Discover everything about the 2-bedroom suite at Universal’s Dockside Inn and Suites with our in-depth resort review. During our stay we loved the spacious rooms and it was a great location for visiting the Universal Orlando parks.
When I learned Universal was building a budget friendly resort that would have affordable 2-Bedroom Suites I was so happy. As a family of five we were growing out of a standard hotel room and had to start either booking 2 connecting rooms or find an affordable 2-bedroom suite.
Both options have their pros and cons but today I want to share our experience staying at Universal’s Dockside Inn and Suites 2-bedroom suites and how it worked for our family of five.
Planning a family trip to Universal Orlando? Read my Universal Orlando Guide for all the planning details, tips, hotel reviews, and how to plan your day at the parks.
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Ready to Book? Check Universal Dockside Inn & Suites Rate & Availability.
Universal’s Dockside Inn and Suites
As we entered the lobby of Dockside we were welcomed by a beachy-day at the docks vibe. With drift wood decor through the lobby it is a peaceful calm vibe. There is a Starbucks and gift shop in the lobby with seating for guests waiting to check-in or those that want to relax a bit.
Expect check-in to be very busy in the afternoon. This may be a great time to have your family relax on a couch while you wait in line.
Universal’s Dockside Inn & Suites is part of the Universal Endless Summer Resorts. Check this post out for a comparison: Universal Endless Summer Resorts: Dockside vs. Surfside
Overview of Dockside Inn & Suites
- Shuttle bus transportation to Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, Epic Universe, and CityWalk.
- Early Entry Admission to Parks. Check here for updates.
- Pier 8 Market (casual dining), Starbucks, The Wave Makers Pool Bar, The Oasis Beach Bar, Sunset Lounge, and Dockside Pizza Delivery
- Pools and splash pad.
- Fitness Center, Game Room, Gift Shop
- Laundry room (You do not need cash, it accepts credit card)
- Nightly Parking: $26.00/night
Dockside Inn and Suites offers standard and two-bedroom suites to guests visiting Universal Orlando. It is a lake dock theme with weathered wood pieces subtly decorating the lobby. The entire resort has a relaxed vibe that is warm and welcoming.
2-Bedroom Suites at Dockside
The 2 bedroom suites at Dockside are what I will rave about to anyone that will listen. For a family of five or more these rooms are perfect, especially if you want to be in the same room.
They have a main area with two queen beds, a dining table with seating for 5, a microwave, sink, coffee maker, and mini-fridge. There is one bathroom and a vanity area with two sinks and a bedroom with a queen bed.
This room allows my family space to spread out and has a bed for everyone to sleep in. We don’t have to worry about pull-out sofas or requesting a rollaway bed. It is perfect! The price is also on point with most nights starting at $149.00 a night. (Prices subject to change.)
Still deciding between the two resorts? Read my Universal Surfside 2-Bedroom Suite Review to see how the rooms compare.
Average Nightly Cost
Expect to pay around $200.00 a night for the 2-bedroom suite at Dockside. This may go down during low season and up during high season. Universal often runs special rates if you stay longer than 4 nights. I suggest comparing prices when you are planning.
Check Rates & Availability for Universal’s Dockside Inn & Suites
Dockside Pool & Amenities
Dockside Inn and Suites has two pools. One is located at Tower One and the other at Tower Two. We spent most of our time at the Tower 1 pool. There is no hot tub at the resort.
Both pools are nearly identical. They do not have a water slide or extra amenities but the size of the pool was great for families.
One thing to keep in mind when planning your pool day is the hours differ between the two. There were days when the Tower 2 pool didn’t open until after 3:00pm. Be sure to ask about the pool hours when checking into the resort.
Perks of Staying at Dockside Inn and Suites
- Early Park Admission to participating theme parks. Check latest info here.
- Complimentary shuttle bus transportation or walking path.
- Use room key for purchases across the Universal Orlando Resort
- Merchandise can be shipped to your hotel room free of charge at participating shopping retailers.
Transportation
Dockside is over a mile away from the Universal parks. We used the complimentary shuttle bus to get to and from the theme parks. The buses were very consistent and we never waited more than 10-15 minutes. Typically there was a bus waiting for us.
The bus ride is about 10 minutes from your resort to the parks. I would recommend the buses instead of renting a car and driving to the parks if you stay at Dockside.
Dining
Dockside has an on-site dining option at Pier 8. Pier 8 offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. This includes salads, sandwiches, pizza, and grab and go options. We ate at Pier 8 a few times and enjoyed the Cuban Sandwich and breakfast choices.
If you are traveling with kids you will like the fruit cup, hummus and pretzel, and cereal options for quick snacks. There is also a Starbucks in the lobby.
Dockside Inn and Suites Review- Recap
I think Dockside is a great choice for families. From the budget friendly nightly cost to the amount of space, it is perfect for families. It doesn’t have a lot of extras you will get with a higher tier hotel.
If water slides and table service dining options are a must for you, Dockside is not a great pick. We loved having the extra space of the 2-bedroom suites as well as a place to store snacks and food.
I also enjoyed the ambiance and the quick service dining options available. Overall we loved Universal’s Dockside Inn and Suites. It was perfect for a week stay at Universal!
Searching for where to stay at Universal? Check out my picks for the best Universal Orlando hotels.
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Leah has been traveling with her family of 5 since 2012 and sharing her expertise on planning family vacations and visiting theme parks since 2016. Leah has been featured in Visit Rochester, Undercover Tourist, and Home Publications. She has worked with brands like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Hersheypark, Toyota, and various Tourism boards and destinations. Leah creates family travel itineraries based on real trip experiences with her family. Her guides and tips help others plan great family vacations. Learn more about Leah and Five for the Road.