Universal Orlando opens its first Epic Universe hotel

January 21, 2025, 5:14 PM · Universal Orlando took a big step toward the opening of its new theme park today with the opening of the Universal Stella Nova Resort.

Universal this morning welcomed the first guests to the new hotel - the ninth at the Universal Orlando Resort.

First guests at Universal Stella Nova Resort
All photos courtesy Universal Orlando

Universal's new hotel is the first location to open to the public on the resort's new south campus, which will be the site of the upcoming Universal Epic Universe theme park. Epic Universe opens officially on May 22.

Universal Stella Nova Resort
Universal Stella Nova Resort pool

Universal Stella Nova Resort is one of two new Prime Value hotels located near the entrance to Epic Universe. The second, Universal Terra Luna Resort, will open March 25. Stella Nova offers 750 hotel rooms, a pool with a splash pad and fire pit, fitness center, as well as dining options Cosmos Cafe and Market and the Galaxy Bar.

Lobby seating at Universal Stella Nova Resort
Lobby seating at Universal Stella Nova Resort

Cosmos Cafe and Market
Cosmos Cafe and Market

Guest room at Universal Stella Nova Resort
Guest bedroom at Universal Stella Nova Resort

Rates are starting at about $150-200 a night depending upon dates of stay. The hotel will have a walkway to the Universal Epic Universe theme park, as well as bus transportation to the other Universal Orlando Resort theme parks, where guests will get Early Park Admission.

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Replies (2)

January 21, 2025 at 7:36 PM

I will be at the Stella Nova this Friday for a four night stay. The proximity to the convention center should be a big selling point even before the new park opens.

January 22, 2025 at 11:18 AM

I generally like this, but understand some of the criticism this hotel has been getting. Yes, the baren, curved walls are generic, the exterior is borderline gaudy, and the rooms have theming limited to a piece of art and a tiny porthole window, but I think for the rates being charged for this resort, it's very appropriate. I really like a crisp, clean lines that are reminiscent of MIB or the Jetsons, and the rooms look to be a tick above those offered at the slightly cheaper Endless Summer resorts.

Personally, I think this resort is very much on par with Pop! Century at WDW with rates that undercut the Disney resort by 10-20%, and Universal/Loews should have no problem filling these rooms even in the months prior to Epic Universe opening.

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