Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Garden View
from $329
Universal's Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
4.0 out of 5.0
4.3
out of 5
"Very good!"
See all 78 reviews
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Recent guest reviews
Nice Hotel close to the parks. Was not told that the main pool would be closed and also charged $22.00 per night to park my own car.
Very nice hotel - large rooms, good restaurant & dining options; convenient to city walk and theme parks.
Everyone at the hotel was courteous and went out of their way to be friendly. The hotel is a perfect place for enjoying Universal Studios. We loved the pool area and all the restraurants at the hotel as well. We enjoyed our stay and will go back.
Superb bedding and large room but decorations nothing special. Boats to universal are wonderful/constant. Mama fellas excelente food and value for money. But booking through 3rd party like Orbitz means poor view and you cannot fax a room request.
Opted to stay on Universal site for the Express pass option. Orginially booked Cabana Bay but switched over to Portofino for the passes. Stayed in a Club Level suite and that was the only "bad" thing about trip. The breakfast options never changed but lunch and dinner options were fantastic. I do not know if we would opt for club level again. Not sure the higher price was warranted but Portofino Bay was awesome. The beach pool, the arcade, the awesome staff, I would return and recommend to family and friends.
This place is phenomenal!!! I highly recommend it!
If you’re looking for outstanding service, warm smiles, friendly staff or a working AC this hotel is not for you. If you’re looking for a nice pool for the kids, a great boat ride to the park and the fast pass it may be for you. We arrived to a full hotel during Christmas of 2015 and got a room that seemed to be within the Humane Society of Orlando with all of the barking dogs as you walked down the halls. I had no clue my room was a pet friendly room until my oldest child started to looked like Martin Short in the movie Pure Luck after the bee sting. After a quick call I was told my room was a pet room and that I did not request a non-pet room (who knew). I was moved a few floors up without issue. We spent two nights at the hotel and I challenge you to find someone with a smile that works on the hotel staff. The housekeeping staff in halls look like they hate the place and don’t say hello. The lifeguards at the pool seem manic and clearly forgot yelling at kids is not a sport. I walked up to the slide at one point and asked if it was open as both of my kids were told it was closed. The response I got was “I would not be up here if it was closed!”. We never got a hello or welcome from the parking staff and don’t get me started with the big guy in the ice-cream shop. I know it seems I’m picking on them but it was truly bad. The first night in the non-pet room was like a night in a hot box with the AC only cooling the room down to 78 degrees. I called the next day and the AC repair man (he actually was nice) came up and after a bit said the unit was not working and it was about 20 degrees off. He fixed it and it started working again but then stopped just before bed. I called down again at 10PM and the AC man said he could not find a new AC part so he could bring me up a fan. I know this seems like a joke but it’s not. The next day I talked with the manager who had an update on all of my issues before I arrived and he said I would be happy to extend your checkout one hour for your trouble. I think at some point he saw the look on my face and then he added he would also credit me $100, I just walked away. That’s two nights without AC and I got back 8.4 of the cost of the room. The atmosphere of the hotel is nice, the outside area, the restaurants, the pool, the boat, the fast pass and the parking are all great. At the end of the day Lowes service at this property is dreadful. We would never go back and I feel compelled to add my review as I used the reviews to pick this location.
This was my daughter's college graduation trip. We visited Universal Studios and Epcot while in Orlando. The water taxi service from the hotel to the Universal parks and CityWalk was so convenient, and the road trip to Epcot only took about 15 minutes. We thoroughly enjoyed the hotel and parks. Mama Della's restaurant was spectacular. We had great service from all of the staff we encountered.
The Portofino was as described, absolutely beautiful with spacious rooms. The breakfast buffet at the Tratoria restaurant was very good. The food was delicious with many selections from which to choose. The downside to this quality hotel - absolutely no complimentary coffee or tea. Very disappointing!
Everyone at the resort was wonderful. Had an outstanding time.
First time staying inside Universal Studios but I definitely recommend this resort. It is awesome. Two great pool areas for the kids and lots of shops and restaurants for the adults. Will definitely stay here again!!
Stayed 4 nights at the Portofino. Excellent hotel. Perks for the early entry and boat ride to parks are awesome. Could use a couple of more fast take out services for breakfast other than Starbucks. Would have liked to have had laundry facilities that we could have used ourselves rather than hotel prices. Pools were great. Pretty scenery. Would stay here again.
The hotel was beautiful and the staff were really nice. It's a bit too far to walk to the parks everyday but the water taxi service works well. Access to City Park was a plus!
Beautiful hotel, super convenient water taxi, very nice staffs in front counter and very friendly staffs at dinning area but the room service wasn't professional. They replaced the towel for bathroom mat. All others are perfect.
This was my second visit to the Portofino Bay Resort at Universal Orlando. I fell in love with it during my first stay last fall. The rooms and bathrooms are very spacious and comfortable. The kids love the Beach Pool with slide. My first stay was during a low crowds time at the resort and the second stay was during the busy Easter weekend, but both times the resort was quiet and peaceful. This resort has converted me from a loyal Disney fan to a loyal Universal Orlando fan! Unlike Disney, Universal provides a true 5 star experience when charging 5 star prices. The only complaint I have is that more lounge chairs are needed at the Beach Pool for busy times.
I love the place. I booked the hotel for 3 nights, but had a little accident on the way so ended up getting there early morning of my first day, just to find out they upgraded me to the Bay view room (I booked the garden view). I called the hotel beforehand and told them I would be getting there late, but when I checked in, it looked like they already gave my room to someone... luckily they gave me this another room. I would have not been a happy camper if they had me wait for a room at that state....so....I would say I was happy. The room was great, nice view, big bathroom and THE BED! I was in love with the bed. We got a king bed and it was super comfy, especially after long hours at the park. We never made it to early admission...our lost...but the bed was way too comfy for us to part way with it too early.... We spent most of our time in the parks so we didn't really get to use much of the hotel facilities. I couldn't even find the pool, not that I tried very hard. I guess it was far from where I was. We stayed in the West wing (as I requested) which is right by the water taxi. So if you want to have an easy access to that, don't forget to make the request. Our room was also the farthest from the elevator, which is good for a little sound-proofing since the wall IS thin like other reviewers have stated, but if you don't like walking a loooong way to your room, maybe request for a room a little closer. Last but not least, we did one dinner at Mama Della's, a restaurant in the hotel, and it was AWESOME. Great food, EXCEPTIONAL service. Our waiter was sooo good, we felt so special. The food was good as well, despite being so full from all the butterbeer, we still enjoyed the food and we both agreed that Mama Della's is gonna be a place we have to revisit when we go back to Orlando.
This hotel was a nice little oasis at Universal. Totally worth the price considering you get a fast pass to the parks included for staying on property. Great for couples and adults.
The moment we arrived was professional and welcoming. Staff was friendly. The room was ready and clean and inviting. Coming and going to Universal was relaxing on the water taxi. Coming back from park was especially rewarding once we passed under the last bridge to emerge in the beauty of Italy's Portofino. Second time staying at Portofino.
Great location to the parks! Well worth the extra money to get in the parks early and a the express passes! Food and pool were top notch!
This is a great 5-star hotel right next to Universal Orlando. The extra perks, such as a free water taxi to the park and free unlimited express passes help offset the higher price of many hotels in the area.
Hotel highlights
- Close to Universal Studios Florida™ and Universal’s Islands of Adventure™
- Free WiFi in rooms and public areas
- Onsite dining
- Spa
Universal's Loews Portofino Bay Hotel places you within a mile (2 km) of popular attractions like Universal Studios Florida™ and Universal’s Islands of Adventure™. This 750-room, 4-star resort has 3 outdoor pools along with a full-service spa and 4 restaurants. I-Drive 360 and Universal CityWalk™ are also close to this Orlando resort.
Dining
There are multiple options for onsite dining with 4 restaurants, including Bice Ristorante, which specializes in Italian cuisine. Savor a meal from the privacy of your room with 24-hour room service, or get a pick-me-up at the coffee shop/café. For your convenience, a cooked-to-order breakfast is served each morning for a fee.
Rooms
All 750 air-conditioned rooms feature iPod docks, minibars, and coffee makers. Guests can expect to find free WiFi and 42-inch flat-screen TVs with cable channels and pay movies. Bathrooms offer hair dryers, free toiletries, and bathrobes. Free newspapers, safes, and phones are also available.
Property features
Guests of Universal's Loews Portofino Bay Hotel have access to a full-service spa, 3 outdoor pools, and a children's pool. Parking is available for USD 22 per night (USD 29 per night for valet parking), and there's also a free area shuttle. The 24-hour front desk has staff standing by to help with dry cleaning/laundry, concierge services, and luggage storage. Other amenities at this spa resort include a fitness center, 2 spa tubs, and a sauna.
Guest reviews for Universal's Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
nice hotel hidden costs
Everyone
Nice Hotel close to the parks. Was not told that the main pool would be closed and also charged $22.00 per night to park my own car.
universal getaway
Everyone
Very nice hotel - large rooms, good restaurant & dining options; convenient to city walk and theme parks.
great universal studios hotel
Everyone
Everyone at the hotel was courteous and went out of their way to be friendly. The hotel is a perfect place for enjoying Universal Studios. We loved the pool area and all the restraurants at the hotel as well. We enjoyed our stay and will go back.
nice hotel but maybe overrated
Everyone
Superb bedding and large room but decorations nothing special. Boats to universal are wonderful/constant. Mama fellas excelente food and value for money. But booking through 3rd party like Orbitz means poor view and you cannot fax a room request.
universal/disney vacation
Everyone
Opted to stay on Universal site for the Express pass option. Orginially booked Cabana Bay but switched over to Portofino for the passes. Stayed in a Club Level suite and that was the only "bad" thing about trip. The breakfast options never changed but lunch and dinner options were fantastic. I do not know if we would opt for club level again. Not sure the higher price was warranted but Portofino Bay was awesome. The beach pool, the arcade, the awesome staff, I would return and recommend to family and friends.
Everyone
This place is phenomenal!!! I highly recommend it!
lowes service at this property is dreadful
Families
If you’re looking for outstanding service, warm smiles, friendly staff or a working AC this hotel is not for you. If you’re looking for a nice pool for the kids, a great boat ride to the park and the fast pass it may be for you. We arrived to a full hotel during Christmas of 2015 and got a room that seemed to be within the Humane Society of Orlando with all of the barking dogs as you walked down the halls. I had no clue my room was a pet friendly room until my oldest child started to looked like Martin Short in the movie Pure Luck after the bee sting. After a quick call I was told my room was a pet room and that I did not request a non-pet room (who knew). I was moved a few floors up without issue. We spent two nights at the hotel and I challenge you to find someone with a smile that works on the hotel staff. The housekeeping staff in halls look like they hate the place and don’t say hello. The lifeguards at the pool seem manic and clearly forgot yelling at kids is not a sport. I walked up to the slide at one point and asked if it was open as both of my kids were told it was closed. The response I got was “I would not be up here if it was closed!”. We never got a hello or welcome from the parking staff and don’t get me started with the big guy in the ice-cream shop. I know it seems I’m picking on them but it was truly bad. The first night in the non-pet room was like a night in a hot box with the AC only cooling the room down to 78 degrees. I called the next day and the AC repair man (he actually was nice) came up and after a bit said the unit was not working and it was about 20 degrees off. He fixed it and it started working again but then stopped just before bed. I called down again at 10PM and the AC man said he could not find a new AC part so he could bring me up a fan. I know this seems like a joke but it’s not. The next day I talked with the manager who had an update on all of my issues before I arrived and he said I would be happy to extend your checkout one hour for your trouble. I think at some point he saw the look on my face and then he added he would also credit me $100, I just walked away. That’s two nights without AC and I got back 8.4 of the cost of the room. The atmosphere of the hotel is nice, the outside area, the restaurants, the pool, the boat, the fast pass and the parking are all great. At the end of the day Lowes service at this property is dreadful. We would never go back and I feel compelled to add my review as I used the reviews to pick this location.
fabulous graduation trip
Families
This was my daughter's college graduation trip. We visited Universal Studios and Epcot while in Orlando. The water taxi service from the hotel to the Universal parks and CityWalk was so convenient, and the road trip to Epcot only took about 15 minutes. We thoroughly enjoyed the hotel and parks. Mama Della's restaurant was spectacular. We had great service from all of the staff we encountered.
beautiful hotel in a perfect location.
Families
The Portofino was as described, absolutely beautiful with spacious rooms. The breakfast buffet at the Tratoria restaurant was very good. The food was delicious with many selections from which to choose. The downside to this quality hotel - absolutely no complimentary coffee or tea. Very disappointing!
great mother daughter trip.
Families
Everyone at the resort was wonderful. Had an outstanding time.
