Universal Stella Nova Resort: A Stellar Gateway to Epic Universe
Universal Orlando Resort is gearing up for an "epic" year, marked by the grand opening of its third park, Universal Epic Universe, scheduled for May 22. However, the excitement begins even before then with the unveiling of new hotels, including the Universal Stella Nova Resort, which opened its doors on January 21, 2025. This article provides a comprehensive look at Stella Nova, exploring its costs, amenities, dining options and theme park perks.
Immersive Design and Galactic Theme
Inspired by the vast wonders of outer space, the hotel's design is reflected throughout the property, starting with its exterior. The facade is adorned with over 140,000 colorful dichroic tiles that dynamically shift color based on the lighting and time of day, creating a mesmerizing visual experience. During the day, they shimmer with a rainbow of hues, while in the evening, they transition to darker blues and purples.
The cosmic theme extends into the lobby, featuring space-themed artwork inspired by NASA photographs. The nebulalike purple, blue and white color scheme continues into the guest rooms, complete with spaceport windows.
Cost and Booking Information
As part of Universal's Prime Value lodging category, Stella Nova Resort offers competitive pricing. While prices start at $147 per night (plus tax) for stays of four nights or longer, the average cost for a one-night stay ranges from $200 to $230. The only price difference between rooms is whether you opt for a standard or pool view, with the latter costing an additional $10 to $20. Parking for overnight guests is $30 plus tax per vehicle per night.
Stella Nova Resort is bookable via the Capital One Travel portal or the Capital One Business Travel portal. Eligible Capital One cardholders can book this resort via Capital One Travel and pay in cash with their Capital One card or redeem Capital One miles, earning up to 10 miles per dollar spent, depending on the Capital One card.
Read also: Our experience at Universal Stella Nova Resort
Consider using these Capital One cards when booking:
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Earn 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
- Capital One Venture X Business: Earn 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel.
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
- Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card: Earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
- Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card: Earn 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: Earn 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
- Capital One Spark Cash Plus: Earn 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel.
- Capital One Spark Miles for Business: Earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel.
Location and Transportation
Located adjacent to Epic Universe, Stella Nova is about three miles from the rest of Universal Orlando. A complimentary shuttle service is available between the new park (and its hotels) and the existing Universal Orlando Resort. From Stella Nova, it's approximately a 12-minute bus ride to Universal Orlando's main security area, providing access to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and CityWalk. Bus transfers are also available to Volcano Bay water park.
The resort is about a 20-minute drive from Orlando International Airport (MCO). While Universal offers a paid shuttle service called the Superstar Shuttle, ride-hailing services and rental cars are also readily accessible.
Guest Rooms: Comfort and Futuristic Flair
All 750 rooms at Stella Nova Resort are double queen rooms, accommodating up to four guests. Layouts are similar across all rooms, with options for standard-view and pool-view categories. ADA-compliant rooms are also available. Standard-view rooms offer a glimpse of Epic Universe, building anticipation for your vacation.
The interior design mirrors the hotel's public areas, featuring space-inspired art, a galactic mural behind the beds, Creamsicle-colored accent pillows and sleek, curved furnishings.
Read also: Discover Stella Niagara
Rooms feature soft and comfortable beds, a QR code on the TV for phone remote control, and a split-style bathroom with a sink and vanity area separated from the toilet and tub. Cosmic Ember bath products add to the immersive experience.
Standard amenities include a coffee and tea maker, mini refrigerator, hair dryer and iron. Complimentary standard Wi-Fi is available, with an option to upgrade to premium Wi-Fi for $9.95 per day.
Amenities and Recreation
Stella Nova offers amenities comparable to Universal's other Prime Value properties, including a resort-style pool complex with a 10,000-square-foot pool, a hot tub, a kid's splash pad, and lawn games like hula hoops and table tennis. Poolside movies are shown on select nights.
Additional amenities include a 24-hour fitness center, an arcade, laundry facilities, an Avis car rental desk, a ticket desk for theme park planning assistance and a gift shop featuring a large collection of Epic Universe merchandise.
An unused portion of the third floor has been transformed into a "sky bridge" with starry lights in the ceiling, providing a unique photo opportunity.
Read also: Holistic Education at Stella Maris
Dining Options: From Quick Bites to Cosmic Cocktails
Stella Nova Resort offers several dining options to suit various tastes and schedules.
Cosmos Cafe and Market: Located in the lobby, this quick-service outlet serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. It offers American classics like burgers, fries, pizza and pasta, along with grab-and-go items like ice cream, snacks, prepackaged salads and sandwiches, and coffee drinks. The hot honey pizza and Mexican street corn are among the popular choices.
Nova Bar: The lobby bar features classic beer, wine and cocktails, along with space-themed drinks like the Black Hole (an espresso martini) and the Super Nova (a whiskey-based cocktail).
Galaxy Bar and Galaxy Grill: These poolside options offer starters like chips and salsa, hummus and veggies, and a Mexican shrimp cocktail.
Pizza delivery is also available to guest rooms.
Theme Park Perks
Guests at Stella Nova Resort enjoy several benefits, including early access to select theme parks and attractions each morning. This includes a 30-minute head start at Volcano Bay and a full hour at Islands of Adventure or Universal Studios.
Other perks include park-to-hotel package delivery, resort-wide charging privileges using the room key and complimentary shuttle service to Universal's theme parks and CityWalk. A walking path will also lead to Epic Universe when the park opens.
Considerations Before Staying
While Stella Nova is close to Epic Universe, it is a few miles away from the rest of Universal Orlando Resort. Guests who prefer easy access to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and CityWalk may find this less convenient.
Unlike Universal's Signature Collection properties, Stella Nova does not offer amenities like multiple pools, waterslides, formal sit-down dining, 24-hour room service or luggage delivery.
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