Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Jenn LM

I’ve been to a few resorts but Cabana Bay takes the cake! Although this is considered a budget resort, they do not lack on quality of service. All staff were phenomenal, very accommodating, and informative. The food hall was always a convenient place to eat with decent prices and a large selection to choose from. The resort itself has many pools and entertainment options as well which is great for families. There are free shuttles to Universal that run pretty consistently and City Walk is only about a 15 minute scenic walk from the resort. The location is excellent and the shuttles are as well! The rooms are also quite spacious, clean, and very comfortable to stay in. We all really enjoyed our time here and will definitely be coming back!

Babenskie C

This hotel offers a fantastic experience with a wide range of amenities to keep guests entertained and comfortable. The property itself is impressive, featuring multiple pools and hot tubs, with a lifeguard on duty who was exceptionally attentive, ensuring a safe and relaxing environment. The hotel also boasts convenient dining options, including a Starbucks and a charming diner, perfect for grabbing a quick coffee or enjoying a sit-down meal. For entertainment, guests can enjoy a bowling alley, an arcade, and even a souvenir shop for memorable keepsakes. Adding a magical touch, different characters made appearances in the lobby, which was a delightful surprise. Another major perk was the complimentary shuttle service to and from Universal Studios. It was always on time, making transportation stress-free and easy. Checking in was a breeze, and the staff was incredibly warm and welcoming. I also loved the convenience of checking out via text, such a thoughtful touch that made the process quick and hassle-free. While the rooms were clean, they felt a bit dated. The headboard in my room was peeling, and although the hallways had been recently painted, the lingering paint smell was noticeable throughout my stay. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall experience was positive. The hotel may be on the pricier side, but with so many amenities and conveniences available on-site, it's well worth the cost for a fun and hassle-free stay.

Sandro Gaspar

Review: 3.5/5 – Great perks, but room for improvement I recently stayed at Cabana Bay Beach Resort, and while there are some clear highlights, a few issues held it back from being a flawless experience. The Good: • One of the best perks is Early Park Admission to Universal Studios, which let us beat the crowds and enjoy the rides with shorter wait times. • The hotel’s retro-themed, colorful design is fun and family-friendly. It really captures that 50s/60s Americana vibe and makes walking around the property feel like stepping onto a movie set. • The swimming pool is large and well-kept, great for relaxing after a long day in the parks. There are also cabanas and a lazy river if you want to unwind. The Not-So-Good: • The check-in experience was underwhelming—the staff member seemed disinterested and robotic, which isn’t the warm welcome you’d hope for. • Our room had a visible water infiltration issue, which affected the wall and carpet. Maintenance responded, but it left a bad impression. • No breakfast included in the rate, and while there are dining options on-site, customizing a healthy breakfast was surprisingly difficult—lots of carbs and sugar-heavy choices, very little fresh or balanced food. • The air conditioning was uncomfortably cold in most indoor areas, from the lobby to the food court. Bring a sweater even in summer! Overall, Cabana Bay is a great option if you’re focused on park access and want a playful atmosphere, especially for families. But there are definitely some service and comfort issues that the hotel should work on to better match its value.

Donny Williams

For convenience, stay here. For good value for the price, stay off site. The hotel was nice, and super-convenient with the regular shuttles to Universal parks and early admission. The staff was also very friendly. However, the resort is worn, and attention to detail is lacking. While our room overall was comfotable and decent, it's curtains were half off the rail, the toilet seat was very loose, the shower head was miserable, and for a family of four, there were only two washcloths when we checked in. In the restaurant, seats are worn and cracked, and molding, around them is falling off, faucets are loose in the public bathrooms. Also, don't expect to actually be able to check-in to your room at the 4pm check-in time. So, if you're looking for convenience, this is a good choice. However, if you're looking for a better hotel at this price point, there are much better options outside of Universal studios.

Bret Ellis

Cabana Bay: Great Vibes, Questionable Housekeeping, and Hockey Puck Burgers This place is all over the map. The good parts? Really good. The pools are awesome, the lazy river is a blast, the lifeguards and bartenders at Hideaway Bay are fantastic, and the front desk and ice cream parlor staff were super friendly. The retro theme is fun, and the resort itself is impressive. But housekeeping? Yikes. Our floor’s hallway and elevators looked like a trash-themed art installation most of the week. We stayed seven nights and someone came to clean the room twice—once after we requested Kleenex, and once on their own. After we submitted a request about the overflowing trash cans, though? Nope. The food court was another low point. Weekend staff were great and on top of things, but during the week, it felt like ordering food was an inconvenience to the staff’s social time. And the burger? It tasted like someone slow-cooked it at 300 degrees for five hours, then left it in a warmer for two more, just to be sure it reached peak dryness before finally tossing on some cheese. So, would I stay again? Maybe—but I’d bring my own cleaning crew and definitely eat elsewhere. If you’re comparing this to something like Disney’s All-Star Resorts at a similar price point? Go All-Star. It may not have a lazy river, but it does have consistent housekeeping, better food, and far fewer trash tumbleweeds.