Universal Orlando is one of the top tourist destinations in the city thanks to two different theme parks, live entertainment, restaurants, shopping and nightclubs. So many opportunities for fun and excitement exist at Universal Orlando that you may even forget to take advantage of the city's excellent golf courses, such as Dubsdread and Mystic Dunes. The high heat of summer in Central Florida makes finding a hotel with a lavish pool almost a necessity, and there several hotels near Universal with fantastic pools.
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
One hotel pool near Universal Orlando that will be hard to leave is the ritzy Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. There are actually three different pools at this hotel, and activities take full advantage of the watery fun. You and the kids can swim, play pool basketball, learn to hula dance poolside or watch dive-in movies while on the water. Other reasons to stay here include spacious suites with parlors, dining areas, kitchens and service pantries. More extravagant rooms feature a fireplace and a study. The Portofino Bay Hotel includes the full service Mandara spa and a fully stocked fitness center. Dining options include eight different restaurants as well as pizza by the pools.
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
5601 Universal Blvd.
Orlando, Florida 32819
(888) 430-4999
loewshotels.com/en/hotels/portofino-bay-hotel/overview.aspx
Nickelodeon Suites Resort
Just 8.6 miles from Universal Orlando is perhaps the most family-friendly resort in Orlando and certainly one of the most impressive pools in the city. The pool complex at the Nickelodeon Suites Resort contains a four-story water tower overlooking a massive lagoon pool. A 400-gallon water dump occurs at frequent intervals. In addition to seven water slides for all ages, there are also features designed especially for adults, including whirlpools and cabanas. The hotel is filled with amenities aimed to keep your kids from getting bored while you find time to hit the links. The Nick has its own shopping mall, a kids' spa, a 4-D theater and a miniature golf course.
Nickelodeon Suites Resort
14500 Continental Gateway
Orlando, FL 32821
(877) 642-5111
nickhotel.com
Caribe Royale Resort Suites
Eleven miles away from the Simpsons Ride, the Blue Man Group performance and Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville restaurant at Universal Orlando is another of the area's best pools. Enjoy 250,000 gallons of water constructed within a tropical landscape with features like a 75-foot waterslide, outdoor whirlpools and a special safe area for younger kids. This is an all-suite hotel that also includes 120 villas where guests have private access to an additional pool not available even to guests staying in the suites. Prepare for a visit to the golf course inside the massive two-story fitness center. When you return, soothe those sore muscles with one of the treatments available at the Dreams of Wellness spa. Guests also are entitled to preferred tee times at Hawk's Landing Golf Club.
Caribe Royale Resort Suites
8101 World Center Dr.
Orlando, FL 32821
(407) 238-8100
cariberoyale.com
About The Author
Timothy Sexton is an award-winning author who started writing in 1994. He has written on topics ranging from politics and golf to nutrition and travel, and his work appears online for Zappos.com, Disaboom, USAToday.com and MOJO, among others. He has also done work for "Sherlock Holmes and Philosophy." He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of West Florida.
