Universal's Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Orlando

The location was perfect and the staff went out of their way to assist us with information on ski packages, tours and shopping. The service was great! The complimentary breakfast was a real treat and a money saver. We met other guests from all over the United States and enjoyed visiting with them.

I've stayed in this hotel twice now, and I'm now searching for another reason to stay again. I've been to Italy quite a few times, and it really is like being right there in Italy again (though with all the conveniences of an American, not European, hotel). Incredibly relaxing too - you'll find that you won't want to leave the actual room or resort. If you decide to stay there, splurge for the Bayside rooms - you'll thank yourself later.

I found the hotel to be very clean, and the service to be adequate. The food is good, epecially at Bice, the higher-end italian restaraunt at the hotel. If it's tough for you to walk long distances, be sure to request a room near the lobby (or a pool,restaraunt, etc., depending on your priorities) because the hotel is very large. I was with other guests whose room was a 5-10 minute walk from mine. And sure, it's somewhat expensive, but guests are well taken care of. Water taxi to Universal's City Walk (restaraunts, bars, clubs, Hard Rock Live, movies) is invaluable.

We vacationed at the Portofino Bay Hotel during the Thanksgiving holiday-the premises were decorated for Christmas! The ride into the grounds of the hotel was absolutely breathtaking. The lobby area was beautiful and we were greeted by extremely friendly staff. Check in took less than five minutes and the staff works so hard to be sure you have everything you need upon arrival. We arrived to our amazingly spacious room overlooking the bay to find candies on our pillows, turned down beds, and flowers in our room! The bathroom was huge -bigger than any other hotel we had ever stayed in (marble sinks, extra wide tubs, tile flooring, flowers, and plenty of extra towels). The cobblestone sidewalks and beautiful facades were breathtaking. The premises was amazingly clean-not a speck of dirt to be found anywhere~however, we never really saw any staff picking up after people! We did spend two days by the pool (equipped with waterfalls, waterslides and a huge hot tub). The pool is equipped with staff to bring fruity frozen drinks and lunch! You can also rent a private cabana for the day with your own personal waitress. We did not do that because we wanted to soak up the sun! The water taxi was great. We didn't wait more than 5 minutes to board-what a convenience it was to get to Universal's City Walk! We also made reservations at the top of the line spa right on the premises. I would recommend this to anyone-the massages and facials are to die for! I felt as if I were royalty! The hotel was a little pricey, but for the service and quality-we thought it was well worth it. I would recommend bringing some snacks or water bottles. The Fiji water bottles in the rooms are $7.00 a piece! Overall, we had an amazing time. I would recommend Portofino Bay to anyone that is interested in hi-class service and cleanliness!

Loved the UNIVERSAL EXPRESS passes that were automatic with your room keys! Worth the price! Loved the water taxis. Mama Dellas Italian Restaurant was very good - just the PORTIONS were HUGE! Location is decent - but the walk to our room everyday was a bit on the LOONG side! Didn't like that the lounge was not a continuous service. Would have preferred regular access that is expected at Club Level. The staff was supurb - but we missed out on some of the offerings because of the "times" the items were available. Club level means you PAY for the amenities - that should be limitless. I also think Club Level rooms should have FREE high-speed internet access. You can use a computer (there are only 2, however) in the club lounge, but if you BYOC (bring you own computer), expect to pay $10/day. There's also "Fiji" water available in your room - for a 'mere' $7.00 charge if you drink it.... NO THANK YOU! It was those little things that keep it from being a full 5-star rated hotel. Overall, good stay & liked the central location. Didn't like the lack of amenities that come with staying at Club Level or extra nickel-and-dime charges that should be included. People were MOSTLY friendly (with an exception of about 3 people!)! Clean rooms and a lot of things to do for various age groups. This hotel is better for families with older children and pets.

Perfect place for a lesson in Italian 101. Stayed here for a group business trip and was quite pleased especially since my company picked up the tab. Make sure you reserve a bayview room and request a balcony with terrace. The bay with boats makes the hotel feel real! Absolutely gorgeous view, especially at night. However, the hotel cannot guarantee these rooms since they are limited in number. The best time of year to visit the hotel is RIGHT NOW IN SEPTEMBER! Kids are back in school, less people in the parks, cooler temps, easier access to restaurants, CHEAPER RATES, and much more ambiance. As nice as this place is, there is a reason why it is not a 5 star hotel. Overall service is inconsistent, buildings have an artificial look because of too many painted bricks and images, beds have no pillow tops, and bathrooms need to be more elaborate. If you can get rate around 200 a night, its definitely worthwhile.....

It's one of the greatest hotels I've been to! and, trust me, I been to lots of hotels, it is really a great one, and its location is wonderful as well!!! I can't wait to come once again to florida and stay in the PORTOFINO! And the food, oh dear god! I can still remember the taste of that steak I had there! god its delicious! Oh, not to mention that I stayed there in the christmas season. I remember that huge christmas tree with all the presentes wrapped under it, and not too far from it there were some antique cars in all sizes.. they were just "eyetaking" :)))) I tremendously recommend this hotel to whomever's planing to go to florida. I garantee you won't be disapointed!

I Loved the Service.It was (To Me) 5 Star Service.And Cleanliness was excellent. Not one Piece of trash anywhere! And the conviently placed hotel.It's 5 miniutes from th Parks!I also enjoyed the Food. Very Deilicious. Those Steaks are too good. I have to give it Two thmubs up.

Reserved a two queen room, at the club level ($$$$$+) on their website. At that price I expected nothing less than the best experience...and that was not our experience, at least on check-in: "Sorry sir, no double queen available". After 10 minutes of futile fidgeting by the very pleasant desk clerk trying to find my reserved accomadations I gave in and accepted a King room "with a very nice pull out sofa". Keep in mind this is two adults, and two male teenagers. The King room was clean, and that's all I can say about it since I immediately asked for a different room...it was a real disappointment to be given something less than than I reserved. Now on to the final resolution...after I explained my complete frustration to the frontdesk, we were upgraded to a pool front deluxe balcony king room, with a rollaway bed at no charge. To sum up our experience: Disappointing, even though everything was made right in the end.

Our family had a great experience at this hotel. It was so convenient to the park. Having the fast pass was great. We never waited more than ten minutes for a ride during winter vacation. The best part was the club level rooms. For an extra $50.00 a day you could get breakfast, snacks, water or coffee anytime. There was an evening reception that included a hot appetizer, cheese and crackers, Italian wine and beer. Every night there were Italian pastries and cookies. We only stayed for three nights because of the cost but I would rather stay there for three nights then some marginal hotel for seven!