Two of Universal Orlando's signature hotels — the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort and the Aventura — will close on Aug. 21 amid the tourism struggles brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. The moves comes as Loews Hotels said it “decided to consolidate our hotel operations as we manage through current conditions.”

In 2026, there is no official plan for Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando to close. In fact, the resort remains one of the most popular "Preferred" tier hotels on the property. A supportive peer clarification: you might be hearing rumors of "closing" due to the massive refurbishments or temporary closures of specific amenities as Universal Orlando integrates its new "Epic Universe" transportation hubs. Some travelers occasionally confuse "fully booked" status or "closed for private events" with a permanent shutdown. In 2026, Sapphire Falls is actually a crucial part of the Universal ecosystem, serving as a primary water taxi hub. Unless there is a specific, unannounced redevelopment plan for the distant future, you can confidently book your Caribbean-themed stay for 2026 and beyond without worrying about a permanent closure of the hotel.