On my first solo trip to Universal Orlando Resort, I stayed in a Cabana Bay Family Suite! Today I am sharing my thoughts on the visit. I plan to stay in a regular room with my mom in December, so stay tuned for that review in the future!
Cabana Bay Family Suite
I actually stayed at Cabana Bay Beach Resort for the first time on my very first trip to Universal Orlando back in June 2015. However, that was before I was blogging trips and prior to UO building out the resort with additional buildings. So, this was technically my second time staying here. I used a passholder discount to get this room for less than $200/night. Universal considers this resort a Value Resort since it’s one of the cheapest resorts on property, which puts it in the same category as Endless Summer – Dockside and Surfside Inns.
Interior Entry
I paid a few dollars extra per night to upgrade to an interior entry and I’m glad I did. I believe this made the room quieter as I didn’t have to hear the pool as much and the carpet probably absorbed some of the sounds in the hallways. It was also nice not being in the sun when walking to/from the room. I recommend an interior entry for these reasons alone.
The window in my room had a view of a parking lot and the back of the hotel. I did hear some noise from the outdoors, but it was probably much quieter than a pool view room. I also heard some sounds from the room above me. However, that probably can’t be avoided at any hotel these days. I was woken up by the sounds of people returning to their rooms on the night of HHN that I didn’t attend, around 1 AM. So, the interior entry doesn’t guarantee a completely quiet experience, but I assume it is quieter than an outdoor entry.
Extra Space
The reason Universal considers this a suite is because it’s a larger room with more space. It features a sitting area with a pull out couch and tv. There’s also a little kitchenette area. I really enjoyed this additional space as I brought up several meals to the room to eat at the table while watching tv. It made for a relaxing experience. I also sat on the couch to watch some tv and it was moderately comfortable. The chairs in the living room were admittedly less so.
There’s a sliding door to separate the extra space from the bedroom. Obviously, I never needed to use that door. However, I think it would be useful if a bigger family was sharing the space.
The suite also offers a different bathroom configuration. There’s a water closet (separate toilet), followed by a lighted vanity/sink combo in the middle, and then a shower/sink combo. There isn’t anything separating the bathroom space from the beds. I think a curtain or sliding door would be useful here.
Pros
- More space – this would be great for a family to have more space.
- Separate space to get ready – the bathroom configuration means someone can get ready while someone else showers.
- Quieter than some – this was definitely quieter than a suite at Endless Summer.
- Fun theme – I think most people enjoy the retro theme here.
- Moderately affordable – depending on the time of the year, it’s a moderately affordable upgrade.
- Good amount of plug ins – Since this is a room meant to hold more people, it has a good amount of electrical plug ins.
Cons
- Nothing separating the bathroom area – A curtain or sliding door would be useful to conceal this area from the beds.
- Costs more – A suite is more expensive than a standard room and an interior entry is more expensive than an exterior entry room.
Is a Cabana Bay Family Suite Worth it?
I enjoyed my stay in a Cabana Bay Family Suite. If it’s in the budget, I think it’s a good choice for a Universal Orlando trip.
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