Metro checks in to Universal's new Orlando hotel

Metro

26-04-2025

I'm not sure what I was expecting from a Universal Studios hotel.
Cartoonish decor? Staff dressed as Homer Simpson? A rotating globe at check-in?
I certainly didn't think I would be standing outside Orlando's new Terra Luna resort at golden hour, marvelling at the last dregs of Floridian sunlight reflecting off its tiled exterior.
Terra Luna had opened just 10 days earlier, to coincide with the soft-launch of Epic Universe, Universal's first new theme park in 25 years. I was one of the first guests to see the hotel, just a stone's throw from the park, which will welcome its first official guests from 22 May.
Terra Luna sits opposite its sister hotel, Stella Nova. Combined, the two have 1,500 rooms — the main difference being that there is a walking path to Epic from Stella Nova, while Terra Luna guests catch a (free) shuttle bus.
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Terra Luna is a sight to behold. The nine-storey building is covered in tiles that seem to change colour depending on how the sun hits. Lights are dotted on the exterior, designed to look like stars.
Inside, the celestial theme (the same that awaits visitors to Epic) continues.
Galaxy-like murals in greens, blues and golds adorn the bedroom walls, and the curved windows make it feel like you could be in a spaceship. The theme remains subtle though, and still feels stylish.
This isn't a luxury hotel — it's Universal's budget-friendly offering and you'll spot kids running around — but it does feel elevated.
The sprawling open lobby and attentive staff give the impression of a price point higher than you'll pay.
First and foremost, park visitors get perks for staying here.
Guests get early admission to the parks an hour before everyone else. Your key card also acts as a credit card: when shopping or dining at any of the parks, you can simply charge your purchases to your room.
And, if you're buying merch (which, I'll admit, is addictive) there's also a carry-free service which means you can get your shopping delivered to your hotel, free of charge.
Within the hotel itself, there's a merch shop (you simply won't be able to stop yourself), an arcade room, a gym and a gargantuan 10,000 square foot swimming pool, complete with a hot tub.
The hotel projects films by the pool at night, and I enjoyed sipping a cocktail outside by the fire pit.
The hotel's main eatery is the Omega Cafe & Market, where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner.
I ate breakfast here: the Smash, Smash Toast (avo on toast) was my favourite. Obviously, as per the USA, portions are huge, and come with optional 'breakfast potatoes' e.g. potato wedges. I also heard great reviews of the Stuffed French Toast.
If you want something quicker, head to the market area, which has a coffee counter that serves Starbucks and grab-and-go pastries and bagels.
Outside, there's the poolside Moonrise Bar & Grill. It's not haute cuisine, but it's tasty, and does the job after a full day riding rollercoasters.
My dish of choice was Beef It Up – a type of beef rice bowl. I also tried the classic cheeseburger and chips, which satisfied my fast-food craving. Service was a little on the slow side, but I imagine that will speed up when the staff aren't so new.
You can also choose from an array of themed, gigantic cocktails. My personal fave was the Terra: Aperol blended with pineapple juice, cream of coconut, vanilla and prosecco.
The indoor hotel bar, the Luna Bar, was a more civilised affair. The mixologist was happy to create cocktails based on our favourite liquors. The turmeric espresso martini he whipped up for me was a surprise hit.
It's also worth noting that CityWalk, a kind of strip with bars and restaurants is easily accessible via the shuttle service. I'm still thinking about the house-made meatball marinara starter I had at VIVO Italian Kitchen.
In a nutshell, the rooms have everything you need from a hotel you won't spend that much time in.
They're not super luxurious — for example, rather than fancy branded toiletries, shampoo and conditioner is provided in pump bottles attached to the wall of the shower.
But while there are no 'extra' touches, it was still a perfectly fine room to lay my head in at the end of a long day. More Trending
I especially liked the large vanity area (complete with a backlit mirror) for getting ready, and the beds were massive. I was just one person, but a family of four would have been happy to stay here, if not a little stretched for space (probably better for parents with younger kids than teens).
British Airways Holidays offers seven nights at Universal Terra Luna Resort from £799pp, travelling on selected dates between 1 January and 31 January 2026 inclusive.
This includes economy (World Traveller) return flights from London Gatwick Airport, one checked bag and accommodation. Book by May 20 2025.
Time: Orlando is GMT -4 hours.
Weather: The average daily temperature in April is around 28°C , rising to 31° in May and 33° in August and September.
Adaptors: UK to USA travel adapter.
Visas: You require an ESTA to visit the USA with a UK passport.
Check in/check out: 4pm and 11am.
Disability access? Yes. Terra Luna has step-free access from the hotel to the pool. There are also mobility and hearing-accessible rooms.
Standout feature: The Universal Park perks.
Perfect for: Families and park lovers.
Not right for: Couples looking for a romantic getaway.
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