Review: DoubleTree by Hilton at Universal Orlando
A family-friendly Hilton property at Universal’s doorstep that delivers solid Orlando theme park convenience with Hilton Honors benefits.
Location
The DoubleTree by Hilton sits at 5780 Major Boulevard, literally at the entrance to Universal Orlando Resort. You can walk to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, making this one of the most convenient non-Universal-owned hotel options for park visitors. SeaWorld is about six miles away, Walt Disney World is 13 miles, and Orlando International Airport is a 15-mile drive.
Phone: +1 407-351-1000
Address: 5780 Major Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
The Property
This ten-story Universal Partner Hotel features two towers surrounding a courtyard area, giving the property a resort-like feel despite its location in the heart of Orlando’s tourist corridor. The courtyard and pool area provide a pleasant retreat between park days. True to DoubleTree tradition, the warm chocolate chip cookie at check-in is always a hit — especially with kids returning exhausted from a day at the Wizarding World.
DoubleTree Room
Rooms are clean and functional, designed with families in mind. The layout provides adequate space for the typical theme park vacation — a place to collapse after a full day of rides and shows. The furnishings are standard DoubleTree, comfortable without being luxurious. For a theme park hotel, the room quality is perfectly appropriate.
Bathroom
The guest bathroom features a shower with standard Hilton amenities. Everything is clean and well-maintained. It’s a functional, no-surprises bathroom that serves its purpose for a theme park-focused stay.
Restaurants & Bars
Breakfast Buffet
The breakfast buffet provides solid fuel for a theme park day. A pancake and waffle station, crepes, French toast, fresh fruit, and standard hot items cover all the bases. It’s not destination dining, but it’s a convenient and reliable way to start the day before heading into the parks — particularly valuable for families who want to get to rope drop without hunting for breakfast options.
Bottom Line
The DoubleTree at Universal’s entrance delivers exactly what families need: a clean, comfortable base within walking distance of Universal Orlando at a price point well below the on-site resorts. The DoubleTree brand’s family-friendly orientation works perfectly for this location, and the ability to earn and redeem Hilton Honors points adds a layer of value that Universal’s own hotels can’t match. It’s not flashy, but it’s reliable, well-located, and a strong choice for budget-conscious Universal visitors who want loyalty benefits.
Value
Cash rates typically range from $100–250 per night depending on season and Orlando demand. Hilton Honors award nights generally start around 30,000–50,000 points.
At 40,000 points against a $175 cash rate, you’re getting approximately 0.44 cents per point — above the 0.4 cpp Hilton threshold. During peak Orlando seasons (spring break, holidays) when cash rates spike, the points value improves significantly. The real value here is the location premium — you’re paying DoubleTree prices for Universal-adjacent convenience.