Best Points Hotels Near Universal Orlando

Best Universal Orlando Hotel Deals: 16 Hotels Families Can Book with Points

Visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Stay With Points

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Covering your hotel stay when you visit Universal Orlando is a great way to start saving on your vacation. To create this guide, I looked for hotels that had family friendly options like free breakfast, free shuttles, or proximity to the parks. These are the best Universal Orlando hotel deals for families to book with points.

Table of Contents

    Universal Properties with Free Express Passes

    There are other Universal Resort properties that you can book with points, but I’m focusing on these three because they are ones the provide free Express Passes to everyone in your room.

    Your Express Passes are valid the day you check in and the day you check out. Because of this policy, even a one night hotel stay can get you two days of Express Passes. You’ll also be able to get into the park an hour early. 

    • Loews Portofino Bay
    • Hard Rock Hotel Orlando
    • Loews Royal Pacific Resort

    Finding the Cheapest Nights Using Google Hotels

    Prices for these hotels vary greatly. The best way to find the cheapest dates is to use the flexible date calendar at Google Hotels.

    Once on a page for a hotel, click the dates and you’ll see a calendar with nightly rates drop down. You can see in May and June 2023, for instance, rates at Loews Royal Pacific Resort fluctuate from $309-$606 a night.

    Book with points through Amex Travel

    If you have a Platinum Card from American Express, you can use your $200 annual Fine Hotel and Resort credit at Loews Portofino Bay. You’ll also get daily breakfast for two, late check out, and a $100 Food and Beverage credit. Rooms sleep up to 2 adults and 3 kids.

    Amex Platinum Card 150,000 referral
    The Platinum Card® from American Express – 150,000 point + $200 credit offer (non-affiliate link)

    All information about The Platinum Card® has been collected independently by Katie’s Travel Tricks. The Platinum Card® is no longer available through Katie’s Travel Tricks.

    (not my referral link, this is just the best offer)

    • $695 annual fee (Terms Apply | Rates and Fees), enrollment required for credits
    • Earn 125,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
    • $200 annual airline incidental credit, enrollment required
    • $240 annual digital entertainment credit, enrollment required
    • $100 annual Saks credit, enrollment required
    • $200 annual Uber credit, enrollment required
    • Lounge access to Centurion Lounges and Priority Pass lounges and more, enrollment required
    • Hilton Gold Status, enrollment required
    • Marriott Gold Status, enrollment required

    Book with points through Capital One Travel

    If you have a Capital One Venture X, you will earn 10 points per dollar on hotels you book through the Capital One Travel website. They will also price match the best available price if you find another rate within 24 hours. 

    Booking one of these hotels will also trigger your $300 travel credit. You can also use points to “erase” your hotel purchase. Every 10,000 points you use will give you a statement credit of $100. 

    If you have a Capital One Venture, you will earn 5 points per dollar and can also erase your purchase with your points.

    Capital One Venture X
    Capital One® Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Earn 75,000 bonus miles
    • Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
    • $395 annual fee
    • $300 annual travel credit when booking through Capital One’s portal
    • 10,000 points every year on account anniversary (worth at least $100)
    • Statement credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck
    • Easy airport lounge access for your whole family
    • Miles can be redeemed to erase any travel purchase. 75,000 miles = $750
    • Can be transferred to a variety of partners like Jet Blue, Wyndham, Avianca, Turkish Airways and more.
    • Get our downloadable checklist here so you can max your benefits
    Capital One Venture card
    Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card – Limited time 75,000 mile offer
    • $95 annual fee
    • Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
    • Miles can be redeemed to erase any travel purchase. 50,000 miles = $500
    • Can be transferred to a variety of partners like Jet Blue, Wyndham, Avianca, Turkish Airways and more
    • Also worth considering the Venture X which has more benefits and the same offer.

    Book with points through Chase Travel

    The Chase Travel portal sometimes has poor pricing and has no guarantees of good rates, but worth checking as an option. If you hold a Chase Sapphire Preferred, you will get a $50 hotel credit per year and this might help offset the cost. You will earn 5 points per dollar spent. Or you could use points to pay for the hotel. For every 10,000 points you use, it will lower the purchase price by $125. 

    If you hold a Chase Sapphire Reserve you don’t have the $50 hotel credit but your points will go further — you will get $150 of value for every 10,000 points you use. 

    Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card – Learn how to apply
    • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
    • $95 annual fee
    • Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred to a variety of partners like Southwest, Hyatt, United, and more!
    • You can also redeem points through the Chase Travel Portal. 60,000 points = $750 of travel
    • Great option for booking all-inclusive resorts or hotels in Hawaii.
    Chase Sapphire Reserve®
    • $550 annual fee
    • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. 
    • $300 travel reimbursement. This is automatic credit for any hotel, airfare, parking, car rental, etc.
    • Fee reimbursement for Global Entry for 1 person (which is $100). This benefit is available once every 4 years.
    • Airport lounge access for primary card user and 2 guests traveling with them through Priority Pass
    • Premium Trip insurance: If your flight is delayed 6 hrs or more for any reason they will reimburse you up to $500 for hotels, food, etc. — as long as you pay for at least a portion of your fare with the card (like taxes).

    Hyatt Hotels

    Hyatt House across from Universal Orlando Resort™

    9,000-15,000 points per night depending on the season [Hyatt Category 3]

    Hyatt House rooms sleep up to 6 in the 2 queen studio suite and even have a kitchenette!
    Free Breakfast
    Parking: $15/day
    Shuttle to Universal: Free

    Hyatt Place across from Universal Orlando Resort™

    6,500-9,500 points per night depending on the season [Hyatt Category 2]

    Hyatt Place rooms sleep up to 6 in the 2 queen room
    Free Breakfast
    Parking: $15/day
    Shuttle to Universal: Free

    Hyatt Regency Orlando

    9,000-15,000 points per night depending on the season [Hyatt Category 3]

    Rooms sleep 4 in the 2 queen standard room. 
    Parking: $30/night
    Shuttle: None
    Notes: Hyatt Globalists (or those with a Club Lounge Upgrade) will enjoy the Club Lounge for breakfast and appetizers. 

    Earn Hyatt Points with These Cards

    Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card – Learn how to apply
    • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
    • $95 annual fee
    • Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred to a variety of partners like Southwest, Hyatt, United, and more!
    • You can also redeem points through the Chase Travel Portal. 60,000 points = $750 of travel
    • Great option for booking all-inclusive resorts or hotels in Hawaii.
    The World of Hyatt Credit Card – Learn how to apply
    • $95 annual fee
    • 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
    • Provides 1 free night certificate every year on account anniversary (up to a category 4 hotel)
    • If you spend $15,000 per year on the card you will earn an additional free night certificate
    Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card – Learn how to apply
    • $0 annual fee
    • Earn $750 after (75,000 points) after you spend $6,000 in 3 months
    • If you have a Sapphire card, you can transfer the Ink points to the Sapphire card to get all the airline and hotel transfer benefits!
    • Earn unlimited 1.5% Cash Back rewards on every purchase

    Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card – Learn how to apply
    • $0 annual fee
    • Earn $750 after (75,000 points) after you spend $6,000 in 3 months
    • If you have a Sapphire card, you can transfer the Ink points to the Sapphire card to get all the airline and hotel transfer benefits!
    • Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services eacInh account anniversary year.

    IHG Hotels and Resorts

    Holiday Inn Express & Suites: Nearest Universal Orlando

    When booking with IHG One Rewards points, room prices are dynamic and can vary. I saw this hotel priced anywhere between 21,000 and 41,000 points per night. If you hold an IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card you’ll get the 4th night free on award bookings.

    Standard rooms sleep 4. There are some suites that sleep 6 — if you have IHG Platinum Elite status (free if you have an IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card), you may get upgraded to a larger room.
    Free Breakfast
    Parking: $0
    Shuttle to Universal: Free
    Rooms also include a fridge and microwave.

    Holiday Inn & Suites Across From Universal Orlando

    When booking with IHG One Rewards points, room prices are dynamic and can vary. I saw this hotel priced anywhere between 21,000 and 41,000 points per night. If you hold an IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card you’ll get the 4th night free on award bookings.

    Standard rooms sleep 4. There are some suites that sleep 6-8 — if you have IHG Platinum Elite status (free if you have an IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card), you may get upgraded to a larger room.
    Kids under 12 eat free with adult entree.
    Parking: $24
    Shuttle to Universal: Free

    Earn IHG Points with These Cards

    Plus when you hold them, you’ll get your 4th night free when you book 4 consecutive nights with points!

    IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card – 175,000 points
    • $99 annual fee
    • Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening
    • Reward Night after each account anniversary year at eligible IHG hotels worldwide (worth 40,000 points)
    • 4th night free when you redeem points for any stay of 4 or more nights
    • Earn up to 26 points total per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel
    • Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
    • Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier card member
    • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Fee Credit of up to $100 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card
    • $50 in United TravelBank cash each calendar year
    IHG® One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card – 140,000 points
    • $99 annual fee
    • Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
    • Reward Night after each account anniversary year at eligible IHG hotels worldwide (worth 40,000 points)
    • 4th night free when you redeem points for any stay of 4 or more nights
    • Earn 10 points total per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel
    • Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, hotels (non-IHG), gas stations, dining, social media and search engine advertising, and office supply stores.
    • Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
    • Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier card member
    • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Fee Credit of up to $100 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card

    Marriott Hotels

    Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando Near Universal Orlando Resort

    Pricing is dynamic. I saw prices from 20,000-31,000 points per night. With Marriott your 5th night is free with award stays.

    Standard rooms sleep 5 with 2 queens and a sofa bed.
    Free breakfast
    Parking: Free
    Shuttle to Universal: Free

    Residence Inn Near Universal Orlando

    Pricing is dynamic. I saw prices from 33,000-42,000 points per night. With Marriott your 5th night is free with award stays.

    Standard rooms sleep officially 4 but have 2 queens and a sofa bed.
    Rooms also include a kitchen
    Free breakfast
    Parking: Free
    Shuttle to Universal: Free

    TownePlace Suites Orlando Southwest Near Universal

    Pricing is dynamic. I saw prices from 21,000-30,000 points per night. With Marriott your 5th night is free with award stays.

    Standard rooms sleep officially 4 but have 2 queens and a sofa bed.
    Rooms also include a kitchen
    Free breakfast
    Parking: $24
    Shuttle to Universal: None

    Castle Hotel, Autograph Collection

    Pricing is dynamic. I saw prices from 20,000-31,000 points per night. With Marriott your 5th night is free with award stays.

    A boutique hotel option.
    Standard rooms sleep 4 with 2 queens
    Parking: $20
    Shuttle to Universal: None

    Earn Marriott Points With These Cards

    Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card
    Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
    • $95 annual fee
    • Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening
    • 1 Free Night Award annually after your Card account anniversary (up to 35k)
    • Earns 6 points per $1 at Bonvoy (Starwood / Marriott) properties and 2 points per $1 on everything else.
    • After holding this card for 1 year, you can upgrade to the Ritz Carlton card, which is one option for families to get airport lounge access.
    Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card – 125,000 bonus points
    • $125 annual fee (Terms Apply | Rates and Fees)
    • Earn 125,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
    • Provides 1 free night certificate every year on account anniversary (at a hotel up to 35k points)

    Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex Card
    Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card American Express Card (see current offers here)
    • $650 annual fee (Terms Apply | Rates and Fees)
    • Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points when you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months.
    • $300 in statement credits per calendar year (up to $25 per month) for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide.
    • Complimentary Platinum Elite status
    • Priority Pass airport lounge access for cardholder + 2 guests (enrollment required)
    • 1 Free Night Award annually after your Card account anniversary (up to 50k)
    • Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases, Card Members are eligible to select an Earned Choice Award benefit. Benefit options include: Five (5) Suite Night Awards, 85K Free Night Award, and mattress and box spring $1,000 discount from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques. Certain hotels have resort fees.

    Hilton Hotels

    Home2 Suites by Hilton Orlando Near Universal

    Pricing is dynamic. I saw rates from 38,000-50,000 points per night. With Hilton, your 5th night is free on award bookings.

    Standard rooms sleep 4-6 with 2 queens and a sofa bed
    Rooms also include a kitchen
    Free breakfast
    Parking: Free
    Shuttle to Universal: Free

    Homewood Suites by Hilton Orlando-Nearest to Universal Studios

    Pricing is dynamic. I saw rates from 38,000-50,000 points per night. With Hilton, your 5th night is free on award bookings.

    Standard rooms sleep 4-6 with 2 queens and a sofa bed and a separate bedroom.
    Rooms also include a kitchen
    Free breakfast
    Parking: Free
    Shuttle to Universal: Free

    Hampton Inn closest to Universal Orlando

    Pricing is dynamic. I saw rates from 32,000-50,000 points per night. With Hilton, your 5th night is free on award bookings.

    Standard rooms sleep 4 with 2 queens
    Rooms also include a fridge and microwave
    Free breakfast
    Parking: Free
    Shuttle to Universal: Free

    Earn Hilton Points with These Cards

    Hilton Honors Amex Business Card
    The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card – learn more
    • $95 annual fee (Terms Apply | Rates and Fees)
    • Earn 165,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $5,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card in the first 3 months of Card Membership.
    • Complimentary Gold status (enrollment required)
    • 10 Priority Pass visits per year
    • Earn 12X at hotels & resorts in the Hilton portfolio. 
    • Earn 6X on U.S. gas stations, on U.S. purchases for shipping, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers, on flights booked directly with airlines or with Amex Travel, on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies, and at U.S. restaurants. 
    • Earn 3X on all other eligible purchases.

    Hilton Honors Amex Card no annual fee
    Hilton Honors American Express Card – 100,000 Bonus Points – Offer ends 04/05/2023
    • Earn 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, you can earn up to $100 in Statement Credits on eligible purchases made on the Card at any of the Hilton family hotels in the first 12 months of Membership.
    • No annual fee (Terms Apply. | Rates & Fees.)
    • Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
    • Earn 5X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations.
    • Earn 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.

    Hilton Honors Amex Surpass Card
    Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card – 150,000 points – Offer ends 04/05/2023
    • Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership.
    • $95 annual fee (Terms Apply. | Rates & Fees.)
    • 12x points for spend directly at Hilton hotels and resorts
    • 6x points for spending on gas and groceries
    • Complimentary Gold status (enrollment required)
    • 10 Priority Pass visits per year (enrollment required)

    Choice Hotels

    Comfort Suites Near Universal Orlando Resort

    Rates from 16,000-20,000 points per night. Choice Hotels can only be booked 100 days in advance.

    Standard rooms sleep 5 with 2 queens and a sofa bed
    Rooms also include a fridge and microwave
    Free breakfast
    Parking: Free
    Shuttle to Universal: Free

    Earn Choice Privileges Points with These Cards

    Citi Premier Offer
    Citi Premier® Card
    Capital One Venture card
    Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card – Limited time 75,000 mile offer
    • $95 annual fee
    • Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
    • Miles can be redeemed to erase any travel purchase. 50,000 miles = $500
    • Can be transferred to a variety of partners like Jet Blue, Wyndham, Avianca, Turkish Airways and more
    • Also worth considering the Venture X which has more benefits and the same offer.

    Editorial Disclosure – Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

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