After spending a night at this Italian-inspired resort near Universal Orlando, we found it to be a slice of la dolce vita in the heart of theme park country.
The hotel’s prime location and exclusive park perks, like skipping lines and early admission, are real crowd-pleasers. Rooms are comfy and spacious, ranging from basic garden views to kid-friendly Minion-themed suites.
With multiple pools, restaurants, and on-site parking, it’s a convenient base for park-goers.
However, be prepared for a hefty price tag – this isn’t a budget-friendly option. Some guests also mentioned that the value didn’t quite match the cost.
Keep in mind that while you’re close to Universal, you’re a bit far from other Orlando attractions.
This hotel is ideal for Universal enthusiasts who want to splurge on a more luxurious park experience. Families looking for a taste of Italy without crossing the Atlantic will also find it appealing.
If you’re a theme park fan with some extra cash to burn and want to maximize your Universal time, this could be your perfect Orlando home base.
Good To Know
- Luxurious resort located within Universal Orlando Resort, offering exclusive theme park benefits, such as unlimited ride access and early admission.
- Variety of accommodation options, including Hearing Accessible and Mobility Accessible rooms, catering to diverse guest needs.
- Extensive on-site amenities, including multiple pools, a fitness center, and a full-service spa, enhancing the overall guest experience.
- Diverse dining options, ranging from casual to fine dining, with a focus on Italian cuisine and the presence of an on-site Starbucks.
- Convenient location, just a 5-minute walk from Universal CityWalk, providing easy access to the surrounding attractions.
Hotel Overview
Universals Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is a luxurious resort located in Orlando, Florida, just minutes away from the Universal Orlando Resort theme parks.
Rated 8.3/10 based on 609 reviews, the hotel offers a prime location with a score of 9.4/10 for its convenience to the theme parks and CityWalk nightlife.
Guests enjoy exclusive theme park benefits, including unlimited ride access and early admission to select attractions.
The hotel features a variety of accommodations, ranging from Garden View Rooms to Hearing Accessible Rooms, as well as extensive amenities like multiple swimming pools, dining options, a full-service spa, and on-site parking.
Accommodations and Facilities
The hotel has a range of accommodations to cater to diverse guest preferences, including Garden View Rooms, Bay View Rooms, Deluxe King Rooms, and Club Level Rooms. Families can enjoy the Despicable Me Kids Suite, while guests with accessibility needs have access to Hearing Accessible and Mobility Accessible Rooms. The hotel’s impressive facilities include three swimming pools, a fitness center, and a full-service Mandara Spa. Diners can indulge in eight on-site restaurants, from the renowned Bice Ristorante to the casual Sals Market Deli. The hotel’s pet-friendly policy and convenient amenities, such as on-site parking and free Wi-Fi, further enhance the guest experience.
| Room Type | Amenities | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Garden View | – | – |
| Bay View | – | – |
| Deluxe King | – | – |
| Club Level | – | – |
Guest Reviews and Ratings
Overall guest impressions of the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel are largely positive, with reviewers praising the friendly staff (rating 8.8/10), comfortable rooms (8.7/10), and exceptional cleanliness (8.7/10).
The hotel’s convenient location and amenities like the on-site Starbucks also receive high marks from guests.
However, some visitors express mixed reviews on overall value for money (7.3/10), with comments about the need for additional in-room amenities like microwaves.
While the hotel garners mostly favorable feedback, a few areas for improvement, such as enhancing the perceived value, have been identified based on guest reviews.
Dining Options
Dining at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel offers guests a range of on-site culinary experiences, from casual eateries to fine Italian cuisine.
The hotel features eight restaurants, including:
- Bice Ristorante, serving authentic Italian dinner fare.
- Trattoria del Porto, offering American and Italian cuisine for breakfast and dinner.
- Starbucks, providing coffee, breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.
Whether seeking a quick bite or a leisurely dining experience, the hotel’s diverse dining options cater to a variety of tastes and preferences, ensuring guests can savor the flavors of Italy and beyond during their stay.
Theme Park Benefits
Along With the hotel’s diverse dining options, guests at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel enjoy exclusive access and benefits when visiting Universal’s theme parks.
Ticket-holding guests receive unlimited ride access, as well as early admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ and Universal’s Volcano Bay™. These perks allow visitors to maximize their time and experience at the parks.
The hotel’s prime location, just a 5-minute walk from the theme parks and CityWalk nightlife, further enhances the convenience factor.
With these exclusive theme park benefits combined with the hotel’s range of amenities, Loews Portofino Bay offers a seamless and immersive Universal Orlando Resort experience for guests.
Accessibility and Policies
Catering to the diverse needs of their guests, the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel offers a range of accessibility options and comprehensive policies.
The hotel features hearing accessible rooms, as well as mobility accessible rooms to accommodate guests with special requirements. Plus, the hotel welcomes pets upon request, though charges may apply.
Regarding policies, the hotel enforces standard check-in and check-out times, while cancellation policies vary by accommodation type.
On top of that, the hotel provides child-friendly services, including babysitting for an additional charge, ensuring a comfortable stay for families of all sizes.
Location and Surroundings
Situated within the heart of Universal Orlando Resort, the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel offers unparalleled convenience for guests seeking easy access to the surrounding theme parks and entertainment hubs.
Located just a 5-minute walk from Universal CityWalk, the hotel provides a seamless connection to the vibrant dining, shopping, and nightlife options.
Guests can also enjoy exclusive theme park benefits, including unlimited ride access and early park admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ and Universal’s Volcano Bay™.
With its picturesque Italian-inspired design and prime location, the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel ensures a truly immersive and hassle-free Universal Orlando experience for all its visitors.
Services and Amenities
The Loews Portofino Bay Hotel boasts a comprehensive suite of on-site amenities and services to cater to the diverse needs of its guests.
The hotel features:
- Three sparkling swimming pools, including a heated pool for year-round enjoyment.
- A fully-equipped fitness center, perfect for maintaining your workout routine during your stay.
- A full-service Mandara Spa, offering a range of rejuvenating treatments and therapies to help you unwind.
In addition, the property provides complimentary Wi-Fi, on-site parking, and a variety of dining options, ensuring a seamless and comfortable experience for all visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Hotel’s Pool Area Open Year-Round?
The hotel’s pool area is open year-round, as it is heated, making it accessible for guests to enjoy regardless of the season. Specific details on pool hours and policies may vary, so it’s recommended to check with the hotel directly.
Does the Hotel Offer a Shuttle Service to Universal Parks?
The hotel does not offer a dedicated shuttle service to the Universal theme parks. However, as the hotel is located within a 5-minute walk of the parks, guests can easily access them on foot or via the complimentary resort transportation.
What Is the Maximum Occupancy for the Despicable Me Kids Suite?
The Despicable Me Kids Suite can accommodate a maximum occupancy of 4 guests, with the ability to accommodate an additional child or infant for an extra charge. Specific details on room capacity and policies should be verified at the time of booking.
Can Guests Request Early Check-In or Late Check-Out?
Guests may request early check-in or late check-out, subject to availability and any applicable fees. The hotel’s standard check-in time is 4:00 PM and check-out time is 11:00 AM, but exceptions may be possible depending on the hotel’s occupancy and policies.
Is There a Resort Fee Charged at the Hotel?
According to the provided information, there is no mention of a resort fee charged at the hotel. The hotel’s policies only state the standard check-in and check-out times, along with additional charges for certain services like extra beds for children.
Sum Up
We’ve just wrapped up our stay at this Italian-inspired oasis in the heart of Orlando’s theme park frenzy. Let me tell you, it’s like stepping into a postcard from the Italian Riviera!
The moment you arrive, you’re transported to a charming seaside village, complete with pastel-colored facades and a picturesque harbor. But don’t worry, you’re still just a stone’s throw from all the Universal attractions. Talk about having your gelato and eating it too!
The rooms are comfy and well-appointed, perfect for recharging after a day of theme park adventures. And the dining? Mamma mia! From casual pizzerias to upscale ristorantes, your taste buds will think they’ve jetted off to Italy.
Now, here’s a hot tip from your travel buddy: Click that button below to book through our friends at Booking.com. It’s free to reserve, and they often have the best deals in town. We use them ourselves and wouldn’t steer you wrong. After all, saving a few bucks means more cannoli for everyone!