Universal
Stella Nova Resort, the first of three new hotels adjacent to Universal Epic
Universe, opened on January 21, 2025. With the theme park's May 22, 2025,
opening on the horizon, Stella Nova offers a front-row seat — or, more
accurately, window — to Universal Orlando Resort's next big thing. Starting at
$147 per night, Stella Nova and its forthcoming sister hotel, Universal Terra
Luna Resort (opening March 25, 2025), provide an out-of-this-world value as a
launchpad to Epic Universe, with choice of walking path or complimentary
shuttle to the park. Here's a firsthand look at what it's like to stay at
Universal Stella Nova Resort.
Joining
Universal Aventura Hotel in the “prime value” category, Stella Nova and Terra
Luna each have 750 315-square-foot guest rooms. These space-themed sibling
hotels face each other across the street, both adorned with 144,000 dichroic
glass tiles that transform in hue as light and perspective change, evoking the
brilliance of a galaxy of stars.
Stella
Nova welcomes guests through a star-studded porte-cochere into a
retro-futuristic lobby, inspired by celestial wonders. Inside, the gleaming
white lobby’s arched ceiling and curved walls are illuminated with shooting
star-inspired lights. Shades of teal, blue and purple across furniture and
decor add a colorful galactic glow to the space. Wall murals throughout the
hotel, from the lobby, dining, and seating areas to guest rooms, showcase
snapshots of space from the James Webb Telescope, courtesy of NASA. Hanging
light fixtures channel more abstract takes on planets and star clusters.
Standard room view at Stella Nova. (Photo Credit: Brooke McDonald)
Space-Age Comfort with Epic Views
All
750 guest rooms sleep up to four guests in two queen beds, with adjoining rooms
available for larger families. Rounded, spaceship-like windows frame views of
Epic Universe’s nearly complete skyline from standard rooms, while pool-view
rooms gaze down on the pool and Galaxy Bar.
A
celestial scene from the James Webb Telescope brings the universe into focus,
with colors shifting from deep purple to pale peach. Accents like orange throw
pillows and teal-toned rugs and sofas complete the cosmic aesthetic.
The
split bathroom includes a sink and vanity, separated by a glass panel from the
beds and seating. A curtain can be drawn for extra privacy. A bathroom with a
toilet and shower or a tub/shower combo is separate behind a door.
Guest
rooms include typical amenities like a coffee maker, mini-refrigerator, iron
and ironing board, hair dryer, flat-screen TV, and internet.
Having
stayed at Universal Aventura Hotel, the only other prime value room currently
open at Universal Orlando, I found my Stella Nova room to be a significant step
up from a decor perspective, preferring the openness the glass room divider
offers over Aventura's frosted version. Although rooms are roughly the same
size, my Stella Nova room felt larger, but it should be noted that Aventura
does offer suites to accommodate larger families.
Pool at Stella Nova. (Photo Credit: Brooke McDonald)
Poolside Relaxation and Stellar
Amenities
Let's
be real — when Epic Universe opens on May 22, 2025, Stella Nova's stellar
proximity to the park will be its biggest draw. When it's time to recharge your
cosmic energy, the nearly 10,000-square-foot pool, hot tub, fire pit, fitness
center, arcade, and recreation room should do the trick.
There’s
also a Universal Studios Store in the lobby packed with Epic Universe
merchandise (including some brand-new items only available at Stella Nova). The
shop also includes basic sundries, toiletries, over-the-counter medications,
and other essentials for hotel guests.
Elevated Eats
Just
off the lobby, Cosmos Cafe and Market serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
The market offers grab-and-go options like pastries and yogurt, salads,
sandwiches, snacks, bakery treats, specialty coffees, and a selection of
refrigerated drinks.
Cosmos
Cafe levels up the typical value resort food court. Order at the counter, take
a pager and pick up your food. Mobile ordering wasn't available during my stay,
but it should be coming.
For
breakfast, standouts include the Croque Madame, Chicken & Waffle, and
Banana-Waffle Buttermilk Pancakes. Lunch and dinner bring hearty favorites like
Creamy Tomato Soup & Grilled Cheese, and a giant Pig in a Blanket, but the
true stars of the menu are the sides: Mexican Street Corn and Very Cheesy Mac
& Cheese, both big enough to steal the spotlight as a meal. Everything is
artfully plated and served with real cutlery, though to-go boxes are also
available.
Nova Bar at Stella Nova. (Photo Credit: Brooke McDonald)
One
offer that sets Universal's value resorts apart from their big competitor down
the road is a lobby bar. Whether you enjoy a good cocktail or not, there's
something about a lobby bar that creates a more welcoming, social atmosphere.
Stella Nova's lobby Nova Bar is bright and open with bar seating, plenty of
other low banquettes, and grouped tables and chairs around the lobby where
guests can relax with a specialty cocktail or mocktail, beer, or glass of wine.
Signature
cocktails like the Supernova — a blend of Michter’s Rye Whiskey, cherry-infused
Campari, Braulio, and tart cherry syrup — arrive in enclosed smoke vessels,
adding a dramatic and smoky twist to your drink.
Outside,
the poolside Galaxy Grill offers some of the same dishes from Cosmos Cafe, but
changes it up with some additional variety like a Bavarian Pretzel served with
beer cheese and mustard, Baja Fish Tacos, and a kids menu Hot Dog not offered
inside.
The
Galaxy Bar also offers some different cocktails and frozen drinks, along with
beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks.
And
for those ready to crash after a day in the parks, a reduced menu of pizzas,
sandwiches, and desserts is available for room service from 5 to midnight.
Out-of-This-World Perks for Universal
Orlando Guests
Guests
at Stella Nova Resort or any Universal Orlando hotel get exclusive perks like
Early Park Admission (up to one hour before opening) to Universal Volcano Bay
Water Park and select attractions at either Universal Studios Florida or
Universal Islands of Adventure (valid theme park admission required; check the schedule here), complimentary shuttle
service to Universal’s theme parks and CityWalk, resort-wide charging
privileges, free merchandise delivery, and more.
Read
more about everything coming to Universal’s theme parks and resorts in 2025 in
our full 2025 preview.
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