfort and adventure. We can’t emphasize the location enough. Nothing on Disney property offers this level of accessibility to their parks. A two-night stay is perfect for enjoying Helios’s benefits while visiting Epic Universe for a day! What are your thoughts will you try out the Helios?
