Universal’s Endless Summer Resort - Dockside Inn and Suites

Jessica Nicholson

Dockside Inn and Suites is our go-to Universal hotel whenever we aren’t staying at a premier resort for Express Passes. We’ve stayed here multiple times, and it’s always a great experience. The rooms are consistently clean, the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, and the staff is friendly and helpful every time. While the walls are a bit thin and you might hear kids in the hallways at night, it’s never been a huge issue — a sound machine or fan takes care of it easily. Getting to the parks is super convenient — the free shuttles are easy to use and it’s just a short bus ride away. Pier 8 Market has a solid variety of food options for all times of day, and there’s plenty of parking which makes arrival and departure smooth. It’s not a luxury resort, but as a value hotel, Dockside absolutely deserves 5 stars. It offers a fantastic balance of comfort, convenience, and affordability — exactly what we want for a Universal trip when we don’t need the extras. We’ll keep coming back!

Manda Webb

We loved this hotel. The hotel is clean, tidy and accessible. The staff were friendly and efficient. We didn't wait long to check in but on other days, like a Friday, the queue was really long. The room, we had a suite, was spacious with a decent fridge, microwave and table to seat 5 or 6. Beds were very comfy, Housekeeping came every day. The coffee for the coffee machine was lovely. We were using Universal Parks with a number of external trips. The buses to and from the Universal Parks were amazing, very short waits if any. The food hall, Pier 8, was always available, the food was good, fresh and standard USA prices, which is quite high compared to UK prices, but unfortunately this seems to be across Orlando. The Universal shop has a small selection, but choices from the different parks. I definitely recommend for families, it's one of the Universal basic hotels but was totally the right choice for us. I would also recommend buying the freestyle cups for the hotel. The hotel is close to IHoP, KFC Denny's as well as a Walgreens, and a host of other restaurants on I-drive. Some reviews said the hotel was noisy, but we didn't think it was any nosier than a travelodge or premier Inn type hotels.

Whitney Delamore

We stayed at Dockside Inn & Suites and had a great overall experience! The 2-bedroom suite was perfect for giving our family some extra space, and the on-site restaurant had tons of food options with everything we tried being really good. The pool area was nice and relaxing, though we did wish there was a hot tub. The only downside was that the walls are pretty thin, so you can hear people in the hallways, nearby rooms, and even above you at times. Still, it’s a great location close to International Drive and an overall solid choice for a Universal trip!

Esau Herrera

Clean and well maintained. Helpful staff. Rooms size and suite size were nice for the price. Swimming pool view is great, parking lot view not so much! Loved the Starbucks at the lobby. Food and drinks at Pier 8 is fast food mostly. Its fine but overpriced, I guess is to be expected. But deliveries were easy to get and also there is a red lobster, ihop and a 7eleven all around the corner within walking distance. Also there are more food options not too far away of you have a car.

Courtneys Cockpit

They are now charging a $50 hold on your card at check in where it used to be just a penny hold. Just wanted to throw that out there. This is my son and I's favorite Orlando hotel so far, though the dining is mid. The onsite pizza delivery is nice when you're just flat exhausted. Laundry was a whopping $4 to wash and $4 to dry which is very steep. Luckily they are equipped with card readers and quarter slots as I didn't bring enough quarters for that big of a price tag. I've never seen it over $3 anywhere else. We love the pool at tower 2 and the shuttles and bad holding is always a great help. We were able to get into our room early which was awesome! In our room too they also had large bottles of shampoo and conditioner and bar soap which was upsetting because I loved the little mini toiletry bottles. Service is always awesome and friendly here!!