Sapphire Falls Resort Review | Universal Orlando Resort

The new Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando has opened as the newest on property option and we recently stayed at the new resort to give you a full review.

 

 

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando is the newest addition to on property destination resorts at the Universal Orlando Resort. It occupies the space between Cabana Bay Beach Resort and the Royal Pacific Resort. Not only physically, but financially, as well.

As with all on-property Universal Orlando resorts, Sapphire Falls includes early park admission for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter areas, as well as free water taxi and shuttle bus to the parks. Sapphire Falls does not include free Universal Express Pass.

Sapphire Falls Accommodations

The Caribbean-inspired Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando Resort™ transports guests to paradise where blue waterfalls cascade across lush grounds, and the invitation to cool relaxation is everywhere. The resort adds 1,000 rooms to Universal’s resort inventory.

These 1,000 rooms are broken down into Standard rooms and Family Suites. We stayed in a Standard room with a pool view.

The Standard rooms are 321 square feet, putting them squarely between a Standard room at Cabana Bay Beach Resort (300 square feet) and a Standard room at Royal Pacific (335 square feet). They feature two queen beds (there are some single King beds available, but not many), a 49″ flat panel TV (again, an upgrade from Cabana Bay), a mini fridge, and in room safe.

Sapphire Falls has 83 Family Suites on property. These suites come in a variety of styles and sizes from 529 square feet for the Kids Suite all the way up to 1,353 square feet for the Hospitality Suite.

Sapphire Falls Recreation

We found a ton of fun stuff to do at Sapphire Falls! From the largest pool on Universal Orlando property, to the water slide, to s’mores on the fire pit, games on the pool deck, and the arcade, you won’t lack for activities during your stay at Sapphire Falls.

Sapphire Falls also includes a fitness center and a Universal store for all your souvenir needs. Remember, as an on-property Universal Orlando Resort guest, you can use the amenities at any of the other four Universal resorts, including the pools, spas, and fitness centers. The Jack LaLanne Fitness Center right next door at Cabana Bay is a great one to check out!

Sapphire Falls Dining

Sapphire Falls offers several dining options, including a sit-down dining option, Amatista Cookhouse.

Rather than a food court like Cabana Bay, you can enjoy sandwiches, coffee, and ice cream at the New Dutch Trading Co. This option, just off the lobby, also includes sodas, s’mores kits, and other convenience items. We did find this grab and go shop to be rather expensive, as were all the dining options at the resort.

The Strong Water Tavern is a rum specialty bar that also serves dinner. Just off the lobby, the Strong Water Tavern offers an amazing view of the Universal Orlando parks and the water taxi waterway.

In addition to great rum offerings, Strong Water Tavern also has some great craft beers and a full liquor bar.

Caribbean cuisine prepared in an exhibition kitchen makes Amatista Cookhouse an instantly inviting option for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Whether dining indoors or out—or in one of the private dining areas—guests of Amatista Cookhouse will feel welcomed and relaxed in this vibrant and inspiring restaurant.

We had breakfast at Amatista Cookhouse (we were a bit late, so our only option was the buffet). The buffet had some standard options (eggs and bacon), as well as some interesting offerings, such as crustless quiche! We LOVED the bacon! Some of the best we’ve had at a resort buffet!

Lastly, you have the Drhum Club Kantine. This is the pool bar/cafe featuring a tapas-style menu that includes some amazing looking nachos! Of course, they also have some tropical adult beverages to enjoy poolside.

We enjoyed our short stay at the new Sapphire Falls Resort. The kids had a great time, as did the adults. The rooms did feel a bit tight, but were comfortable. Also, the price of coffee, s’mores kits, and other convenience items seemed a bit on the steep side, but it’s a theme park resort, so that’s to be expected. One thing to note at the  Drhum Club, even if you walk up to the Club and purchase food or drinks, an automatic 18% gratuity will be added to the bill! We found this out when we bought a s’mores kit for use at the fire pit, just outside the Club entrance.

It was very nice to have a water taxi option to CityWalk that you lose by staying next door at Cabana Bay, but we enjoy the resort options at Cabana Bay just a bit more.

Check out our videos, below for a more in-depth look at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando.