updated August 2026
There are some Universal Orlando resorts where the minute you walk through the doors, you know you’re going to like it. Loews Sapphire Falls Resort was one of those resorts for me.
From the tropical scent that greets you in the lobby to the lush landscaping, beautiful pool and relaxing Caribbean atmosphere, Sapphire Falls feels like a true escape from the energy of the theme parks. And yet, you’re still right in the middle of Universal Orlando, with convenient transportation to the parks and CityWalk.
That balance is what I really loved about Sapphire Falls. It feels luxurious without feeling formal, relaxing without feeling isolated, and like a vacation destination in its own right.
I’ve stayed in a standard two-queen room at Sapphire Falls, and in this review, I’m sharing what I loved, what you should know before booking, and who I think would enjoy this resort most.
One important update since my original review: Sapphire Falls was previously part of Universal Orlando’s Preferred hotel category and has now moved into the new Signature Collection. While that means its official category has changed, some of the things that made me love this resort haven’t changed at all including the laid-back Caribbean atmosphere, water taxi transportation and excellent dining.
So, what makes Sapphire Falls stand out and is it the right Universal Orlando resort for you? Let’s take a closer look at what I loved, what you should know, and where this resort fits in Universal’s hotel lineup.
Related Article: Exploring the New Categories at Universal Orlando Resort
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First Impressions: Instant Vacation Mode
One of the first things I noticed about Sapphire Falls was how different it felt from the moment we walked in. You don’t just know you’re at a Universal hotel—you feel like you’ve arrived somewhere tropical.
The lobby is bright, airy and filled with Caribbean-inspired details, and there’s a wonderful tropical scent in the air. After spending time in the parks, that change of atmosphere is really refreshing.
And that, to me, is one of Sapphire Falls’ biggest strengths. Universal Orlando can be energetic, busy and—let’s be honest—a little exhausting. Sapphire Falls gives you a place to come back to where the pace feels completely different.
Check-in was easy and the staff were welcoming and friendly. There wasn’t anything complicated about the process, which is exactly what I want after traveling to Orlando. We were ready to drop our bags, take a breath and start enjoying the resort.
Our Standard Two-Queen Room
We stayed in a standard two-queen room, and for our visit, it was exactly what we needed.
The rooms continue the resort’s Caribbean-inspired feel with soft blues, crisp whites and warm wood tones. It’s bright and comfortable without being overly themed, and after a long day in the parks, the beds were exactly what I wanted to see!
The beds were genuinely comfortable. After full days at Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Epic Universe, having a comfortable place to land at night makes a huge difference.
There was also plenty of storage for our things, with a roomy closet and dresser space, along with a mini-fridge for drinks and snacks. The room included the basics you’d expect, including Wi-Fi, a television and a desk area.
I’ll be honest—the desk didn’t get much use during our stay. We were too busy enjoying Universal Orlando!
For me, that’s an important distinction about a resort like Sapphire Falls. The room isn’t trying to be the destination. It’s a comfortable, attractive home base that makes it easy to recharge and get back out there.
Room rates vary considerably by dates, season and promotions, so I always recommend checking current pricing when comparing Universal resorts.
Related Articles: Universal Orlando Hotels Guide
The Pool: One of Sapphire Falls’ Biggest Draws
If you are someone who likes to build downtime into your theme park vacation, don’t overlook the pool at Sapphire Falls.
The pool area is huge and beautifully landscaped, with a sandy beach area, plenty of seating and a water slide. There are also cabanas available for those who want to make a real day of it.
We really enjoyed spending time here during our stay. And I think this is one of the reasons Sapphire Falls feels different from a typical “park hotel.” You can genuinely spend time at the resort and feel like you’re on vacation rather than simply taking a break from the parks.
The fitness center overlooks the pool area as well, so even the workout space gets some of those beautiful tropical surroundings.
If you’re traveling with kids—or you’re simply the type of person who needs a little pool time between park days—this is a resort where I’d actually schedule some downtime.
Dining at Sapphire Falls
One of the things I really enjoy about Sapphire Falls is that you don’t have to leave the resort for a good meal.
We enjoyed more than one meal at Amatista Cookhouse, and the Caribbean influence on the menu makes it feel like more than just another hotel restaurant. There are familiar choices if you’re traveling with a group, along with dishes that give you an opportunity to try something a little different.
For drinks, small plates and a more relaxed evening, Strong Water Tavern is another standout. It’s the kind of place that makes sense after a long park day when you’re not quite ready to go back to your room but don’t want to head back into the parks either.
For me, that combination is part of what makes Sapphire Falls work so well. You can have a full Universal vacation without feeling like you have to be “on” every minute of it.
Related Article: Top Dining Options at Universal Orlando Hotels
The Water Taxi: One of My Favorite Perks
Let’s talk about one of my favorite things about staying at Sapphire Falls: the water taxi.
There is just something about ending a long park day and getting on a boat instead of waiting for a bus.
The water taxi connects Sapphire Falls with Universal CityWalk, where you can easily access Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. The ride is relaxing, scenic and honestly just a fun part of the experience. And that’s something I think is easy to overlook when comparing Universal hotels. Transportation isn’t simply about getting from Point A to Point B. The way you get around can become part of the vacation.
Sapphire Falls also offers Early Park Admission for eligible hotel guests, adding another valuable benefit for guests who want to get an early start at the parks.
One thing to keep in mind with the new Signature Collection designation: Sapphire Falls does not include complimentary Universal Express Unlimited with your stay. That distinction is important when comparing it with Universal’s other Signature Collection resorts, and the lower price point reflects that difference.
For us, the combination of the water taxi, resort atmosphere and overall experience made Sapphire Falls an excellent choice even without the included Express benefit.
Related Article
Who Is Loews Sapphire Falls Best For?
After staying here, I’d especially recommend Sapphire Falls for travelers who:
- Want a full-service Universal resort experience without the formality of some luxury hotels
- Love tropical or Caribbean theming
- Value water taxi transportation
- Want excellent resort dining
- Enjoy having a great pool for downtime
- Want a more relaxed atmosphere after busy park days
- Want a Signature Collection experience but don’t necessarily need complimentary Express Unlimited
- Are looking for a resort that feels like part of the vacation—not just a place to sleep
If complimentary Express Unlimited is your top priority, I’d compare Sapphire Falls with Royal Pacific, Hard Rock Hotel and Portofino Bay before making your decision.
But if you’re looking for luxury with a relaxed personality, Sapphire Falls deserves a very serious look.
My Final Thoughts: Would I Stay at Sapphire Falls Again?
Yes. Absolutely.
What I remember most about our stay at Loews Sapphire Falls isn’t one particular amenity or room feature. It’s how the resort made us feel.
Universal Orlando vacations can be exciting, busy and exhausting—in the best possible way. Having a resort where you can come back, take a deep breath, grab a good meal, enjoy the pool or simply relax in a beautiful setting makes a difference.
Sapphire Falls strikes a wonderful balance. It feels upscale without being stuffy, tropical without being over-the-top, and convenient without sacrificing that feeling of getting away.
The addition of Sapphire Falls to Universal’s Signature Collection makes the resort even more interesting for travelers comparing their options. Just remember that, unlike some of the other Signature Collection hotels, a stay here does not include complimentary Universal Express Unlimited.
For me, that’s not necessarily a dealbreaker. If your priorities are Caribbean charm, excellent dining, a beautiful resort, water taxi transportation, a great pool and a relaxed luxury feel, Sapphire Falls may be exactly what you’re looking for.
Would I stay here again?
In a heartbeat.
Continue Planning Your Universal Vacation
Ready to take the next step? Explore more of our Universal vacation planning resources:
- Universal Destinations Guide – Start here for our complete collection of Universal planning resources.
- Universal Tickets Guide – Learn about your ticket options and find the best fit for your vacation.
- Universal Resort Guide – Explore the benefits and differences of Universal’s resort hotels.
- Universal VIP Tour Review – Get a firsthand look at the VIP Tour experience and what makes it unique.
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