Did somebody switch me with Micheal J. Fox in back to the future because I swear I’ve time traveled. I am in absolute love with the all-new Cabana Bay Beach Resort at Universal Orlando. Having just reached completion in June 2014, this new Loews Hotel property made its way to the top of my list of family-friendly resorts. We recently stayed at Cabana Bay Beach Resort during our trip to Universal Orlando to explore the all new Harry Potter, Diagon Alley, and boy were we in awe at all the cool things happening from the drive upright to the bar of soap! We gave the Cabana Bay Beach Resort 99 Fairytale Sleep points for family-friendly amenities, design, convenience, and value. Check it out!
Cabana Bay Beach Resort at First Glance
Someone was wearing their blue suede shoes when they came up with the concept for this property. The first thing I thought when we pulled up was,
Oh my gosh this place is soooooo cool!
From there my jaw remained on the floor until I drifted off into a cocktail-sun-and-fun induced coma. Well not really, but you get the point. Every single detail of this place was decked out in Atomic-age, the fifties, retro style. Literally everything. We pulled up to the front and were greeted by fifties-beach uniformed staff, then the music kicked in. Elvis, the Beach Boys, was I dreaming?
Family-friendly Amenities
There’s no shortage of things to do for the whole family. Whether you want to roast in the Florida sun or make a splash; the two resort pools offer both a giant slide and a lazy river. All surrounded by lush tropical landscape, poolside bars for your adult beverages, beach music, volleyball and activity areas, fire pits, and cabanas. By night enjoy a beautiful atmosphere of soft LED lights that bounce color from the water and gleam with the neon retro ‘motel’ signage surrounding the pool.
Inside you have a late-night bowling alley (a fifties-era favorite of course) a fitness center (inspired by the famed weightlifting legend of the fifties Jack LaLanne), and the Bayliner Diner where you can serve yourself up just about any type of food you like. Sit in the atomic-aged retro dining room and watch old films and cartoons project on two giant digital screens. See for yourself!
Design
The atomic-age design is so much fun. They really nailed all the details here with payphones, the fifties inspired furniture, and even fifties inspired bathroom amenities. Such a hoot! At the front of the building, you will see cars from the fifties that serve as props to really bring everything together and make you feel like you were warped back in time.
Convenience
Located at Universal Orlando Resort, the Cabana Bay Beach Resort is just a short shaggin wagon’s ride from City Walk and Universal theme parks. You guessed it, that bus picks you up at the fifties inspired bus stop and carts you right over there in five minutes. No parking, no dealing with excessive walking (cause we all know you’re gonna be walking your butt off all day anyway), just easy access to City Walk. Perfect. Of course with all the food options on property, you can easily get breakfast before you go along with lunch and dinner. There’s an on-site Starbucks as well which I thought was just fantastic.
Guests of ALL Universal Orlando on-site hotels, including Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, enjoy:
- * Early Park Admission† to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, one hour before the theme park opens (valid theme park admission required)
- * Priority seating at select restaurants
- * Complimentary delivery of merchandise purchased throughout the destination to your hotel room
- * Resort-wide charging privileges with your room key card
- * Enjoy dinner with some of your favorite Universal Orlando characters at select hotel restaurants
- * Start your day with a wake-up call from one of your favorite Universal Orlando characters!
Value
So bottom line, what’s the bang for your buck? Rates at Cabana Bay Beach Resort are moderately priced with Florida resident discounts as low as $79 / night! HOLLA! We did find the cocktail prices to be a bit high and the bowling was pretty steep, but the dining was actually very reasonable and with all the options there we saved a lot. You’re not getting a better deal. With the swank style, convenience, and quality commitment of Loews Hotels, this is a definite family WIN!
For more information on Cabana Bay Beach Resort at Universal Orlando check out their site!
Note: This review was made possible Loews Hotels and Universal Orlando Resorts. While we received a complimentary stay, it in no way changes our opinion of this property. We think Cabana Bay Beach Resort is the bees knees.
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26 Comments
What a cool hotel! You’re right in asking whether you have travelled back in time. I love the attention to detail , and the Jack La Lanne fitness centre 🙂
I can imagine they also play 50’s music in the hotel too! Whenever I take those “what era should you live in” quizzes I always get the 50’s so this is a good place (and the only place maybe?) to live in an era you werent born in!
Totally! It’s such a fun place to be, it really is just a feel good spot. Everything just perfect – total eye candy.
I WANT TO STAY THERE! Could that place be any cooler. This is the kind of place I would love to stay at and lavish in their amazing vintageness (not a word? is now!)
Vintageness is now officially a word!!!!
I’ve been to Universal many many times, but I’m usually loyal to Disney hotels. Looks like I’m gonna have to betray Walt and try this out next time though. Cabana Bay looks AWESOME!
MUWAHAHAHAHA You heard that Loews!!!! Betray DISNEY!!! #awesome
Now this is an awesome place to stay. I feel like I wanna throw on one of those big swirly skirts and have my hair in a pony!
It makes me wanna throw an umbrella in my cocktail!!! LOL
Love Universal! I haven’t stayed at any of the hotels though–this looks like a great spot and love the convenience. I’ll have to look into staying there next time!
Totally – this is a win!
This looks absolutely fantastic – I love all the little touches, including the restroom signs!
I loved the signage!!! You will flip 😉
UBER Cool digs! This must be where all the cool cats hang out!.. Great review – I’ll be hitting Orlando later this year so I’m going to check it out.
Well I was there – so it must be where the cool kids hang out LMAO!!!
We stayed at Universal’s Portofino Bay when we were there in January, but I will definitely consider Cabana Bay for our next visit. I like that Value price. My kids would probably enjoy Cabana more since the theming is so much retro fun. And hello, a Starbucks? Yet another point for Cabana Bay. Thanks for introducing me to this hotel.
You got it! The kids flip out here with the slide and lazy river. It’s totally awesome. I love the fire pits (something you never see in Florida). Totally seals the deal.
Wow that has to be the coolest retro looking hotel ever!! It’s too bad I’m not a Florida resident for those amazing rates eh but I’ll have to check it out if I’m ever in the area. Super cool indded!
It’s very reasonable for non-Florida residents.
What a cool looking hotel! I love all the attention to details they put and retro is just more fun. And for $79 a night that is so reasonable. What is the price for non Florida residents?
Adelina, I’m not sure as those rate tend to vary with the seasons. It’s best to check the link I provided to find out. I know it’s a family budget friendly property, so it’s not outrageous ever. For all the perks it’s a total value.
LOVE the design of this place! I want that chandelier in my next apartment.
hahaha I want everything there in my house!
Haha, I love the retro 50s theme of this place! Seems like such a cool thing to be able to step back in time like this. Looks like they have nailed all the little details that make it feel authentic, and cool. Would love to visit some day!
They totally did, this place rocks!
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