Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites (Hotel Tour)

Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites is one of the newest of all the on-site hotels at the Universal Orlando Resort.  Universal’s Surfside Inn an suites is a 750-room hotel that is located just across Universal Boulevard from it’s sister hotel – the 2,050 room Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites. 

Both Endless Summer resort hotels are located on the site of the former Wet N’ Wild water park.  These resorts are less than one mile south of Universal’s CityWalk, just south of Interstate 4 at the intersection of International Drive and Universal Boulevard.

These two “Endless Summer” resorts comprise the largest combination of on-site hotels at Universal, featuring a total of 2,800 rooms (The Cabana Bay Beach Resort features 2,200 rooms).  The design and décor is that of a “coastal vibe” right down to the surf boards that can be found throughout both resort hotels.

The resorts are managed by Loews Hotels (manages all the on-site Universal hotels).  The Endless Summer resorts comprise Universal’s “Value Inns and Suites”, which means these resorts are a highly affordable on-site hotel option when visiting Universal. 

When staying at the Surfside Inn and Suites or any of the on-site hotels at Universal, guests are provided a number of exclusive theme park benefits which further enhance the value for the cost of the visit.

Universal’s Surfside Inn and Suites: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the hotel rates at Universal’s Surfside Inn and Suites?

Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites along with its sister hotel, Dockside Inn and Suites, are Universal’s “value” hotels and are very reasonable prices for on-site hotel options.  Hotel rates typically range from less than $125 per night to around $250 per night depending on the time of year and the room type. 

Is the Universal’s Surfside Inn and Suites close to the theme parks and the convention center?

Surfside Inn and Suites is a 5 minute bus ride or a 20 minute walk to the entrance of the Universal Orlando Resort.  Walt Disney World and Sea World are both located within a 25-minute drive from the hotel.  The Orlando / Orange County Convention Center is about 10 minutes south along International Drive.  

Is there a Resort Fee or Parking Charge at Universal’s Surfside Inn and Suites?

There are no Resort Fees at Universal’s Surfside Inn and Suites.  Self-parking costs $19.00 per night for hotel guests.

Does the Universal’s Surfside Inn and Suites have a pool and other amenities?

Universal’s Surfside Inn and Suites features surfboard shaped resort-style pool with poolside restaurant and poolside activities, a state-of-the-art fitness center, game room / arcade, on-site Universal planning desk, a Universal Studios Store and WIFI throughout the hotel.

What are the food & beverage options at Universal’s Surfside Inn and Suites?

There is an on-site food court called Beach Break Cafe, a Starbucks, a poolside bar (the Sand Bar) and on-site pizza delivery at Universal’s Surfside Inn and Suites.  There are also extensive dining options at Universal’s CityWalk or within walking distance along International Drive.

What is the check-in and check-out time at Universal’s Surfside Inn and Suites?

The check in-time at the Universal’s Surfside Inn and Suites is 4:00 pm and check out time is at 11:00 am.

Does Universal’s Surfside Inn and Suites provide transportation to the theme parks?

Universal’s Surfside Inn and Suites features bus transportation to the Universal Orlando Resort which includes Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Universal’s CityWalk.

What is Universal’s Surfside Inn and Suites pet policy?

Unfortunately no pets are permitted at Universal’s Surfside Inn and Suites.

The Location of the Universal’s Surfside Inn and Suites

Universal’s Surfside Inn and Suites is located just outside of the grounds of the Universal Orlando Resort, just a short distance south along Universal Boulevard. Access to the hotel is fairly simple as there is an interchange at Universal Boulevard from Interstate 4. 

It is anticipated that the two Endless Summer resort hotels will act as a bridge between the original Universal Orlando Resort and Universal’s future theme park (EPIC Universe), which is located near the Orlando / Orange County Convention Center.

This property is fairly well located and is close to other International Drive area attractions as we as several of Orlando’s major shopping & entertainment destinations.

It will take guests approximately 20 minutes to get to the hotels from the Orlando International Airport and less around 10 minutes to get to the Orlando / Orange County Convention Center.  

There are a number of retail venues and restaurants within walking distance along International Drive which include a Walgreens Pharmacy, Black Angus Steakhouse, Oshio Korean BBQ, IHOP and Red Lobster.  Additional attractions along the International Drive Corridor include The Fun Spot Orlando, ICON Park, Dezerland Park Orlando and Magical Midway Thrill Park.  

Being just a short distance from Universal’s CityWalk, Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Surfside Inn and Suites is less than 5 minute bus ride away.  According to Google Maps, it is a 20 minute walk from the hotel to CityWalk.

Additional area theme parks and destinations are short distance to the hotel.  Per Google Maps, travel time is as follows (non-peak hours):

• SeaWorld Orlando: Less than 15 minutes.
• The Magic Kingdom Park: approximately 25 minutes.
• EPCOT: approximately 20 minutes.
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: approximately 20 minutes.
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom: approximately 25 minutes.
• Disney Springs: approximately 15 minutes.
• Downtown Orlando: approximately 20 minutes.
• Orlando Premium Outlets: Less than 5 minutes.
• Vineland Premium Outlets: Less than 15 minutes.

Hotel Amenities and Dining Options at Universal’s Surfside Inn and Suites

Guests will find that although Universal’s Surfside Inn and Suites is a “value” property, it is not short on amenities. Frankly the hotel everything that one would want without all the “frills” and prices of full services hotels.

Since Universal’s Surfside Inn and Suites is themed as a oceanside/surf resort, you can rest assured that the pool is pretty amazing.  In addition to the pool, there are a number of poolside activities that occur daily.

The pool is a large resort style pool with beach entry, extensive patio seating and a poolside bar and grill called the Sand Bar.  

Additional Amenities at Universal’s Surfside Inn and Suites include:

• State-of-the-Art Fitness Center
• Game Room / Arcade
• A Universal Studios Store
• On-site Universal ticket desk
• Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel

One thing to note about the WiFi at Universal’s Surfside Inn and Suites is that it is not the best that we have seen in hotels at the Universal Orlando Resort.  While upload speeds of 7.01 Mbps are considered adequate, the download speed of 7.03 Mbps did caused loaded issues on some websites when we were web surfing.

With mobile devices a big part of our lives, quality WiFi service (and speed) is important to most theme park travelers.

On-Site Dining

There are multiple casual and quick-service dining options at Universal’s Surfside Inn and Suites that will fit any palette. 

Beach Break Cafe

Beach Break Cafe is the Surfside Inn and Suites’ main on-site dining option. This food court style quick-service restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests will find a number of traditional breakfast foods to buyers, pizza, sandwiches, salads and deserts.  Breakfast starts at 7:00 am and the grill is open from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm.  Grab-and-go is open until 11:00 pmo.

There is also a grab-and-go section which offers pre-made salads and sandwiches as well as snacks and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic).

The Sand Bar (pool bar)

The Sand Bar is the poolside restaurant and bar that is open daily from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm.  This dining option features salads, sandwiches, burgers, beer, wine and specialty cocktails.

Starbucks

What’s an on-site theme park hotel without a Starbucks?   Get your morning coffee or afternoon snack from the baristas right in the lobby hobby.

Surfside Pizza Delivery

If you are hungry and don’t feel like leaving your room, just order a pizza and have it delivered.  The Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites offers pizza delivery right to your room from 5:00 pm to midnight. 

Additional Dining Options

In addition to the dining options Universal’s Surfside Inn and Suites, guests will find a number of restaurants ranging from casual and quick-service dining to fine dining at the other Universal on-site hotels as well as Universal’s CityWalk.

Universal On-Site Hotel Benefits

When staying on-site at the Universal Orlando Resort guests receive a number of benefits that greatly enhance the enjoyment of their visit. 

The on-site benefits of staying at the Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites include:

• Early Park Admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Typically either Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure open one hour early to allow hotel guests additional time to explore the Wizarding World.
• Complimentary Transportation: Universal’s Surfside Inn and Suites guests can take the free shuttle buses from the front of the hotel for a short trip to the theme parks and CityWalk.
• Room Key Charge Privileges and Purchase Delivery: Do you want to purchase a wand at Ollivanders?  Guests can use their room key to charge their purchases and Universal will deliver their packages directly to their room (select stores only). 

The Rooms and Hotel Rates

The Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites is a fairly large hotel features 750 individual hotel rooms and two-bedroom suites.  There are 360 standard two-queen rooms and 390 two-bedroom suites.

Individual room features are as follows:

Universal’s Surfside Inn and Suites Room Types

• Standard Rooms: Includes two queen beds in 313 square feet with a 43 inch flat panel television, mini-refrigerator and an in-room safe.
• Pool View Standard Rooms: Also includes two queen beds in 313 square feet with a 43 inch flat panel television, mini-refrigerator an in-room safe.
• Two Bedroom Suite: The two-bedroom suite features 440 square feet with two queen beds in the main room and another queen bed in an enclosed bedroom.  There is also a flat panel television in each room, kitchenette with mini-refrigerator & microwave oven, picnic style table, separate bath and vanity areas and an in-room safe.
• Pool View Two Bedroom Suite: The two-bedroom suite pool view suite also features 440 square feet with two queen beds in the main room and another queen bed in an enclosed bedroom.  There is a flat panel television in each room, kitchenette with mini-refrigerator & microwave oven, picnic style table, separate bath and vanity areas and an in-room safe.
• Water View Two Bedroom Suite: The two-bedroom suite pool view suite also features 440 square feet with two queen beds in the main room and another queen bed in an enclosed bedroom.  There is a flat panel television in each room, kitchenette with mini-refrigerator & microwave oven, picnic style table, separate bath and vanity areas and an in-room safe.

All rooms have HVAC controls technology, high speed wireless internet (premium internet is offered for a fee), iron/ironing board, alarm clock, telephone and plenty of USB outlets for charging cel phones and other other devices.

Hotel Rates

Hotel rates vary depending on the time of year and the room type but typically range from less than $125 per night to around $250 per night. Promotions are frequently offered for annual passholders and Florida / Georgia residents.

There are no resort fees at each of this resort but there is a 6% resort tax on top of a 6.5% sales tax on nightly rates.  There is also a $15 per night overnight parking charge.

What We Liked about Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites

There are many different things to like at this resort property.  Following are some of the highlights:

• Highly affordable Universal on-site hotel option
• Sufficient Amenities (resort pools, Universal store and fitness center)
• Adequate dining options
• Very good value for the price

What We Didn’t Like about Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites

There were a few things not to like when staying at the Universal’s Dockside Inn and Suites.

• Parking fee of $19 per night
• The pool area has no water features (slides or lazy river).
• Bus transportation instead of water taxi service
• Walking distance to the entrance at CityWalk is far and requires guests to cross International Drive which is a busy roadway.

What We Think Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites is Perfect For:

The two Endless Summer Resort Hotels are great for a wide variety of travelers visiting the Universal Orlando Resort and are perfect for:

• Guests visiting Universal’s theme parks
• Vacationers seeking an affordable on-site hotel destination
• Larger families needing additional space and/or multiple bedrooms

Our Thoughts

The Endless Summer family has been to many different economy, moderate and luxury hotels in the in the Orlando tourist area and have stayed at a number of extended stay type hotels. We feel that Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites represents a very good value for the money as compared to other similar type value hotel properties throughout the theme park area.