During our most recent trip to Orlando, we were invited to stay at Element Orlando Universal Blvd., in the same parking lot as Icon Park. This was the perfect location since we planned to visit SEA LIFE Aquarium and Madame Tussauds. We couldn’t wait to share our experience with you in case you are looking for a place to stay next time you are in the Orlando area.
Our must-haves in a hotel are complimentary breakfast, complimentary wireless, enough space for our entire family to sleep comfortably, dog-friendly, a pool, and convenient parking. Element by Westin checked all the boxes.
Element Orlando Universal Blvd. Lobby
Element Orlando Universal Blvd. is a beautiful hotel! Located in the heart of Orlando’s famed Entertainment District, this new hotel sits at the base of ICON Park and puts you in the middle of more than 50 restaurants, bars, and attractions.
The hotel has a very grand entrance. You can pull up and valet or park in the parking garage or the parking lot next to the hotel. We had a bit of trouble locating the parking lot, but the valet was kind enough to share the options and point us in the right direction.
We checked in to Element Orlando Universal Blvd. on the app, walked in with our dog, and got our keys at the front desk. I was immediately taken with the interior design. The floor-to-ceiling windows are a photographer’s dream! You’ll find plenty of seating. This is perfect for work or relaxation and unwinding. They even serve free coffee in the lobby. The front desk is inside the front doors, next to a gourmet pantry stocked with snacks and beverages.
The Rooms
We headed up to the room and were pleasantly surprised by the size and amenities. The Element Orlando Universal Blvd. Queen Suite has two queen beds and a sleeper sofa. For the first time in a while, we didn’t have to draw straws to see who had to sleep on the floor. You’d be surprised how often that happens when you are a family of five. Even our dog had a comfortable place to sleep! They have a variety of different-sized rooms available.
As if the sleeping situation wasn’t enough to be pleased about, the room has a fully equipped kitchen with a refrigerator, microwave, and stovetop, which is great for a family because eating out can get pricey! Instead, we brought food and drinks with us to cut down on expenses.
Element Orlando Universal Blvd. rooms are gorgeous, and the beds were super comfy! Every room comes equipped with a 55″ Netflix-enabled TV. Just under it is a desk that doubles as a dining table. Perfect for the kids to eat on without making a mess.
The bathroom was immaculate and so beautifully designed. They have well-lit vanities, eco-friendly bulk bath amenities, and plenty of towels.
The Pool
We love a family-friendly pool with waterslides and a splash pad, but sometimes the standard hotel pool, like the one at Element Orlando Universal Blvd., can be much better. Both times we went, the pool was not super crowded. It’s kept very clean and has enough seating for those who prefer to sit and watch everyone else swim.
The view from the pool? Well, it’s The Wheel at Icon Park. Not your average Ferris wheel; this is a stunning 400-foot-tall observation wheel. And at night? It lights up and makes the pool experience even more magical.
If you aren’t much of a pool person, just walk to Icon Park for plenty of shopping, restaurants, and entertainment.
Complimentary Breakfast
Element Orlando Universal Blvd. offers a complimentary breakfast of fresh fruit, bagels, muffins, cereal, granola, and a cooked-to-order breakfast station with rotating items. Both mornings we were there, they had egg omelets with cheese and sausages. They have a coffee station and juice.
The food was fresh and delicious, and they offered something for each of my picky eaters. You can eat it in the dining area or bring it back to your room. Either way, it’s the perfect way to start your day.
If Element Orlando Universal Blvd. looks like a good option for your next trip to Orlando, FL, you can check pricing and availability here:
Have you ever stayed at Element Orlando Universal Blvd.? If so, what did you think? If not, does it look like a place you and your family would enjoy? Comment below and let us know! Contact us if you have any questions; we’d happily answer them.
I have never been to Florida but this definitely sounds like a great place to stay if I ever venture that way!
Wow! That looks like a really amazing and a great hotel to stay! I would definitely love to stay here!
This hotel looks very nice and I’ll have to keep it in mind if we ever visit Orlando. I know I’m planning a trip in the future to take my son to Disney before he graduates.
What a beautiful hotel…love the decor and all the amenities.
Wow, what a beautiful place to stay. I would love to stay there sometime. These photos are amazing.
I have stayed at a couple of Element hotels and I do like them. My favorite was in Philly as we were on the 16th floor. Plus they made me a special sandwich due to my food allergies.
This place looks amazing!! I would so love to travel there one day…if I’m ever able to take a vacation one day.