Hotel Spotlight: Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Date Posted: 10/11/2023
Situated just minutes’ walk away from Volcano Bay sits the most retro themed hotel in all of Orlando: Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort. Designed with classic Floridian 50’s & 60’s theme throughout, I was instantly intrigued by what this hotel had to offer.
Coming up the driveway you simply cannot miss the iconic ‘Cabana Bay’ 3d sign. As you get closer to the entrance you can see the lot of vintage cars parked up – from Ford’s to Chevrolet’s, it feels like you’ve took a step back to the Golden Age.
Stepping inside the lobby is instant holiday mode activation – a spacious and open plan setting with palm trees, floor to ceiling windows looking out onto the pool and bright blue skies, a short walk to the lobby bar, Swizzle Lounge, for a pina colada is just a few steps away. Colourful and immaculately on point with the retro theme, I was eager to check out the rest of the hotel.
As we made our way up to the fourth floor to check out an interior family suite (meaning these rooms you enter from the inside of the hotel), the theme of the hotel doesn’t leave. As you enter the suite, you are instantly met with a kitchenette which includes a microwave, a small convenient coffee machine, sink and fridge. Aswell as bench and stools to sit, this is a perfect setup for a suite of this size. The 50’s/60’s theme stays throughout – from furniture to flooring to colours – blues and terracotta, I would describe it as a ‘retro with a modern day twist’. To separate the living area and the bedrooms, a slide along door sits inbetween. The bedroom has 2 double beds, a bedside cabinet in the middle (a vintage style alarm clock sits on here too), and a wall mounted TV and a closed closet. The bathroom is spread over 3 parts: the toilet, a main sink area and then the bath and smaller sink – I thought this would be perfect for everyone getting ready, as you don’t have to wait for 1 person to be done in the bathroom for you to get ready. Even the flooring covering the bathroom is Floridian vintage. My favourite part about the rooms? The vintage VO5 and Zest toiletries included! The windows of the suite are floor to ceiling, so you get impressive views of the pool area too.
Back downstairs in the hotel is the Bayliner Diner – safe to say you will never be standing to eat in here as there is plenty of seating for everyone. In the diner are a few huge TV screens which play retro cartoons all day. Pizza, shrimp stir fry, Cuban sandwich and Cabana Bay burger are just some samples from the menu that I’m certain can cater to almost everyone.
Next up is Galaxy Bowl bowling alley and Game-O-Rama arcade. Galaxy Bowl is a ten-pin alley with table service restaurant and bar. It even has its own merchandise! Next door to that is Game-O-Rama Arcade. Full of modern arcade games and prizes to be won, the lights and sounds in here are enough to reel anyone in if they are walking by. If you are somebody who still wants to work out on holiday, the Jack LaLanne Physical Fitness Studio is here for you – and it doesn’t lose the retro theme! The spacious gym is filled with memorabilia of the famed TV personality.
Cabana Bay has 2 outdoor pools with slides and dive tower plus a lazy river (the only lazy river in any Universal hotel!). Also, amenities such as a firepit, poolside activities, and movies played by the pool on a large screen TV are also available – you can check what movies are available in the hotel lobby. There are a few poolside bars and eateries too, such as Atomic Grill which is a shaded bar and grill. There is a cabana courtyard where you can hire cabanas for the day with sun loungers, towels, and TV.
Other amenities that can be found in the lobby include a Universal store for any merchandise – you don’t have to pick it all up in the parks as this hotel store sells plenty, aswell as Cabana Bay merch. If you’re missing your morning Starbucks, look no further! Then If you’re looking for a way to get to the parks, a short drive shuttle bus service is included, and buses come very 10-15 minutes outside the hotel.
.... So go ahead and take the plunge and explore the world of luxury at Cabana Bay Beach Resort Orlando. From the beautiful views to the incredible amenities, you will be truly spoiled. Take the chance to relax and enjoy a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Be sure to create lasting memories with your loved ones at this amazing destination.
