A G
While the resort boasts a convenient location, it doesn't quite fit the bill for a luxury experience. The accommodations are decent in size, but overall lack the charm and allure one might expect from a resort setting. On the plus side, they do have a Starbucks on-site, which is a nice touch.
The pool area is pleasant, though it lacks additional amenities like hot tubs or a lazy river that could have elevated the experience. I was surprised to find that the beds were dressed only with a sheet and a flat sheet, without any comforters or bedspreads.
Dining options include a cafeteria-style eatery with reasonably priced offerings, but the food itself left much to be desired. Additionally, the parking fees are quite steep, which adds to the overall cost of the stay.
While the resort appears clean and the staff is genuinely friendly, I personally wouldn't choose to stay here again, especially given the price point. For a more satisfying experience, I’ll be opting for my go-to Hilton or Hyatt in the future.
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Kris Workman
Rooms are good for my family if 5, would say needs more storage but not a big deal. The people cleaning out room have been awesome, best maintained room I’ve experienced. All around very happy with my stay, starting with Marcos at the front desk to all of the staff. Buses are constantly going and easy to jump onto!
Faith
The hotel itself has a lot going for it—rooms were clean, the beach theme is cute, and the pool was super relaxing. The food court made it easy to grab meals without leaving the hotel, which was a plus.
But for what I paid, I expected way better. This wasn’t a budget motel—I spent good money on this trip, and there were some seriously disappointing parts.
First, the front desk management was rude and not helpful at all. Anytime I had a question or needed help, I was met with attitude. Then the vending machine literally scammed me out of $5 for a Rice Krispy Treat—it took my money, gave me nothing.
And while I understand it’s a family-friendly hotel, it was nonstop noise—kids screaming in the halls, banging on doors at all hours like it was a playground. I get it, people bring their families here, but the lack of control or respect for quiet made it hard to relax. For how much I paid, I didn’t expect to feel like I was staying in a chaotic daycare.
Would I stay again? Maybe—but only if management gets it together and they start matching the price to the experience. Right now, it’s not adding up.
Beka Joy
Was super happy with our stay. Exceeded my expectations for a value/budget Universal Resort and will absolutely stay here again on any return trips to the parks.
Not once did it feel like we were getting anything less than the best service, all the staff were great, even if we could hear some regular noise in the halls during the day — at night all was quiet and we slept great.
Also, loved that we had real, comfortable pillows, not those tiny ones you sometimes are stuck with at hotels.
Overall a great stay and glad we picked Surfside over Dockside as it did prove to be smaller and quiet which is what we wanted 🙂
Ron Mortenson
Overall this Universal brand facility gets a strong recommendation. The hotel staff was very friendly and helpful. Their goal was for guests to have a remarkable experience and I was impressed with their service.
However, Our 2 bedroom suite was a bit disappointing to me. There is one large room with 2 Queen beds. This is the main room which includes a table and seating for four. The seating was two uncomfortable chairs and a bench seat for two. There is also a small sink, microwave, refrigerator and a coffee pot. The was some shelves .which allowed us to store some food. A surf board was used as a divider wall which was a whimsical touch. The other room had one king bed which took up most of the room and also a small closet. There is very little storage area, no dressers, only three drawers and the small closet with 9 hangers. So the four of us lived out of our suitcases for a week. The rooms felt crowded and even cramped. It was adequate but not ideal. It worked for a place to sleep. We spent most of our time at the parks. The bathroom area worked but it was sometimes difficult to manage our activities especially when we were in a hurry to get up early and go visit the parks.
That said I loved the convenience of having food and beverages available on site. The variety of menu choices was great and there is even a convenient although small market. There is also a Walgreens store with good food choices nearby with a short walk.
Pro tip: We did not rent a car. We decided prior to leaving that a car wouldn’t be necessary. The shuttle buses take you to all the Universal Parks and taking an uber to a Disney park was $35 with tip. So $70 round trip. Much less than renting a car and having to pay for parking at Disney. Plus we had the added convenience of curbside service coming and going.
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