Everything you need to know about Universal’s Surfside Inn and Suites

So while I was hanging out with Hagrid, Draco and Luna recently in Orlando, I was also doing some proper work too, I promise. I was really excited to get a sneaky peek inside the first of the two properties that make up Universal’s Endless Summer Resort (I can’t believe I was first talking about it back in May 2018), their first ‘value hotel’ (different to Cabana Bay Beach, which is listed as ‘prime value’). The other property, Universal’s Endless Summer Resort - Dockside Inn and Suites will open in March 2020. Here’s everything you need to know about Universal’s Surfside Inn and Suites.

What’s the difference between Universal’s ‘prime value’ and ‘value’ resort hotels?

Well, it’s certainly not quality of accommodation or food offerings, that’s for sure. You’ll find all the same fabulous amenities as, say, Cabana Bay Beach (and some clever new ones, like water bottle filling stations). There’s also a really decent sized gym and - if you’d rather walk - pretty walkways to the parks. I guess the main difference is that neither of the new resort properties have on-site access to Volcano Bay Water Theme Park, and neither, like Cabana Bay, have instant access to the Universal parks via the water taxi. Oh, and because I promised to tell you everything you need to know about Universal’s Surfside Inn and Suites: you can’t pool hop to the other resorts like you can if you stay in another level of hotel, but that’s about it.

What’s the hotel like? Does it feel ‘value’?

Nope, nope, nope. It’s lush. Think of it like Cabana Bay Beach and Sapphire Falls had a baby. It’s a beautifully designed, bright and colourful resort hotel. Look up in the lobby of Surfside, and you’ll find a beautiful seafoam bubble-inspired installation, and the seating is reminiscent of colourful beach pebbles, while the reception area looks like a huge wave. It’s stunning.

Do you get all the same perks as when you stay at the other Universal Orlando Resort hotels?

Yep, absolutely everything: regular free shuttle buses to the parks (I’m saying 5 to 10 minutes max, with no more than a 10 - 15 min wait between buses) and other resorts, Early Park Admission, charging items to your room and being able to have purchases delivered to your hotel, amongst others. Plus, of course, if you still really want to catch the water taxi (we love the water taxis!), you can still head to Sapphire Falls and get on it there.

Also, when Dockside Inn and Suites are open, guests from Surfside Inn and Suites will be able to use all the amenities there, too.

What’s the difference between Universal’s two Endless Summer Resort properties?

Although both hotels have a beachy vibe, the two are quite different in their designs. Surfside Inn and Suites has a laid back, colourful surfing theme, whereas Dockside Inn and Suites is more calm and relaxed, with cooler colours, lots of white, and a natural feel inspired by driftwood and sunsets on the beach. Also, Dockside Inn and Suites will have 2050 rooms, whereas the smaller Surfside Inn and Suites has 750 rooms, 390 of which are two-bedroomed suites.

What are the accommodation options like?

Both the standard rooms and the two bedroom suites are beautifully designed. Carrying on with the surf theme (yup, that’s an actual surfboard), there’s a ton of clever storage, two comfy queen-sized double beds, a flat screen TV and a really stylish bathroom too.

I’m going to stick my neck out here, though, and say that what makes this hotel really cool is the fact that you can book a two bedroom suite. Not only are the suites incredible value, but they’re really well thought out and stylish too, with one double bedroom similar to the standard rooms, plus a further separate one with another super-comfy queen sized bed, plus a cute kitchenette and dining area with a decent sized picnic table, a bathroom with separate shower and another area with two sinks (again, great attention to detail), plus loads of clever little storage touches like low hooks so you can get your bags off the floor. So that’s six people taken care of, in loads of style too.

Let’s get down to the important stuff: what’s the pool like?

Oh. My. Goodness. Me. The pool is epic. Firstly, it’s shaped like a giant surfboard, and secondly, it’s massive. As we walked past, we all just wanted to dive in to that gorgeous azure water. There’s also a really gorgeous canopied area around the Sand Bar (more of this in a sec), which means that even if you get caught in one of those classic afternoon downpours we all know and love in Orlando, you can wait it out in style while sipping an amazing cocktail or two.

Amazing cocktails you say? What are the food and drink options at Surfside Inn and Suites?

Oh yes, those cocktails. I recommend the Orange Surf Board (orange vodka, coconut rum, Triple Sec, orange juice and a splash of cranberry), but I’ve heard good things about all the cocktails at the poolside Sand Bar. You’ll also find fresh deli salads and pizza by the slice (it’s also available for delivery and surprisingly affordable - a 16″ pizza for four, including salad, breadsticks and drinks works out at less than $10 a person).

Again, there’s been serious thought given to the food and drink options, because, let’s face it, there’s no point in offering a value resort and then only offering really expensive food options.

The main food court area, Beach Break Cafe, where all the mains will set you back $12 or less, will feature more surf-inspired theming with fresh, Southern California flavours and inspiration taken from food trucks, local joints and backyard barbecues. Think fresh SoCal Cobb salads, delicious Ciabatta stuffed with ham, capicola, Genoa salami, provolone, red onion, tomato, shredded lettuce and pepperoncini, and great quality gourmet burgers. It’s open for breakfast lunch and dinner. Don’t miss the breakfast pizza which is seriously good. Oh, and there’s a Starbucks in the lobby too.

Okay so the resort doesn’t look ‘value’, but are the prices?

For a resort this beautiful, and for the Universal Orlando Resort Hotel perks that you get, I think the prices are pretty darned competitive. Prices for a standard room start at just $73 a night for a 7 night stay (obviously depending upon the season - some will be more pricey than others), and just €111 for the two bedroom suite. That’s €111 for six people!

Phew, so that’s pretty much everything you need to know about Universal’s Surfside Inn and Suites. Oh wait except…

Getting there:

Seven nights in Orlando with Virgin Holidays, including scheduled Virgin Atlantic flights from London Gatwick direct to Orlando, room only accommodation at the Universal Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites with car hire included and the 3 Park Explorer ticket is from £1099pp.

Price is per person based on 2 adults travelling and sharing a standard room and includes all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. Price is based on a departure on 24/11/2019. Virgin Holidays is a member of ABTA and is ATOL protected. To book: www.virginholidays.co.uk, 0344 557 3859, visit one of the concession stores located in Debenhams and Next or one of their V-Room stores nationwide.

Thank you to Universal Orlando Resort, Florida and Virgin Atlantic for having me. All opinions and pictures are my own.