Enjoy a Universe of exclusive theme park benefits and privileges including Universal Express ride access at both parks. By showing your... more »
Enjoy a Universe of exclusive theme park benefits and privileges including Universal Express ride access at both parks. By showing your hotel room key card, you can by pass the regular lines at each ride and attraction at both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Pamper yourself at Universal's premier luxury hotel, Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando, A Loews Hotel. This spectacular hotel re-creates the charm and romance of the seaside village of Portofino, Italy, right down to the cobblestone streets and outdoor cafes. Guests enjoy stylish, spacious guest rooms featuring, authentic Italian furnishings, impeccable and attentive service, an opulent spa, three themed swimming pools and exceptional dining. Located within walking, distance of both Universal Studios and Universal's Islands of Adventure theme parks, plus the Universal City Walk entertainment complex.
Orbitz
Enjoy a Universe of exclusive theme park benefits and privileges including Universal Express ride access at both parks. By showing your hotel room key card, you can by pass the regular lines at each ride and attraction at both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Pamper yourself at Universal's premier luxury hotel, Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando, A Loews Hotel. This spectacular hotel re-creates the charm and romance of the seaside village of Portofino, Italy, right down to the cobblestone streets and outdoor cafes. Guests enjoy stylish, spacious guest rooms featuring, authentic Italian furnishings, impeccable and attentive service, an opulent spa, three themed swimming pools and exceptional dining. Located within walking, distance of both Universal Studios and Universal's Islands of Adventure theme parks, plus the Universal City Walk entertainment complex.
Orbitz
The Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando is a Loews Hotel. Based on the seaside village of Portofino Italy, the cobblestone streets and outdoor cafes make this quite authentic and luxurious. The rooms are comfortable, spacious and nicely decorated. There are three themed swimming pools, a spa and the restaurants offer very good food. The Universal Express ride access means that on-site hotel guests can bypass the regular queues at both Universal Orlando theme parks all day. You just need to show your room key card at the Express entrance at each attraction and you can bypass the regular lines! There is also a free shuttle to Sea World and Wet n' Wild. The staff here offer good customer service and are polite and helpful.
skoosh.com
Celebrate the robust and romantic lifestyle of Italy - only at Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando®, a Loews Hotel. The Italian Riviera comes alive when walking through the stunning recreation of this timeless village. The world-class Portofino Bay Hotel continues to receive numerous awards each year - most notably the prestigious AAA 4 Diamond Award®. Located in the heart of Universal Orlando® Resort - Portofino Bay Hotel is only steps away from two world-class theme parks, Universal Studios Florida® and Universal's Islands of AdventureTM, as well as exciting non-stop dining and nightlife at Universal's Citywalk®. As Universal Orlando®'s flagship property, Portofino Bay Hotel boasts custom-made down duvets on each bed, while genuine Egyptian cotton linens are a plush addition to the already posh bathrooms. Rich Italian furnishings add a simple elegance to each guest room. The hotel offers no less than eight different restaurants and lounges for guests to experience the hearty and flavorful cuisine of classic Italy. While relaxing at one of three sparkling pools or enjoying a day of relaxation and beauty at the world famous Greenhouse Spa, guests are truly living the sweet life at Portofino Bay Hotel. Whether you are reliving the Golden Age of Travel at Royal Pacific Resort, being treated like Rock 'n Roll royalty at the exciting Hard Rock Hotel®, or truly living "La Dolce Vita" at Portofino Bay Hotel, all on-site guests receive the exclusive benefit of UNIVERSAL EXPRESSSM ride access - all-day every-day at select rides and attractions throughout Universal Orlando® (separately purchased admission required). There's nothing else like it in Orlando - two amazing theme parks, non-stop nightlife and world-class on-site hotels, all in one convenient location. It's Universal Orlando® Resort, where everyday is A Vacation From the OrdinarySM.
ReserveTravel
52 year old with a moderate budget, traveling for leisure
Beautiful tile, sumptuous hardwoods, gorgeous landscaping and first rate service provide a feeling of luxury. Our room and bathroom were spacious and comfortable. The beds were very comfortable. The pools and hot tub were large.The pool water was warm. Plenty of extra towels provided at the pools. (We took these towels to the water parks to save on towel rental fees, then returned them at the end of the day.) Free water taxi rides from the hotel to Universal Studios and Islands of adventure, then back again until 2:00AM. Prices for food at the hotel restaurants were a little higher than average, but it was always delicious and we never felt gouged. Our room keys allowed us to use the "Express" lines at the Universal parks which made a huge difference in the amount of time spent standing in line. Everyone we met in the hotel's employ seemed intelligent, courteous and cheerful, which really added to our sense of well being while staying there. We have nothing bed to say about this hotel.
It may be a little bit more expensive then the area hotels but you get the Universal Express Passes included with your stay, these passes give you preferred seating with little or no wait at the restaurants, also it allows you to SKIP ALL LINES FOR RIDES which in my book is a huge plus. While we were there we stayed 3 nights at this wonderful hotel we were able to hit every ride at the time about 6-12 times depending on how much we liked it. We did the Hulk Coaster about 20+ times, all in the matter of 2 days in the park. We talked to other people that were staying in area hotels and they were able to hit every ride about 1-3 times in about 5 days in the park, so in the long run with the cost of admission on top of their hotel cost we got out ahead and we had a lot more fun doing it. The room was HUGE and had a really nice rooftop patio that allowed us to see the entire hotel which is very reminiscent of Portfolio, they did a very nice job mimicking it. With the convenience of the Express Passes we were able to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day 12-1pm and took an afternoon nap and were able to get right back on the rides by 1:30ish after a short boat ride to the park which I felt was a very nice touch. At night the lights and smells from the restaurants fill the air and made for very romantic walks along the water and there were very nicely placed benches that offered a moderate level of privacy but were placed so you could hear people coming down your path in case you were in a compromising position. Food was overpriced just as you will find at any amusement park but the choices of cuisine made up for the extra cost. While we did not get to use the pools because they were usually closed by the time we got back to hotel they did look quite nice. Overall great value but just don't book directly through Universal they will rip you off.
Note to gentlemen watch out for the clear plastic poles(used to support a rope, but there was no rope present) around the entrances to the boats they are at nut level for me (6' 00") and I walked straight into one and was quite embarrassed as well as somewhat sore in my nether regions
34 year old female with a luxury budget, traveling for leisure
This was my first time at the Portofino Bay Hotel and I have to say ECCELENTE!! The staff was friendly, helpful, and courteous. The hotel restaurants have above average cuisine. The trips back and forth on the "gondola" were relaxing on many levels. The pool we ventured into was inviting, quiet and well maintained. During our stay there was a terrible storm which ravaged some very tall arborvitae trees, but they were replanted with great efficiency. We stayed in the club room and were quite pleased. I only have two less than positive comments. First, valet parking is exorbitant at $18 per day. Over several days that adds up substantially, for not moving your car at all. Secondly, after being greeted and taken to our room by our bellhop, that was the last we saw of him despite him saying, "If you need anything, just let me know." Even so, I heartily reccommend this hotel. It is first class all the way, and you will not be disappointed.
I am very likely
to return to the Universal's Loews Portofino Bay Hotel.
I would definitely recommend it to friends.
42 year old male with a luxury budget, traveling for leisure
The sweet life indeed! This unique Loew's hotel leaves no stone unturned. You are transported to a realm of class, style, and atmosphere the moment you step into the hotel. The valet park attendants are definitely on top of their game (as well they should be for $18.00 per day.) We were greeted at the desk with information, gifts, and a room that was ready for us at 11:00 AM. Contrary to some review on this site, I can't think of one aspect of my vacation that I could complain about. Staying on grounds gives you Express Access to all Universal Theme Park rides over and over again! That alone is a majorly guilty pleasure. Staying on grounds is the only way to truly take advantage of this Disney contender. A1 experience!!
I am very likely
to return to the Universal's Loews Portofino Bay Hotel.
I would definitely recommend it to friends.
The hotel is great from the food to
–
Posted Jun 11, 2008
Good
The hotel is great from the food to the express it was awesome. The only hing that needs improvement is the beds in all of the rooms the mattreses should be a little more comfier but thants all.
We have two children Age 11 and 7.
–
Posted May 08, 2008
Excellent
We have two children Age 11 and 7. The family pool and slide were great. Staff was friendly. Upon checking in they had us in a room with a bay view and I really wanted a pool view. They switched us without an issue. The bellhop took our bags to...
We stayed here for 3 nights while
–
Posted Apr 01, 2008
Excellent
We stayed here for 3 nights while visiting Universals Parks. Would I stay here? I'd live here if I could for the winter. Well manicured exterior,top notch interior...I can't think of one complaint, and I'll complain if there is one due. I'm booking...
This is hotel has a major lack of
–
Posted Mar 05, 2008
Horrible
This is hotel has a major lack of security. During my recent stay in March 2008 I was accosted by an aggressive male at the Villa pool on the way back to my room. I brought this to the attention of the front desk and security which they treated very ...
45 year old female with a moderate budget, traveling for leisure
The hotel was themed well. But there is definitely a lack of security. I was accosted by a guest near the villa pool. There was not one employee around. I also noticed I never once saw any security personnel at this hotel at all until I reported this incident. The buildings have a key slot to enter but you didnt even need to swipe your card they were always open. If you are looking for a place and dont want to worry about your safety this is definitely not the place. Be aware of your surroundings if you choose to stay here.
I am not likely
to return to the Universal's Loews Portofino Bay Hotel.
I would not recommend it to friends.
Write a Hotel Review
