Sapphire Falls Resort, Orlando
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando is a lush, Caribbean-themed escape that feels worlds away from the busy theme parks. Opened in 2016, the resort was masterfully designed to embrace its unique position at the terminus of Universal’s water canal system. Designers capitalized on this by creating stunning cascading waterfalls—the resort’s namesake—which flow directly into the waterways used by the water taxis.
The architectural design is deeply inspired by tropical landmarks, most notably the recurring motif of stone turrets. These ruins are scattered throughout the property, from the grand spiral staircase in the lobby to decorative elements by the pool. This blend of historic-looking stone ruins with bright, airy interiors helps the hotel balance contemporary comfort with a relaxed island identity.
One of the standout features is the massive 16,000-square-foot resort-style pool. As the largest pool area at Universal Orlando, it boasts a white sand beach, a twisting waterslide, and private cabanas, making it a favorite for families. For guests looking for a more adult experience, the “Strong Water Tavern” offers an extensive selection of vintage rums and tapas, perfectly capturing the Caribbean theme.
Staying here offers major logistical advantages for park-goers. Guests enjoy complimentary water taxi service directly to Universal CityWalk and the main theme parks, offering a scenic and relaxing alternative to buses. Additionally, a beautiful, landscaped walking path provides a tranquil route to Volcano Bay, ensuring you are never far from the action.
Expert reviews
“The Modern Caribbean-inspired Sapphire Falls is clean and understated. It’s also my favorite of Universal’s moderate options because the service is strong, parking is sheltered, the price is never too crazy, and you can take ferries or walks to the parks.”
Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in Orlando.
“A recent addition to the Universal Orlando hotel family. It is close to the theme parks but still provides a serene Caribbean-style getaway, set around a lagoon and waterfalls, with tempting dining and a unique rum bar.”
What guests liked
- Top location
- Comfortable beds
- Parking
- Swimming pool
- Free Wifi
Location
Recent guest reviews
17 April 2026
Overall great hotel and fantastic location. Water taxis are a great perk. Rooms are quite small and mattresses could do
Great location, swimming pool and water taxis to the park. Also great breakfast and coffee shop food options.
Beds were too soft and offered little back support. No privacy between toilet and shower. Staff at New Dutch Trading Co. need to be more friendly (baristas were more friendly). Room sizes are fairly small for a family of 4, little walking space and not enough closet space.
16 April 2026
Highly recommend - liked the boat taxi to City Walk in the evening
Overall very nice hotel for family holiday
14 April 2026
Brilliant for the parks.
Amazing staff, travel to the theme parks was exceptional - the boat staff and buses were brilliant. Super frequent and easy. Check in staff very helpful too. The kids loved the pool, slide and hot tub.
The family room was quite small for the 5 of us.
6 April 2026
Overall very happy. Being connected to the parks made the experience unforgettable.
Location is amazing. Views were nice. Transport to all the parks (ferry/bus for epic) was easy and quick. Or you could walk!
Room service is from the restaurant in the building, it was very nice.
Room could have been vacuumed slightly better for arrival. Different hardness pillows would have been good.
5 April 2026
We really liked this hotel, the boat access to Cuty Walk is incredible and the early access to parks. There was only one
Great facilities and choice
Rooms were small
4 April 2026
Perfect location, amazing staff and great facilities
The hotel is only a 5 minute walk to Volcano Bay and the water taxi is perfect for getting over to Islands of adventure and universal.
To be fair the hotel had everything we required. The cafe even opens at 6am for the early morning starts to grab a coffee or breakfast
20 March 2026
Fantastic relaxing vacation
Everything for the moment we checked in the customer service was excellent. Every staff member we encounter was friendly helpful. Our room was spotless and comfortable excellent size Room large shower room including the bathroom and a separate area with sink. And with amazing views of The Lagoon as well, which we did request.
Nothing we like it all
17 March 2026
This is a wonderful place to stay and convenient to Universal parks.
Pool area was very nice, I really liked the walk area across the pool. The transportation to the parks was fast and enjoyable. Never had to wait for elevators. The room was very nice and quite large. We always had plenty of clean towels and wash cloths. The shower was awesome.
The hotel was chilly but the worse part was my room was sooo cold. Even when the temperature was turned as high as it would go (80) it was still cold so I turned it off and even that didn't help. I don't pay that much to freeze!
22 February 2026
Although a quick stay, love the comfort and vibes of relaxation. Love the pool area
Family friendly. Location.
6 February 2026
Loved the hotel I am a senior Irish citizen in my early 70s and would loveto revsit
Location was excellent as was room. Staff at bar were excellent Alanna and the Donegal Irish / Sri Lankan young women who was excellent to chat to customers and mix cocktails was exceptional and an asset to any bar who likes to interact with the customers.
I was returning a car rental to Avis at Universal supposedly close by but due to no proper signs and Google maps I ended up trying to enter the wrong car park and had to do a bumpy u turn .Avis please get a stranger to the area to return a car to Avis .Also there seems to anyone ever on duty at the Avis desk
4 February 2026
Fabulous resort to enhance your visit to the Universal Studios Parks andor Orlando
Our room had a great view of the lagoon and we loved that we could see when the taxi boat was coming. Our room was clean, quiet and comfortable. We enjoyed breakfast off the menu at the hotel restaurant. Shout out to Emi at the front desk, she was friendly, helpful and very accommodating! We would highly recommend this resort to those visiting Orlando and especially those planning to go to the Universal Parks.
No improvements required, keep up the great hospitality!
20 January 2026
I would 100000% stay here again if I ever make it back to Orlando
Absolutely everything about the resort was amazing. As a first time visitor, my husband and I loved it. The location was fantastic, easy access to the theme parks and citywalk. The place was so lovely and clan and the staff were incredible.
5 January 2026
Excellent hotel will return
Location is great! The hotel is beautiful and very well maintained. The staff was super friendly and helpful. The room was also very spacious clean comfortable.
I don’t like this hotel doesn’t offer fast pass like the others
16 December 2025
We were there for the AKC National Dog Show and love staying here
Convenient to Universal parks, they cater to your pets and there’s a great walking path. Staff is very friendly.
23 November 2025
We will stay here again next time!
We loved the large lobby. The staff were very friendly and answered our questions. The rooms were clean and nicely decorated. Also being able to take the boats to the parks was very convienent.
Nothing!
19 November 2025
Excellent value for money, would stay again.
The gym facilities were outstanding, lobby area was nice and open, bright and vibrant.
The location is great due to the addition of the water taxi direct to city walk.
The rooms were pretty big, clean and modern.
I think the food could have been better pool-side but this isn’t a dealbreaker for us at all, it’s brilliant value for money and I think that arguably it could be classed as a premier hotel if it wasn’t for the lack of fast pass included.
19 November 2025
Great place to stay for easy access to Universal Parks
Easy access to Universal parks and Universal downtown area, friendly staff, good pool area and lovely common space areas for families.
17 November 2025
Beautiful, Comfortable & Convenient transportation
Beautiful lobby, large pool area with lots of chairs. Pool activities for kids on weekends. very comfortable beds. Boat ride into citywalk is wonderful, and quick. We never waited longer then 20min for the boat.
The meal options in the market were the same all week. Variety would have been nice. Kids activities were only on the weekend, nothing else all week.
10 November 2025
Stay was great my kids loved it
The location and the resort looks amazing
Nothing bad to say the resort was great
28 September 2025
Wonderful, dream stay!
Room was very nice, good and clean.
Explain upfront any hidden or possible costs involved during and after the stay.
15 September 2025
Beautiful hotel, staff were super helpful
Extremely helpful staff
All good - quite expensive !
12 September 2025
Expensive but worth it for location
Location
Price of food and drink
9 September 2025
First time at a Loews and will definitely stay again.
Very clean and staff was friendly. Loved the convenience of the water taxi
Nothing negative
5 September 2025
Amazing, cannot wait to come back
The staff where lovely and so helpful, the hotel was beautiful, we all loved the pool and the boat was so use to get over to the parks and city walk, we all wished we could have stayed longer
I would not change anything about the hotel
1 September 2025
Sapphire Falls provided exactly what we were looking for— comfort, relaxation, and convenience.
Our stay at Sapphire Falls was wonderful! The room was comfortable and clean throughout our entire stay. The entire resort was beautiful, including the lobby, pool, and restaurants. The staff was always friendly and helpful whenever we had questions. We tried each of the restaurants in the hotel and can’t wait to visit them all again because of how delicious the food was. The water taxi and shuttle were super convenient and made it easy to travel to the parks throughout our stay. We hope to return to Sapphire Falls in the future!
The only thing I disliked was that the pillows could have been firmer (I believe I stacked three at a time to sleep on), but that is just a personal preference and I could bring my own pillow next time!
30 August 2025
We had the most amazing stay and intend to return.
Excellent Hotel amenities and wonderful staff.
Nothing!
29 August 2025
Relaxed and just what we needed
The proximity to city walk and the parks
The friendly staff
Immaculately clean
The pool area
The water taxi
Later checkout when we asked for it, no problem at all
There was nothing I didn’t like
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
- - Coffee house on site
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Family rooms
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Car hire
- - Heating
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
- - Designated smoking area
- - Vending machine (drinks)
- - Vending machine (snacks)
- - Minimarket on site
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
- - Business centre (additional charge)
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Express check-in/check-out
- - Currency exchange
- - Luggage storage
- - ATM/cash machine on site
- - Concierge service
- - Lockers
Activities
- - Fitness centre
- - Games room
- - Table tennis
- - Hot tub/Jacuzzi
- - Steam room
- - Fitness
- - Fitness/spa locker rooms
- - Movie nights
- - Bingo
Outdoors
- - Garden
- - Terrace
- - Outdoor pool
- - Sun terrace
- - Outdoor pool (all year)
- - Outdoor furniture
- - Outdoor fireplace
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Daily housekeeping
Pool and wellness
- - Water slide
- - Heated pool
- - Pool bar
- - Shallow end
- - Sun loungers or beach chairs
- - Swimming pool
Parking
- - Parking garage
- - Electric vehicle charging station
- - Accessible parking
Miscellaneous
- - 24-hour security
- - Key card access
- - Smoke alarms
- - Delivered food is securely covered

More photos

22 April 2026
Clean, comfortable hotel close to Universal