Loews Royal Pacific Resort Review: A Relaxing South Pacific Escape at Universal Orlando

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Review Summary

• Tropical, South Pacific–themed luxury hotel with a calm, tropical vibe
• 7-minute walk or short boat ride to Universal’s parks and CityWalk
• Includes Unlimited Express Pass and Early Park Admission
• Beautiful lagoon pool with a large ship-themed water play area (no waterslide, though)
• Great dining options (Jake’s, Orchid Court Lounge, Bula Bar)
• Smaller rooms than other Signature Collection hotels, but still upscale, comfortable, and well-themed
• Best for guests who want a relaxing tropical escape with luxury-level convenience and park benefits

If you’re looking for relaxing South Pacific vibes with awesome perks and amenities, Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando might be the perfect place for your next Universal theme park vacation.

In this Royal Pacific review, I’ll walk you through the resort’s location, rooms, dining, pools, and perks so you can decide if this tropical-inspired getaway is right for you.

Loews Royal Pacific Resort Overview

Loews Royal Pacific Resort is one of Universal Orlando Resort’s Signature Collection hotels, offering luxurious accommodations, a lush South Pacific theme, and one of the most valuable perks in Orlando: Unlimited Express Pass for all guests.

The vibe here is tranquil and elegant. Think wood accents, floral touches, and exotic decor that transport you to a tropical Pacific island paradise. 

While it may look similar to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort at first glance, the two offer very different atmospheres. The Polynesian leans into tiki nostalgia, while Royal Pacific focuses on a more refined, floral, and modern tropical design.

Location: How Close Is Royal Pacific to the Parks?

One of the best things about Royal Pacific is its location. It’s just a short seven-minute walk from Universal CityWalk, Islands of Adventure, and Universal Studios Florida, making it one of the closest hotels to the theme parks (second only to Hard Rock Hotel).

Guests can stroll along the scenic lagoon walk path or take one of the resort’s complimentary free water taxis, which drop you off near CityWalk by Voodoo Doughnut. The boats also have their own private security screening, which helps you skip the main CityWalk entrance lines.

If you’re visiting Volcano Bay or Epic Universe, you’ll need to take the complimentary shuttle buses. Just note: the bus stop is located on the far end of the resort, so the walk can be a bit long depending on your room location.

Royal Pacific is also conveniently close to Sapphire Falls and Aventura Hotel, just a 10–15 minute walk if you’d like to check out their restaurants and bars.

While Universal doesn’t offer free airport transfers, you can book the SuperStar Shuttle or arrange rideshare or rental cars. Parking is available at Royal Pacific for an additional nightly fee.

If you’re looking to have the best Universal Orlando vacation, work with me as a travel advisor! With the help of my host agency, Wishdrawals Travel, I’ll help plan your next epic, stress-free adventure, whether you’re a family with kids, a solo traveler, or a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Get started with a free quote now!

Rooms and Accommodations Are Smaller, But Elegant

The hotel rooms at Royal Pacific are bright, stylish, and filled with subtle island details. Expect floral patterns, wooden finishes, and tropical artwork that match the hotel’s South Pacific theme.

I stayed in a standard two queen bed room, and the rooms aren’t as large as those at Hard Rock Hotel or Portofino Bay, but they’re comfortable, clean, and well-appointed. They feel like standard rooms, but with some more elegant theming.

The beds are cozy (if a little light on blankets for those who like extra weight), and every room features modern conveniences like a coffee maker, mini fridge, TV, and plugs near beds to charge electronics, plus a signature Universal hotel scent that’s carried throughout the hotel, a crisp, floral aroma that’s instantly recognizable.

You can also text the front desk for housekeeping requests, extra blankets, or late checkout, an incredibly convenient feature that makes your stay more seamless. 

Restaurants and Dining With Unique Options For A Theme Park Hotel

Loews Royal Pacific Resort offers several great dining options with a mix of casual and upscale atmospheres:

Jake’s American Bar

This has one of the most unique (and sad) backstories I’ve found at any Universal Orlando hotel. 

Jake, a fictional pilot who lost his fiancée and disappeared flying through Southeast Asia, inspired this aviation-themed bar and grill. Close friends and family created this restaurant, decorated with some of Jake’s things, hoping that he’d hear about it and come back into their lives.

The menu matches the adventurous vibe. I tried the Fly Boy Poutine – tater tots with fried cheese curds, smoked brisket gravy, and rich sauce – and it was phenomenal (and shareable).

The B1 Short Rib Bomber Burger was also juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked.

Islands Dining Room

A family-friendly spot that serves breakfast and dinner with tropical flair. It was temporarily closed during my visit but has since reopened.

Orchid Court Lounge & Sushi Bar

A stunning space featuring a sushi bar, craft cocktails, and elegant lounge seating. Even if you don’t order sushi, it’s worth walking through to enjoy the design and atmosphere.

Tuk Tuk Market

The grab-and-go café for Loews Royal Pacific Resort offers Starbucks coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and light bites. My bacon, egg, and cheese croissant was surprisingly good, though on the pricey side.

Bula Bar & Grille

Located poolside, Bula Bar offers salads, wraps, and tropical cocktails. The staff actually walk around to take your order from your lounge chair, which is a nice touch. My turkey wrap was fresh, flavorful, and filling enough to hold me over until Halloween Horror Nights.

If you’re looking to explore more dining nearby, it’s easy to walk or take a boat to other hotels like Sapphire Falls (home to the incredible Strong Water Tavern) or Aventura Hotel (with its rooftop Bar 17 Bistro).

Room service is also available at certain times of day if you’re looking to stay in during meals.

Pools, Perks, and Amenities Are The True Star of Royal Pacific

The lagoon-style pool at Royal Pacific is gorgeous, with a sandy beach area, private cabanas for rent, and two hot tubs. There’s also a fun ship-themed play area for kids instead of a traditional water slide.

During my visit, a DJ was playing music in the pool area, but even the standard resort playlist was excellent. Not my absolute favorite pool on property, but a great pool area nonetheless.

Other amenities include:

• Fitness center (free for guests)
• Gift shops for Universal merchandise and theme park/vacation essentials
• Conference center for meetings or events
• Wantilan Luau (select nights, additional cost) featuring an all-you-can-eat buffet and live entertainment

Universal Hotel Perks

As a Signature Collection Universal Orlando hotel, Royal Pacific includes some valuable theme park perks:

• Unlimited Express Pass for all guests (valid at Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida)
• Early Park Admission one hour before park opening at select parks
• Free transportation via complimentary water taxi or shuttle bus
• Free package delivery from the parks to your hotel up to 24 hours before your checkout date

The Express Pass benefit alone can save hundreds, especially for families or groups. It allows you to skip regular lines at most rides, cutting wait times roughly in half.

Pros and Cons of Royal Pacific

Pros

• Beautiful South Pacific theme and atmosphere
• Just a short walking distance to CityWalk, Universal Studios Florida, and Universal Islands of Adventure
• Includes Unlimited Express Pass for all guests
• Excellent food and service at on-site restaurants
• Easy access to nearby hotels’ dining options, specifically Loews Sapphire Falls and Aventura Hotel.

Cons

• On the pricier side (as a Signature Collection hotel)
• Rooms slightly smaller than other Signature Collection resorts like Hard Rock Hotel Orlando and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
• Long walk to bus stop for Volcano Bay and Epic Universe

Overall Impressions: Is Loews Royal Pacific Resort Worth the Price?

I really enjoyed my stay at Loews Royal Pacific Resort. The theme is gorgeous, the food was great, and the proximity to the parks can’t be beat. It’s not my number-one Universal Orlando Resort hotel, but it’s easily in my top tier, and I’d absolutely stay here again.

If you love Polynesian-style vibes, want Express Pass included, or simply want to stay somewhere that feels like a true escape from the theme park chaos, Royal Pacific is an excellent choice.

However, if you’re more budget-conscious you may want to consider more affordable options like Cabana Bay Beach Resort or Dockside/Surfside Inn & Suites. Or if you plan on spending most of your time at Epic Universe, one of the Epic Universe hotels like Stella Nova or Terra Luna.

FAQs About Loews Royal Pacific Resort

Is the Royal Pacific Resort worth it?

Yes, especially when you factor in the included Unlimited Express Pass, which can save hundreds compared to buying it separately.

How far is Royal Pacific from the parks?

About a 7-minute walk or a short boat ride to CityWalk, Universal Studios Florida, and Islands of Adventure.

Do you get Express Pass with Royal Pacific?

Yes. Every guest receives Unlimited Express Pass valid from check-in through checkout.

Does Royal Pacific have a water slide?

No, but it features a large lagoon pool, sandy beach, and ship-themed play area for kids.

Can you walk to Volcano Bay?

No, you’ll need to take the complimentary resort shuttle.

If you’re planning your own Universal Orlando vacation and want personalized help choosing the best hotel, itinerary, or dining experiences, I’d love to help. Request a free quote now, and let’s make your trip stress-free and unforgettable.