DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando Review

For travelers who prioritize proximity to the Universal Orlando Resort (but are also on a budget), the DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando checks both boxes.

Its greatest strength lies in its unbeatable location. Located across the street from Universal’s property, it is easily accessible via a pedestrian bridge.

Hilton Honors members with elite status can take advantage of benefits that are particularly lucrative for families on Universal vacations. Though benefits vary by status tier, they can include dining credits and space-available room upgrades.

Other than that, rooms are relatively unremarkable, and other amenities like the pool area are pretty forgettable. However, The DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando is one of the most convenient and affordable hotels near Universal theme parks — especially if you’re already a Hilton Honors member.

Here’s what to expect at the DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando:

Of the hotels not on Universal property, the DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando ranks among the closest hotels to Universal Orlando.

It sits in the same two-block stretch across from Universal’s main entrance that is home to other hotels including Holiday Inn & Suites Across From Universal Orlando, and two of Hyatt’s most affordable brands: Hyatt House across from Universal Orlando Resort and Hyatt Place Across from Universal Orlando Resort.

We didn’t break out our measuring tape, but since all these hotels are steps apart, consider any hotel in that area as the closest hotel to Universal parks besides those on actual resort grounds.

How far is Doubletree from Universal? It’s about a 1-mile walk from the DoubleTree to the Universal Studios globe. Once you cross the pedestrian bridge over the roadway, the trek becomes a delightful route that passes a lush waterway and through Universal CityWalk.

Located just off Florida’s Interstate 4, getting to the DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando by car is easy.

The DoubleTree is about a 30-minute drive to Orlando International Airport, which is Orlando’s largest airport.

Parking at the Doubletree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando

How is the parking at Doubletree Universal Orlando? When we visited, there were always dozens of spots available. That was on an October weekend, which is a busy season for Orlando theme parks, given popular events such as Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights.

But while plentiful, parking is pricey. Self-parking costs $31 per day ($40 for valet parking).

Annoyingly, there’s no airport shuttle for the Doubletree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando. So, consider a taxi or rideshare versus a rental car if you’re flying in. An Uber ride between Orlando International Airport and this hotel typically costs between $30 and $40, so you’d pay roughly the same in round-trip rideshares as parking alone for a two-night stay.

And if you’re spending your whole time at the Universal theme parks, you may not need a rental car given how close it is to walk. But if you’re visiting Orlando’s other attractions, you might benefit from a rental car. It’s about a 20-30 minute drive to Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort and typically about $30 for that Uber.

This DoubleTree by Hilton offers kid-friendly amenities. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with DoubleTree’s signature chocolate chip cookie. Yes, DoubleTree still gives free cookies.

Outdoor activities include lawn-style games such as cornhole.

Then, there’s a massive outdoor, heated pool and a hot tub.

Additionally, a separate children’s pool area entails shallower water and playful splash features.

Other amenities include electric vehicle charging, meeting rooms, a business center and fitness center.

Expect little in terms of pet-friendly amenities. This DoubleTree is pet-friendly only in the sense that pets are allowed. You can bring animals weighing up to 60 pounds, and you’ll owe a $75 pet fee per stay.

Onsite restaurants

Dining options are plentiful, including:

American Grill: This restaurant and full-service bar sits in the hotel lobby and is open for dinner. True to its name, it serves a huge variety of classic American dishes.

Appetizers include toasted ravioli, mozzarella cheese sticks, wings and mussels. A lengthy entree menu spotlights burgers and sandwiches, with offerings to accommodate all sorts of dietary preferences including a plant-based burger, plant-based meatball sub and chicken sandwiches.

Non-sandwich options include pasta, ribs, quesadillas, salads, soups and fancier plates like filet mignon.

Gelato Shop: The Gelato Shop serves scoops of gelato, plus other bakery items like macarons. It also sells candy and grab-and-go drinks.

Pizza, Burgers & More: This poolside cafe sells exactly that: pizza and burgers. It’s open daily from 11 a.m.–9 p.m.

Starbucks: This on-site cafe is an official Starbucks, not another cafe that simply sells Starbucks coffee. That means scanning your Starbucks app earns you Starbucks Stars — and potentially even Delta SkyMiles.

Sunshine Cafe: Open for breakfast, the Sunshine Cafe offers standard breakfast a la carte options, including omelets, pancakes, bacon and waffles. Breakfast prices hover just over $20 per entree before tax and tip.

Though it’s a few dollars more expensive, you can have all of those things from DoubleTree’s breakfast buffet (offered at the same restaurant) for about $30.

How to get free breakfast

Typically, the DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando does not offer free breakfast. However, Hilton sometimes offers special rates that include free breakfast for every registered guest. These rates tend to be more expensive than rates sans breakfast, but usually not by much.

NerdWallet found that the breakfast-included rate was typically about $40 more per day than the standard rate, assuming two adults and two children per room. At just $10 more per person, that rate may be worth it if you’d otherwise buy breakfast.

Daily food and beverage credits for certain Hilton elites

Hilton Honors members with Gold or Diamond elite status get a daily food and beverage credit, which is offered at most Hilton hotels that don’t otherwise have free breakfast.

At the DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando, the credit covers up to $15 per guest (up to two) per day. Though that’s not enough to cover a full Sunshine Cafe entree, it at least knocks $30 per day off your bill, assuming two registered guests in the room.

You don’t necessarily need to be a frequent Hilton guest to earn Hilton elite status. Certain Hilton credit cards offer elite status as a benefit simply for holding the card.

Rooms are comfortable and functional. Standard amenities include a TV, desk, Wi-Fi, iron and hair-dryer.

In-room coffee makers are also a nice touch. The rooms also have refrigerators, making it convenient for travelers who pack snacks to take into the parks (a smart way to save money on theme park vacations).

Bathroom fixtures are sleek and modern.

And accessible rooms are available upon request.

Though some rooms tout views of Universal Studios (and they indeed do), accept that your eyes will inevitably gaze upon the parking lot and highway, too. Consider views from this hotel only ho-hum, even if you splurge for a room with a better view.

For more space without necessarily booking two rooms, the DoubleTree Hilton also offers suites. Suite sizes vary, but options include the two-bedroom suite, featuring one bedroom with a king-sized bed, and another with two queen-sized beds.

When it comes to hotels near Universal Orlando, off-property hotels like DoubleTree tend to be much cheaper than official Universal Orlando hotels. Yet spending extra money on a Universal hotel might sometimes be worth it.

Consider Universal hotel benefits

Certain Universal Orlando hotels offer Universal Express Unlimited Passes as a benefit, which means less time spent waiting in lines. Given that Universal Express Unlimited Passes start at $109 (but can exceed $300 per person depending on the day), then the price difference between what's likely to be a more expensive Universal-owned hotel might be moot if you were going to splurge on line-skipping passes anyway.

Additionally, guests at all Universal-owned hotels get early park admission. This can be hugely beneficial for getting access to popular rides before the queue builds up.

DoubleTree versus Universal’s best hotels

Travelers seeking luxury accommodations should splurge for Universal’s higher-end hotels. That includes the rock-and-roll inspired Hard Rock Hotel, or the tropical-inspired Loews Royal Pacific Resort.

Then there’s the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, which is modeled after the seaside town of Portofino, Italy. It has a full piazza bordering a harbor, featuring cafes and evening live music.

All three of those properties offer guests free Universal Express Unlimited ride access, assuming you have valid theme park admission.

DoubleTree vs. Universal’s Endless Summer Resorts

The DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando lacks the theming found at Universal hotels. Even Universal’s budget-oriented hotels — Surfside Inn and Suites and the Dockside Inn and Suites — offer more personality via colorful lobbies and pool areas.

But the DoubleTree has a huge leg up on Universal’s Endless Summer Resorts in terms of walkability. Whereas many guests will opt to walk from the DoubleTree, the trek from the Endless Summer Resorts is hardly walkable. It feels, well, endless — given that it not only takes more than 30 minutes, but the walk necessitates crossing over a highway.

For budget-conscious travelers who value proximity to the Universal parks, it’s hard to top the DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando.

Stays get even more affordable if you can book with Hilton Honors points, especially for longer trips. With Hilton, every fifth night is free for standard rooms booked on points. Note that NerdWallet values Hilton points at 0.6 cent each.

The location is excellent, and the amenities such as the pools are well-maintained. The classic DoubleTree cookies are pretty sweet, too.

(Top photo by Sally French)

All information about the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is no longer available through NerdWallet.