Visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Stay With Points

Advertiser Disclosure – Katie’s Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as MileValue.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply

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.

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 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® 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

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

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® 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

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 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 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® Card

$95 annual fee
Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
Thank You Points can be transferred to a variety of partners like Jet Blue, Avianca, Turkish Airways, Choice and more. Points double when transferred to Choice!
You can also cash out your points. 60,000 points = $600
See my full guide to the card here
My favorite redemptions on this card are Ascend Properties in the US, Choice Hotels in Europe, and redeeming for tickets to Hawaii.