Universal's Endless Summer Resort-Surfside Inn and Suites

We stayed here for 3 nights while we were exploring the non-universal things on our to-do list and I have to tell you this place is a MASSIVE value. The suites are huge and easily could be a mid level room on disney property. While the rooms don't offer copious plush chairs or couches, the beds are comfortable, the rooms are quite and remarkably clean. The pool is large and heated, with a bar and food options readily available. We never had to wait for a shuttle for the few times we decided to have dinner at City Walk either. I love the Deluxe on property resorts, but this is a great option for budget conscious travels, or folks looking for an inexpensive option for a first or last night stay. Staff is, as usual with Universal, impeccable! Read less

Spent four nights in a suite. Really wished I could change a few things. First little things that irritate, all the faucets are positioned to close to the back of the sink bowl. You cannot wash anything without diverting water all over the counter tops. Next would be the lack of storage. 3 queen beds with one tiny closet and three small drawers total. You get to live out of the suitcase and store it under the end of the bed.Another closet where the surf board is located would be nice. But the dealbreaker for me is the noise. You can hear everything. From over head, beside and down the hall nothing buffers the sounds. I hate to say it because I had high hopes but Cabana Bay will be my go to value resort. On the plus side all the staff were very professional. Bus service was great and the pool area is really upscale. If you stay at Dockside get a ground floor because waiting on the single serve elevators is a pain....but probably the same at other resorts. Read less

Overall, this hotel met and sometimes exceeded our expectations and we would definitely stay there again. PROS: Clean rooms Most of the staff were warm and welcoming Free shuttle to Universal parks Location Fitness centre On-site car rental Mini-fridge CONS: Towels are small and very rough. Neither the Will-Call kiosk nor the machine or the boarding pass kiosk was working. The pool isn't very deep. ROOMS: Our group was staying in a standard room and a "2-bedroom suite". The standard room had 2 queen beds. • The mattresses were decently comfortable. • There was a desk/dresser. There are only 3 drawers so keep that in mind if you are thinking of a longer stay. • The bathroom had a toilet and shower. The sink is outside the bathroom. I heard one larger person say that it was difficult to get in and out of the bathroom because of the placement of the door and the toilet. • There is a full-length mirror with coat hooks. That's great for your jackets in cooler weather. • There is also a luggage rack (and room for it) which is good since closet space and drawer space are limited. • The chair in the corner was comfortable. • There is also a mini-fridge to keep your drinks cold. • There is a safe. It was large enough to house a couple laptops, a tablet, and passports with room to spare. • There was an ironing board in the closet. • And, of course, a TV. • Soap, shampoo, and conditioner are supplied. Hand/body cream was not. The "2-bedroom suite" has one bedroom with a queen bed and the main room has an additional 2 queen beds plus an eating area. • The bedroom is not large. It has a TV and a closet but there isn't a dresser. • The bathroom had a bathtub/shower instead of only a shower which is great for those with young children. • There is a table to eat at and a small microwave. General • The front desk person we dealt with was rude. For instance, we mentioned that we had talked to guest services and she told us in a very brusque manner that they were in a different state and had nothing to do with the hotel. (Really? You mean that the guest services group whose contact number is on the hotel website and is supposed to deal with guest issues, doesn’t represent your hotel? We just let the comment go, but I am still confused.) The moral of the story is that you should speak directly with the hotel and not with guest services. • This hotel is not on-site at Universal but is pretty close. It is 1.2 miles from the Universal parking garage. • Rooms were clean and nicely decorated. However, the rug between the beds was stained. • As every previous reviewer has mentioned the towels are terrible! They are small and very rough. • WiFi was good. AMENITIES • Be aware, the pool is only 3.5 feet at the deepest point. I suppose this is great if you have young children but disappointing for older children, teens, and adults. There are pool towels but you are not allowed to take them from the pool area. We did not find anywhere to change by the pool. • The fitness room was great with a variety of quality machines. • The Beach Break Café is very clean. Most of the staff were very friendly and helpful. The food was decent but there is a limited selection. • We rented a vehicle from the onsite AVIS. It was easy and convenient. • Neither the Will-Call kiosk nor the boarding pass kiosk was working. • There aren't any wheelchairs on-site. BENEFITS • All the advertising at the time we visited stated that guests at Universal Hotels get entrance to the parks one hour before the general public. This was very misleading. When we were there, there was no early admission to the Islands of Adventure. And, at Studios, only 2 or 3 rides were open before the regular opening time. Very disappointing! Check the website to see IF a park will be open early on the dates that you will be visiting and WHICH rides will be open. • The free shuttle between the hotel and parks was great! It’s quick and easy. Plus, you don’t feel like you have to stay at the park all day. You can go between the park and the hotel as often as you’d like. • The shuttle between the airport and the hotel was convenient. We didn't have to wait long. The driver was friendly and gave us several helpful tips. Tips • There is a Walgreens across the street. You can pick up a case of water bottles for the park and cool them in the mini-fridge in your room. • If you are leaving the hotel, there is a gate that lets you out near the front of the hotel on International Drive between 7 am and 7 pm. Otherwise, you must walk out through the vehicle entrance. • There are some casual/fast food restaurants near the hotel including IHOP, Applebee’s, KFC, Red Lobster, and Subway. Read less