Helios Grand Hotel

[Parkscope Joe]

Luxury, for me, goes beyond the ordinary. It has exceptional elements of a hotel stay, such as premium materials like imported marble and fabrics with a high thread count, as well as top-notch service that attends to your every need throughout your stay, justifying the high price.

Don’t forget spa (which Portofino does have).

 

[OrlandoGuy]

I said what I said, and I'll leave it at that.

*handshake emoji*

 

[Captain Spaulding]

I think the rebranding of hotel categories, where I don't get Aventura>Cabana, is that including Sapphire with Helios and the former top 3 at UO means that no hotel will have Express included anymore.

 

[Brian G.]

I think the rebranding of hotel categories, where I don't get Aventura>Cabana, is that including Sapphire with Helios and the former top 3 at UO means that no hotel will have Express included anymore.

I will say that is bizarre as it seems Sapphire and Helios will not have Express, so it may cause confusion to guests who expect it because it's in the same category.

 

[Mad Dog]

The Express should probably be considered an individual hotel amenity, like a Spa, premium restaurant etc. In that context, the new configuration would be more understandable than the previous terms they used.

 

[Parkscope Joe]

The Express should probably be considered an individual hotel amenity, like a Spa, premium restaurant etc. In that context, the new configuration would be more understandable than the previous terms they used.

Exactly correct.

 

[HandsomePete]

Short term is confusing but isn't is pretty much a given that Express will be added here once Epic Express capacity comes online? I can understand why they don't wouldn't want to dump more people into the USF/IOA Express lines.

 

[jarmor]

I guess my expectations were out of line, I was expecting a Hotel Miracosta level of design and service. This looks as if it’ll fall right in line with UO’s other properties, not really pushing the limits of luxury- besides the prime location and view

But. . . Why?

This looks as if it’ll fall right in line with UO’s other properties,

I am shocked lol.

Like the other top tiered Loews hotels, this seems to offer affordable luxury for someone who's main focus is visiting the parks.

Excited for this hotel and ready to book as soon as I can. This hotel should really show Disney what a true deluxe resort means.

I dunno know about that? Are you only factoring in the state side resorts because if you go international. . .

 

[Parkscope Joe]

Short term is confusing but isn't is pretty much a given that Express will be added here once Epic Express capacity comes online? I can understand why they don't wouldn't want to dump more people into the USF/IOA Express lines.

It will never have Express. The only reason the three OG hotels do is that contact universal signed. If universal had the chance I’d bet they’d remove express from those hotels.

 

[Skipper Justin]

I think it’s fair to criticize the rooms. They do not look like a signature hotel.

 

[Brian G.]

I think it’s fair to criticize the rooms. They do not look like a signature hotel.

Then explain away.

 

[DarkMetroid567]

It will never have Express. The only reason the three OG hotels do is that contact universal signed. If universal had the chance I’d bet they’d remove express from those hotels.

Do we have any idea how long this contract lasts? It’s hard to imagine the lack of Express not kneecapping Helios in the long-run.

 

[ReelJustice]

I think it’s fair to criticize the rooms. They do not look like a signature hotel.

I think an easy fix would be to replace the floral art with blue and gold constellations.

 

[saint.piss]

 

[Evan]

The hotel itself is giving deluxe vibes. Luxury. Expensive.

The rooms are giving… value? If you showed me this rendering, without any context, I would not have thought it was in the Helios.

 

[Mad Dog]

It will never have Express. The only reason the three OG hotels do is that contact universal signed. If universal had the chance I’d bet they’d remove express from those hotels.

I think your prediction is correct. Hotel Express was conceived when the parks were barely profitable. Universal would be selling a lot more 'expensive' park resort passes if the hotel unlimited Express passes, that are far superior to the limited park Express passes, didn't exist. Helios will have to get by with their location/location/location exemplary status.

 

[Jake S]

Common areas look great and the rooms look okay. I don’t expect these to compete on vibe with the Four Seasons (or even Conrad’s for that matter). Their proximity to the parks is the major selling point, in addition to the themed environment in common areas.

We’ll see how they turn out when the place is actually built, but this seems pretty in line with what I expected.

 

[DarkMetroid567]

I think your prediction is correct. Hotel Express was conceived when the parks were barely profitable. Universal would be selling a lot more 'expensive' park resort passes if the hotel unlimited Express passes, that are far superior to the limited park Express passes, didn't exist. Helios will have to get by with their location/location/location exemplary status.

Yup. The question will be, is close access to Epic worth $200+ by itself? For the vast majority of people, probably not. If the 3-day ticket rumors are true, even worse.

 

[Disneyhead]

Ok, gotta admit, I am a little bit confused as to the decisions made here. They build a "Grand Hotel" and yet give it "Value Resort" rooms? Single vanities and Shower/Tub Combos are out of line with the price point this hotel will command.

 

[Parkscope Joe]

The question will be, is close access to Epic worth $200+ by itself? For the vast majority of people, probably not. If the 3-day ticket rumors are true, even worse.

Sapphire Falls starts at $222 for a four night stay. Yes.