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Sapphire Falls resort Universal Orlando Hotels Review

Universal's Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is a picturesque resort boasting lush grounds, blue waterfalls, delicious Caribbean cuisine.  Universal Sapphire Falls resort is just waiting for your family to arrive for a great experience to begin.  I fell in love with the picturesque hotel and the friendly staff almost immediately after walking into the calming sounds of steel drums and feeling like I was in the heart of the tropics.

Sapphire Falls resort Universal Orlando Hotels Review

You may think that guests looking at booking a Universal Orlando Resort is only a popular choice / destination for families who are planning to visit Universal Orlando theme parks, but the beautiful Caribbean-themed Loews sapphire falls resort is a draw to visiting Orlando, Florida on its own!  You will feel like you are on island time without even having to leave the US.  

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Resort in Orlando Florida

From the moment we pulled into Loews Sapphire Falls Resort in Orlando, Florida and opened our car door we were greeted with smiling and friendly staff.  The main area of Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is beautiful, open, bright and airy.  I instantly felt relaxed with the high ceilings, sunlight, and music playing.

While checking in, staff were greeting the kids and offering stickers that stated Loews LOVES Families which was so reassuring as a mom of 3 young children at check-in time.  The front desk staff were high fiving the kids and offering room keys to them so they would feel included in the process.  

 Outdoor Amenities at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort 

The 16,000 feet outdoor pool area and layout is phenomenal. The curved layout and arrangement of lounge chairs and cabanas allows the space to not feel crowded even during peak summer travel.  The pool is 4 feet at its deepest and has a sloped zero entry from both sides which was perfect for our 1-year-old son during this visit.

  • The water slide was a MASSIVE hit and I am pretty sure my older 2 went down the slide 500 times each day.  Life jackets, suntan lotion, and towels are provided by the resort staff by the pool. Staff were friendly and available and checking in with hotel guests about food and drinks throughout the day. Staff brought sand toys to my children so they could play in the sand by the pool.

  •  The splash pad was a great way to cool off and play for younger children.

  •  The hot tub was a great location near one of the many bars scattered around the pool for adult guests.

  • Sand beach

  • Fire pit

Indoor Amenities at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort 

  • Fitness Center

  • Game Room

What guest rooms should I book at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort: Standard Rooms or Luxury Suites?

All rooms will include free wi-fi / and wireless internet access all over the resort and 49-inch flat-screen televisions and a nice view no matter which room you have.  The private bathroom is a plus as well in each room.

We stayed in a standard room while visiting Loews Sapphire Falls Resort.  The room was on the smaller size for a family of 5 but we were only in the room to immediately fall into bed. During the visit our children were ages 5,3,12 months too so our youngest slept in a crib.  If we were to return with older children a standard room would not be a feasible option for us. For the standard rooms, you can choose pool view, lagoon view, and standard.  This room rate is on average is 313.00 a night.

Loews Sapphire Falls Kids Suite

The kids suite features a king bed that accommodate two guests and two twin beds that accommodate two kids in a separate bedroom. The two separate rooms are connecting and feature a single entrance to the adult room. The children's room opens only into the adult’s room, and not into the hallway. The kids’ rooms will have fun themed décor.  These rooms are perfect for families and sleep 5. This suite on average is $585.00 a night.

Loews Sapphire Falls Sapphire Suite

A spacious king bed that can accommodate two guests in a large bedroom, a dining area, living room with a sleeper sofa that can accommodate two guests, a wet bar and one and a half baths combine to create your own private island.  This suite on average is $529.00 a night.

There are other suites available that are not as family friendly so I did not include them.  Please visit this link to read more about room types and amenities.

What are the best dining options at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort?

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort has 4 on-site restaurants on property:  Amatista Cookhouse, Strong Water Tavern, New Dutch Trading Co. & Drhum Club Kantine.

 We enjoyed the New Dutch Trading Co. for breakfast and snacks. They had great cooked-to-order breakfasts and sandwiches, yogurt parfait, and coffee and the boys loved the pink sprinkle doughnuts. New Dutch  Trading Co.  has other items like medicine and other basic needs should you forget and need while on resort property.  

The  Drum Club Kantine is located outdoors by the pool you can eat in your cabana, pool chair or by the fire pit.  We did most of our dining at the Dhrum Club Kantine which was perfect with the kids.  The boys devoured the mac and cheese and dubbed it the best they have ever had. We loved everything that we tried from the menu and the ease of ordering and getting food during long days poolside was perfect.  

We also highly recommend the 24 hour room service for your late night pizza needs!  

What are the best dining options at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort?

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort has 4 restaurants on property: Amatista Cookhouse, Strong Water Tavern, New Dutch Trading Co. & Drhum Club Kantine.

We enjoyed the New Dutch Trading Co. for breakfast and snacks. They had great breakfast sandwiches, yogurt parfait, and coffee and the boys loved the pink sprinkle doughnuts. New Dutch Trading Co. has other items like medicine and other basic needs should you forget and need while on resort property.

The Drum Club Kantine is located outdoors by the pool you can eat in your cabana, pool chair or by the fire pit. We did most of our dining at the Dhrum Club Kantine which was perfect with the kids. The boys devoured the mac and cheese and dubbed it the best they have ever had. We loved everything that we tried from the menu and the ease of ordering and getting food during long days poolside was perfect.

We also highly recommend the 24 hour room service for your late night pizza needs!

Are tickets to Universal Studios Theme Parks included with my stay at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort?

With your stay at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort you gain access to Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ and Universal's Volcano Bay™ one hour before the theme park opens.    

Just a reminder that you are responsible for purchasing the Universal theme park ticket.

Is CityWalk Worth Visiting While Staying at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort?

We were able to walk in 12 minutes with all 3 kids to CityWalk from Loews Sapphire Falls Resort.  The path is lit very well to walk even after dark.  There are plenty of shops and restaurants at CityWalk and on warmer days/evenings the fountain was on for kids to run through.  CityWalk was great for quick food with tired kids because of the many food options available!  You can grab a drink and stroll around which was a hit for mom and dad!  

Is Transportation Provided to Universal Studios Theme Park?

Yes!  Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is on the walking path to Universal CityWalk.  We walked with 3 kids (5,3,1) nightly and it was a easy walk.  

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort also offers complimentary shuttle bus service complimentary water taxis for transportation to Universal CityWalk, for access to Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme parks. The free water taxis are so much fun and should be on your to do list while staying on premises!  City walk was great for a change of scenery for dinner and live entertainment.  

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort runs a dedicated bus route to Universal’s Volcano Bay Park / water theme park. Universal’s Volcano Bay is also accessible via a dedicated walking path.

 Walking paths also connect the Preferred hotel to Universal CityWalk, Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and the other Universal hotels.

Are there discounts for Florida residents?

YES! There are discounts for Florida residents during select travel dates. Be sure to inquire with Universal staff when booking.

When is check in and check out at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort?

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort check-in is at 4 pm and check-out time is at 11 am.  

Is parking included with a stay at Loews Sapphire Falls Universal Resort?

Parking is not included with a stay at Loews Sapphire Falls Universal Orlando, Florida.  

Overnight Guest Parking is $26 plus tax per night, per vehicle or $33 plus tax per night per vehicle.  There is an additional valet parking fee.

Do you have a favorite resort to travel to? Have you been to Loews Sapphire Falls resort?  Cannot wait to hear!

Where is Loews Sapphire Falls Resort located?

6601 Adventure Way
Orlando, FL 32819
Reservations: (888) 273-1311
Phone: (407) 503-5000

If you are looking for space for a large group retreat or meeting the Loews Sapphire Falls is a perfect location to make a work trip into a vacation with a huge Loews Meeting Complex and Business Center.


I truly cannot recommend this Loews Sapphire Falls resort enough. The resort is located 15 minutes from the Orlando international airport to make your travels to and from Loews Sapphire Falls Resort a breeze.  You are in the center of Orlando but it feels like you are on a tropical island at this Orlando hotel. 

If you want to try a different Universal Resort we have also stayed on Dockside Inn & Suites property. I will give you the full review below! Make sure to read this family review for all of the important information before you book your trip to Dockside Inn & Suites.

Cabana Bay is a Universal Studios Resort that absolutely took my breath away and you are not going to believe how affordable it is.  Check out this review of everything you need to know about Universal Studios Cabana Bay resort for your family.

If your family is heading to Orlando, Florida soon be sure to check out these blog posts with ideas for more family fun!  Your family can head to the Sea Life Aquarium (less than 5 minutes from Loews Sapphire Falls Resort)  or Crayola Experience in Orlando, Florida.

If you are willing to make a 45 minute drive, heading to nearby theme parks Legoland Water Park or Legoland Theme park are AMAZING day trips too or another great resort to add a few extra days for your sunny Orlando Trip