Kari Garman
We had a fantastic vacation at Surfside and Universal Studios! This was our first time visiting Universal and first time staying at a resort. Fantastic experience overall! Surfside is clean, comfortable and secure. The staff were all friendly and helpful. The most helpful for me personally were the gluten friendly options at the Beach Break Cafe. They have a separate kitchen area for GF food prep and I didn't have a single reaction during our stay (gluten sensitive, non-Celiac).
We appreciated the easy transfers to the parks via the shuttles and early entry.
Caitlyn Juro
I think this was one of the worst hotels I've ever stayed at in the Orlando area. I've been to Orlando dozens of times, but since this was a Universal Epic trip, I decided to splurge on the endless summer hotel. For $150 a night, I expected better, but I was sorely disappointed. The room was not clean, there were hairs from prior guests, dust, and thin blankets, even though it dropped to 40F in February at night, they basically only provide a top sheet. The walls were super thin, we could hear our neighbors on either side and despite me asking them to please quiet down, neither cared even though it was already 1 AM and I was trying to sleep. The shower was sad, with water that did not get hot and only stayed warm, at best. Our showerhead did not work properly and despite us asking maintenance, they never fixed it. Our toilet leaked and did not flush properly, but when they did come to address it, the maintenance man was condescending and asked us to display the ability to flush a toilet.
The dining room is the equivalent of a hospital cafeteria, overpriced and poorly serviced. I ordered a grilled cheese, which was served cold despite the scorch marks on it from being burned. My friend ordered the fish and it was so dry, that not even sauce could save it. I do not think anyone should be staying at this hotel at this price point, unless being able to be close to the parks is a deal breaker for you, then maybe you can withstand it.
L A S U
Chose this resort for my family vacation stay and it did not disappoint. The check in process was very smooth and quick. The staff were very kind and welcoming. I stayed on the 9th floor and loved the view. The room was also very spacious and comfortable.
I also liked the quick shuttle service from the resort to Universal Studios Orlando and all other parks.
Overall great stay and no complaints. I would highly recommend.
Lamar Courtney
Just stayed here with my family. Great price on a 2 room suite. Hotel is clean, staff is friendly, and shuttle service to the parks is great though it took awhile a couple of times. I wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again. Only 4 minor negatives.
1. $26/night to self park.
2. You can hear so much through the walls. I could hear the neighbors alarm go off each morning. All night I could hear people walking above us. When someone knocked on the neighbors door, seemed like ours.
3. The bathroom door opens in with nearly no clearance by the toilet. My daughter busted her toe just trying to get out of the bathroom.
4. Someone vomited in the pool. Took them awhile to decide to clear it out. We only knew because another guest told us. They then called it unscheduled maintenance. We were told we could go across the street to the sister hotel Dockside. When we went over there, the front desk gave us a hard time about it.
But, even still, we enjoyed our stay. Front desk at Dockside was great checking us in. Gave my son a birthday button. Text us about an item we left at the desk. There are some food options within walking distance and a Walgreens across the street.
Nancy Miller
Surfside Inn & Suites was great for the price. Our only complaint was how much noise you can hear in the room. If the noise doesn't bother you, I recommend this hotel. It's the best price for having a suite. The hotel is clean and all of the staff is very friendly and helpful. We arrived at noon and our room was ready, plus they gave us a one hour later checkout. It is not within walking distance to the parks, but the bus is very convenient and we never had to wait long. It's only about 10 min to get to the universal/Islands of adventure parks and about 15 min to Epic Universe. We ordered room service pizza and it was very good and fresh when delivered. We had a one-bedroom suite which worked out great for us. I slept in the bed that was by the front door and could hear every noise in the hall way and room's surrounding us. I had ear plugs that I could put in to block it out so it wasn't a problem for me, but something to be aware of - sacrifice price for noise. Despite the noise, I would stay here again. I like the Surfside better than the Dockside because it is a little smaller, plus the bus between the hotel and City walk/Universal Orlando/Islands of Adventure stops at Surfside before Dockside.