Love that the water boats stay running so late, really helps after a tired day of walking at the park.

The boat captains transporting people to the parks were also personable and professional.

We were at the boat about 10 minutes to 7am and were able to get in the first boat.

Facilities wise the boat shuttle service to City Walk was efficient,

Boats to park make using an ECV wonderful.

There is a boat ride to universal city walk which takes 5 minutes, thus being able to quickly access the Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios theme parks.

The restaurants are all good if a little pricy and the boat taxi to Universal was excellent.

I would definitely stay at a hotel with access to the boat.

Overall the hotel is mainly trading on the location which is a short and pleasant boat ride to universal studios.

The boat to the parks is lovely and a great way to go to and from the parks.

Amazing location being able to get the water boats straight from outside to universal parks.

The boats were seamless and such a pleasant way to traverse the parks.

One of the lovely water taxi trips had a fantastic boat ride with everyone singing YMCA on the boat which will forever be a fond memory for my sister and brother in law who got to enjoy that ride.

It is so easy to get to citywalk and parks, we choose to walk on a morning as we always have, especially when going to IOA as it takes 10 minutes from the boat dock and then catch the boat back after the parks.

The boat to City Walk allowed us to bypass the parking and security mess for regular guests and gave us a separate entrance to the event, which was very useful.

Pros:
- lovely spacious pool area
- extremely clean rooms and hotel
- boat service to universal
 - easy walk to volcano bay
- access to other universal hotels and pools
- new Dutch trading company service quick service till 11pm
- Alamo car hire desk in lobby
- daily housekeeping 
- friendly staff especially housekeeping who we could not fault

Improvements:
- few more shelves and towel rails needed in bath area
- room can feel cramped with a teen and 2 adults as there is no balcony -

If you're a family going to the Universal theme parks, Loews Sapphire Falls is pretty beautiful, clean, modern, and ideal, with lovely, modern rooms, baths, and grounds, including boats directly to the theme park.

but of all the hotels available with boat access to the parks, this was the lowest- end one.

The boat and/or walk to City Walk lovely.

Access to city walk was great if you like shopping and some food.

The water taxi's were ALWAYS there to take us back and forth to City Walk and Universal Parks.

The boat to Universal City Walk was very convenient.

One additional benefit of this resort is that you get the water taxi to Universal City Walk which starts early and runs late.

Quiet, clean, helpful and easy access to the parks and City Walk.

The water taxi to and from Universal's City walk was wonderful and unexpected!

The free water taxi to universal and city walks is fantastic and the boat staff and security are fun too.

They have the convenience of the dedicated walking path, shuttle, and water taxis to city walk.

Beautiful, moderate level resort with a price point beating anything the D offers. The pool area is well-themed, the lobby, restaurants, and lounges are inviting; and the water-taxi to City Walk makes for a very convenient and charming "commute."

The theme parks, city walk and volcano bay are a 10 minute walk away, or you can get the water taxi to city walk and the theme parks.

Super convenient water taxi that will take you directly to the parks and City Walk.

Beautiful walk (or leisurely boat ride) to City Walk or either of the Universal parks.

Very family friendly, clean and access to restaurants on the property and super convenient to have to water taxis to take you to and from City Walk and the parks.

The hotel is pretty, clean, and within walking distance to universal, volcano bay, and city walk.

The only enjoyable experience was the water taxi to the parks and city walk.

We really enjoyed the early park admission and easy, relaxing water taxi transportation to the theme parks and City Walk.

Charged in the hall, our ADA room with 2Q beds was effective for 2.

My only complaint is the extra $50/night charge for one of our sons.

Upon check in I was requested to provide a credit card to check in and have a $700 charge taken, as I do not have credit cards my debit card had to have a charge made to it.

Your hotel, unlike other competitors, charged us $15.98 to have a $6.00 bottle of cream my son needed / delivered from Amazon.

Check your bill as we were charged for the water we hadn't had - quickly rectified by reception.

We did decide that we missed having a balcony though the view over the shuttle boats always had something happening.. Poor in-room internet and even charged for it in the 'business centre'
We relied on the Amatista cookhouse for our evening meals

I'm sure it states somewhere in small print that this charge is required,

Needless to say I was charged more than what was initially quoted and when I called to dispute the charges I was told that due to the fact that I didn’t have a email showing those “quoted charges” I basically didn’t a fight and the charges will remain.

Thrown out with wet clothing due to a Universal employee’s (several employees as a matter of fact) poor communication and then charged full price for another night’s stay at a lesser resort with fewer amenities on our anniversary trip.

but that's probably why I was charged after I left now that I think about it.

We had to use them on the last day as our flight back to the UK was late and the charges for a late check out was extortionate.

I told him that none of the 4 cards were working.

Note there is a separate charge for the parking ($26 per day for self parking).

Again it took threatening to call a locksmith and charge them for the cost before they even asked what the keys looked like and found them.

I was advised once I was checked out, it would just come off the card that we added to our account on check in.

but we maxed out our credit card anyway so we can finally stay at Sapphire Falls!

There is No excuse for incorrect billing 2 stays in a row, this was my go to hotel,

but I missed where it said that you would be charged almost $40 a night for it.

The refreshments are very expensive anyway so with the service charge added it is a shock to the system!

We were also given a $100 hotel credit which was not honored.

However, you’re not paying premier prices either…

Now let me say this, cheaper does not always mean cheap.

I booked the hotel through the website and paid more than I would have if I booked with Expedia.

A family of 4 should be the same price regardless of age.

The cheaper hotels had the best benifits.It should have been some benefit for paying more than the other 3 hotels that occupy that same that entrance.

This unfortunately cost us dearly on our time in the parks as my children were unable to get back to sleep for sometime on each occasion.

Mandatory 20% service fee at Strong Water Tavern.

however, their policy states you cannot leave your pet in the room unattended ever - you cannot dine out, you cannot go to the pool, you cannot go to Universal Studios - so why travel a long distance and pay big money to sit in a hotel room !?

We paid over a $1,000 for this suite for just one night.

but we would have preferred a king bed option instead but this was not available without a massive increase in price which I didn't feel justified opting for this just for a bigger bed in the room.

Stock up on cheaper bottles of wine at Walgreens or elsewhere on International drive
5.

but look closer and it’s just not worth the additional cost compared to Aventura or Cabana Bay.

Our trip was fully paid and we just decided to budget cash to take and not use credit cards.

It might seem expensive to rent one at the beginning

I have given 4 stars purely due to the expensive food at this property.

Note you can stay at Adventura right next door cheaper and walk over and use water taxi.

I'd especially call out the exceptional service at the front desk, in the Amatista restaurant and the pick up cafe on the lobby floor, and of the housekeeping staff.

There was a self service bus kiosk to print park tickets which worked great instead of having to get them at the park the next day.

Service was excellent and very satisfied with food options in the hotel as well as things to do for kids.

but prompt, friendly and helpful service throughout.

The pool was fantastic and the transport service to parks were super simple and convenient.

“Full service” yet they did away with the Express Passes with your stay.

The water bus service to universal is just perfect.

The staff is always friendly & helpful and provides great service with a smile.

Was such a pleasant experience from valet and bell service to a beautiful lobby.

Cannot fault this hotel and the staff deserve praise for their service.

Universal needs to take a few lessons from DISNEY about customer service.

The water taxi service also goes from just outside the hotel, and really couldn't be a better service.

Found the staff and service at the 100% better Portofino Bay Hotel.

Great hotel and attentive staff
Pool is great and open until 11am 
Air con spot on (it was very hot)
Rooms cleaned every day to a high standard
Great water boar service to universal helpful drivers and security staff 
Bar was very nice
Lots of place to sit in lobby
Laundry service brilliant

You're deeply embedded in a "plastic," conformist maze of Orlando theme park/family properties and service roads in which any unique products or services requires a rental car and GPS to leave a plastic realm and taste reality.

Beginning from the reservation follow up call every team
Member we interacted with provided exceptional service .

My family loved this hotel especially the food, pool, water slide and the water taxi from the hotel to the universal studios parks.

We took the water taxi every day to and from the parks….very efficient!

Very clean room, loved having the water taxi  take us to the park and not having to battle parking in the morning.

I loved being able to walk or ride the water taxi to the parks!

Transportation to Universal Studios was very comfortable and enjoyable, especially by water taxi.

The after taxi is so fast, you don’t wait long to get to and from.

French family who searched a hotel next to the Universal park
Nice hotel, very clean, easy to go to the park with the water taxi, RAS, it was a very good trip, good price, good place, very easy to find, parking there, nice pool with water slide

The hotel is beautiful, the lobby has a gorgeous window at the end with amazing views of the water taxi area and the theme parks.

But taxi is great for end of day when your feet are dead from so much walking.

But the hotel is perfect, the staff were so lovely and helpful, the food around the pool was nice, nothing was a problem for the hard workers at this hotel.. 
lovely decorated, water taxi to parks ..

Easy stress free water taxi to the parks.

Great place to stay, clean and the water taxi is great way to get to the parks 
We will definately stay again 
Food was great, the pool is awesome
Staff was great , cant wait to go back 
Nothing

Very close to the park so the water taxi was ideal.

The staff was top notch and the room in general 10/10 the bed and pillows were amazing!!

Room Service for breakfast was top notch.

I am happy to report this visit was also top notch.

The staff is top notch and the grounds and amenities are absolutely stunning.

Stayed in room 1806, top floor and pool view.

The concierge service was top notch - I called day of check in to have a surprise left for a birthday boy, and was given a menu of options.

Resort was top notch with beautiful furnishings
Friendly Staff and Super clean
Loved the transportation to the parks 
Gorgeous amenities 
Great pool area 
amazing dining options 
Room was very comfortable, amazing beds

Sapphire Falls resort is top notch and other on site hotels fall short to compete with it.

I enjoyed a lunch meal and the service was top notch and the food was delicious.

Sapphire Falls is immaculately clean throughout and everything is gleaming in all public areas and housekeeping is also top notch.

First of all the hospitality was top notch.

We chose Sapphire Falls because of the water taxi access to the parks and the price was more reasonable over the other top tear resorts.

The staff throughout the resort were top notch.

The food and drinks at the pool are top quality as well.

There are tall, top heavy lamps in the suite that are extremely dangerous as well.

We were very impressed - The Sapphire Falls was similar in many aspects to the top Disney hotels,

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando

price

creditcard

taxi

city walk

boat

Transport to both theme parks is via the little boat to city walk.

Easy access to Universal City Walk and the Universal parks.

Great Location for all things Universal with the walk, Taxi Boat and Shuttle bus all very convenient to get you to City Walk and all the Parks.

The boat shuttles to and from the parks/ city walk to Loews Royal Pacific made everything so easy and quick.

Both options mean security is a lot easier to do than facing the bustle of City Walk each morning.

It was a 7 min walk to the city walk, self parking was easy, Valet guys were helpful and friendly.

Lot of possibilities to dine in or go to the city walk.

The boat to City Walk is really helpful and we also enjoyed the short walk on occasion.

Excellent location, just a short walk from City Walk and the Parks.

If you are into walking for exercise, there is a nice walking path from the hotel to City Walk and the Parks.

Just take a quick walk to city walk or you can take a boat or bus if there is rain.

We used the garden walkway to get to and from City Walk (and the parks) many times.

This resort is amazing, close to Islands of adventure, City walk and universal studios.

It’s an easy walk to city walk and the parks and the express passes are a MUST!

The location to the theme parks and city walk is a huge plus point of this hotel along with the major benefit of express passes for the attractions.

We loved thecoation as it was ose in proximity to Universal theme parks and city walk.

The location of this hotel allowed the feasibility to walk to Universal Studios, Island of Adventure and City Walk.

Beautiful hotel and smells amazing
Loved the water taxis to city walk
Hotel staff were all lovely
Food was reasonably priced- cheaper than city walk restaurants 
The Bula pool bar nachos are an absolute must- sorted me right out with a beer!!!

However, the cost of  hotel stay was pre paid via Booking.com, when I checked in they take card details for any additional cost, no issues,

Bust my credit limit and gave me a ton of pain with lack of credit and fines while on holiday.

We did not have any billing or check out issues.

We were charged for a rollaway bed we never ordered.

We hired a car for our 9 day stay and in hindsight didn’t need it for the time we were at Universal and probably should have just hired mid stay to save on the daily parking charge of approximately $30 per day.

There's no issue with them charging your credit card ASAP,

but I am taking the time to comment because if you charge that much for a rollaway, the process should not be this poorly executed.

Be warey and check your credit card bills carefully.

We were given two small bottles of water each night along with a post card.

A very nasty upsetting letter was placed under my door on Sunday, 8/6 stating my credit card payment had been declined.

Moved to a lower resort at the promise of a lower price (had to pack up within 10 minutes) and were charged full price for the replacement resort with much fewer ammenities.

Having said that, considering that the hotel charges $15 a day if you do want to request a microwave, couldn't they at least provide one or two community microwaves someone in the main building?

The bellhop services came to ask if we needed help after we had spent 5 mins getting all our bags out of the taxi and were rolling them into the lobby - felt a bit late to react
- no towels provided at the door when guests are caught in torrential downpour therefore floors all slippery and wet 
- room key provided on a card - seemed old compared to the magic band
- map provided of the hotel and parks seemed cheap, printed on pieces of paper from last year
- the featured area in the foyer containing fountains that should be the ‘wow’ factor when you first enter the lobby is a designated smoking area.

Also, we split the room cost between families and now we cannot get the billing correct.

After trying all day, we went back to the hotel to be told that it was not activated for non-residence as the charges may take longer to appear.

You’re charged $28 a day for self parking, and don’t expect a microwave in your room.

It was pretty awful, especially when we received our bill with a 18.25% service charge that was NOT the tip.

Self parking is overpriced at 28 dollars a night to park in an open lot that is not close to the hotel.

What I liked :

- High quality beds
- Great conciergerie
- Many services provided
What I did not like :

- Too loud, poor room phonic isolation
- Food is overpriced
- Universal Express Pass doesn't apply for Volcano Bay
- Room theme is very poor and not adequate with the standard.

However, if you drive, there is a $29 per night parking fee.

While the hotel may seem expensive, it comes with UNLIMITED Universal Express Pass.

Had to pay nightly rental fee (which is taxed) for a microwave.

Not a great impression when the rollaways cost money and you are staying at a $400+/night hotel.

In my opinion, Holiday Inn Express has better rooms for $500 cheaper.

This is quite an expensive hotel (£362 for the night)

It was dirty and old, and smelled a little, and parking was overly expensive at $30/day,

For the price of the stay, that's too much of nickel-and-diming of guests.

but not the original assigned room or type I booked, reserved and paid for.

The shop in the lobby (Tuk Tuk I think it is called) has a limited range on offer and is very expensive (two bottled drinks and two bananas came to just under $12).

Work out area not a premium, half size the size of the Sapphire, not as clean and feels cramped.

but with a few really annoying flaws, which at this price is not really acceptable.

We found that super helpful we didn’t have to pay for water.

Disappointing considering the inflated prices.

Being so close to the parks and the water taxi is a great service never waiting  more than a few mins and fast passes to the park which are included really make it, we walked on to most rides with no q, kids loved it.

We did the breakfast buffet at the Islands Restaurant — very good with excellent service.

The boat service was so quick and the captains were friendly.

I appreciated the text service available if we needed anything during our stay.

Cornell at the front desk was our first into to the awesome service we would receive during our stay.

We ate at all restaurants within the hotel during our stay and we’re all good with good service.

We stayed at Club level and this is the second hotel we have stayed at and I would higly recommend paying the bit extra for this service.

Service was impeccable throughout the hotel.

What happened to USA’s famous customer service!?

Check in took 5 minutes and bell services brought our luggage up immediately.

The staff at Jake’s bar were also helpful in terms of selecting options and providing excellent service.

The standard of customer service is amazing, everyone is incredibly helpful from the moment you check in to when you check out.

Every single staff member no matter housekeeping restaurant gym pool front desk etc all had the best welcoming and pleasant customer service I have ever experienced in any resort or hotel.

We had amazing service from all members of staff.

The bula bar and grill was amazing service for when we needed a relaxing evening from coming back from the parks w 3 kids.

Water taxi stop just beside the pool and bus service to Volcano Bay just a little further on.

but the hotel service and room was otherwise fine.

After wasting 45-minutes Guest Services had him give us our APs.

The resort is beautiful, staff is excellent (especially Kellie F)the food is great and the convenience to the parks (water taxi) is perfect!

The pool was great, and so were the water taxis.

Taking the water taxi to the park was convenient.

The hotel is walking distance from Universal (10 mins) or you could catch the water taxi (easy to get on, also about 10 mins).

We used the water taxi and the walking path to get to and from the parks.

While both a shuttle and water taxi were available, we opted to walk down the beautiful path.

The water taxi is a quick convenient ride to the parks.

We had an amazing time and the water taxi to and from the hotel was very convenient.

You can walk to Universal in 5 mins or get the water taxi.

clean and neath hotel, close to park in walking distance or water taxi.

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