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Universal's Portofino Bay HotelOrlando, FloridaAbout Universal's Portofino Bay Hotel
An authentic re-creation of the Italian village, the Portofino Bay was the winner of the 2002 Theme Park Insider Award for "World's Best" on-site theme park hotel. It is connected to the Universal Orlando theme parks via either a pedestrian walkway or a short motorboat ride. [Update this description | Read previous versions] Photos from Universal's Portofino Bay Hotel
Readers' Opinions
I have stayed here for three different trips late in the season when it is nto 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 There is none better. One gripe. Why when I am paying more than $200 per night do I have to still pay $15 per day to park???? - vernon griffin Top notch hotel with an amazing feel. We parked with valet for a few extra dollars a day and were greeted with ice cold bottled water while waiting for our vehicle to be pulled around. We finally got smart at Royal Pacific and phoned down to valet 5 minutes ahead of time and found a nice cool vehicle waiting under the awning. The pool and slide are great for kids and the view of the hotel when pulling away in the water taxi is amazing, especially at sunset. My only gripe is the breakfast buffets are expensive and the food is so-so. We found ourselves driving a few minutes to the nearest Sonic and Waffle House every morning after the first day and it's $50 breakfast. Here is the one problem with Portofino compared to Hard Rock and Royal Pacific. If it is raining or the water taxis arent running, the walk to Universal Studios is very long and IOA is painful. At You can walk to Universal Studios main gate from Hard Rock in about five minutes and at Royal Pacific, the walk is longer but it puts you right at the Lone Palm Airport bar at the CityWalk. It takes about 8-10 minutes to walk from the Royal Pacific but the scenery is incredible. If you look at the park on Google Earth and follow the sidewalk to Portofino, you will see what I am talking about. The room was very nice and the beds sat really high compared to the other two hotels. Our bathroom was absolutely huge and well stocked. 9/10 - Noel Blackman My wife loves the Portofino Bay Hotel, and as annual passholders we stay there every time we visit Universal. Sometimes, we stay there even when we visit WDW. Thats how much we like it. Beautifully landscaped all around and the bay view rooms really give you the feeling that you may be in Italy. If you visit during the holidays, there is a huge Christmas tree by the harbor and there is usually a soloist singing carols at various times in the evening and a visit from Santa as well. There is usually some entertainment at The Thirsty Fish bar where you can sit outside and listen and enjoy the harbor view relaxed and casual. There are some great restaurants as well at the Portifino, Bice Ristorante,and Mama Della's Ristorante just for starters. As well as several other places to grab a bite to eat. The rooms are very comfortable and quiet, nicely furnished and clean. There are several pools, and a spa if you are so inclined. Only two minor gripes: On one visit we had a trash can with no bottom! How does that go unnoticed? And on another visit my wife and I wanted a snack from the mini bar, but all of the cookies, nuts and other edible items were out of date(expired). A call to the front desk brought us a complimentary basket of goodies to make up for their embarrassment of allowing that to happen. Nice touch by the management to keep us frequent visitors happy. I could go on and on, but you get the overall picture. Well done Loews. We'll be back. - Robert L
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