Sapphire Falls Resort Coming in Summer 2016

[Jesy]

Loew's Orlando announcing a new hotel:  http://blog.universalorlando.com/whats-new/sapphire-falls-2016/  No word in this article as to what level of access to the parks hotel guests will receive.

 

[Zachary]

I was talking to someone about Sapphire Falls yesterday and made this to show its relation to the rest of Universal property. Figured I'd share:

It really does look like it will be a gorgeous resort. Plus, my OCD loves how orderly Universal has kept their Florida property.

 

[Zachary]

New video showing off some new concept art:

New resort info from Universal:

Guests will be captivated by a vivid retreat that evokes a free-spirited, Caribbean sense of ease with a modern yet timeless feel. The unforgettable island escape will feature Universal Orlando’s largest on-site, zero-entry pool at 16,000 square-feet, with two white sand beaches, a water slide, cabanas and a fire pit. Dining options will include Amatista Cookhouse, a Caribbean-inspired restaurant with open exhibition kitchen and outdoor dining; Strong Water Tavern, a destination lobby lounge offering daily rum tastings and a tapas-style menu; Drhum Club Kantine, a poolside bar and grill serving a menu focusing on fresh fish and specialty tropical cocktails; New Dutch Trading Co., a quick-service marketplace; and 24-hour room service. Loews Sapphire Falls Resort will be a Preferred on-site hotel.

And some UOR hotel reclassification information from Screamscape:

Universal will be reclassifying their resorts with the pending launch of the new Sapphire Falls Resort. The Hard Rock Hotel and Portofino Bay Hotel are being classified as "Premier" level resorts. Sapphire Falls will join with the Royal Pacific Resort in the new "Preferred" tier, while the Cabana Bay Beach Resort will remain as the resorts sole "Value" level resort.

 

[Jesy]

Sapphire Falls rooms are currently reserveable from 7/14/16 on the Universal website. Rates for each of the hotels for a basic 4 person reservation that night are currently as follows: Portofino $409, Hard Rock $394, Royal Pacific $339, Sapphire $229, Cabana Bay $174. When booking a reservation you have to put down a deposit of one night's cost for each separate reservation. I find the express pass benefit at Royal Pacific, Hard Rock and Portofino to be worth the cost of the hotel in the summer (partly because we generally have four or five people in the room.) If you wish to try out the new hotel and still get the benefit of express I recommend adding the night prior to your non-park day departure at the new hotel and the prior nights at one of the Premier resorts. That way you'll still have the benefit of Express at the park on your final park day should you plan to attend. I have visited the parks (sometimes for multiple visits) each of the last 3 years and rates have always gone down prior to my visit so check often and call to get the lower rate, if any. When Volcano Bay opens all bets are off on my then dated info.

 

[Zachary]

I just watched the latest short promo video posted to Universal's YouTube channel (below). I am not a fan. At all. All I see is beach resort crossed with a super max prison. Yes, I know it's all design renderings, but still, the architecture is the opposite of inviting.

 

[The Hessian]

Eh I have been in worst resorts this seems average to me, nothing special but nothing horrible either just plain average

 

[netdvn]

It just needs more color. Most buildings in the Caribbean (especially in touristy areas) are bright and colorful. Not really the grey, white, and blue you see in the renderings (unless the blue is on the walls).