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Universal's Portofino Bay Hotel - A Loews Hotel in Orlando, Florida |
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Universal's Portofino Bay Hotel - A Loews Hotel
5601 Universal Blvd
Orlando, Florida 32819
Call Expedia at: 1-800-551-2409
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Universal's Portofino Bay Hotel - A Loews Hotel Reviews
| Traveler Ratings Summary for Universal's Portofino Bay Hotel - A Loews Hotel
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Overall: 4.49 |
Service
4.29 |
Condition
4.66 |
Cleanliness
4.63 |
Comfort
4.69 |
Recommend
88.57 % |
|
| fantastic, can't wait to go back |
Overall: 5 |
Service
5 |
Condition
5 |
Cleanliness
5 |
Comfort
5 |
Recommend
Yes |
| from check-in to check-out customer service was wonderful. the staff was politely, friendly and very helpful. the rooms were beautiful and very clean and well taken care of. all our needs were more than met and i would recommend this hotel in a heart beat. we were very happy with our stay.
Reviewed by traveler from silver spring, md on May 31, 2006 |
| A nice place for a vacation or weekend getaway |
Overall: 5 |
Service
5 |
Condition
5 |
Cleanliness
5 |
Comfort
5 |
Recommend
Yes |
| I was overall impressed with the level of service and quality. We had a deluxe villa room which has an oversized bathroom. When we came back from dinner we found our bed turned down, the lights dimmed low and music playing for a romantic atmosphere. My only wish is that the rooms have a private balcony but most do not. The pools are great for families with young children and they have a great waterslide for all ages. The hotel is appointed with the look and feel of Italy. The sheer size of the hotel is huge so you must travel a distance to get to your room with a nearby elevator to the pools and spa. The staff greets you in Italian which is somewhat cheezy but adds to the experience. The food and service is excellent. Unlike Disneyworld resort hotels, they have a dedicated ferry for the resort which goes back and forth every fifteen minutes. For young couples the nightlife at Citiwalk is alot of fun.
Reviewed by traveler from Winter Haven, FL on May 17, 2006 |
| No place to eat |
Overall: 2 |
Service
1 |
Condition
4 |
Cleanliness
3 |
Comfort
4 |
Recommend
No |
| I found out once I checked in to the Portofino that it was impossible for a guest to gain an on sight dinner reservations at the local restaurants. I hear that these are the best Italian restaurants in the Universal Studios area. Universal policy is to allow guest from the other properties, The Hard Rock and the Royal Pacific equal access to the Portofino Bay on site restaurants. So if you want dinner on the property at one of the better places I would book the restaurant early.
Reviewed by traveler from Los Angel;es on May 10, 2006 |
| Great atmosphere; Service so-so |
Overall: 3 |
Service
2 |
Condition
5 |
Cleanliness
5 |
Comfort
5 |
Recommend
Yes |
| We were tempted not to recommend this hotel becasue of the service (especially considering the class of hotel it is), however the atmosphere was great. Most of the rooms face bay with great view. The room was decent size and very comfortable. Easy access to Universal parks via water taxi. The Unniversal "Express Pass" that you receive as a benefit of being a guest at one of Universal's hotels worked very well. On the down side, the service left room for improvement. Maid service ran very late; after 5PM one of the nights we were there. Hostess and waitresses at the "Trattoria del porto" restaurant were curt and unfriendly.
Reviewed by traveler from Pittsburgh, PA on May 3, 2006 |
| Always perfect |
Overall: 5 |
Service
5 |
Condition
5 |
Cleanliness
4 |
Comfort
4 |
Recommend
Yes |
| You would never know you are in Orlando. Portofino never feels crowded and the service and amenities are exceptional. Why people stay at disney instead of Universal I will never understand. This hotel represents a much better value and the Italian theme is fantastic.
Reviewed by traveler from New York on April 26, 2006 |
| Would love to go back |
Overall: 5 |
Service
4 |
Condition
5 |
Cleanliness
5 |
Comfort
5 |
Recommend
Yes |
| Very clean hotel, everybody was very friendly and helpful when asked assistance, a very nice place to stay and very convenient to the attractions
Reviewed by traveler from Punta Gorda, Fl on April 20, 2006 |
| Absolutely fabulous! |
Overall: 5 |
Service
5 |
Condition
5 |
Cleanliness
5 |
Comfort
5 |
Recommend
Yes |
| I must say that before going on this trip to I was poised to be underwhelmed. All those reviewers who reported Universal as dirty, run by rude people, and just not chocking up to Disney, had me thinking my vacation was sure to be a disaster. Boy was I wrong. The Portofino Bay Hotel was a little slice of Italy. I cant say enough good things about Universal and the PBH. Everyone we encountered was happy to help us, from the concierge and bell men, to the café wait staffs, the bartenders, the groundskeepers, the room maids. I felt pampered and appreciated every minute of my week-long stay. The grounds are incredible and it couldn't be easier taking the water taxi to City Walk. My kids (4 & 10) loved the parks, with US the favorite. We went to both parks twice and had the time of our lives. The people there are nice, friendly and helpful, not at all rude. Worth its weight in gold is the Express Pass you get as a guest of a Univeral Resort. It allows you to bypass the lines at the rides. My daughter and I rode The Mummy three times in a row within 20 minutes. I found both parks to be as clean as any other amusement park I've ever been to, if not a little cleaner. The food was fantastic, even at the parks (try Finnegans in NY!). But be prepared, meals aint cheap, especially at the BPH. All in all, staying at a Universal resort was the best family vacation we've ever had (and we've done Disney, which is nothing to sneeze at). We can't wait to go back! Bravo!
Reviewed by traveler from St. Louis, MO on April 5, 2006 |
| great hotel not so great service |
Overall: 5 |
Service
4 |
Condition
5 |
Cleanliness
5 |
Comfort
5 |
Recommend
Yes |
| the hotel was wonderful but there many small things that need improvement. Their service is slow, they either don't listen well or don't understand cause they make lots of mistakes when you order things. but the beautiful view makes up for their lack in the services department.
Reviewed by traveler from San Diego, CA on April 3, 2006 |
| Bad Service for the money |
Overall: 2 |
Service
1 |
Condition
2 |
Cleanliness
2 |
Comfort
4 |
Recommend
No |
| For the price, I was very disappointed by the lack of service from check-in, to restaurants and spa. We traveled with another family who also was very disappointed. Loews has a lot of work to improve this facility.
Reviewed by traveler from Chicago, IL on April 1, 2006 |
| Very Nice Stay! |
Overall: 5 |
Service
5 |
Condition
5 |
Cleanliness
5 |
Comfort
5 |
Recommend
Yes |
| When we first arrived we were greeted with a Chef's sampling of florentine tortellini from the restaurant "Mama Della's" located in the hotel. It was delicious! The room and bathroom were really spacious and very quiet. The queen beds with the down blankets and pillows were luxurious to sleep in. The staff was very friendly compared to other hotels. The pool areas are nice and clean especially the family pool with the water slide. The water slide is awesome because it is really fast. The hot tubs are spacious with warm running water flowing down a rock wall into the tub. They also have a sandy beach area for kids to make sand castles. The staff was quick and efficient about little things like a light bulb was out on a bedside lamp and they came right up and changed it. At the pool one night near closing we called for more towels and they came out right away with warm towels. A short friendly boat ride away from the parks and CityWalk. Great hotel. We enjoyed it very much.
Reviewed by traveler from Boston, Mass on March 31, 2006 |
| First rate for service and friendliness |
Overall: 5 |
Service
5 |
Condition
5 |
Cleanliness
5 |
Comfort
5 |
Recommend
Yes |
| I cannot say enough about this hotel. I traveled with my three kids. The service was awesome. The hotel and all surroundings were emaculate. Of course the universal express pass that comes with staying here is the only way to go!!The food was great too. We will definetly return to this hotel...
Reviewed by traveler from Dallas Texas on March 24, 2006 |
| What an awesome experience and location! |
Overall: 5 |
Service
5 |
Condition
5 |
Cleanliness
5 |
Comfort
5 |
Recommend
Yes |
| We stayed at the Portofino Bay inside Universal Studios. The staff was so attentive 24hrs a day. We had club room access which has daily snacks and drinks that we could take back to our room and put into the fridge for later if we wanted. We really enjoyed the boat ride to the parks. The come every 15 minutes so you don't have to wait along time if you miss one. It was just a beautiful week and such a wonderful place with the 3 pools, kiddie pool, game room, exercise room, shops, and spa. My family loved it and we have two boys ages 10 and 4. They gave the boys a little magna doodle board each to play with when we checked in. We noticed how many guests had their pets with them. They even have a pet menu. We can't wait to go back.
Reviewed by traveler from Southaven, MS on March 23, 2006 |
| Great Family Vacation Destination |
Overall: 5 |
Service
5 |
Condition
5 |
Cleanliness
5 |
Comfort
5 |
Recommend
Yes |
| Hotel service was excellent, room was comfortable and clean, staff was very friendly and the hotel offers a nice selection of dining options. Best of all - we had a room with an outside balcony overlooking the plaza, and were able to enjoy the nightly music concerts in the comfort of our room. It was very easy to take the water taxi to the Parks and enjoy a variety of entertainment at any time of the day.
Reviewed by traveler from Chicago, IL on March 17, 2006 |
| Portofino Bay - Great Place |
Overall: 5 |
Service
5 |
Condition
5 |
Cleanliness
5 |
Comfort
5 |
Recommend
Yes |
| We spent a week at the hotel and did the usual tourist things in Orlando and Kennedy Space Center. Access to Universal is Great. Staff is very couteous and food at the Hotel is worth a plus comment even.
Reviewed by traveler from CR, Iowa on January 6, 2006 |
| One of the best experiences ever!!! |
Overall: 5 |
Service
5 |
Condition
5 |
Cleanliness
5 |
Comfort
5 |
Recommend
Yes |
| One word says it all...AWESOME!!! I felt like I was out of the country without having to travel so far. Everyone should experience the Portofino!
Reviewed by traveler from columbus, ohio on January 4, 2006 |
| An excellent value |
Overall: 4 |
Service
5 |
Condition
4 |
Cleanliness
4 |
Comfort
4 |
Recommend
Yes |
| Just returned from a 4-night stay, and enjoyed this hotel very much. Staff and service were excellent; amenities were plentiful. The room (garden view) was quite comfortable, and if I had to cite negatives, the cleanliness was lacking for a 4-star hotel, and the re-supply of linens and sundries was a bit inconsistent. Even so, I'd go there again without hesitation. Hotel restaurants were great but $$$ if you're pinching pennies. Express pass for the parks and water taxi to and fro were perfect. If you're going to visit Universal, and want a quiet, family oriented, very nice place to stay, this is it.
Reviewed by traveler from Yorktown, VA on January 2, 2006 |
| good hotel |
Overall: 4 |
Service
4 |
Condition
4 |
Cleanliness
5 |
Comfort
5 |
Recommend
Yes |
| once you overcome the obviously lack of authenticity of it all and the italian ambient music all over the place... its a nice hotel, with nice pools and only italian restaurants...
Reviewed by traveler on December 29, 2005 |
| Not so much bang for a lot of bucks |
Overall: 2 |
Service
2 |
Condition
2 |
Cleanliness
2 |
Comfort
2 |
Recommend
No |
| I visited this hotel when they first opened, but did not stay there at that time. I thought that it was beautiful and very luxurious as themed resorts go. On this particular trip, I decided to stay here with my daughter and we were looking forward to it. We spent the extra money for the club room and were very dissappointed with it. Club service is dismal and the quality of appitizers and snacks were not much better than if we hit the local pantry store. The food never varied on all four days of our stay. As for our room, it seemed nice enough, but the bathroom was dirty upon our arrival and after housekeeping came up, it was not much better. After being at the parks all day, one would expect the room to be attended to, but they did not get around to ours until after 6:00 in the evening. This is when we are in the habit of showering before dinner, so there was no housekeeping for us two out of four days. I would not stay there again and I definitely warn against paying extra for the club rooms!
Reviewed by traveler from Chicago, Illinois on December 20, 2005 |
| Romantic getaway near the playground |
Overall: 5 |
Service
5 |
Condition
5 |
Cleanliness
5 |
Comfort
5 |
Recommend
Yes |
| This substantial hotel is smartly disguised as a collection of houses in the namesake Italian village. Its location on the lake dotted by fishing boat wrecks adds to the charm provided by the architectural details, frescoes and sculptures. Far away from the busy and active CityWalk and any roads, the location provides a quiet serenity. A vaporetto is the preferred transportation means to the park although a walk through the tropical gardens and under the many bridges is recommended at least once. The staff is friendly and professional. Rooms are quite large and the bathrooms are very spacious. Quality construction details and comfort features (bed, bathroom, AC, etc.) don t go unnoticed. Spectacular Roman swimming pools are worth reserving somt time for. The only drawback could be the casual table manners of some of the guests.
Reviewed by traveler from New York on December 19, 2005 |
| Christmas at Universal Portofino Bay Hotel |
Overall: 5 |
Service
5 |
Condition
5 |
Cleanliness
5 |
Comfort
5 |
Recommend
Yes |
| We just returned from a wonderful family vacation in Orlando staying at the lovely Portofino Bay Hotel. The staff went out of their way to make our stay enjoyable. The room was very comfortable. They even put four "fluffy" pillows on each bed at night! We have found our new "home" in Orlando! Not to mention the kids loved using their room keys to fast pass at Universal.
Reviewed by traveler from Nashville, TN on December 7, 2005 |
| Love it |
Overall: 5 |
Service
5 |
Condition
5 |
Cleanliness
5 |
Comfort
5 |
Recommend
Yes |
| This was our 3rd visit to the Portofino in the past year and a half. We love this hotel. I espcially love the italian music playing everywhere and the ferry over to Universal. The Mandara spa is wonderful.
Reviewed by traveler from Dublin, OH on December 2, 2005 |
| not impressed |
Overall: 3 |
Service
2 |
Condition
4 |
Cleanliness
4 |
Comfort
3 |
Recommend
No |
| For the price we paid,you didn`t even get breakfast. The only good thing about staying at this hotel was you could use your key card in the parks for the express lines. its to expensive, for the food and the rooms.
Reviewed by traveler from Berea,Ohio on November 29, 2005 |
| Ease of travel to Universal Park |
Overall: 5 |
Service
5 |
Condition
5 |
Cleanliness
5 |
Comfort
5 |
Recommend
Yes |
| Having the ferry's right outside your door to take you to the theme parks was a very big plus.
Reviewed by traveler from Middletown, NY on October 19, 2005 |
| A wonderful experience !!!!! |
Overall: 5 |
Service
5 |
Condition
5 |
Cleanliness
5 |
Comfort
5 |
Recommend
Yes |
| We will love to go back to this Hotel, rooms very nice beds very comfortable, food options good a little price on some things but the athmosphere , the hotel service, we enjoy it very much also you can take your dog and you could see a lot of families with their dogs having a great time , great thingsto do for kids we are going back to this hotel no doubt about it!!!!!!!!!!!
Reviewed by traveler from san antonio texas on June 3, 2005 |
| Great Hotel! |
Overall: 5 |
Service
5 |
Condition
5 |
Cleanliness
5 |
Comfort
5 |
Recommend
Yes |
| The Portofino was a very nice hotel. I loved the way it was connected to all of Universal's attractions by water ferry. It was very convenient. The spa is a little pricey, but it was very nice. The beach pool was closed, which was closest to our room. We didn't like that and were surprised because it was right before Memorial Day weekend. Other than that, I would definitely stay there again!
Reviewed by traveler from Atlanta on June 1, 2005 |
| Beautiful Italian Village |
Overall: 5 |
Service
5 |
Condition
5 |
Cleanliness
5 |
Comfort
5 |
Recommend
Yes |
| The hotel is a replica of Portofino Bay, Italy. Ask for a bay view room and you can enjoy the beautiful harbor and the cafes. The grounds are beautifully landscaped with paths for early morning or evening strolls. There are plenty of restaurants both for romantic dinners or family dining. The water taxi connects you to Universal amusements and City Walk for dining, shopping, and nightly entertainment. Thoroughly enjoyed my stay. Definitely recommend to both families and couples.
Reviewed by traveler from Churchville, MD on May 25, 2005 |
| Great hotel |
Overall: 5 |
Service
5 |
Condition
5 |
Cleanliness
5 |
Comfort
5 |
Recommend
Yes |
| Portofino is a beautiful hotel and we were very happy with our stay there. The room was very nice. My son especially liked the phone right by the toilet! Would definitely go back.
Reviewed by traveler from Philadelphia on May 24, 2005 |
| Very Nice Hotel |
Overall: 4 |
Service
4 |
Condition
4 |
Cleanliness
4 |
Comfort
3 |
Recommend
Yes |
| Nice Hotel a great time, and pool, resturants & resort amenities were excellent.
Reviewed by traveler from Media, Pa on May 12, 2005 |
| We Miss Our Portofino |
Overall: 5 |
Service
5 |
Condition
5 |
Cleanliness
5 |
Comfort
5 |
Recommend
Yes |
| We had a delightful stay, everything was perfect. The hotel was a perfect beginning and ending of each day of fun. The employees were very friendly and the service was great. The only problem leaving.
Reviewed by traveler from wa on May 10, 2005 |
| Best hotel near a theme park |
Overall: 1 |
Service
1 |
Condition
1 |
Cleanliness
1 |
Comfort
1 |
Recommend
Yes |
| I have stayed at his hotel over 10 times in the lase 3 years. It is by far one the top hotels near a theme park in Orlando. The added plus is the "fast pass" access to Universal Theme Parks when you stay at one one of Universal Studio hotels. It allows you to really enjoy the parks no matter what time of year you decide to go.
Reviewed by traveler from Fort Lauderdale, FL on May 9, 2005 |
| Best place do stay at universal... |
Overall: 5 |
Service
4 |
Condition
5 |
Cleanliness
4 |
Comfort
5 |
Recommend
Yes |
| The hotel is in a great location. Good restaurants and comfortable rooms. The best place to stay in Orlando.
Reviewed by traveler from Lawrenceville,GA on May 4, 2005 |
| wonderful experience. |
Overall: 5 |
Service
5 |
Condition
5 |
Cleanliness
5 |
Comfort
5 |
Recommend
Yes |
| Nice Italian ambience.Designed like an Italian village with multiple restuarants and delis.All are very good.Service throughout is prompt and very courteous.Very clean throughout the entire property.Spacious room with very large bathroom with separate tub and large glass walled shower.Nitely Italian singers on patios and in court yard.Pools very nice,one like a beach with a slide[families].The other pool is in a very serene settings with cabanas.The more I write the more I want to return.
Reviewed by traveler from Boston,Mass on April 28, 2005 |
| A Great Hotel |
Overall: 5 |
Service
5 |
Condition
5 |
Cleanliness
5 |
Comfort
5 |
Recommend
Yes |
| This is a great place to stay. We especially enjoyed the restaurants. The courtyard was a nice relaxing place to sip a latte and enjoy the evening.
Reviewed by traveler from Avon, Ct. on April 27, 2005 |
| Beautiful |
Overall: 4 |
Service
3 |
Condition
3 |
Cleanliness
5 |
Comfort
5 |
Recommend
Yes |
| Hotel is beautiful. Rooms are well appointed. Facilities are very nice. Boat ride to Universal is special. Downside, if you have a room at the end of the floors, it is a great distance to main part of hotel and dining.
Reviewed by traveler from danbury ct. on April 27, 2005 |
| Very Good Experience |
Overall: 4 |
Service
4 |
Condition
5 |
Cleanliness
4 |
Comfort
5 |
Recommend
Yes |
| Overall a very nice experience. Would definitely reccomend this hotel to friends but it is a bit overpriced.
Reviewed by traveler from Lakeland, FL on February 16, 2005 |
| Can't wait to go back |
Overall: 5 |
Service
5 |
Condition
5 |
Cleanliness
5 |
Comfort
5 |
Recommend
Yes |
| The hotel is charming and beautiful just like Portofino Italy! What a wonderful romantic getaway for two! I can't wait to go back.
Reviewed by traveler from Orlando, FL on January 20, 2005 |
| Knowing what I now know, would not do it any other way. |
Overall: 5 |
Service
5 |
Condition
5 |
Cleanliness
5 |
Comfort
5 |
Recommend
Yes |
| Hotel and amenities great. If you are planning a trip to Universal I would never, ever go there without staying at an onsite hotel. This was the first time I stayed at a Universal hotel and it made the entire experience fantastic. Forget that it may cost you a little more, what you spend is more paid back tenfold in the experience.
Reviewed by traveler from North Bergen, NJ on January 16, 2005 |
| Great hotel with Universal privaleges |
Overall: 5 |
Service
5 |
Condition
5 |
Cleanliness
5 |
Comfort
5 |
Recommend
Yes |
| Great hotel and you can go to the fastpass line as many times as you want at Universal - just show them your hotel key! NIce big rooms and everyone at the hotel was extremely nice!!
Reviewed by traveler from Connecticut (1 hour from NYC) on January 13, 2005 |
| Loew's Portofino Bay "A Great Place to Stay" |
Overall: 5 |
Service
5 |
Condition
5 |
Cleanliness
5 |
Comfort
5 |
Recommend
Yes |
| My husband, son and I stayed at this hotel during the Christmas season. The hotel is wonderful, the staff was great and we had a wonderful time. Staying at the onsite hotel gave us express access to all the attractions we wanted to visit and that was great. We waited no more than 20 minutes per attraction we visited. When I go back, my plan is to stay on the grounds again. I believe this is the best way to go.
Reviewed by traveler from Chicago, IL on January 13, 2005 |
| Needs Cleaning!! |
Overall: 4 |
Service
4 |
Condition
3 |
Cleanliness
3 |
Comfort
4 |
Recommend
No |
| We have been at this hotel several times, but they are not keeping it up. The pool was dirty, many, many pets alowed, the rooms are showing their age.
Reviewed by traveler from Minneapolis MN on January 7, 2005 |
| Loved the atmosphere! |
Overall: 4 |
Service
5 |
Condition
4 |
Cleanliness
4 |
Comfort
4 |
Recommend
Yes |
| Being able to show your room key at Islands of Adventure and Universal for Express access was the greatest!!! I have told at least ten people about it already!!!
Reviewed by traveler from Aspen, Co on December 16, 2004 |
| WOW! This place has it all! |
Overall: 5 |
Service
5 |
Condition
5 |
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