Hotel Universal Port | Port Deep Ocean Floor Review (Universal Japan)
We’re making serious progress on our bucket list and are now just one park away from visiting every Universal park in the world—Beijing, we’re coming for you next!
For our Universal Studios Japan trip, choosing the right hotel was a top priority. There are plenty of options within walking distance of the park, but since I’m a Hilton Diamond and Marriott Platinum member (shoutout to travel hacking!), we’ve become a bit, well… spoiled. Once you get used to lounge access, priority perks, and a little extra luxury, it’s hard to go back.
Enter Hotel Universal Port and, more specifically, its Port Deep Ocean rooms—an option that checked all our boxes.
Table of Contents
Why We Chose Hotel Universal Port (Port Deep Ocean Floor)
We had a few non-negotiables when selecting our stay:
- Proximity to the park – We wanted to be close enough to pop in and out without hassle.
- Exclusive perks – Port Deep Ocean guests get priority check-in, priority breakfast seating, afternoon tea, and complimentary drinks at both the lounge and café.
You can check out the full list of Port Deep Ocean perks here.
Hotel Overview – An Official Universal Studios Japan Hotel
Hotel Universal Port is one of the official hotels of Universal Studios Japan, which means it offers exclusive theming, park-related perks, and a great location for visitors. While it’s not the absolute closest option (that title goes to The Park Front Hotel), it’s still a short and easy five-minute walk to the park entrance.
Theming & Atmosphere
Unlike some of the more generic hotels in the area, Universal Port leans into a fun, playful theme, making it a great choice for both families and theme park enthusiasts. The lobby is lively, with Minions greeting you at check-in, and various themed areas throughout the hotel add to the immersive experience.
Perks of Staying at an Official Universal Hotel
Unfortunately, the official Universal hotels in Japan don’t offer such perks as early entry or Express Pass like their Florida counterparts. Here is what you can expect:
- Park Merchandise in the Hotel – Skip the hassle of carrying souvenirs around! The hotel gift shop has Universal Studios Japan merchandise, though the selection is somewhat limited.
- Ticket Counter – Buy park tickets and Express Passes (subject to availability) directly at the hotel, avoiding long lines at the park.
- Studio Pass Upgrade Bonus – Hotel-exclusive tickets that allow for multi-day stays with added flexibility.
Port Deep Ocean Room – An Underwater-Themed Escape
The Port Deep Ocean rooms are located on the 14th floor, and from the moment you step off the elevator, it feels like you’ve entered an aquatic wonderland.
The hallways are dimly lit with massive digital screens displaying underwater scenes, while soft blue lighting mimics the feel of being deep beneath the ocean. It’s themed enough to feel immersive without being over-the-top or gimmicky.
Room Details & Features
Spacious & Comfortable (Especially for Japan!)
Japanese hotels are known for being compact, but the Port Deep Ocean rooms are surprisingly spacious, giving you plenty of room to move around and store luggage.
Nautical & Marine-Themed Decor
The ocean theme continues inside the room, with blue and deep-sea-inspired colors. The décor is modern, with tasteful aquatic touches—it’s fun but doesn’t feel like a kids’ room.
Comfortable Beds (A Must After a Long Park Day!)
After spending hours walking around Universal Studios Japan, a good night’s sleep is crucial—and thankfully, the beds at Universal Port deliver. They’re firm but comfortable, and the linens are soft and high quality.
Breakfast – A Buffet with an Underwater Twist
If you’ve ever experienced an Asian breakfast buffet, you know they don’t mess around. Universal Port’s breakfast spread is massive, with something for every palate—whether you’re in the mood for a Western-style breakfast (think scrambled eggs, bacon, and pastries) or a traditional Japanese breakfast (rice, miso soup, grilled fish, etc.).
Since we stayed in a Port Deep Ocean room, we had access to priority seating, which wasn’t really necessary (there was no line), but it did mean we got to dine in a separate, underwater-themed room.
Bonus Breakfast Perk:
Guests staying in the Port Deep Ocean room get a special treat – a few slices of strawberry and kiwi are delivered to the table. It’s a small touch, but a nice one!
Afternoon Tea at R Lounge
One of the standout perks of staying on the Port Deep Ocean floor is the included afternoon tea service at R Lounge.
Now, I have to admit—I’m low-key obsessed with T-Rexes, so discovering that the lounge was dinosaur-themed was an unexpected (but very welcome) bonus.
What’s Included?
The hotel calls it Petit Fours, which is basically a fancy way of saying a mix of small sweets. Here’s what you get:
- Macarons
- Cookies
- Chocolate
Beverage Options
Only certain drinks are included, but there’s still a decent selection:
- Soft Drinks: Orange juice, grapefruit juice, Coke, ginger ale
- Hot Drinks: Coffee, tea
- My Daughter’s Favorite – Butterfly Pea Tea: This is a color-changing drink that turns purple when you add lemon juice. It was a huge hit!
For those wanting something a little stronger, the alcoholic options include:
- Beer
- Gin & Tonic
- Moscow Mule
- Screwdriver
- Cassis Orange
- Whisky
The same drink selection is available at the T-Rex Café.
Final Thoughts
Pros
✅ Fantastic Location – A quick and easy walk to Universal Studios Japan.
✅ Unique Theming – The Port Deep Ocean floor really makes you feel like you’re underwater.
✅ Great Perks – Afternoon tea, priority check-in, and priority breakfast seating.
✅ Spacious Rooms – Comfortable and well-designed.
Cons
❌ Perks Weren’t Essential – The hotel wasn’t super busy when we visited, so the priority check-in and breakfast seating weren’t necessary.
❌ Not the Closest Hotel – If you want the absolute shortest walk, The Park Front Hotel is closer.
Would I stay here again? Absolutely. While the perks may not have been essential during our stay, the theming and overall experience were well worth it. If you’re planning a trip to Universal Studios Japan and want something a little special, the Port Deep Ocean rooms at Hotel Universal Port are a great choice!
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