Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is one of the premier hotels at Universal Orlando Resort. The hotel is designed to make you feel as though you’ve been swept away to the Italian seaside town of Portofino with incredible amenities and beautiful Italian charm.
Resort Overview
- Photo Courtesy Kelly Greer, Key to the World Travel
- Photo Courtesy Kelly Greer, Key to the World Travel
- Photo Courtesy Kelly Greer, Key to the World Travel
This hotel opened in 1999 and is one of three premier hotels at the Universal Orlando Resort. It is a large property, with guest rooms located throughout 3 different buildings. The resort also offers some amazing amenities including the Mandara Spa! Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is a short walk from the theme parks but it is a bit tucked away, giving it a serene and peaceful vibe. Water taxis are also available to take guests to the park.
Reasons We Love This Resort:
Location: The resort is located close to the theme parks and Universal CityWalk. Guests can use the water taxi to get to the parks or a walking path. It takes approximately 15 minutes to walk to the parks.
Amenities: As a premier hotel at the Universal Orlando Resort, this property includes the Universal Express Pass Unlimited. This benefit is available for the length of your stay, including the days you check in and check out of the hotel. In addition, there is a spa and several wonderful dining options.
Spacious: The guest rooms at this hotel are spacious and standard rooms accommodate up to 5 guests with a rollaway bed. However, there are several beautiful suites that can fit larger parties.
Amenities:
- Wi-Fi Service (complimentary Wi-Fi access in guest rooms, main lobbies, and main pools)
- Dining Options (table service, quick service, and poolside service)
- Business Center (computer services, print services, shipping services, office supplies)
- Designated Smoking Area
- Luggage Service (luggage assistance, valet parking assistance, dry cleaning)
- Housekeeping Services
- Valet and Self-Parking
- Rental Car Service – Avis Desk
- Front Desk Service (banking and mail)
- Merchandise Delivery and Pickup
- Grocery Orders
- Meetings & Event Space
- Vacation Planning Desk (purchase tickets, upgrade tickets, special requests)
- Wake-up Call Service
- Disability Service (mobility, hearing, visual, and service animal accommodations)
- Universal Express Pass Unlimited Benefit
- Early Park Admission
- Priority Seating at Restaurants
A Full Range of Accommodations
- Photo Courtesy Kelly Greer, Key to the World Travel
- Photo Courtesy Kelly Greer, Key to the World Travel
- Photo Courtesy Kelly Greer, Key to the World Travel
- Photo Courtesy Kelly Greer, Key to the World Travel
- Photo Courtesy Kelly Greer, Key to the World Travel
This resort has a full range of accommodations to choose from, with rooms and suites to fit travel parties of all sizes. There are 750 guest rooms and 45 spacious suites. Guests can also book connecting suites for large parties, such as a 2-bedroom suite with a connecting room.
Garden View
- Sleeps up to 5 guests (with a rollaway)
- Views of the Garden or Courtyard area
Bay View
- Sleeps up to 5 guests (with a rollaway)
- Views of the Bay
- 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds
Deluxe Room
- Sleeps up to 5 guests
- Extra space, up to 490 square feet
- Views of one of the resort pools or garden areas
- 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds
Despicable Me Kids’ Suite
- Sleeps up to 5 guests (with a rollaway)
- 1 King Bed and 2 Twin Beds
- Features attached kids’ room, with Minions theme
1-Bedroom Portofino Suite
- Sleeps up to 7 guests (with a rollaway)
- 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds and 1 Sleeper Sofa
- Garden or Bay View with living space and separate bedroom
2-Bedroom Portofino Suite
- Sleeps up to 10 guests (with a rollaway)
- 1 King Bed and 1 Sleeper Sofa, Connecting room with 2 Queen Beds
1-Bedroom Villa Suite
- Sleeps up to 7 guests (with a rollaway)
- Features living space with separate bedroom, dining area, and kitchenette
- 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds and 1 Sleeper Sofa
2-Bedroom Villa Suite
- Sleeps up to 10 guests (with a rollaway)
- Features living space with separate bedroom, dining area, and kitchenette
- 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds in each bedroom and 1 Sleeper Sofa in the living area
1-Bedroom Hospitality Suite
- Sleeps up to 8 guests (with a rollaway and Murphy bed)
- Features dining room, kitchen area, and spacious living area
- Views of the Garden or Courtyard area
- 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds, 1 Sofa Bed, 1 Murphy Bed
2-Bedroom Hospitality Suite
- Sleeps up to 8 guests (with a rollaway and Murphy bed)
- Features dining room, kitchen area, and spacious living area
- Views of the Garden or Courtyard area
- 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds, 1 Sofa Bed, 1 Murphy Bed
Governatore Suites
- Sleeps up to 5 guests (with a rollaway) and additional connecting rooms are available
- Features living & dining room, kitchen & separate office space
- 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds
- Views of the Bay and Harbor
Presidente Suites
- Sleeps up to 5 guests (with a rollaway) and additional connecting rooms are available
- Features living & dining room, spacious kitchen & separate office space
- 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds
- Views of the Bay and Harbor
All Dining & Lounges
There are several dining options available at the resort. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance. In addition, Universal CityWalk is a short walk or water taxi ride away and has additional options.
Mama Della’s Ristorante℠
Head here to enjoy authentic Italian cooking, complete with musicians strolling around and an atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.
Bice Ristorante
A small trattoria in Milan opened in 1926 and is now an international network. Stop here to enjoy Northern Italian cuisine and excellent service in a classy atmosphere.
Trattoria del PortoTM
With Italian charm and a family-friendly menu, this full-service restaurant has a casual vibe where you can dine indoors or out by water.
Sal’s Market DeliTM
Enjoy Italian favorites such as homemade pizzas, sandwiches, and salads, along with fresh fruit and cheeses.
The Thirsty FishTM
This waterfront bar has a casual atmosphere serving champagne, beer, and cocktails. There is also a menu with appetizers.
Splendido Bar & GrillTM
There is a wide variety of menu options available 24 hours a day.
Gelateria
This shop offers your choice of gelato, milkshakes, smoothies, biscotti, and more.
Starbucks®
Head to the Harbor Piazza to choose from a menu including pastries, sandwiches, smoothies, teas, and of course, coffee.
Room Service
Available 24 hours a day, room service is here to bring breakfast or an evening snack!
Pools, Grounds, & Recreation
The Beach Pool
This fun and lively pool area is the perfect spot for families to enjoy some pool time. With a Roman aqueduct-themed waterslide, a children’s pool, two jacuzzis, and more, there is plenty of poolside fun waiting.
The Villa Pool
This pool offers a more exclusive experience with additional amenities such as private cabana rentals and upgraded lounge chairs.
The cabanas include a ceiling fan, refrigerator, phone, and TV.
The Hillside Pool
Located on the east wing of the hotel, this pool offers a quieter location to relax by the water, with a bit more privacy.
Poolside Activities
Enjoy activities poolside all day long including ping-pong tournaments, water balloon tosses, pool basketball, hula hoop contests, and more. Check with the front desk for a full schedule during your stay.
Game Room
This game room is the place to be to find the latest video games. It is located near the Beach Pool and is open daily.
Spa & Fitness Center
The Mandara Spa® offers a variety of spa treatments customized to your needs. The options include skin care, wraps, hair and nail care, massages, and more. There is also a complimentary fitness center with exclusive steam and sauna facilities.
Walking & Jogging Paths
Take in the views on a beautiful walk around the resort grounds as you enjoy extensive paths. There is also a designated dog walking area.
Harbor Nights & Musica della Notte
Head out to the Harbor Piazza each evening to sip wine and sample some Italian favorites. Then, enjoy live music, and traditional opera, performed by talented musicians.
Loews Portofino Bay Resort Transportation
Are you wondering how to get to the parks? We have it broken down for you:
- Universal Studios: The water taxi runs approximately every 20 minutes and takes guests to Universal CityWalk, just a few minutes away from the park entrance. Alternatively, there is a walking path from the hotel. It takes approximately 10-15 minutes to walk.
- Universal Islands of Adventure: The water taxi will take guests to Universal CityWalk where guests can walk to the park entrance. Alternatively, there is a walking path and it takes approximately 15-20 minutes to walk.
- Universal CityWalk: The water taxi is available to take guests to Universal CityWalk, running approximately every 20 minutes. It is also a short walk, approximately 10-15 minutes.
- Universal’s Volcano Bay: Buses run approximately every 20 minutes to Volcano Bay.
Parking
*Guests who drive either their own vehicle or a rental car to Walt Disney World should know that a standard overnight self-parking fee of $28 plus tax per night will be applied to the guest hotel folio upon check-out. Valet parking is available for $37 plus tax per night. Parking is also available for day guests, with self-parking starting at $10 plus tax and valet parking at $42 plus tax.
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