rewrite this title Universal Stella Nova Review: Park Perks, Great Value – NerdWallet

The Universal Stella Nova Resort in Orlando, Florida isn’t flashy — and it doesn’t need to be. What it lacks in theme park views, it makes up for in benefits that simplify your visit to Epic Universe, all at a price that’s relatively low for a Universal hotel.

It’s one of two Prime Value hotels (alongside Universal Terra Luna Resort) built within Universal’s new Epic Universe campus. Prime Value is Universal’s term for midtier hotels. Rooms at Stella Nova can often be found for less than $300 per night. During nonpeak times, those rates get closer to $200. That’s much less expensive than the more luxurious Universal Helios Grand Hotel, which has a private Epic Universe entrance for guests and charges more than $700 per night. (More on that later.)

I stayed at the Stella Nova for three nights during a media preview ahead of Epic Universe’s opening in May 2025. Universal covered the cost of my room, park tickets and most meals.

The hotel itself was comfortable and unfussy. While the decor wasn’t necessarily memorable, the real value lies in its benefits like early entry for hotel guests to the theme park and an easy walk to Epic Universe. I enjoyed both conveniences (and the park itself) so much that I’m already mulling a trip back with my family — this time on my own dime.

If you, like me, want a hotel that’s close to Epic Universe without breaking the bank, this hotel is a great option.

Universal Stella Nova Resort location

Stella Nova is about a 15-minute walk or a quick shuttle ride to Epic Universe’s entrance. Though it feels safe with sidewalks and crosswalks, there’s little shade. Still, being able to walk to Epic Universe from your hotel room is a big deal.

The downside is that it’s not on Universal’s main resort campus. That means getting to Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure or Universal CityWalk involves a roughly 15-minute shuttle ride through Orlando on what feels like a standard city bus. It works, but it’s not ideal if you’ll spend a good chunk of your time in those places.

One night, I headed to CityWalk for a late-night treat from Voodoo Doughnut and ended up adding about 45 minutes to my evening because of the shuttle wait times.

The hotel dazzles — literally. Like its sibling property, Terra Luna, it’s covered in multicolored mosaic bricks that shimmer, offering an especially sparkly effect on a sunny day.

The hotel’s interior is significantly less colorful. Styled like a spaceship’s command center, the Stella Nova lobby is mostly white (aside from some celestial-print accents) with curves everywhere. The design is so futuristic, I couldn’t find a single straight edge on any wall.

Ample, oversized couches make any potential waits a bit more pleasant.

The hotel also offers express checkout online or through your room’s television, so you don’t have to do it in person (though you can, if you prefer).

Standard rooms clock in at around 315 square feet, but they have no wasted space. The bathroom is small, which leaves more space for the sleeping and sitting area.

The aesthetic leans minimalist and modern. Think basic white linens, with orange and blue accents, coupled with galaxy-inspired artwork.

Rooms have basic amenities like a flat-screen TV, mini fridge, coffee maker and USB outlets, but nothing particularly outstanding in terms of plush linens or clever design. This is Prime Value, after all.

Bathrooms feature large vanities and bright lighting, though you won’t find high-end finishes or luxury toiletries here. They did stock my bathroom with toiletries with the scent “Cosmic Ember,” but please don’t ask me to describe what cosmic ember smells like.

I got a pool view, which was definitely nice but not exceptional.

There aren’t any special suites or fancy extras, but that’s OK. If you’re coming back from a long day at Epic Universe and just want a clean, cool room to unwind in, Stella Nova delivers.

Key amenities at the Universal Stella Nova Resort

The hotel has a massive, 10,000-square-foot zero-entry pool, which means it has a gentle slope entry like a beach.

While the floor surrounding the pool is concrete, there’s an entire back area of the pool complex covered in sand, adding to the beach-like feel. There’s also a hot tub and kids’ splash pad.

There are plenty of lounge chairs and a fair amount of umbrellas.

Chairs have a neat feature where attached QR codes allow you to scan and order food from your phone, delivered right to you.

There’s a small arcade with games based on Universal franchises like Mario and Jurassic Park. Games cost about $1 to $3 per play.

The fitness center has your standard treadmills, bicycles, weight machines and free weights. It’s pretty spacious, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the pool help it feel even bigger.

The gym also has an attached locker room with a shower, which is a convenient amenity for freshening up and changing if you use the pool or gym on your arrival or departure days but don’t have room access.

The lobby gift shop has a small smattering of the same souvenirs you can buy inside the park. It also sells items like sunscreen and some over-the-counter medications.

Dining at the Stella Nova Resort

Dining options aren’t anything memorable, which is a bit disappointing considering how good the food is inside Universal’s theme parks. But it’s fine if you need something quick or convenient.

This quick-service restaurant has basic theme park fare. Think burgers, paninis, pizza and fries.

I tried to go for the most unique menu item I could get, which wasn’t all that unique — a pulled pork sandwich (I asked for no bun) topped with coleslaw and onion rings, with sweet potato fries. It was a huge portion, albeit a tad too greasy (hey, it’s food at a theme park hotel).

Food at the cafe is made-to-order, though an adjacent market sells prepackaged versions of many of the same salads and sandwiches as well as other grab-and-go items like pastries, chips and candy bars.

Galaxy Bar and Galaxy Grill are the two outdoor eateries on the pool deck. Both serve a similar menu to what you’ll get at Cosmos Cafe. If you need food by the pool, it fits the bill — but go in with low expectations.

Nova Bar sits right in the middle of the lobby. It’s sleek with ample seating, though the steady flow of guests rolling their suitcases past detracts a bit from the vibe.

The drink menu does a sufficient job of embracing the hotel’s celestial theme with cocktails like “The Black Hole” (basically their version of an espresso martini). It’s good if you want an adult beverage without leaving the property, though there are many other, better bars around the Universal Orlando Resort.

Just because Stella Nova is more affordable doesn’t mean it skimps on perks. As with all Universal hotels, guests here get:

You won’t get a Universal Express Pass; that line-skipping benefit is reserved for Premier hotels like Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and Hard Rock Hotel. But for the price, the perks are plenty generous.

How does it compare to Helios?

Stella Nova is one of three new hotels built by Universal within walking distance to Epic Universe. Terra Luna is almost an exact copy of Stella Nova.

The other property is vastly different: the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, which is so close to Epic Universe that it has its own private entrance. Stella Nova is not right next to the park gates like Helios, but it’s close. While Helios has direct views of Celestial Park, Stella Nova faces a more industrial stretch of Universal property. You won’t be gazing at fireworks from your room, but that’s not what this hotel is about. Instead, this is the hotel for someone looking for a bed to immediately conk out on after a long day at the theme parks.

Sure, if money were no object, I’d absolutely book the Helios. But that upscale property commands nightly rates over $700, while rooms at Stella Nova can often be found for less than $300 per night.

Particularly on a theme park trip where I’m spending minimal time in my room — and I’m having all my meals at one of Epic Universe’s fantastic restaurants — I don’t mind the lack of luxury or amenities (there’s not even a waiter-service restaurant at the hotel).

Universal Stella Nova Resort: Is it worth it?

If you’re planning to spend most of your trip inside Epic Universe and want to save your splurges for something other than a hotel room, then Stella Nova is a practical, comfortable home base.

If you prioritize maximizing park time and minimizing lodging costs — while still staying within the Universal bubble — Stella Nova may be the smartest (and most affordable) stay within the Epic Universe orbit.