Last year, I reviewed Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside and explained that the Endless Summer Resort was actually two separate hotels across the street from one another. Well, during my December 2022 trip, I stayed at the other hotel – Surfside Inn and Suites! So, today I’m reviewing it!
Surfside Inn and Suites
Surfside Inn and Suites is considered a “value resort” at Universal Orlando Resort. This means it has cheaper rates while still offering some of the perks of staying on-site. For instance, you get early park entry and free bus transportation to the parks. However, since it’s a value, you do not get Express Pass a.k.a. the ability to jump the line as that perk is only offered at higher tiers of resorts.
I will commend Universal Orlando for building these value resorts recently as not all parks are concentrating on these lower end hotels. In fact, from what I’ve seen, most places are building fancier places that cost a lot more. So, kudos to UO for catering to all budgets.
Also, I will say that both Surfside and Dockside have nice theming. Both of them have a relaxing vibe that feels very beachy. I also enjoyed seeing all of the surfboards around the hotel! It doesn’t scream this is a cheaper hotel when you look around the hotel, which is appreciated.
Two Bedroom Suite
Both Surfside and Dockside offer standard rooms as well as two bedroom suites. Personally, I don’t think that’s an accurate name for the suite. However, I do appreciate a value resort offering a suite. It’s really a one bedroom suite as it features a separate small bedroom in addition to a regular two queen front room.
The suite also has an adorable picnic table dining area that the standard room does not have. I found this to be a nice addition as it gives you somewhere besides the bed to sit. It does come with just one bathroom though. Also, it has only one very small closet in the separate bedroom. So, storage may be an issue for your group if you have lots of clothing.
One big issue we encountered in the suite and not in the standard room was the air vent placement. In the separate bedroom, the air vent blows air directly on the bed. So, the person(s) sleeping in the separate bedroom may get colder or hotter than the other people with the air hitting them directly.
Surfside Overall
Having stayed at both Dockside and Surfside now, I would say that they rate very similarly. Surfside is smaller and I appreciate that as that means fewer people. This also means less walking to/from your room. However, my big complaint with both places is the noise. Both of these resorts have been very noisy every night we’ve stayed in them. I thought staying in a suite would cut down on the noise. However, the walls are really thin and voices can be heard through them. I also believe I was able to hear conversations in the vent in the separate bedroom of the suite.
Additionally, we encountered groups staying here as well. This time, it was a bunch of elementary school aged football teams staying for a tournament. So, I would say to prepare yourself for student groups if you book a stay at one of these value resorts and bring ear plugs. However, they offer great rates, so I guess it depends on what you want from your hotel room: peace/quiet or just a place to lay your head.
