Nightly rates from $279
Rate and special offer based on Check-in: Feb 16, 2012 Check-out: Feb 17, 2012

Universal's Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

5 stars
5601 Universal Studios Plaza, Orlando, FL 32819
Hotel Overview
Reviewer score
4.3
out of 5
37 reviews
Convenient

Great hotel in excellent location for access to the Universal parks. See full review

  • Robnoc
  • Oct 17, 2011
Son's 1st Trip to Florida - Fabulous !!!

Great place. Friendly staff, fun activities for the kids, fabulous facility & pool and close to all... See full review

  • Munchie Machine
  • Sep 18, 2011
Stay On-site at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and Experience la dolce vita - the sweet life at this AAA Four Diamond Award winning hotel located within easy walking distance of both Universal Studios and Universals Islands of Adventure theme parks. On-site hotel guests will enjoy EARLY PARK ADMISSION* to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, one hour before the park opens. Plus SKIP THE REGULAR LINES* at participating attractions in both Universal Orlando theme parks - A FREE BENEFIT WORTH UP TO $87 DOLLARS PER PERSON, PER DAY*. Guests will also enjoy Complimentary resort-wide transportation, including water taxis connecting the hotels and theme parks, priority seating at select restaurants throughout the resort, complimentary package delivery to guest rooms and resort-wide charging privileges with room key card. Hotel rooms can accommodate up to five people per room - roll away required for the 5th person. Fee applies - plus Kids 17 and under stay free! Pet Friendly rooms are available.
*Valid theme park admission required. Restrictions Apply.

The On-site Hotels at Universal Orlando Resort are committed to providing our guests and associates with a smoke-free environment. Beginning March 1, 2011, the On-site Hotels at Universal Orlando Resort will begin transitioning to a smoke-free environment with an anticipated completion date of May 1, 2011. Our non-smoking policy will apply to all areas of the hotel with the exception of designated exterior areas of the hotel. Please inquire at the front desk for the location of these areas. A cleaning fee of $200 will be applied for smoking in guest rooms.

Universal's Loews Portofino Bay Hotel Rooms

Deluxe Room
A step above the Garden View and Bay View Rooms, these elegantly appointed accommodations feature a slightly larger living space plus a separate tub and shower in a stylish and roomy bathroom. You'll have a view of the serene Villa Pool and the surrounding gardens and bocce ball court or the dramatic Roman-styled aqueduct Beach Pool with Universal Orlando as the backdrop. Additional amenities include a VCR and surround sound system with CD player.
Bay View Room
Immerse yourself in the surrounding European charm simply by looking out your window. Your room overlooks the piazza and Portofino's scenic harbor full of old-world fishing boats. The bay view room includes king or queen/queen beds. All rooms feature air conditioning, private bath, television, radio, telephone, refreshment party, in room safe, laundry/valet service, voicemail system, express registration, and automated check out, cotton bathrobe and 100% cotton bed linens.
Club Level Deluxe Room
Upgrade your stay with us to enjoy access to the Portofino's Club Lounge and you'll enjoy the utmost in European hospitality and service. You'll receive special room amenities, access to the exclusive Club Level Lounge conveniently located near the lobby, and other benefits and privileges. All rooms with Club Lounge access are the Deluxe Room category at 490 square feet. Additional room amenities including cordless phone, evening turndown service, and cotton signature bathrobes. Complimentary admission to health club at Mandara Spa. Access to billiard table, computer access, TV viewing area, a lending library for CDs and videos. Complimentary coffee, tea, and soft drinks, throughout the day. Continental breakfast served each morning (7:00 am - 10:00 am) Hot & cold hors d'oeuvres and complimentary beer and wine (5:00 pm - 7:00 pm) "Something Sweet" each night (9:00 pm - 10:00 pm). Lounge is open daily from 7:00am - 10:00pm.
Garden View Room
The standards for a standard room have just been raised. Equipped with either a king bed and a pullout double sofa or two queen beds and optional rollaway bed, our basic room is capable of sleeping up to five - perfect for those rare moments when you're not wide awake with excitement. All rooms and suites feature a refreshment pantry, coffee maker, voice/data terminals and 24-hour room service.

Hotel Map

5601 Universal Studios Plaza, Orlando, FL 32819

Area served
Universal Studios Florida Island's of Adventure Orlando, FL
Nearby airports
MCO - Orlando International Airport
Area description
Located on-site Universal Orlando Resort at the doorstep of two amazing Theme Parks, Universal Studios and Universal's Islands of Adventure

Amenities

  • Business center
  • Concierge
  • Conference Facilities
  • Fitness center
  • Handicapped Rooms/Facilities
  • Health Club
  • High-speed Internet
  • Internet Access
  • Meeting/Banquet Facilities
  • Pets allowed
  • Pool
  • Restaurant
  • Room Service
  • Spa services
  • Wireless Internet

Dining

Spiendido Pizzeria
Located poolside, everything from burgers to salads and an array of light specialties are available, including your favorite beverages.
Trattoria Del Porto
The colorful festivals celebrated in the Italian countryside are the background for Trattoria del Porto. Enjoy diverse regional cuisine, delicious antipasti and tempting desserts. .
Sal's Market Dell
A sensational assortment of Italian meats, cheeses, antipasto and salads are just part of what Sal's has to offer; fresh baked pizzas, snacks and fresh fruit are available.
The Thirsty Fish
A harborside Italian wine bar, serving savory cicchetti (small plates of food). Light finger food, cigars and cordials make this place relaxing for all age groups.
Bice Ristorante
An exquisite culinary voyage right to the heart of Italy awaits you amid a dcor which combines Old World elegance and modern chic.
Gelateria- Cafe Espresso
There's nothing quite like an Italian bakery featuring tempting biscotti, homemade gelato, luscious pastries and specialty coffee, espresso and more.
Mama Deila's Ristorante
At Mama's, everyone is family! Featuring authentic Old World favorites from Tuscany, Naples and Piemonte. Mama herself often greets guests in person and encourages everyone to "Eat, eat!" Strolling musicians create a memorable atmosphere for an unforgettable meal. Buon appetito!
Bar American
This swank lobby lounge features classic style martinis, European cocktails and Italy's treasured grappas, along with elegant hors d'oeuvres.

Meeting facilities

Meeting Info
42,000 square feet of total meeting and function space. 15,040 square foot ballroom, can be divided into four subsections. 7,670 square foot junior ballroom, can be divided into five subsections. Six function rooms, can be divided into 13 subsections. Multitude of rigging/hanging points in ballroom and breakout rooms. Loews Hotels RUSH line in every function room for quick response via RUSH line operator. Digitally controlled HVAC in each function room Executive boardroom. Several outdoor function areas.

Hotel Policies

Check-in:
1600
Check-out:
1100

Terms and conditions

Rates quoted in currencies other than the hotel's base currency are subject to the rate of the international exchange. Rate may change throughout stay. Rate may reflect average nightly rate. Extra charges may apply. Incidental charges, such as room service, are not included in the rate.

The amenities and/or facilities may not be located at the hotel, but within a reasonable distance, and additional charges may apply for use. All information has been provided by this hotel and not by Orbitz

Back to menu Return to top

Guest Reviews (37)

Ratings and reviews for Universal's Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Overall score

4.3 / 5
37 out of 37
Amenities:
4.4
Room cleanliness:
4.7
Hotel staff:
4.5
Room comfort:
4.5
Location:
4.9
Value:
3.9

89% would recommend to a friend.

Sort by:
Review this hotel
Review of Universal's Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Reviewer score

4
Robnoc
Connecticut, USA
Oct 17, 2011

Convenient

Great hotel in excellent location for access to the Universal parks.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
3
Room comfort:
4
Location:
4
Value:
3
Review of Universal's Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Reviewer score

5
Munchie Machine
Toms River, NJ 08753, USA
Sep 18, 2011

Son's 1st Trip to Florida - Fabulous !!!

Great place. Friendly staff, fun activities for the kids, fabulous facility & pool and close to all attractions. We enjoyed our stay and will return in our future trips to Florida.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
5
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
5
Sightseeing tip: Short drive from hotel

Short Drive to Florida Theme Parks and a short Boat Ride to Universal Attractions.

Review of Universal's Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Reviewer score

5
Cynlyn
Flushing, Queens, NY, USA
Sep 9, 2011

AWESOME VACATION

We can't wait to go back. The Portofino Bay Resort was spectacular. Very clean. The room was a nice size, very clean and what a beautiful view of the water. Water taxi took us right to the parks in just a few minutes and no waiting in line for the rides when we used our room key. Definitely gets a thumbs up in my book. The hotel restaurants were amazing as well. Everyone is just so pleasant, helpful and friendly and calls you by name!!!!! Overall great experience. I didn't want to leave.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
5
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
5
Review of Universal's Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Reviewer score

4
honey girl
Temple, Texas
Aug 31, 2011

wonderful for the family

helpful and friendly staff. Clean rooms. love all the Italian restaurants from the elegant to down right bistro.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
5
Review of Universal's Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Reviewer score

5
MWBoy
Kennesaw, GA
Aug 10, 2011

Portofino Perfection!

This hotel is ranked at four diamonds for a reason, and it is not about the room rate. Beautiful hotel and they have a great job replicating the feel of an Italian village. The rooms are spacious, the staff are very accomodating, and the grounds are wonderful to walk. this is very close to the Universal parks, with nice sidewalks all the way that connect other properties. The water taxis are free and run regularly, but we liked to support the local ricksaw folks when we could (tips only). While there you myust dine at Bice. It is first class dining at its best. the food is wonderful and the staff make you understand "ospitalita". As the staff reminds you, enjoy la bella vita!

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
5
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
5
Sightseeing tip: Not Applicable

Make use of the express pass issued by the hotel to by-pass the lines at Universal rides. Enjoy the show "The Blue Man Group" and for $20 upgrade, you can relax in a private lounge before the show sipping beverages, and have a photo-op with a Blue Man afte the show.

Review of Universal's Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Reviewer score

2
FreedomRide
Mobile, AL
Aug 9, 2011

Overpriced

We stayed at the hotel to attend the Universal theme parks. The hotel was priced like a 4-star but the quality was 2-star. Our first room had defective TV and air conditioning. We moved to another room that had marginal air conditioning. Down the hall, an ice machine soaked the corridor carpet with water all 3 days we were there. Not a well-managed operation.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
2
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
2
Location:
5
Value:
1
Money-saving tip: In Hotel

Stay away from the hotel restaurants; the prices are unreasonable. Get in your car and eat off the property instead.

Review of Universal's Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Reviewer score

4
PV and DJ
Bergenfield, NJ
Jun 20, 2011

Not nearly as expensive as expected

Went for a weekend, Thursday night through Sunday morning. Spend Friday at the Universal Theme park and Saturday on a day trip to Cocoa Beach. The Portofino Bay Resort was excellent compared to the other Universal on -site resorts - Quiet but not too quiet, fun, reasonably priced and friendly.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
4
Location:
5
Value:
4
Review of Universal's Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Reviewer score

4
s-dwhite
knoxville,tn
May 30, 2011

Memorial day weekend

citywalk was great, hotel ok, needs some updating, food in restaurants were good

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
4
Location:
5
Value:
4
Review of Universal's Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Reviewer score

4
The Nishan family
Greensboro, NC
Mar 19, 2011

Portofino Bay Hotel

Great place to stay esp. with the kids. Convenient to Universal Parks and City Walk. Express pass access made the trip! Thoroughly enjoyed the daily breakfast buffet and pasta buffet at Trattoria.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
4
Location:
5
Value:
4
Sightseeing tip: Short walk from hotel

Enjoy the walk over in the mornings when the temperatures are cooler. Walkway is beautiful.

Review of Universal's Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Reviewer score

4
Annie
Philadelphia, PA
Feb 24, 2011

Excellent hotel, Great family vacation!

Beautiful location, very convenient to Universal Parks. Room key acts as FastPass for rides---this is the only way to see Universal Parks. Lots of fun in a beautiful surrounding. Club Floor was an excellent way to have breakfast, snacks and a place for kids to hang out.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
5
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
4
Back to menu Return to top
Related Hotels
The Quality Suites hotel is centrally located from major attractions, including three miles from Universal Studios/Island of Adventure, 1.5 miles ...
An Orlando favorite for theme park visitors and shoppers The Radisson Hotel Orlando Lake Buena Vista is an official Walt ...
All rooms include refrigerator and microwave. Children 9 years and younger to eat FREE when accompanied by an adult purchasing ...