Enhancing the Universal Studios
theme park guest experience, the
resort features a “river” pool that
cascades down a waterfall slide,
through a zero-entry shoals area, and
culminates in a collection of waterfalls that
empties into a lagoon where guests can
catch a ferry boat to the parks.
Recreated remnants inspired by old
Caribbean sugar mills and a spinning
waterwheel further enhance the island vibe
of the resort. The hotel is comprised of
1000 total guestrooms (including 83 suites)
in linked guest room buildings, with the
majority of the rooms having water views or
theme park views.
Stone remnant structures and ruins populate
the landscape which adds to the illusion of
the historical nature of the site. The use
of bright and whimsical colors on a white
backdrop add to the island vibe of the resort.
The resort’s signature waterfall element
takes its design cues from Jamaica’s iconic
Dunn’s River Falls.
Architecture: RJTR
Interior Design: Simeone Deary Design Group
Interior Design Construction Documents: RJTR
AWARDS
Winner: Engineering News-Record: 2015 Top 50 Starts in the Southeast
Year Complete: 2016
Site Area: 28 acres
Building Area: 912,000 GSF
Number of Keys: 1,000
Avg. Key Size: 370 GSF
Ballrooms/Meeting Space: 94,000 NSF
Parking Count: 1,205 deck spaces
The resort features a full-service restaurant,
a pool bar, a fitness center, a children’s play
area, a lobby bar overlooking the lagoon,
a Caribbean market café, and a 150,000
square foot conference center with two
large ballroom spaces and multiple indoor
and meeting venues. A 1215-car parking
garage is tucked behind the conference
center
"A soaring hotel lobby with 40 foot tall window walls provide a panoramic view of the Universal theme parks. The hotel’s monumental stair, connecting the lobby, pool access and restaurant takes on the character of a vacant stone windmill tower."