Celebrate la dolce vita which means “the sweet life” at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando. This hotel is located in the heart of Universal Orlando walking distance or a boat ride away from Universal Parks and CityWalk. It is run by the luxury hotel chain called Loews Hotels.
This luxurious and family friendly hotel re-creates the charm and romance of the famed seaside Italian village. We have been to Italy and this resort feels exactly like Portofino in Italy. You will walk down cobblestone streets and dine at outdoor cafes. We love the Harbor Piazza that sits on the water with dining and shopping around the courtyard (just like Italy). It truly feels like Italy in the middle of Universal Orlando Resort!
Universal Orlando Resort Perks
Universal Orlando Resort Hotels include a lot of amazing perks, just for you. Here are a few of the perks.
Early Park Admission
With Early Park Admission, you get access to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Florida or Universal’s Islands of Adventure. During Covid-19, you get Early Park Admission at Universal Studios Florida.
We love this perk! You get a head start at the Universal Orlando theme parks to ride your favorite rides and attractions, before park opening.
Package Delivery
As you are visiting Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, or Universal CityWalk; you may find some fun souvenirs. You can take advantage of a free service called package pick up. Universal will deliver your souvenirs to your resort for you to pick up later.
Charge Purchases to your Room
You can use your room key at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel Orlando to charge any meals, souvenirs, spa treatments, or snacks to your room from anywhere at Universal Orlando Resort. You can then pay for your incidentals when you check out.
Stay & Play at Other Universal Hotels
When you stay at one Universal Orlando Resort, you can play at any of the other resorts. The other Universal Orlando Hotels include Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Sapphire Falls Hotel, Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Aventura Hotel, and Endless Summer Hotel.
We love these perks, just for Universal Orlando Resort guests.
Transportation
We love the location of the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. You are walking distance from Universal Parks and Universal CityWalk. There is a path along the water front that takes you to the entrance to Universal Studios and CityWalk. You can also take a water taxi to Universal CityWalk if you would like a leisure boat ride.
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel also offers a shuttle bus to Universal’s Volcano Bay Water Park.
Universal Express Unlimited
Imagine getting VIP access to every ride and attraction at both Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. As a guest at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, you get Universal Express passes for FREE. This is a huge savings!
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel Amenities
As the most expensive resort at Universal Orlando Resort, there are a lot of amenities for the whole family at Portofino Bay.
Swimming Pools
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel has more outdoor pools than any other Universal Orlando Hotel. They have three pools called the Beach Pool, Villa Pool, and Hillside Pool.
- The Beach Pool is the ultimate family friendly pool with a sandy beach, beach entry pool, waterslide, children’s splash park, hot tub, and outdoor restaurant. You may even see the recreation team hosting poolside games.
- The Villa Pool is a family friendly pool, but with more upgraded amenities including cabanas and lounge chairs.
- The Hillside Pool is on the east side of the hotel and is considered the adult or quiet pool.
Mandara Spa
We love the Mandara Spa! This is always a “must do” for mommy during a visit to Portofino Bay. The word Mandara is Sanskrit and comes from an ancient legend about the gods’ quest to find the secret to eternal youth and beauty. Just the word makes me more relaxed! LOL!
The Mandara Spa has facials, body treatments, massages, and salon treatments. Click here to view a PDF with all of the treatments.
The Mandara Spa features:
- 14 private treatment rooms
- Two couples’ rooms
- Relaxation lounges
- Co-ed lounge
- Co-ed hydro-therapy pool
- Separate men’s and women’s sauna and steam rooms
- Full-service hair and nail salon
- Full-service Fitness Center
- Retail boutique
Campo Portofino
We love hotels that offer kids clubs. Portofino Bay offers Campo Portofino for kids ages 4 through 14. There are tons of activities for all of the kids. They have arts and crafts, stories, computers, video games, movies, board games, and other activities. Your kids young and older will have a blast with the counselors.
This allows you to enjoy dinner at Portofino or walk over to CityWalk for evening entertainment. There is an additional fee for Campo Portofino.
Activities
This hotel features a lot of activities for the whole family, including bocce ball, ping pong, jogging trails, fitness center, and game room. Something for the young and young at heart.
Shopping
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel also features more shopping than any other Universal Orlando Hotel with 5 merchandise shops including Alta Moda, Family Art Photography & Printing, L’Ancora, Le Memories de Portofino, and The Universal Store. You can find fine Italian attire, gifts, and resort wear along with your favorite Universal Orlando merchandise.
- World-class Mandara Spa at Portofino Bay including full service fitness center. Click here for more information and to make an appointment
- Campo Portofino ® supervised children’s activity center (fees apply)
- Bocce ball courts, jogging paths, game room and variety of hotel activities
- Concierge Desk – Destination Universal
Portofino Bay Hotel Restaurants & Lounges
Bice Ristorante
Bice Ristorante is pronounced Bee-chay and is an Italian fine dining experience. Since 1926, Bice’s reputation throughout the world for outstanding food and superb service precedes itself. All dishes are freshly prepared, including handmade pasta, delicious entree and handmade pasta and desserts.
Mama Della’s Ristorante
At Mama’s everyone is family! Here in Mama’s living room you’ll enjoy abundant portions of authentic Old World favorites from the Tuscany, Naples and Piemonte regions. You will love all of the Italian cuisine and lots of laughs and musical fun during your meal.
Click on the links below to view the menus.
Trattoria del Porto®
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, families will enjoy friendly service, diverse regional offerings, and plentiful buffets. Character dining available on select evenings.
Click on the links below to view the menus.
The Thirsty Fish®
This casual dockside bar is perfect for viewing the sunset from the piazza. It’s the ideal place to relax with family or friends.
Bar American
This lobby lounge is the epitome of elegance. Savor exquisite appetizers while you sample your favorite beverage.
Gelateria – Starbucks
Tempting biscotti, homemade gelato, and luscious pastries are a few of the items offered at the Gelateria and Starbucks dining spots. They are located in individual shops right next to each other, so you can grab a coffee and your kids can grab an ice cream.
We love picking up a Starbucks early in the morning and just relax on the piazza overlooking the water. This makes me feel like I am in Italy.
Sal’s Market Deli
A sensational assortment of Italian meats, cheeses, antipasto and salads are just part of what Sal’s has to offer.
Click on the links below to view the menus.
Splendido Bar & Grill
One of our favorite restaurants is the poolside spot called Splendido Bar & Grill. You can grab a casual lunch in between pool time!
Room Service
If you want to enjoy a relaxing morning, you can order room service at Portofino Bay Hotel. The room service is open 24 hours a day.
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel Room Amenities
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel features 750 elegant guest rooms and 45 suites. Once you enter your room you may never want to leave. Every guest room offers authentic Italian furnishings and marble accents. The rooms remind me of the quaint rooms we stayed in during our visit to Cinqa Terra in Italy. They are warm but sleek. It is the perfect home during a Universal Orlando vacation.
Some of the room amenities include:
- Smart room technology for automated heated and air conditioning
- Bathroom feature dual sinks, Lather skin and body care products, hair dryer, and make-up mirror and TV audio speaker
- Keurig coffee makers featuring Chef Emeril’s gourmet coffee and assorted teas
- Refreshment pantry
- Cotton signature bathrobes
- Iron, ironing board and in-room safe
- In-room wireless high-speed internet access (fees apply – complimentary wireless high-speed internet access in public areas)
- Daily newspaper delivery to guest rooms (upon request)
- Evening turndown service (upon request)
- Rollaway beds available upon request for an additional fee
Upgrade to Club Level Rooms (additional fees apply)
- 94 rooms in total – all deluxe rooms at 490 square feet
- Complimentary access to the Mandara Apa fitness center
- Personal concierge services to meet our guests’ vacation needs including pre-arrival arrangements
- Access to the Portofino Club Lounge, a 3,500 square foot lounge staffed from 7 AM-10 PM daily featuring:
- Complimentary coffee, tea, and soft drinks throughout the day
- Continental breakfast served each morning (7-10:30 AM Monday-Friday and 7-11 AM Saturday-Sunday)
- Afternoon break – iced tea, lemonade, assorted snacks (12-3:30 PM)
- Hot & cold hors d’oeuvers and complimentary beer and wine (4:30-6:30 PM)
- “Something Sweet” each night (8:00-9:00 PM)
- Computer access and TV viewing area
- Board games lending library
Garden View Rooms at Portofino Bay Hotel
The standards for a standard room have just been raised. Equipped with either a king bed or two queen beds, our basic room is capable of sleeping up to five – 485 square feet.
Bay View Rooms at Portofino Bay Hotel
Immerse yourself in the surrounding European charm simply by looking out your window. Equipped with either a king bed or two queen beds, your room overlooks the piazza and Portofino’s scenic harbor – 485 square feet.
Deluxe Rooms at Portofino Bay Hotel
These elegantly appointed accommodations feature an even larger living space, plus a separate tub and shower in a stylish and roomy bathroom. Equipped with either a king bed or two queen beds, additional amenities include VCP (video cassette player) and CD player. Enjoy a view of one of the pools and surrounding gardens – 525 square feet.
Portofino Club Lounge
Guests can now enjoy the very finest in European hospitality when they upgrade to the Club Level. In addition to a welcome amenity featuring a custom CD of classic Italian music and a nightly Portofino Bay themed turndown amenity, Club Level guests will be treated to an array of exclusive amenities in the new Portofino Club Lounge, where they’ll enjoy daily continental breakfast, evening hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine service, nightly desserts including cookies and milk and more.
Kids Suites Featuring Despicable Me at Portofino Bay Hotel
This suite is single entry and is equipped with a Bay View room for the adults plus a separate room for the kids. Kids rooms are decorated with Despicable Me and include two twin beds or bunk beds, small table and chairs, separate closet, television, VCP (video cassette player) and CD player. 650 – 675 sq ft.
Suites at Portofino Bay Hotel
Bask in glorious comfort and spacious accommodations in one of three different style suites. Each suite consists of a parlor connected to a standard bedroom, with either 2 queen beds or a king bed. All suites have 2 full bathrooms, 2 two televisions and pullout double sofa.
Portofino Bay Rock Hotel Extra Information
- Check-in time: 4:00 PM and check-out time: 11:00 AM
- Safety deposit box is available at the front desk on a complimentary basis
- Address is 5601 Universal Blvd in Orlando, Florida
- Photo ID is required at check in, along with a credit card for any additional charges like souvenirs or parking
- Self parking and valet parking is available for an additional fee
- All of the rooms are non-smoking
- Business center is available for work options during your vacation
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel FAQ
Can you walk from Loews Portofino to Universal Studios? Yes, there is a designated path from Portofino Bay to the entrance to Universal Studios and Universal CityWalk. The path follows the water to Hard Rock Hotel and then to Universal CityWalk. You can also take a water taxi from Portofino Bay to Universal CityWalk.
Which is better Loews Portofino or Royal Pacific? Portofino Bay Hotel is the most expensive resort at Universal Orlando Resort. It also features more resort amenities than other Universal Hotels. This includes more restaurants, three pools, bocce ball, and additional shopping. If you are looking for more opportunities, Portofino is a better choice.
However, many guests prefer the tropical atmosphere of Royal Pacific. You are right in the middle of the Polynesian Islands at this resort. This is one of the most popular Universal Orlando hotels.
How do I get from the Orlando Airport to the Universal’s Loews Portofino Bay Hotel? You can take a taxi, Uber, private towncar, rental car, or even a shuttle transfer. Our friends at Destinations in Florida can help you book a shuttle transfer. You can even add a shuttle transfer right into your Universal Orlando package at Portofino Bay Hotel.
Where is Universal’s Loews Portofino Bay Hotel located? The address for Portofino Bay Hotel is 5601 Universal Blvd in Orlando, Florida. This resort is located in the United States.
When is check-in time and check-out time at Universal’s Loews Portofino Bay Hotel? Check in at Portofino Bay is 4 PM and check out is 11 AM. Universal Orlando has express check out. If you leave a credit card on file at check in, you do not even need to stop by the front desk. Your incidentals will just be charged to your credit card on file and you will receive an email with the charges.
Does Universal’s Loews Portofino Bay Hotel offer free Wi-Fi? Yes, they do offer free wifi.
Does Universal’s Loews Portofino Bay Hotel offer free parking? No, they do not offer free parking. They offer self parking and valet. There is a fee for both parking options.
Does Universal’s Loews Portofino Bay Hotel offer free airport shuttle service? They do not offer free airport shuttle service. Our friends at Destinations in Florida can help you book a shuttle transfer. You can even add a shuttle transfer right into your Universal Orlando package at Portofino Bay Hotel.
How far is Universal’s Loews Portofino Bay Hotel from the airport? Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is about 10 miles from the Orlando International Airport. You can take a taxi, Uber, private towncar, rental car, or even a shuttle transfer. Our friends at Destinations in Florida can help you book a shuttle transfer. You can even add a shuttle transfer right into your Universal Orlando package at Hard Rock.
Does Universal’s Loews Portofino Bay Hotel have a pool? Yes, they have three pools and they are all heated.
How far is Portofino Bay from Walt Disney World? These two resort areas are very close, about 15 miles.
We love creating split vacations and spending a few days at Disney World and then hopping over to Universal Orlando and spending a few days at Universal Orlando Resort (and Harry Potter). Universal even adds a transportation option in their packages that will pick you up at your Disney Resort and take you to Universal Orlando, so you do not even have to worry about our crazy Orlando traffic. You can contact Destinations in Florida for more information about booking your Universal Orlando Package with transfers.
One of my favorite destinations in the world is Italy. I love that I can take my kids to Loews Portofino Bay Hotel with the look, feel, and taste of Italy without leaving the United States. Plus, we can visit Wizarding World of Harry Potter while we are there. 😀
Have you been to this hotel? What did you like or not like about this hotel?
