When we first started traveling to Universal Studios in Orlando, we generally just stayed off the property and tried to find a good deal. But when we recently traveled there and decided we wanted to be able to walk to the parks, we decided to look into property options. Loews Universal Orlando Portofino Bay Hotel has been at the top of our list for a while. So when we got a great offer through Universal’s Annual Passholder appreciation days, we decided to try it! If you’re looking for a luxury stay at a Premiere Hotel at Universal Studios Orlando, here is our full review.
Loews Portofino Bay in Universal Studios Orlando is considered a premier hotel. Premier is the top tier at Universal. Universal offers four levels of hotels: value, prime value, preferred, and premier. So staying at Portofino Bay offers a few extra perks that the other levels don’t offer. We’ll talk more about that in this post!
Contents
Portofino Bay Hotel Details
The Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Studios Orlando is located at 5601 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, 32819. This premiere hotel is expansive and offers several different room types. Universal Orlando Portofino Bay hotel also includes all the Universal Studios Perks like Express Pass ( included in your stay), a Starbucks on property, boat transportation and a walking path that brings you right to the front gates of Universal Studios Orlando.
- Check in: 4PM
- Check out: 11AM
Portofino Bay Hotel Atmosphere
Let us just say that this resort is amazing. Like stepping into a world all it’s own, the theming here is beautiful. Loews Portofino Bay is themed to an Italian seaside village, Portofino. With pastel-colored buildings, outdoor shops, and restaurants along the harbor, you might just actually feel like you’ve been transported to Italy. The atmosphere is relaxing and beautiful and felt very open, with plenty of space. There are tons of fun and pretty photo ops too. From the cute vespas that litter the resort, to the boats, flags and facades. Soooo much quieter than any resort we’ve ever experienced at Disney World, you really do feel like you’re away from it all.
Portofino Bay Hotel Rooms
Loews Portofino Bay offers three levels of rooms. Standard rooms, club-level rooms, and suites are available for guests to book. We stayed in a standard room, which was spacious at around 490 square feet. The rooms are decorated simply and elegantly. And our room has two queen beds, but guests can also opt for one king bed instead. Even though there wasn’t a balcony, this room was larger than Walt Disney World’s largest standard guest rooms at the Grand Floridian. My only complaint about the rooms at Portofino Bay is that the sink and vanity are all part of a very large bathroom, rather than being placed outside of the toilet and shower area. We are so used to this at Walt Disney World and it really does help when getting ready in the morning.
The room also had a desk, a chair, plenty of closet, and drawer space. There was even a Keurig for coffee or tea, which we appreciated as well. The largest rooms, suites, range anywhere from 650 to 2725 square feet and these are perfect for larger parties who need more space. Check out all the Portofino Bay Room Options and Prices.
Portofino Bay Hotel Transportation
Loews Portofino Bay offers guests a water taxi service to and from Universal CityWalk (which takes you to the Parks). The water taxi comes about every 15 minutes and is about a five-minute ride. In addition to the water taxi, there is a shuttle bus, which we were told at check-in that it is currently not always running. This may be due to a number of factors, but you can always check when you arrive if you prefer that method of transportation. There is also a beautifully landscaped walking path from Portofino Bay leading to Universal Studio Parks as well. It’s well shaded walking path and only takes about 20 minutes to walk the entire way.
For awareness, during inclement weather, the water taxi service doesn’t run. And, at least at the time of writing this, they don’t always offer replacement transportation. You can always take the walking path; but for some people, that might be a long way to walk to get back. There is a shuttle bus, but when we were here most recently we were told this is not always available. So just be sure to ask when you check-in so you can have a backup plan!
Portofino Bay Hotel Restaurants
Loews Portofino Bay offers a wide variety of dining options all designed around the theme of the hotel. They offer a variety of sit-down restaurants, quick-service restaurants, bars, a gelateria, and as we mentioned before, Starbucks. And they also offer room service. We weren’t there long enough to try any of the restaurants other than Starbucks, but you can find the full list of dining options available here to see if something strikes your fancy!
- Mama Della’s Ristorante
- 1926 Bice Ristorante
- Trattoria del Porto
- Sal’s Market Deli
- The Thirsty Fish
- Splendido Bar and Grill
- Gelateria
- Starbucks
Portofino Bay Hotel Pools
Portofino Bay offers three pools, all perfectly themed to that of the resort. The Beach Pool, The Villa Pool, and the Hillside Pool are available to guests of the resort and each has its own unique qualities. For family fun, the sandy beach pool of The Beach Pool offers a water slide, a kids pool, and two jacuzzis. The Villa Pool offers private cabana rentals and upgraded lounge chairs and the Hillside Pool is perfect for a quieter and more serene atmosphere.
Portofino Bay Hotel Activities
In addition to pools, Loews Portofino Bay also offers a game room, shops, and even a spa. And during sunset, guests of the resort are in for a treat with Musica Della Notte. Musicians perform live music by the harbor which is a really nice way to end a long day. Whether you’re looking for adventure or looking to relax, Portofino Bay has you covered.
Portofino Bay Hotel Benefits
Loew’s Portofino, as previously mentioned, is a premier hotel. So guests staying here have a few more benefits than other level hotels. In addition to the convenient transportation and ability to walk to Universal Studios, guests get a few more perks here. Guests staying here also have access to a spa, which is perfect for those looking for that real vacation feeling.
FREE Universal Express Unlimited
The biggest perk of staying here is that you will receive Universal Express Unlimited Pass at no additional cost. All guests of Premier level hotels at Universal Studios receive Universal Express Unlimited pass for each guest. The Universal Express Unlimited Pass allows you to skip the ride line an unlimited number of times at select rides. Typically priced between $140- $320 per person, this is a huge value, especially if you have limited time. Valid at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. Theme park admission required. Valid at select attractions.
Access to Restaurants Onsite
There are a bunch of tables service and quick service restaurants at the resort. From fine dining to quick service. With such an array of restaurants, it’s easy to find great food without even leaving the resort. and then of course there’s also room service as well.
Early Park Admission
All guests of Universal Studios hotels also receive Early Park Admission. You can access the parks prior to park scheduled opening time (valid theme park admission is required) up to one hour prior to park opening. Allowing you to get in line and ride popular rides before the park opens!
Merch Delivery to Your Room
Planning on spending money in the park, but don’t want to carry your purchases around? As a Universal Studios guest, you are able to have merch bought from the parks delivered to your room for free.
Portofino Bay Hotel Cost
The biggest con of Loews Portofino Bay is that it can be quite pricey. It’s one of the most expensive hotels at Universal Studios. You can sometimes find a great deal through a third-party site, or during a sale. Most of the sales on hotels are usually offered to Annual Passholders, but sometimes Universal has great deals on vacation packages as well.
Cost depends on type of room booked, time of year, and more. But you can see all the current room prices for Loews Portofino Bay Hotel here. Here are the average costs at the time of this writing.
- Garden View Room- King Bed: $600/ per night
- Deluxe 2-Queen Bed Room: $675 / per night
- Club 2-Queen Bed Room: $775 / per night
- Hospitality Parlor Suite with 2-Queen Beds: $1855 / per night
Is Loews Portofino Bay Hotel worth the price?
Depending on what your priorities are, it can be! We loved the setting, the ability to get Starbucks before getting to CityWalk or after a day at the parks, the openness of the resort, and the convenience of both the walking path and water taxi.
That being said, we also got a great deal on this hotel and probably would not have paid full price for it just because it really can be quite expensive. We also knew we would have some downtime to spend at our resort, so we were happy to be somewhere a little more spread out and peaceful. And if you had already planned on purchasing Universal Express Unlimited for your trip, then this can actually save you a lot of money depending on your party size and length of your trip.
But if you’re really just looking for a place to stay, it might not be worth it to you. There are many on-property and off-property hotels in the area that you can get for much cheaper.
Is Loews Portofino Bay hotel good for kids?
Loews Portofino Bay is good for kids, but their regular rooms may be a little lackluster for little ones. Portofino Bay does however offer a Despicable Me Kids Suite for Minion fans. These are super fun rooms and may add that little bit of whimsy to your stay at Portofino Bay if you’re traveling with kids. You can also find Jurassic World Kids suites at Loews Royal Pacific if that’s more your style as well. Kids will also love the water taxi and there are fun opportunities for play like The Beach Pool and video game arcade.
Portofino Bay Hotel Review
Overall, we loved this resort and would happily stay here again! Have you ever stayed at Loews Portofino Bay? Let us know what you thought of it!
Melanie Renee is a photographer, writer, designer and mom. Visiting Disney destinations since 2010, she is also an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. When she’s not creating her next coffee recipe, or designing apparel at Polka Dot Pixie Shop, she’s seeking beautiful sunsets and planning her next trip
I tried to get a room there because I am a pass holder as well and the lady told me 5,000, I said and this is a pass holders discount and she said yes. I said never mind, maybe another time. So I rented a air bnb instead for cheaper than that and the same amenities except the express pass and maybe the restaurants and spa.
Author
It really depends on the time of year that you plan to go. They often run specials at different times of the year and that is where you’ll get the best deals. We paid nowhere near what you were quoted!