Universal Preferred Resort: Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

Last reviewed: October 2026

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is Universal Orlando's Preferred hotel. You get a water taxi and buses to CityWalk, a walking path to Volcano Bay and a 16,000-square-foot pool. Standard rooms are 321 square feet. It does NOT include Express Unlimited, which only the three Premier hotels have.

*This resort is a Double Your WDW Favorite!

This resort is inspired by tropical islands in paradise. This laid back resort will have you enjoying "island time" during your stay.

Basic Hotel Information

6601 Adventure Way
Orlando, FL 32819
407-503-5000

• Tier: Preferred
• Check-in 4 PM, check-out 11 AM
• Overnight self-parking: $36 a night plus tax. Valet: $45 a night plus tax
• Pets allowed for a $150 fee

Rooms Available

This resort offers both standard resort rooms, and various suites. Including a kids suite. The standard rooms are moderately priced, which makes them more affordable than the Premier resorts.

The standard rooms at Sapphire Falls are a spacious 321 square feet, and can be upgraded to Lagoon or Pool view.

Suites range from 529 to 1353 square feet, depending on your needs.

Standard Room

• 2 Queen beds
• 4 person max occupancy

Standard Room with Pool View

• 2 Queen beds
• 4 person max occupancy

Standard Room with Lagoon View

• 2 Queen beds
• 4 person max occupancy

Kids Suite

• 1 King bed / 2 Twin beds
• 5 person max occupancy

King Suite

• 1 King bed / 1 pull out sofa
• 5 person max occupancy (with a rollaway)

Hospitality Suite

• 1 King bed
• Kitchenette / Dining Room / Living Room
• 3 person max occupancy (with rollaway)

Sapphire Suite

• Either 1 King bed or 2 Queen beds
• Wet bar / Living Room / 1.5 Bath
• 5 person max occupancy (with a rollaway)

Rollaways cost $35 a day plus tax, and each room can have one. They are first come, first served.

Restaurants on Property

There are several restaurant options available at this resort:

Amatista Cookhouse

• Full service
• Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Offers scenic water views.

Strong Water Tavern

• Bar
• This bar is located in the lobby area of the resort and offers a variety of fun alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink.

New Dutch Trading Co.

• Quick Service
• This is a small grab and go option located off of the lobby. You will also find pastries and gelato.

Drhum Club Kantine

• Full service
• This restaurant and bar is located off the pool and has a full menu available while you sit poolside or next to the firepit.

Room Service

• Full menu offered 24/7

Resort Shopping

The Universal Studios Store at Sapphire Falls resort is located off the lobby of the resort. Here you can find a lot of the merchandise that you'll see at the parks, as well as sundries and toiletries that you may have forgotten at home.

Resort Recreation

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort has a 16,000-square-foot pool. The pool features a sand beach area, a children's play area with pop-up jets, a huge hot tub, and a waterslide. There are also private cabana's available for rent.

You'll also find a fire pit, the Calypso Game Room for arcade games, and a free fitness center with a dry sauna in the locker rooms.

Transportation at Sapphire Falls

• Water Taxi: Quick, easy, and convenient, the water taxi will take you from the resort to City Walk. The best part? Unlike the buses, the water taxi will get you right next to the Universal Studios park entrance.
• Universal Buses: Buses can be taken to City Walk to get Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. There is also a bus that can take you to Volcano Bay water park. The bus stop is located off the lobby.
• Walking Paths: A walking path goes to Volcano Bay. Other paths connect the hotel to CityWalk, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and the other Universal hotels.

Volcano Bay closes for maintenance on October 26, 2026. Universal's pages give two reopening dates, on or before March 24, 2027 and on or before April 1, 2027.

What Perks Come With a Sapphire Falls Stay?

• Early Park Admission, up to one hour before the park opens, at select attractions (park ticket required)
• Free water taxi and shuttle buses to the parks
• Charging to your room key
• Free delivery of park purchases to your hotel

Universal Express Unlimited is NOT included. Only Loews Royal Pacific, Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Portofino Bay include it. My complete guide to Universal Orlando Resort explains Universal Express and what it costs.

How Much Does Sapphire Falls Cost?

For Sunday, November 8 to Tuesday, November 10, 2026, the lowest rate Universal showed for 2 adults and 2 kids was $327.50 a night before tax. With the 12.5% hotel tax, that is $368.44 a night.

On the same dates, the lowest rate at Loews Royal Pacific, the cheapest of the three Express Unlimited hotels, was $704.50 a night before tax.

Rates change by date. For a full comparison with Disney hotels and Universal tickets, see my Disney World and Universal trip cost page.

The Pros of Staying at Sapphire Falls Resort

This resort is gives you an upscale feel, but at a more reasonable price than the Premier Resort options. Also, the water taxi to and from the parks is quick and easy. If convenience and getting to and from the park is your priority, this resort is for you.

The Cons of Staying at Sapphire Falls Resort

This resort is typically much more than the value level resorts at Universal. So if value is your priority, you might want to look there. It also is more money, but does not include Express Unlimited like the top tier premier resorts do.

Comparing Universal hotels? See Cabana Bay Beach Resort (Prime Value) and Dockside Inn and Suites (Value).

Want a Quote on Sapphire Falls and Universal?

Get a rate quote on this resort here.

Still Confused or Need Help?

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See you at the parks,
-Julie