Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Overall this was a 4.5 experience. Everything was great except the parking (see below). Loved the overall experience at the hotel. The mid-century mod decor is very cool. Loved the colors and design elements throughout the hotel. The pools were exceptional and not overcrowded. Really liked the restaurants and abundance of services. Food was quite good and not overpriced. Rooms were nice. Family suite was large and clean. Shuttles to the park were frequent and not crowded. Only quibble would be the parking and check-in experience. If you’re driving, it’s really not clear what to do to check in. Signage is nonexistent and accessible parking is sparse. We temporarily used a gated lot based on instructions of the bellhops. This required two loops around the entrance and two conversations to figure out. While convenient, parking near our building was confusing to find (absolutely no signage directing you to the correct building - we winged it) and our key never worked at the parking gates. I just pushed the “assistance” button and was buzzed through without verification that I was actually a guest. Makes me wonder what I paid a $17/day parking fee for. Couldn’t I have just said I didn’t have a car with the same result? This was the only reason I could not provide a “5” rating.

We always enjoy this hotel, very clean and convenient. Although the rooms were nice, I would try to stay in closer to the lobby than out, they two end towers felt really far from some of the amenities, at least after a day walking around the park. (unless you want to take advantage of the hotel guest entrance to Volcano Bay, then it is perfect.)

We took our first trip to Universal for fall break with our kids, ages 9 and 11. The hotel was very nice overall (our building was the Beachside tower at the far end), with very easy and convenient bus transportation to City Walk. We never had to wait more than 10 minutes for a bus in either direction over four days. Our biggest complaint was walking past numerous smokers on every trip between our tower and the lobby.

Great place to stay and easy to get to the parks. The hotel had almost anything you needed in case you forgot something. The Starbucks on property was fantastic!! It was the type of hotel where if you didn't want to leave once you got there you needn't. It had plenty of things to do for the entire family.

My teenage daughter is a Harry Potter super fan, so visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was high on her list of dream trips. It did not disappoint!! We had a mother/daughter trip that we will always remember. Cabana Bay made is SO easy and hassle free to see and do everything on our list. The shuttles to and from the airport and park were the best thing ever. We loved the retro theme especially watching the old commercials in the diner and the vintage cars. What a fun place to “come home to” and relax!