The fifth hotel to open at Universal Orlando Resort in Florida, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort (or simply, Sapphire Falls) is best described as casual Caribbean elegance. Expect a laid-back atmosphere that’s chic and modern — in everything from decor to amenities — yet cozy enough to feel like home after days spent riding The Incredible Hulk coaster at Universal’s Islands of Adventure or the Krakatau Aqua Coaster at Volcano Bay water park.

Convenient services cover family-friendly guestrooms, including kids’ rooms with twin beds; complimentary Wi-Fi; a relaxing pool complex; onsite dining options — including an interactive dinner show offered weekly — and best of all, theme park perks! Guests enjoy early entrance to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Volcano Bay (one hour before the parks open); complimentary shuttle boat service to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure; and a complimentary shuttle van service to Volcano Bay.

Each guestroom and suite at the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort features simple, yet crisp decor and furniture; a mini-fridge; coffeemaker; and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are equipped with shower/tub combos, with a separate sink area that makes getting ready easier. Cribs and rollaway beds are available; cribs are complimentary, and rollaways are $25 per night, plus tax.

Standard 2 Queen Room
The hotel's most basic option, the Standard 2 Queen Room features two queen beds and minimal views.

Lagoon View
These rooms feature views of the waterway on which the shuttles travel between the resort and theme parks. They have one king bed and a sleeper sofa or two queen beds.

Pool View
These rooms also offer a king bed with sleeper sofa or two queen beds, plus a view of the resort-style pool.

King Suite
This room features one king bed and connects to a Kids Suite.

Kids Suite
The themed Kids Suite has two twin beds and connects to a king suite, allowing privacy for both kids and parents. It's adorable!

Hospitality Suite
The Hospitality Suite is 1,353 square feet in size, making it a prime space for multigenerational groups to host family gatherings. It features a separate king bedroom, kitchenette, dining area and spacious bathroom with a separate tub and shower.

Sapphire Suite
While it's slightly "smaller" than the Hospitality Suite -- 851 square feet -- the Sapphire Suite is especially ideal for families, sleeping up to five people comfortably. It has a wet bar, dining area, living area and 1.5 bathrooms.

Pool
The resort features a lagoon-style swimming pool with a small waterslide and on most days, live entertainment provided by a DJ. Other features include a sandy "beach," poolside bar (see Family Dining), outdoor games (Ping-Pong, etc.), private cabanas (starting at $75 per day) and plenty of lounge chairs.

Game Room
The hotel has a game room with classic arcade games. Guests can purchase a reloadable game card to use any of the games. The game room is open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

New Dutch Trading Co.
New Dutch Trading Co. serves quick-service sandwiches, salads, soups, pastries, ice cream, coffee drinks, beer/wine, and snacks for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It's open daily, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Bar seating is available, or you eat in the lobby where plenty of seating is provided.

Amatista Cookhouse Co.
Amatista Cookhouse Co. is the resort's full-service, all-day restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Kids' menus are available. Amatista is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Drhum Club Kantine
Located by the pool, Drhum Club Kantine serves burgers, sandwiches, salads and other casual favorites. Of course, cocktails, wine and beer are also at the ready!

Caribbean Carnaval
Make reservations (up to three months in advance) for this interactive, entertaining and all-you-can-eat dining experience, offered every Wednesday. Seatings begin at 6 p.m.

In-Room Dining
Room service is available 24 hours.

All About the Extras
Check-In/Check-Out
Check-in time is 4 p.m., with check-out at 11 a.m. daily. A word of caution -- don't get to the resort early expecting to check in early; it's almost guaranteed you won't have the option since it's a popular lodging choice. Instead, plan to drop your bags at the resort and spend your afternoon at the theme parks!

Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is complimentary throughout the resort.

Fitness Center
The hotel features a well-equipped fitness center with more strength training equipment than your average hotel gym, plus cardio machines and free weights. It's open 24 hours with key card access.

Babysitting
Babysitting services can be arranged via a third-party vendor recommended by the resort. Contact the concierge for assistance.

Loews Loves Kids
The hotel caters to children under age 10 with a welcome gift upon arrival, as well as a Kids' Closet with books, toys, DVDs and the like to enjoy during your downtime at the resort. Outlet protectors, nightlights and baby blankets are also available for your littlest ones.

Loews Loves Pets
Up to two pets are permitted per room for a fee of $50 per night. The hotel also provides room service menus for pets, bedding, local walking maps and other creature comforts.

Parking
Both valet ($29 per day) and self-parking ($22 per day) are available in a covered garage.

The Art of Smart Timing
The resort is busy year-round, but you can often find packages and discounted rates.

Getting There
The Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando Resort is about 30 minutes from Orlando International Airport (MCO). Expect to pay a small toll ($1 or so) en route, both ways.

Getting Around
Guests of the hotel enjoy complimentary transportation to all of Universal's theme parks: Universal Studios Orlando, Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay.

For Mom and Dad
Strong Water Tavern
Sneak down to Strong Water Tavern for a rum cocktail (it's the specialty) and tapas (we recommend the fish tacos). It's open 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday to Saturday, and 4 p.m. to midnight on Sunday. While kids are welcome, the atmosphere is best for adults or families with older children.