An Affordable Family Vacation at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites

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Why kiss summer goodbye when you can stay at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort where summer never ends!☀️🙌🏼 Universal Orlando Resorts is expanding with their brand new value hotel, Endless Summer. The first phase is called Surfside Inn and Suites, which is bringing all the relaxed, fun, surfer vibes to Central Florida!🏄🏼‍♀️🤙🏼🌊 This 750 guest room hotel includes 390 2-bedroom suites all at a considerably affordable price point! So get ready to surf’s up and check out this cool new resort!

Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites & Dockside Inn and Suites

📍 7000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
📞 (888) 273-1311
🖥 https://bit.ly/2MFqgBi
💲Prices: ~$85-131/night (rates may vary depending on time of year)

Surfside Inn and Suites

I was lucky enough to get an exclusive first look at their Media Preview before it opened to the public on June 27th, 2019! My first impression of Surfside was that it totally had all the Cali cool vibes!😎 As we stepped off the shuttle bus, they had a few cool kids riding on longboards! How fun?!🛹

As I mentioned, Surfside Inn and Suites is a smaller hotel and is phase one of the Endless Summer Resort! Universal Orlando Resorts have 4 tiers of hotels are far as pricing for every style and budget; Premier $$$$, Preferred $$$, Prime Value $$, and Value hotels $. And Endless Summer is considered a “Value” hotel so the rates are extremely affordable and are the lowest rates of any of the 8 Universal Orlando Resorts! Which is incredible because the level of design and the benefits/amenities for guests of Endless Summer are unheard of for the cost!🙌🏼 And if you’d like to take your vacation at Surfside Inn & Suites to the next level, they offer rooms with water views of the lake and their surfboard-shaped pool. 🏄‍♀️🤙🏼

Lobby

As soon as you step into the lobby you’re transported into a coastal oasis! The colors of the lobby are bright, vibrant, and filled with natural lighting from the all windows. You’ll notice all the surf elements from the beachy color scheme, the bright blue ceiling to the sand-colored floors. At the check-in desk, there are four teal and orange stations that sit under a wooden wave art installment. It brings such a contemporary feel to the beach focused design!🌊

The centerpiece of the lobby is a display of lights that are floating from above, and kind of look like jellyfish! It’s absolutely gorgeous!🤩

There’s plenty of colorful seating areas spread throughout the lobby. And of course some of them have built-in electrical outlets for charging!🔌🙌🏼

The lobby is full of beach-inspired photo ops like swinging chairs, neon signs, giant wave art, and colorful chairs which all tie in with the surfer theme. But of all the photo-ops in the lobby, you have to get a picture with the Surfside surfboard sign! How cool?!🏄🏼‍♀️☀️

Tickets/Vacation Planning

Right in the lobby by the entrance, you can head over to the Vacation Planning desk where you can save some time and purchase your tickets for an awesome day at Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme parks! Or you can come to this desk to ask any questions about dining and shopping options at Universal’s CityWalk. 🛍🍴

Take a peek at our blog post on Bigfire Restaurant, the newest addition to Universal’s CityWalk!

Rooms

If you’re looking to hang loose all weekend long, you’ll definitely want to book a stay here! And at Surfside Inn and Suites, there are two room options: the Standard Room or the Two-Bedroom Suite!

Standard Room

Step inside the standard room and you’ll feel like you’re actually at the beach! All of the standard rooms include two queen beds and blue tie dye curtains that resemble waves in the ocean.🌊 On each bed is a throw pillow with tropical words like “Beach” and “Sun” printed on them. There are many decor elements to bring in all the surf vibes from the pops of orange and the three canvas prints of surfers and a cute colorful rug to match. This space is so minimal yet calming that you might want to relax and take it easy in here after a full day of adventures!

Above each bed is a small blue overhead lamp and in between the beds, is a single floating shelf with a basic alarm clock, a dark blue chest, and plenty of outlets for charging electronics.

Across from the beds is where you’ll find the flat screen TV, and extra storage for your belongings. We noticed that there are only three small drawers instead of the larger ones that we’re used to seeing at the other Universal Orlando Resorts. Under the TV, is a seat that pulls out so you can use the media center as a desk/workplace. On top is where you can find the phone to order room service, a small bucket for ice and more outlets. And behind the door (next to the 3 drawers) is where the mini fridge is located.

The room also has additional storage in a small closet that is hidden by sheer white curtains. Here you’ll find hangers, a luggage rack, iron & ironing board, plus extra blankets.

The bathrooms are minimal with striking blue and white floor tiles and a beautiful granite countertop that looks like seashells.🐚 I like that the vanity is separated from the bathroom, so someone can be getting ready while the other is showering! There’s also a small hair dryer attached to the wall and more shelves for storage under the sink.

Two-Bedroom Suite

For families of 4-6 that want a totally tubular stay at Surfside Inn and Suites, you’ll want to book a two bedroom suite! The two bedroom suites are the best prices you’ll find in all of Orlando for the amount of space you get!

As soon as you walk in you’ll immediately notice the standing surfboard next to the full length mirror. The decor of the rooms is similar in style to the standard rooms, but the two bedroom suites also include a kitchenette and a separate bedroom with a single queen bed, closet, and flatscreen TV. So for just $131/night (rates may vary depending on the time of year etc.), your whole family can vacation in total comfort!

The kitchenette includes drawers and shelves for storing snacks, a mini fridge, microwave, coffee maker and a picnic table so you can really feel at home while on vacay!

Just like the standard rooms, the vanity is separate from the bathroom and has double sinks, LED lighting, and plenty of room for storing your belongings. And the shower includes a bathtub, perfect for families with smaller children!

Restaurants & Lounges

Before you go out in that heat wave you’ll need to energize with some beach bites over at one of the three restaurants and lounges located on-site!

Beach Break Cafe

Open Daily 7am-11pm

The Beach Break Cafe is a casual dining food court serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a grab-n-go setup. The menu features surf-inspired dishes infused with Southern California flavors and fresh ingredients! And being that Surfside is a part of their “Value” hotels everything you’ll find here is extremely affordable, with no meal over $12!😱🙌🏼

Adjacent to the food court are plenty of tables and booths to sit and enjoy your meal at with beautiful seashell decor hanging all around!🐚🌊

We had dinner here one night during our stay and decided to try the Herb Crusted Cod with rice and seasonal veggies.🐟🥦 It was absolutely delicious! I was surprised at the flavor and how good it was for just a quick service kind of meal! I love that for only $9.99 you can get a filling, healthy meal at Beach Break!🤙🏼

A few other things on their menu that I definitely want try next time I visit, are the Tofu Power Bowl and SoCal Cobb Salad! They just look so fresh and delicious!😋

Sand Bar

Open Daily 11am-11pm

Who doesn’t love to be out in the sun during vacation?! At the Sand Bar, you can find delicious summer cocktails, beers, and wines so you can stay in the sun all day long!🏖🍹☀️

If you’re going to have a drink in hand while laying out in the sun, you’ll be impressed with their signature cocktails. Some are made with Endless Summer Rum, which is distilled on the beach and uses the movie poster from the 1960’s classic movie, The Endless Summer!

The Sand Bar is serving up all kinds of tropical cocktails like:
🍹Orange Surf Board (on the rocks) – orange vodka, coconut rum, triple sec, orange juice, splash of cranberry
🍹Tidal Wave (on the rocks) – made with Endless Summer Rum, peach vodka, gin, peach schnapps, oj and pineapple juice
🍹Surf En La Paloma (on the rocks) – tequila, blood orange, grapefruit juice and soda
🍹Epic Sunset (frozen) – vodka, mango colada, and strawberry island oasis
🍹Toasted Coconut Mango Mojito (frozen) – coconut rum, mango, mojito island oasis

I tried the frozen Toasted Coconut Mango Mojito and it was super delicious refreshing!🍹🥥 They also have souvenir mugs that you can purchase and get unlimited refills for $9/day, $12/two days, $15/three days, and $18/four days. Depending on how long you’re staying at the resort it can definitely be worth it!

Absolutely loved the surfboards on the ceiling of the bar, so cool!🏄🏼‍♂️

Starbucks

Open Daily 6am-11pm

Start the day off right with your favorite Starbucks order right in the lobby! There’s plenty of seating with outlets to charge up before heading out for a long day at the theme parks. Loved stopping by here in the morning or for an afternoon pick-me-up!🙌🏼☕️

Pizza Delivery

If dinner in bed is more your style, call up for a pizza delivery right to your room. This is available only during limited hours so grab a slice when you can! 🍕

Pool Area

A vacation isn’t a vacation without some pool time! I love that the surfer theme of Surfside Inn and Suites continues throughout the entire pool area as well. My favorite feature is the surfboard shaped pool, which we could see right from our room!🤩🏄🏼‍♀️🌊

The pool area is huge and has plenty of lounge chairs to relax in! It also has zero entry so you can just walk right into the pool like you would from the sandy beach to the ocean. Plus there’s bench seating in the water all around the pool for hanging 10 with friends.🤙🏼 Why can’t every pool be this rad?!

Other Amenities

Fitness Center

Get ready to break a sweat at the fitness center located on the main level of the hotel (close to the pool). The gym is super spacious and is equipped with everything you need, so no worries about finding room to crush that fitness circuit! 💪👟

Game Room

Also on the main level is the game room where you can play some friendly competitive games with your friends and family!🎮🕹 The game room is a really great option for when that Florida rain hits!

Universal Studios Store

Stop in the Universal Studios Store right in the lobby to gear up for the parks or take home some totally fresh souvenirs like Minion plush toys, t-shirts, Harry Potter wands, and more!

Benefits of Staying at Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites

  • Early Park Admission – If you’re looking to get a head start before the crowds, enjoy early access to Universal Studios or Universal’s Island of Adventure 1 hour prior to the regularly scheduled park opening.
  • Complimentary Transportation to the parks and CityWalk – It only takes a matter of minutes to get you from the hotel to the adventure at the Universal theme parks with their complimentary water taxi, shuttle bus, and walking paths.
  • Shopping Made Simple – Get your merchandise from the parks delivered right to your hotel from most of the shops across Universal and CityWalk so you don’t have to lug it around with you!
  • Use your Room Key in More Ways Than One – Don’t worry about bringing too much with you to the parks, simply just use your room key to make purchases while you’re out! You can also use your key card for complimentary access to select live entertainment venues at Universal CityWalk for the length of your stay! We used this to get into the Rising Star Karaoke Bar, we just showed them our room key and we didn’t have to pay the $7 cover charge. #winning

Pros

  • Modern, love the surfer Cali cool vibes!
  • Affordable, extreme value for the price point!
  • Great healthy food options
  • Starbucks on premise is always a plus in my book!
  • Shuttle Transportation to the theme parks and CityWalk
  • Beautiful lake views
  • Lower price, same benefits as the other hotels

Cons

  • Endless Summer is away from the rest of the Universal Orlando Resorts so it’s a little farther to get to the parks
  • Not completely up with technology, our room had a basic alarm clock with no iPhone port to play music etc.

Dockside Inn and Suites

Escape to the perfect sunset at Dockside Inn and Suites, the other side of Endless Summer Resort, and the sister hotel for Surfside Inn and Suites. Inspired by sand, sea, and breathtaking sunsets, this hotel will continue the coastal vibes and will be the larger of the two hotels and will feature two towers! 🎣☀️

Standard Room
Two-Bedroom Suite

Opening March 2020!

I will have an updated post with a full review once it opens!

It’s really exciting that Universal Orlando Resorts is expanding and can now offer a more affordable vacation so that everyone can experience the ultimate family adventure! Endless Summer is the perfect getaway for families on a budget without having to sacrifice value and comfort. At Surfside Inn and Suites, you’ll be saying Cowabunga to all the amazing features and amenities because you get all the same benefits as the other Universal Resorts at a lower price point! The value here is unmatched! I can’t wait to come back and check out phase 2 of Endless Summer once it’s complete. ‘Til next time Universal Orlando!✌🏼🎢☀️

*A huge thank you to Universal Orlando Hotels for hosting us & sponsoring this blog post!

Shop Our Surf-Inspired Looks:

Check out my YouTube video for a full tour of the all new Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn & Suites!🏄🏼‍♀️🌊👇🏼 

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