From the Universal Orlando Resort Blog:

There are so many things to love about Universal’s Aventura Hotel, from the views 17 floors up at Bar 17 Bistro to all the convenient features of the in-room tablet.

Here are 5 hidden gems at Universal’s Aventura Hotel to discover that make it just plain cool.

1. Walking Path to Volcano Bay

Silence your smart watch’s notifications to keep moving and get in a few extra steps by taking the walking path from Universal’s Aventura Hotel to Volcano Bay. It’s less than a five-minute walk and with the added benefit of Early Park Admission one hour before the theme park opens, you’ll be able to pack even more fun into your day.

2. Sweet Treats

After a day of theme park hopping, treat yourself to a scoop of creamy gelato from Urban Pantry or better yet, take dessert up a notch with a gelato panini. Simply put, this decadent creation is a pressed warm sweet roll with a gelato center, served on a plate drizzled with chocolate sauce and topped with a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Choose from a variety of delectable gelato flavors and satisfy your sweet tooth with this refreshingly different (and Instagram-worthy) treat!

3. VR Game Room

Get your game face on in Aventura Hotel’s Virtual Reality game room, located on the second floor next to the fitness center. Enjoy another one of the hotel’s high-tech features while testing your skills at popular VR games like Fruit Ninja, Merry Snowballs or Space Pirate Trainer. Games can change, so be sure to stop by on your next visit to see what’s new!

4. In-Room Tablet

One of my favorite features at Universal’s Aventura Hotel is the in-room tablet. It allows you to do everything from adjusting the room temperature to ordering room service without getting out from under the covers. Need to wind down after a long day in the parks? Sign into your Netflix or Hulu account to stream your favorite shows on the room’s TV and don’t worry about signing out – your tablet will do it for you when you check out.

5. DJ at Bar 17 Bistro

When you’re done at the pool, head up to Bar 17 Bistro to take in the breathtaking sunset views of the Orlando skyline at Universal Orlando Resort’s first ever rooftop bar and grill. If the views and internationally-inspired menu aren’t enough to get you up to Bar 17 Bistro, the music definitely will. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, a DJ gets the party started with a mix of current and classic hits. After a Dew Point Hooligan (or two), you’ll be ready to bust out your best dance moves.

Discover all of these great features and more hidden gems at Universal’s Aventura Hotel and share some of your favorites below!

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

I hope you’re hungry! Universal’s Aventura Hotel is about to introduce something new and different to Orlando’s theme park food scene.

Urban Pantry will be Aventura Hotel’s modern food hall. Here your taste buds will be hit with diverse flavors, fresh ingredients and globally inspired dishes. Best of all? This eclectic collection of amazing eats will all be available at Universal’s newest Prime Value hotel.

Inspired by world-famous food halls and markets found in major cities like San Francisco and London, Urban Pantry fits perfectly into the contemporary and stylish vibe at Aventura Hotel. While you may want to enjoy the rooftop bar and grill, Bar 17 Bistro at night, Urban Pantry will be the perfect gathering spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner. With plenty of seating and large floor-to-ceiling windows, you can take in the natural sunlight and enjoy a view of the pool while you eat.

Here’s a sneak peak of some of the delicious options you’ll find at Urban Pantry.

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

The Roast Station will feature entrees like cuts of lamb and prime rib, plus chicken, salmon and paella. You can pair these dishes with sides like quinoa, couscous, roasted marble potatoes, spinach and seasonal veggies.

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

At the Pizza Station you can watch chefs create mouthwatering pizzas topped with gourmet ingredients like prosciutto and smoked salmon. These are baked in high-temperature stone ovens with seating designed to let you watch your pie in the making. For dessert, indulge in a gelato sandwich, a pressed sweet bread bun filled with hazelnut chocolate and gelato.

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

The Wok Station lets you customize a hearty, healthy bowl of fresh ingredients. Choose stir fry or ramen-style, then pick your protein like steak, chicken, shrimp or tofu and top it off with your choice of vegetables. This station will also offer a selection of sushi and appetizers like tuna poke, crab spring rolls and dumplings.

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

The Burger Station serves delicious handhelds with your choice of grass-fed beef, Black Angus beef, turkey burger or vegetarian burger garnished with an assortment of cheeses and toppings like aged Gouda, bacon and fig jam, and roasted mushrooms. If you’re craving seafood, dive into the Florida Grouper sandwich. Don’t forget to add a pickle, French fries and savory dipping sauces.

You’ll also have the option of pairing your Urban Pantry dish with a perfectly paired drink. Each food station will serve wine and beer themed to the cuisine and designed to complement the flavors of your meal.  For example, you can get Asian beer and sake at the Wok Station.

Almost everything at Urban Pantry will be made from scratch, which means you’ll get the highest-quality, best-tasting food. Not only will the food taste delicious – with select organic and all-natural ingredients, it will be good for you, too! And if you have special dietary needs, you can talk directly to the chef cooking your meal, so it’s made just right.

I can’t wait for you to try all the amazing food and drink at Universal’s Aventura Hotel. Be sure to book your room soon so you don’t miss out on this limited time offer! If you book a four-night stay or longer, you’ll receive a free $50 hotel dining credit so you can try all of this mouthwatering food.

Check back soon for all-new details on the highly-anticipated Bar 17 Bistro. This rooftop experience featuring unique food and drinks will soon be a must do on my list and I’m sure, yours as well. And tell us in the comments below what your first stop will be when you visit the Urban Pantry.

Thanks Universal Orlando Resort Blog!

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

Universal is going to take you all the way to the top of Universal’s Aventura Hotel (17 floors up to be exact) to give you a sneak peek at the rooftop bar and grill, Bar 17 Bistro.

Bar 17 Bistro will open in the evenings, so guests can soak in the beautiful Florida sunsets. When the bar is open, there will be a dedicated elevator in the lobby to take you directly to the rooftop. Since Bar 17 Bistro will be open to all Universal Orlando guests (not just those staying at Aventura) and locals, Universal wanted to make it easy and convenient to get there.

The same contemporary design and style used throughout the hotel will carry into the design of the rooftop venue. When you step off of the elevator and into Bar 17 Bistro, you’ll feel like you’ve arrived at the city’s newest hotspot with sky-high views of Orlando like you’ve never seen before.

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

Bar 17 Bistro will offer breathtaking views of all that Universal Orlando Resort has to offer. You’ll see all three theme parks, Universal’s other resort hotels, and even the downtown Orlando skyline. One of the best views is of Universal’s Volcano Bay, especially at night. Seeing the blue lava erupting out of Krakatau is stunning!

The sunset views from Bar 17 Bistro are especially gorgeous.

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

Let’s not forget about what truly matters though – the food and drinks. Bar 17 Bistro will offer an assortment of small plates that range from unique options like Bao Bun dishes inspired by global destinations, to classic favorites like nachos, sliders, and salads.

And you’ll definitely be excited for the cocktails that are designed to pair with the international flavors on the menu. We partnered with an expert mixologist and bar consultant who also helped create our drink menu at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort’s Strong Water Tavern – so you know these drinks will be amazing!

Universal’s Aventura Hotel will open August 2018, but I suggest booking your stay now because the rooms will fill up fast. Plus, if you reserve your room before June 15^th, you’ll receive a free $50 hotel dining credit on a stay of four to six nights. Or if you want to enjoy more food and drinks at Bar 17 Bistro, book a seven-night stay and receive a free $100 dining credit.

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, Universal Studios Travel Agency of the Year 2010, 2011, & 2012. She would love to help you plan your next Universal Orlando vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

We’re getting closer to the grand opening of Universal Orlando Resort’s newest hotel, Universal’s Aventura Hotel! Universal’s Aventura Hotel will welcome its first guests later this year so we wanted to share with you the . top six reasons to stay at Universal’s Aventura Hotel, especially if you can’t wait to stay in Universal’s newest, sleekest and most modern hotel yet.

1. Sleek, Stylish and Perfectly Priced

You already know that staying at Aventura will include modern and stylish surroundings. But did you also know that Aventura will be one of our most affordable hotels? This hotel is perfect for value-savvy travelers who don’t want to miss out on anything that Universal Orlando Resort has to offer.

2. In the Middle of All the Action

Universal’s Aventura Hotel is located right in the center of all three amazing theme parks and Universal CityWalk. It’s close enough that you can return for a midday swim or a quick break from the excitement without having to worry about being away from the thrills for too long.

Getting to the parks from Aventura is fun, free and easy with complimentary shuttle transportation, as well as connecting walking paths. Spend less time stressing and more time exploring!

3. You’ll get Exclusive Benefits

When you stay here, you’ll get exclusive benefits including—Early Park Admission, resort-wide charging privileges with your room key, complimentary delivery of merchandise purchased throughout the resort to the hotel, and more—all at the perfect price.

4. Enjoy Unique Dining and Cocktails at the Top of Our Universe

Universal’s Aventura Hotel will feature Universal’s first ever rooftop bar and grill! Located on the hotel’s 17th floor, the rooftop bar and grill will have INCREDIBLE views of all three Universal Orlando theme parks. You’ll be able to see the twists and turns of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, the beckoning light of Universal’s Islands of Adventure lighthouse, and the tropical oasis of Universal’s Volcano Bay.

Plus, this popular hangout will offer distinctive cocktails for sipping and delicious small plates for devouring—all while you take in the gorgeous, 360-degree views.

5. Universal’s Most Tech-Savvy Hotel Yet

You’ll love the modern touches and amenities incorporated into Universal’s Aventura Hotel. Each room will be equipped with a smart tablet that controls the room’s A/C, TV and lighting right at your fingertips. You can even order a pizza to satisfy a late night craving! Then you can work off that pizza at the high-tech fitness center. Or, bypass the gym (you are on vacation after all) and check out the VR game room.

6. A Variety of Fresh Dining Options

You’ll enjoy a fast-casual dining hall with an urban-inspired design,   and options for any palette. Highlights include an Asian style noodle and sushi bar, a pizzeria serving up specialty pies, a kitchen offering fresh roasts, veggies and salads, select organic items and a creative burger joint. Even the pickiest of eaters are sure to find a meal they’ll salivate over.

That’s just six of the many reasons for you to be one of the very first guests to stay at Universal’s Aventura Hotel. August will be here before we know it, so book your stay now and you may receive up to a $100 dining credit.

What are your favorite reasons to stay at Universal’s Aventura Hotel this year?

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, Universal Studios Travel Agency of the Year 2010, 2011, & 2012. She would love to help you plan your next Universal Orlando vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote.