Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

by Heather | Jun 21, 2022 | Homepage Featured, Premier Hotels, Universal Orlando Resort

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is one of three premier hotels at the Universal Orlando Resort. Inspired by the Italian village of Portofino, this hotel offers luxury with a variety of amenities and close proximity to the theme parks.

Resort Overview

The hotel opened in 1999 and was designed to give Universal Orlando guests a luxurious vacation experience, just a short distance from the park. It is one of three premier hotels at the Universal Orlando Resort, offering a water taxi to and from Universal CityWalk. It is a serene location, with bay views and beautiful architecture. Although it is a little further compared to the Hard Rock Hotel or Loews Royal Pacific Resort, this is a benefit for a more relaxing vacation experience.

Reasons We Love This Resort:

Theme: This hotel is gorgeous, inspired by the Italian village of Portofino. From the guest rooms to the dining options and the restaurants, the whole experience exudes elegance.

Amenities: Although guests are just a short water taxi ride or walk to the theme parks, it’s easy to spend your whole visit at this hotel too! With delicious restaurants the whole family will love, a spa with a variety of options to help you relax, live music, and beautiful pools, there is plenty to do during your stay. In addition, since it is a premier hotel, Universal Express Pass Unlimited is included for the length of your stay. Having this amenity is sure to make for an amazing theme park experience too!

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
• Weddings
• 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

Room Types

There are 750 guest rooms and 45 suites at Loews Portofino Bay Resort. The suites are of varying sizes, designed to accommodate travel parties of any size and additional rooms can be added for more space. Each standard guest room includes the following amenities:

• 300-thread-count, 100% cotton bed linens
• Complimentary turndown service (upon request)
• WiFi access in each guest room and throughout the hotel
• Bathrobes & towels
• Julien Farel skin and body care products
• Flat Panel Television
• Hair dryer & make-up mirror
• Separate bath and vanity area with two sinks
• On-Demand movies (fee applies)
• Clock radio with docking station
• In-room safe
• Iron & ironing board
• Keurig coffee maker
• Mini refrigerator
• USB ports & outlets

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

Club Level Rooms

Photo Courtesy Universal Orlando

When you opt to stay in a club-level room at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, you will have access to the newly remodeled, 3,500 square-foot club lounge, located off of the main lobby. Throughout the day, head to the lounge to enjoy your choice of food and beverages including continental breakfast, hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, and complimentary beer and wine.

Suites

Photo Courtesy Universal Orlando

Photo Courtesy Universal Orlando

Photo Courtesy Universal Orlando

Photo Courtesy Universal Orlando

Photo Courtesy Universal Orlando

Photo Courtesy Universal Orlando

Photo Courtesy Universal Orlando

Photo Courtesy Universal Orlando

Photo Courtesy Universal Orlando

Photo Courtesy Universal Orlando

Photo Courtesy Universal Orlando

Photo Courtesy Universal Orlando

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

Dining Information

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.

All Dining & Lounges

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 Porto^TM

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 Deli^TM

Enjoy Italian favorites such as homemade pizzas, sandwiches, and salads, along with fresh fruit and cheeses.

The Thirsty Fish^TM

This waterfront bar has a casual atmosphere serving champagne, beer, and cocktails. There is also a menu with appetizers.

Splendido Bar & Grill^TM

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

When you stay at Loews Portofino Bay Resort, the Universal Orlando theme parks are right at your fingertips! You may be wondering how to get to each one.

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 15 – 20 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 15-20 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 Universal Orlando 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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