Get a first look at Universal Orlando's new, high-tech Aventura Hotel
Blue steel
Universal Orlando Resort's newest hotel is a sleek, modern property with in-room tech and an exciting new bar-bistro venue on the 17th floor that offers 360-degree views. It opened its doors on August 16th.
Lobby lounging
The Aventura Hotel's expansive and soaring lobby is clean-lined and modern. Along with a Starbucks venue, guests can grab a drink at BarVentura. A wavy glass wall gives the space separation from the flow of guest traffic but leaves open the opportunity for people-watching.
Modern food-ie
Instead of a formal restaurant, the lobby's back half gives way to this aptly-named Urban Pantry. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, its offerings are all at once familiar and global. Wine and beer flow from the taps. Craft fans: keep an eye out for Orlando-local selections to sample!
Lox of options
Urban Pantry's pizza station offers selections that range in price from $8 to $13. This one, the smoked salmon, features Mascarpone, Pecorino, smoked salmon, fried capers, red onion, cherry tomatoes and dill.
Classics with a twist
While the burger station mixes it up quite a bit – there are turkey, grouper and vegan options here – with all manner of toppings, fans of the basics will appreciate handhelds like the Urban. It comes accessorized with bacon, roasted mushrooms, caramelized onions and aged Vermont white cheddar.
Rice, rice, baby
Urban Pantry's menu has international flair. Guests can enjoy Asian dishes including sushi, dumplings, noodle soups and custom wok combinations. Even the standard carving station, which will have rotisserie chicken and roast on the daily, also boasts a paella with Spanish rice, shrimp, Andouille sausage and chicken.
Wait 20 minutes...
If you ascribe to the old wives' tale about swimming after you eat, there's plenty of space for sun-lounging before going in for a dip. The pool also boasts a children's water play area.
A pool with Sol
By day, you can catch rays along with signature cocktails at the poolside Bar Sol. But it still shines at night, with drinks like the smoky creation they call the Devil's Umbrella ($14), which features Del Maguey ‘Vida’ Mezcal, Q Ginger Beer, coconut milk, simple syrup and lime juice.
Fireside poolside
Guests need not make a choice. The fire pit is sure to warm folks up during Orlando's cooler seasons, though it was cozy on the balmy August evening we enjoyed it, as well.
Winner, winner, fidget spinner
Russ Dagon, SVP of resort development for Universal, joked that the trefoil design they favored from the outset was in place before the fidget spinner craze kicked in, though they did watch the fad as it peaked and faded during the construction process. Similarities are completely coincidental!
Sleek & chic
Modern and clean with smooth surfaces, the floor-to-ceiling windows help accent the views guests will enjoy from the tallest onsite property to date. Rates can be as low as $116/for a 4-night stay, which makes it a prime-value property. You'll still need to book at one of the deluxe onsite Loews properties to enjoy that "free" Express Pass.
Way wired
Every guest room features a tablet that allows its occupant to run the show – control the temperature, order room service, its all at your fingertips. TVs (also controlled via tablet) come cable-equipped but also can stream Netflix, Prime Video and whatever content you like through your personal devices.
Life at the top
Bar 17 Bistro is just that, combining the chic, South Beach-style vibe of a swanky rooftop bar with a tasty small plates menu. The views are quite impressive; guests will be able to take in the most interesting features of the parks, like Hogwarts Castle, while getting 360-degree vantage points of Orlando's other unique features.
Complex frozens
Take a bao
Universal execs onsite said that Bar 17 Bistro's menu will live and breathe, but for the moment, tasty bao (three for $12) figure prominently. The grilled grouper delivers a surprisingly spicy kick and the braised pork belly, pictured here, was a hit with the preview crowd. The tender meat is paired with cucumber, pickled Fresno chili, green onions and chili aioli.
A colorful crown
Despite its chic appeal as a nightspot, Bar 17 is entirely family-friendly. With 10,000 square feet of space, there's room for kids to stretch their legs while deserving parents enjoy a break from directing the vacation. Popping in as a local or non-guest? A purpose-built lift will take you from lobby to roof, no stops.
About A.D. Thompson
Amy Drew has spent nearly three decades as a professional writer and roughly half her life as a Floridian. The words, she has found, come easier with bare feet and rum. A roller coaster enthusiast, A.D. readily admits there is fun amid the madness of the theme parks, but has found there is magic, as well, in the outer-lying reaches of Mickey’s long shadow. She is delighted to share with you the spoils of her adopted city. Visit her colorful compendium at www.amydrewthompson.com.
Read more about A.D. Thompson here.
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