The Aventura Hotel is a fairly compact, modern theme park resort that's literally surrounded by some real guest favorite landmarks at Universal Orlando.
It is located just across the road from Cabana Bay, next door to Sapphire Falls, and overlooking (from the upper floors of the hotel's tower) Volcano Bay in one direction, and the Islands of Adventure park in another.
Aventura has a sleek and distinct style that sets it apart from some of the other theme park hotels in the area, and, at the same time, it remains one of the more affordable Universal Orlando accommodations.
Comfortable, modern room options are very much part of Aventura's appeal.
With its glass tower design, tech-forward rooms, and location in walking distance to some of Universal's top attractions, the resort is popular with couples, groups of friends, and families who want style without the splurge.
Here, we take a closer look at the room options, pricing, and what guests can likely expect from the accommodation at Aventura.
Standard rooms
Aventura’s standard rooms come with either two queen beds or one king bed paired with a sofa bed.
The two-queen layout measures about 314 square feet and is a good fit for up to four guests.
The king option is slightly smaller at around 238 square feet, but with more open floor space, it is plenty big enough for couples or a smaller groups.
The rooms are presented as bright and modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the rooms in natural light as well as giving guests some fantastic views.
Bathrooms are neatly and stylishly designed, which is functional and convenient for the morning rush for rope drop.
Guests who want an enhanced view can choose an upgrade to the 'Skyline' category, placing them higher in the tower for some panoramic views of Orlando and the Universal parks.
Deluxe Rooms
Guests who prefer a little extra elbow room can upgrade to Deluxe Rooms.
At 395 square feet, they are about a quarter larger than the standard room layout, and the difference is noticeable once you settle in.
Like in standard rooms, the sleeping arrangements are split between either two queens or one king bed with a sofa bed for up to four guests.
Deluxe Rooms are typically in the corners of the tower, which not only provides a more generous layout but often means more light and better views.
The bathrooms are also a bit more generous, with more counter space for multiple people to get ready at the same time.
Kids’ suites
For families who want a bit of separation at bedtime, Aventura’s Kids’ Suites are a standout option. Larger still, these rooms span 575 square feet. The suites are cleverly designed with two distinct sleeping areas.
Parents can enjoy a king bed in the main space, while children have their own alcove, complete with two twin beds and a privacy curtain. There is also a sofa bed in the parent’s area, meaning the suite can accommodate up to five guests in total.
The layout is particularly family-friendly. Children can wind down in their own nook with their own television while parents relax by the large window or stay up later without disturbing younger sleepers.
The bathroom is larger than in other room types and has dual sink areas with a split shower and toilet, which makes it possible for several people to get ready at once.
In-room features
Whatever your room category, guests staying at Aventura come with modern touches that make the stay feel both stylish and practical.
Each room includes a tablet that controls everything from the lights and television to the air conditioning, and even allows you to order room service.
Connectivity is also well thought out. Rooms are fitted with more outlets and USB charging ports than typical Universal hotels, with charging points conveniently placed by the beds and workspaces.
Entertainment comes courtesy of a large HD television paired with the tablet remote, and climate control is managed by a smart system that adjusts when you leave and return.
Other conveniences include a mini-fridge to keep drinks and snacks cool, an in-room coffee maker for quick mornings - and, of course, the staples like a safe, hairdryer, and ironing set.
Pricing
Standard rooms at Aventura usually start in the range of $145 to $200 per night in quieter seasons, climbing towards $300 or more at peak times.
Deluxe rooms add a small premium of around $30 extra per night, while Kids’ Suites typically run in the high $200s or more, depending on demand.
A stay at Aventura comes with some of the usual theme park perks like early park admission, giving access to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, or, Volcano Bay an hour before the general public.
Free shuttle buses connect the hotel to the theme parks and CityWalk, while Volcano Bay is just a short walk away.
Guests can also enjoy the ability to charge purchases to their room and have packages delivered directly from the parks.
It is not, however, in the category of resorts that give guests free Express passes.
Aventura sits in the “Prime Value” tier. That places it above the budget-friendly Endless Summer Resort, but below the more luxurious Sapphire Falls, Royal Pacific, and Hard Rock.
Endless Summer offers the cheapest rates on-site, sometimes dipping under $100 per night, but the hotels are further from the parks, and the experience is a little bit more basic.
What guests think
Guest reviews of Aventura are generally positive. Guests often highlight the hotel's modern design, the cleanliness of the rooms, and the favourable price point. It gives a sense of a more luxurious resort - even though, at the cheaper price, it doesn't have quite the same level of facilities or perks that you'd find at the higher-end Universal resorts.
The compact footprint of the hotel means rooms are quick to reach, which is a relief after a long day on your feet.
The location is also a common point of praise.
In terms of drawbacks ... its quite commonly commented that the pool is smaller than at some of Universal’s other hotels, and lacks a lot of the features of those larger pools (like slides or lazy rivers).
Sylish and contemporary
Ultimately, Universal’s Aventura Hotel strikes a balance between being stylish and contemporary, and 'grown up', whilst also being one of the more affordable ways to stay at a Universal resort near the parks.
The rooms aren't huge, but they are thoughtfully designed, packed with tech, and are comfortable for a 'prime value' price.
Really, for Aventura, the bottom line is that it's more polished than the true budget resorts and far less expensive than the themed deluxe properties - so it might be the right balance for your next stay!
