The Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, tucked away in the center of Universal Orlando Resort, offers visitors an amazing blend of island opulence and the excitement of top-notch amusement parks.
It’s not just a place to rest after a day of rides and attractions but a true tropical haven designed for relaxation, recreation, and rejuvenation. The resort is one of the premier options within the Universal Orlando portfolio, with its signature blue lagoon setting the scene for an unforgettable stay. Sapphire Falls has something unique for everyone, whether you’re a family seeking an exciting getaway or a couple seeking a romantic getaway.
The resort’s architecture and landscaping are inspired by the Caribbean islands, with stunning waterfalls, vibrant foliage, and bright, airy spaces. Even if the theme parks are nearby, you’ll feel like you’re on an entirely different planet. But what sets Loews Sapphire Falls Resort apart from other Orlando hotels? In this in-depth review, we’ll cover everything from the location and amenities to the room styles and dining options. By the end, you’ll clearly understand whether this is the ideal spot for your next vacation.
Location and Accessibility: Right in the Middle of the Action
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort’s location is one of its most enticing features, especially for those planning to spend time at Universal Orlando’s theme parks. The hotel at Universal Orlando Resort provides fast and easy access to both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, making it an excellent choice for visitors planning to explore the parks. The resort’s placement between these major attractions means you’re never far from the action, yet its tropical ambiance creates a buffer from the bustling energy of the theme parks.
Getting to and from the parks is a breeze, thanks to the resort’s complimentary water taxi service. The boat ride provides a peaceful escape and drops guests off just steps away from the park entrances, saving the hassle of navigating through parking lots or shuttle stops. If the water taxi isn’t your style, the resort also offers a convenient shuttle service to all Universal destinations, including the City Walk entertainment district. For guests who enjoy walking, there’s also a scenic path connecting the resort to the parks.
This central location also makes it easy to explore other Orlando attractions beyond Universal. If you plan to visit Walt Disney World or SeaWorld, these famous spots are just a short drive away. With ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft readily available, getting where you need to go is quick and straightforward.
Aesthetic and Atmosphere: The Tropical Island Vibe
You’re immediately transported to an island paradise when you step into Loews Sapphire Falls Resort. The aesthetic here is one of laid-back luxury, where Caribbean-inspired architecture meets the lush landscaping of a tropical garden. With its sweeping views of the lagoon and waterfalls, the lobby creates an instant feeling of relaxation. Tall palm trees sway in the breeze outside, while inside, bright colors, natural textures, and island-themed decor set the tone for your stay.
The resort’s design embraces the open space concept, emphasized by large windows that flood the interiors with natural light. Stone, wood, and water features further enhance the resort’s tranquil atmosphere. Whether lounging by the pool or enjoying a drink on the outdoor terrace, every hotel area feels like a private retreat. The sound of waterfalls adds to the ambiance, creating a calming backdrop wherever you are on the property.
The combination of relaxation with energy makes the atmosphere even more inviting. While the resort provides a peaceful escape from the theme park crowds, the lively spirit of Universal Orlando is never far away. The resort strikes an ideal harmony between tranquility and thrill, offering relaxation and adventure just a moment away.
The Pool and Surroundings
The Loews Sapphire Falls Resort pool is nothing short of a tropical oasis. It’s the most significant pool among Universal’s on-site hotels, and it feels that way. The lagoon-style pool is expansive, surrounded by lush landscaping and several cascading waterfalls that give it an authentic island vibe. Whether you’re taking a dip to cool off from the Florida heat or simply lounging in one of the many chairs around the pool deck, this area offers a relaxing retreat from the nearby parks.
What sets the pool apart from others in the area is its attention to both aesthetics and functionality. Not only is it visually stunning, but it’s also packed with features that make it ideal for families and adults alike. For those seeking extra fun, a waterslide twists and turns into the pool, which will surely be a hit with kids and adventurous adults. In addition to providing the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the sun, the sandy beach also has private cabanas for rent for those looking for a little extra luxury.
The surrounding area offers plenty of amenities in addition to the pool itself. The Drum Club Kantine, the resort’s poolside bar and grill, ensures you don’t have to venture far for food or drinks. Whether you’re craving a tropical cocktail or a quick bite to eat, the poolside service has you covered. The vibrant yet relaxing energy makes the pool area one of the highlights of the resort experience.
Room Options and Comfort: A Room for Every Type of Traveler
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort offers a variety of room options to cater to different types of travelers, from families looking for space to couples seeking comfort. The rooms blend modern convenience with island-inspired design, creating a relaxing and stylish environment. The use of bright colors, like blues and whites, paired with warm wood tones, gives the rooms a fresh and inviting feel reminiscent of a Caribbean villa.
Standard Rooms
The standard rooms are anything but basic. At 321 square feet, they offer ample space for relaxation, featuring either two queen beds or one king bed, depending on your preference. These rooms are ideal for small families or couples. Many guests appreciate the modern amenities like flat-screen TVs, Keurig coffee makers, mini-fridges, and high-speed Wi-Fi, which come standard in every room. Large bathrooms with walk-in showers and premium products give the whole experience an air of luxury.
View options vary depending on the room type, with guests able to choose between garden, pool, or lagoon views. The lagoon-view rooms, in particular, offer stunning vistas of the resort’s central water feature, adding a layer of serenity to your stay. Regardless of your choice, the rooms are designed to be a restful haven after a long day of adventure.
Family Suites
For larger groups, the family suites offer more space and privacy. These suites are designed with families in mind, featuring a separate living area and bedroom. The added space allows families to spread out. At the same time, the sleeper sofa in the living area offers additional sleeping options for kids or extra guests. With the extra room to move around, these suites provide a comfortable and convenient stay, especially for those with children.
Hospitality Suites
The Hospitality Suites at Sapphire Falls cater to those seeking a more luxurious stay. These suites include a living room, dining area, and wet bar, making them ideal for entertaining or enjoying a private retreat. The floor-to-ceiling windows provide expansive views of the resort grounds, adding a layer of exclusivity to the experience. Guests staying in these suites often appreciate the extra attention to detail, from the plush seating to the upscale in-room amenities.
Dining Options: Flavorful and Varied
The dining options offered by Loews Sapphire Falls Resort are excellent and appeal to a wide range of tastes and preferences. From sit-down restaurants to casual poolside fare, the resort’s culinary offerings are diverse and delicious. Whether you’re in the mood for a Caribbean-inspired feast or just a quick snack by the pool, you’ll find plenty to satisfy your cravings.
Amatista Cookhouse
Amatista Cookhouse, Sapphire Falls’ primary restaurant, is the resort’s dining scene’s crown jewel. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Amatista offers a variety of Caribbean-inspired dishes in a relaxed yet elegant setting. Breakfast here is a highlight, especially with the buffet option that includes everything from made-to-order omelets to fresh pastries and tropical fruits. The menu grows to include items like plantain-crusted fish, Caribbean curries, and jerk chicken for lunch and dinner.
What sets Amatista Cookhouse apart is its commitment to fresh, flavorful ingredients. The chefs focus on incorporating bold flavors inspired by the islands, giving the restaurant a unique edge over typical hotel dining options. The atmosphere is casual enough for families, but the food quality makes it an excellent choice for date nights.
Strong Water Tavern
Strong Water Tavern offers a combination of tapas-style small plates and an extensive rum collection for a more laid-back vibe. This popular spot is known for its carefully crafted cocktails, with a focus on rum-based drinks that highlight the resort’s tropical atmosphere. The menu includes flavorful dishes like empanadas, ceviche, and tostones, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying alongside a cocktail.
The bar’s warm and welcoming atmosphere makes it a perfect place to unwind after a long day. Whether you’re a rum enthusiast or just in the mood for a refreshing cocktail, Strong Water Tavern offers an excellent dining and drinking experience in a relaxed, lounge-like setting.
Drhum Club Kantine
Drhum Club Kantine is the resort’s poolside bar and grill, offering a menu perfect for a casual meal between swims. The food here leans towards lighter fare, with fish tacos, salads, and seafood-inspired dishes. Of course, a poolside bar would only be complete with a selection of frozen cocktails, and Drhum Club Kantine delivers tropical drinks that will cool you down on a hot day.
The setting here is casual and laid-back, making it an excellent spot for a mid-day snack or a leisurely lunch. The bar also offers full poolside service, so you don’t have to leave your lounge chair to enjoy a drink or meal.
Amenities and Perks: What Makes Sapphire Falls Stand Out
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort offers an array of amenities to enhance your stay and make it as convenient and enjoyable as possible. From early park admission to fitness facilities, the resort has features that cater to every type of traveler.
Complimentary Water Taxi and Shuttle Service
One of the standout features of Sapphire Falls is its complimentary water taxi service to Universal Orlando’s theme parks. This scenic and peaceful mode of transportation takes guests directly to CityWalk, where they can easily access Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. The water taxi service runs frequently throughout the day, making it convenient and enjoyable. For those who prefer not to take the boat, complimentary shuttle buses are also available.
Fitness Center and Spa
The resort features a completely equipped fitness center with free weights, cardio machines, and strength-training gear, perfect for guests who want to keep up with their workout routine during their stay. The fitness center is spacious and well-maintained, offering everything you need to keep up with your workout routine. While Sapphire Falls has no on-site spa, guests can visit the full-service spa at the neighboring Loews Portofino Bay Hotel for various treatments.
Universal’s Early Park Admission
One of the most significant benefits of vacationing at Sapphire Falls is the early park entry to Universal’s Volcano Bay and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Guests can enter these areas an hour before the general public, giving them a head start on popular rides and attractions. This is particularly useful in the busiest times of the year when waiting times for significant attractions might extend all day.
What Could Be Improved?
While Loews Sapphire Falls Resort has much to offer, there are a few areas where it could improve. One issue that some guests have pointed out is that the pool area, though beautiful, can get crowded during peak seasons. This can make it challenging to find lounge chairs or a quiet spot by the water. Additionally, while the resort’s location is excellent about Universal Orlando’s theme parks, it’s not within walking distance to the parks, meaning you’ll need to rely on the water taxi or shuttle service.
The absence of club-level rooms and exclusive lounges may be a drawback for those accustomed to more luxurious amenities. Some of Universal’s more upscale properties offer these perks, and their absence at Sapphire Falls may be a deciding factor for some travelers looking for an elevated experience.
Room Rates
Here is a general table outlining the approximate room rates for Loews Sapphire Falls Resort. However, these rates vary based on the season, availability, and special promotions. For the most accurate pricing, visiting the official Universal Orlando Resort website or contacting the hotel directly is always better.
| Room Type | Price Range (Per Night) |
| Standard Rooms | $195 – $350 |
| Lagoon View Rooms | $225 – $375 |
| Pool View Rooms | $210 – $360 |
| Family Suites | $350 – $550 |
| Hospitality Suites | $600 – $1,000 |
| Pet-Friendly Rooms | Additional $100 fee per stay |
| Private Poolside Cabanas | Starting at $50 (rental per day) |
These prices are just general ranges and can be affected by holidays, summer peak seasons, or Universal Orlando events. Prices are also higher during school vacations or special events like Halloween Horror Nights.
FAQs
Is there early park admission for hotel guests?
Yes, visitors visiting Volcano Bay at Universal Studios and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter get early park access.
Is Loews Sapphire Falls Resort pet-friendly?
Yes, the resort is pet-friendly, with an additional $100 fee per stay for pet-friendly rooms.
Does the resort offer free transportation to the theme parks?
Yes, complimentary water taxis and shuttle buses are available at Universal theme parks and CityWalk.
What dining options are available at the resort?
The resort offers multiple dining options, including Amatista Cookhouse, Strong Water Tavern, and Drhum Club Kantine.
Are there family suites available?
Family suites are available, offering additional space and sleeping arrangements for larger groups.
Is there an on-site fitness center or spa?
The resort has a fully furnished fitness center. Although there isn’t a spa on the property, visitors can use the facilities at the adjacent Loews Portofino Bay Hotel.
What are the pool amenities?
The resort features a large lagoon-style pool with a waterslide, sandy beach, and private cabana rentals.
Conclusion
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is an excellent option for those looking for a tropical getaway combined with the excitement of Universal Orlando’s theme parks. The resort’s island-inspired design, spacious pool, and dining options make it feel like a vacation within a vacation. The variety of room types and the perks like early park admission make it an especially appealing choice for families.
While there are a few areas for improvement, such as pool crowding and the absence of club-level amenities, the resort’s overall atmosphere and convenience make up for it. If you’re planning a trip to Universal Orlando and want a resort that combines relaxation with easy park access, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort should be on your list.