Universals Cabana Bay and Aventura hotels, along with new openings for 2019 and 2020, are part of the groups strategy to expand and cater to a wide range of Orlando holidaymakers.
At a tour of Cabana Bay and Aventura, held as part of the Global Travel Group's conference, Travel Bulletin was told that Universal currently has 9,000 hotel rooms across its properties in the area but plans are underway to increase this to 15,000. While the conference took place during a quiet period for Orlando, the tour group was told that new attractions have led to a "bump in attendance" at theme parks as well as hotel bookings, with this trend especially prevalent with the addition of Harry Potter-themed attractions.
The Cabana Bay hotel, with rooms starting at US$115 per night, is aimed squarely at the family market with rooms and suites sleeping either four, six or eight people. Set in a complex of buildings with 1950s-inspired design, family-friendly facilities at the 2,200-room property include a service desk for booking Universal attractions, two pools, a lazy river, games arcade with prizes, a bowling alley, Starbucks branch and fitness centre. There is no valet parking and the main restaurant is cafeteria-style rather than full table service, which keeps the pricepoint down. There are room rates available for booking up until January 2020, which is popular with UK customers booking Orlando holidays up to a year in advance.
Meanwhile, Aventura, which opened in August this year, features modern, minimalist design and is aimed at families with older children, millennials and the young-at-heart. The 600-room property features a pool, room facilities such as lighting and TV controlled by tablet, Starbucks, fire pit, splash pad, a food court-style dining area serving a range of cuisines and a 17th-floor bar with panoramic views of Orlando.
Looking ahead, Universal's first two budget hotels will be opening in Orlando under the Endless Summer resorts brand. Surfside Inn is scheduled to open in August 2019 and bookings are being taken, and the first phase of Dockside Inn is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2020, although bookings are not yet being taken. The second phase of Dockside Inn is expected to open in summer 2020. These hotels will provide limited services with rooms priced at US$80 per night, making it an affordable option for many guests looking to spend 10-14 days in Orlando or guests who want to spend their money outside the hotel.
