Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort

nice clean hotel. concierge and ticket office very helpful. Great location. resterants a little pricey

We just got back from an excellent stay at Portofino Bay Hotel. Check-in was smooth and our room (a deluxe bayfront) had gorgeous views of the bay. It was also super easy to get to all of the restaurants (none of the long walks others have complained about). Unfortunately, it was also right above the alcove that hosted the evening opera singers. It was a lot of fun listening to the singers from our bedroom the first couple of nights, but started getting on our nerves by night 4. If you want to turn in early, I'd recommend getting a pool-side room. The best part of the hotel was the express pass privileges. We zipped pass everyone waiting in the 60+ minute lines and never had to wait more than 15 minutes (and that was for the front line of the Ice roller coaster). A must-have for the heat and crowds at Universal in July!! I LOVED the villa pool. It was just long enough to swim laps in if you got there early. I woke up several mornings around 0700 to swim laps, and there was never anyone else there that early. If you head over there later (anytime after 1100), be sure to bring lots and lots of sunscreen. There isn't enough shade for everyone (unless you shell out more $$ for a private cabana) and it can get a little uncomfortable in July heat. For food, I'd definitely recommend Sal's Deli. The prices are more than reasonable for a resort, and the Salvatore Pizza was excellent. You can get also get a decent bottle of wine for under $15… much less than you'd pay at any of the other eateries on site. We dined at Bice's one night and thought the food was good, if a little pricey. TIP: If you are celebrating any special event, have the concierge make you a reservation. We told the concierge that it was for my boyfriend's birthday, and got free appetizers. If fine dining is your thing, I also recommend doing the tasting menu with wine pairing at Emrils. Four courses with wine for two came to only around $120 plus tip. Not bad for a special event.

Everyone at the hotel was helpful. Even after we checked out and got stuck in a rainstorm at Universal Studios, we went back and they gave us towels and plastic bags for us to pack our wet clothes in. All the staff was really nice and everyone we passed said goodmorning or goodevening even the cleaning staff. Loved the rooms and the bathrooms were great, I wished I had brought some bubblebath for the deep tub.

The hotel is very expensive for Orlando, but when you factor in the convenience of the Express Pass privileges you get at Universal as a hotel guest, well that's priceless! It's a lovely property-- beautiful setting, comfortable and elegant rooms, professional staff. There are many good dining options onsite, but be prepared: they are very expensive. Overall, an excellent hotel for a night or two while visiting the Universal parks.

Portofino Bay is a first class resort. We enjoyed the sunset concerts, the dive in movies and the relaxation in the spa and by the pool. The meals were excellent and the service was first rate. I would highly recommend this resort to anyone visiting Universal, your staying on the property gives you so many advantages.

We stayed at this hotel and it was a great time. I went with my daughter (11 years old) and sister. We enjoyed universal and the convenience of the water taxi taking you right to the park. Also the express pass from staying at the hotel which gave full access to all of the rides , we had no lines to wait on, which was great because the average wait was 30-40minutes for the good rides. The service at the spa was phenomenal, we just had a blast.

while we were there we chose to play in both universal and island or adventure. we also took part in the night life at city walk. city walk had great low key bars but if you really wanted to have a night to gaze into each others eyes, i would say "go to the thirsty fish", located rigt off the harber. you can buy a glass of wine, sit by the waters edge, and enjoy the beautiful setting. they have a great spa and will halp you with any questions you may throw at them. this is one place my husband and i will go any chance we get without the kids. by the way it is kid friendly too. its just our special spot.

My family and I have stayed at the Portofino Bay Hotel many times since it opened. It is always a pleasure to stay there, even when we are not planning to visit the Universal parks, because the beautiful public spaces, rooms and excellent food make being there a pleasure. Unlike other luxury hotels, Portofino Bay has not cut back on amenities even as the numbers of tourists declines (with the exception of complimentary turn-down service; this must now be requested). We have stayed in other Orlando-area hotels affiliated with other resorts and found that service had declined, in-room amenities has been cut back or completely discontinued. In addition to the above, the most delightful aspect of this hotel is that it is a calm oasis in the middle of so much activity. It is a place we look forward to visiting.