Universal's Portofino Bay Hotel reviews

Written by vernon griffin
Posted: September 12, 2009

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Readers' rating:

When I am visiting WDW I also save two days for Universal. I always stay at the Portifino because the hotel is elegant and quite. The service is really good and they have an upstairs Italian resturant that is exceptional, especially eating on the balcony at night. The better rooms come well stocked and the private club level facilities were very pleasant. Good JOB Steven and Kate Spielburg! - Michael Gilmore

The Portofino seems to be a bit more "uppity" than the other two hotels. You tend to see a lot more upper class families who are well dressed but they seem to be less outgoing. The Portofino is beautiful, just be prepared for a more quiet, reserved experience. If sipping espressos in the piazza while being serenaded by Italian singers at dusk is your thing, you will love this place. We just felt a bit out of place because we like to get a bit wild and be social with other families. We loved our stay there, but the Hard Rock suits our family best as we have teen and tween girls. They loved the pool side contests and outdoor movies at night. - N B

I have stayed here for three different trips late in the season when it is not crowded and I have always enjoyed it. Food choices are slim but the laid back atmosphere is much appreciated after a day of thrill rides. Great pub with frosty cold beer for the adults. The pools are great with a kids' rec/beach area at one and a second Romans style pool of interest to adults. There is a "hidden" third pool which is nothing special but is out of the way for when you really want to chill away from the crowd. It is pricey but I love it as a splurge. - Christian Baggett

I cannot imagine a better hotel. Whether for a romantic get-a-way or need for extra space this hotel has it. The amount of luxury is just right as well. From the perfect atmosphere to the over accommodating guestrooms, this hotel has it right. The small details this hotel adds in are what make it fabulous. The theming is more than I could have ever imagined and the atmosphere is great. The only gripe I had was that I couldn't stay longer and take an entire day to explore the grounds. It will be hard to beat this hotel and I have a feeling I will be back sooner than later. - Terri Pierce

Everything about this hotel is perfect. The theming, the rooms, the food, pools, and general atmosphere take you into a new world of luxury. - Nick Markham

Beautiful setting, fantastic rooms and public area. Fabulous service and restaurants. The pools are second to none. As a Passholder we stay there about twice a year with my only gripe being the parking fees (true for all three of the hotels) and my inability to get my wife away from the pool areas to go to the parks! ****Just returned from a weekend there, hotel was, as usual great, but there is a troubling problem I have noticed over my past few visits. The boat transportation system needs attention. They do not schedule enough boats with 3 full hotels. With the prices we have to spend for staying at such a top star resort, the longest lines of the day should not be the boat back in the evening. Yes I know about the shuttle or the walking path, but in my opinion, the boat convenience is included in the 3 resorts price. I was told at 9:30 last night we would have to wait 30 minutes for the boats return. Unacceptable. But this may or may not be a Lowes problem. Probably Universals. - Doug Jenkins

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