Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
ORLANDO, FL. – The Universal Orlando Resorts family of hotels is set to grow larger by one next month. Universal Helios Grand Hotel, the latest and 11th hotel in the Orlando portfolio, is scheduled to open on Thursday, May 22.
The Atlanta Voice was part of a media tour that was allowed access to Universal Helios Grand Hotel grounds on Friday, April 4. The 500-room hotel is described as a Mediterranean-inspired escape in press releases by Universal. The hotel is named after the Greek god of the sun and offers a view of a large statue of Helios that is perfect for vacation selfies and photo opportunites. It is one of the many impressive views available for guests at Universal Helios Grand Hotel.
“We knew it was going to be amazing and we got excited when we saw it coming to life,” Universal Creative Senior Vice President, Resort Development Russ Dagon said while addressing the media moments before the tour began. “This is a true collaboration by everyone at Universal Creative.”
Dennis Quinn, Senior Vice President, Hotel Commercial Strategy, also addressed the media and spoke about how easy guests at Universal Helios Grand Hotel will be able to move between the hotel and the Universal Studios theme park. Quinn used the phrase “roll out of bed” to describe the ease of transition from enjoying breakfast toast to saving the world alongside the Transformers.
“This is a shining gateway into the Universal Epic Universe,” Quinn said of the new theme park also scheduled to open at Universal Studios on May 22.
Loews Hotels Universal Orlando Senior Vice President Dave Bartek was also in attendance.
The Lotus Lagoon, the hotel’s outdoor poolside grotto/cabana, offers 400 lounge chairs and 18 canabas that have room for six guests. Three of the cabanas are grand cabanas, and are described as having, “waterfront access.” The restaurant at the Lotus Lagoon offers a full menu and has 25 tables and 29 bar seats. Food can also be served at the lounge chairs and cabanas.
Bar Helios, the rooftop bar/restaurant, is located on the 10th floor of Universal Helios Grand Hotel. The restaurant seats 90 guests inside and another 55-60 on the terrace. There are also 30 seats at the bar, which is positioned in the center of the restuarant. The menu is tapas-style and the bar menu includes 17 crafted cocktails. Guests at Bar Helios do not have to have a reservation at Universal Helios Grand Hotel to enjoy the restaurant, according to the restaurant managers.
The tour included a look into rooms on the sixth floor of the hotel. The poolside rooms offer great views, while the other side of the hotel offers guests a view of the theme park.
Flower Taverna and Aurora Market offer dining options in the lobby of the hotel.
