We had a very nice stay overall at Helios, with a few areas that could be improved. The biggest issue was our room (496), which had a noticeable odor reminiscent of water damage. It didn’t ruin the trip, but it was hard to ignore and something that should be addressed. Dining-wise, there is currently only 1 restaurant. The food itself was very good, but the service was inconsistent, ranging from attentive to somewhat slow depending on the visit.
The pool was a slight disappointment, partially due to the weather. It was quite cold, especially compared to most Disney-area resorts where heated pools are standard. Additionally, the pool gate was frequently propped open, which raised some concerns about access control. Similarly, the elevators appeared to have keycard access installed, but it was not functioning during our stay. This meant anyone could access guest floors freely, which felt like a missed opportunity to provide an added sense of security. The massive Epic fountain was also closed - bummer.
That said, there were some real highlights. The direct access to the park is incredible and a major differentiator. The convenience and views alone might be among the best in Orlando. Beyond the specific issues mentioned, the staff throughout the hotel were welcoming, and accommodating. With a few improvements, this could easily be an exceptional property. We would return and would still recommend it to friends and family, particularly for the location and overall experience.