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Universal's Portofino Bay Hotel reviews

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Posted: September 12, 2009

An authentic re-creation of the Italian village, the Portofino Bay was the winner of the 2002 and 2009 Theme Park Insider Awards 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.

Readers' rating:

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52 votes, so far

This place is honestly one of (if not) the best Hotel that I have ever stayed at. The theme is absolutely amazing and it really feels as though you are in Italy! The club-level rooms are an absolute must if you are staying here, as they provide you with treats and drinks and a place to chill out. Room is amazingly clean, and they wash the comforter too (which is hard to find at any hotel)! The best thing about Portofino (and any Loewe's hotel) is the fact that you can use your room card as an express pass unlimited times! 10/10. - Brandon Lee

Portofino Bay Resort is perfection. Excellent spacious rooms. Bathrooms the size of a small motel room. Exquisite room furniture with marble & ceramic walls & floorings. At least five piazza's, the largest of which borders the beautiful lagoon reminiscent of Portofino Italy. The main piazza is a romantic dynamo that your lady will love. Enjoy a meal with opera singers on the balcony belting out Italian lyrics during a setting sun. Three pools, two of which are fantastic and the third a secret hideaway. The restaurants are excellent with European style seating on the main piazza. The resort employees are attentive to your every need and often use Italian phrases to accentuate the ambiance. The lobby is also exquisite. And the best is that the theme parks & Citi Walk are only a short boat ride or romantic walk away, and no lines at the park or restaurants with your hotel express pass. A vacation at Portofino allows your stay to be tranquil & relaxing. - Rob Pastor

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