Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando is amazing. This onsite Universal Orlando Hotel is actually my favorite of the Premier Hotels. I love the theming, the rooms, and the location! I am excited to share all my thoughts about Loews Portofino Bay Hotel with you!

As soon as guests arrive at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, they know they are in for a unique and amazing experience. Loews Portofino Bay looks as if it is straight out of Portofino Italy. The theming and architecture work together beautifully to make this a truly deluxe and luxurious resort destination for families and adults alike. You do not need to go far past the entrance to feel as if you have been transported to Italy-plus the beautiful bay in the center of the resort is the perfect addition to making you feel as if you have been transported to another place. Everywhere you look, you will see a small detail that reminds you of Portofino itself.

Universal Orlando offers guests several onsite resorts-all with a variety of theming, amenities, and budget. The three Premier Onsite Hotels-Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific, and Loews Portofino Bay-all stand out for their very own reasons. Of these, Portofino Bay is continually my favorite.

The Location of Portofino Bay is Amazing.

Location of any theme park hotel or resort is key to me. I like to access the parks quickly, and have multiple modes of transportation. Loews Portofino Bay offers guests water taxis AND a walking path to Universal’s Citywalk. Universal’s Citywalk is where guests will find the park entrances to both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.

Also, guests go through security before boarding the water taxi, or as they approach Citywalk via the walking path. This is a HUGE timesaver. You can just go straight to the ticket entrances and make your way into the park!

The Guest Rooms are the Largest of all the Onsite Universal Resorts.

Loews Portofino Bay’s guest rooms are giant. This hotel offers over 750 guest rooms, with an average size of a regular guest room being 450 square feet. They are the largest in terms of square footage of all the standard rooms on Universal property. Standard guest rooms offer two queen beds, with lots of floor space. We easily fit a rollaway in our room for our fifth person in our family. There is plenty of storage as well!

Loews Portofino Bay also offers club level rooms and suites, including the adorable Despicable Me Minion themed suites! These are so fun when you are visiting Universal Orlando with kids!

Guests who book a Club Level Room have access to the Club Level Lounge. This gives you access to snacks, sodas, breakfast, appetizers, drinks, and a great place to hang out!

Not only is the bedroom area large, but the bathrooms are as well. They offer a split bath set up, with two sinks and vanity area with a shower, separate from the toilet. They are beautiful, and seriously gigantic.

Onsite Benefits Available to Guests of Loews Portofino Bay

As an onsite Universal resort guests, those staying at Loew’s Portofino Bay have access to some fabulous onsite benefits. First, guests of Loews Portofino Bay Hotel automatically have Universal’s Unlimited Express Pass included on their park tickets. Universal’s Unlimited Express Pass allows you front of the line access to most attractions in the Universal parks. This is a huge perk of staying at one of the Premier onsite resorts!

Second, onsite guests have Early Park Admission. Everyday, one of the Universal parks opens one hour early to onsite guests. Combining this with the great location of Portofino Bay and Universal’s Express Pass, you can easily have an amazing day at Universal and still go back to Loew’s Portofino Bay for an afternoon break!

Guests also receive the following as onsite resort guests:

Complimentary WiFi
Resort wide charging privileges
Merchandise delivery
Complimentary water taxis and shuttles

Loews Portofino Bay has Unique Amenities

Loews Portofino Bay is home to THREE beautiful pools. They offer the Beach Pool, Hillside Pool, the Villa Pool. Each of these offers a unique experience, whether you are looking for a quiet and serene atmosphere, or a fun water slide and beach play area.

The Villa Pool offers more exclusivity and quiet than the others. Children are welcome, but you will often find only adults in this area. Here you will find upgraded loungers and cabana rentals. Most families prefer the Beach Pool. The Beach Pool has a sand play area, a Roman aqueduct themed water slide, beach balls, and hot tubs. This area has more of a lively atmosphere, and an amazing pool bar-Splendid Bar and Grill.

The Hillside Pool is VERY adult friendly-I am not sure if it is officially an adults only pool. However, I would say that it is the most adult friendly, private pool area at the hotel. If you want to enjoy some pool time in a quiet atmosphere with no children, this is the best one.

Guests can also enjoy Bocce Ball, pool side activities, and even live music on the piazza at night. If you’d like some pampering, the Mandara Spa and Fitness Center offer guests full service spa and fitness options.

In the evenings, guests can watch movies by the pools, enjoy live music, or even take a nice walk around the piazza.

Dining at Loews Portofino Bay

True to ALl onsite Universal Resorts, Loew’s Portofino Bay does have a Starbucks! But, that is not the only dining location at this Premier resort.

The flavors of Italy are prominent at this hotel. Guests can enjoy a Northern Italy experience at Bice, or a more family style option at Mama Della’s. Both of these locations also have very kid friendly options, alongside an Italian menu. Plus, Loews Portofino Bay is home to gelato! Guests can find authentic Italian gelato at Gelateria, located on the Piazza Harbor.

Trattoria al Porto is also not to be missed. They serve breakfast and dinner. They also offer indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a very extensive menu. This location also has a fun kids play area, so it’s great for families!

For guests who prefer a quick service, Sal’s Deli is the “grab and go” option at Loews Portofino Bay. Sal’s does offer seating and serves all three meals of the day. It’s also a great place to grab a snack.

Quick Facts about Loews Portofino Bay Hotel;

Steven Spielberg headed the design team by suggesting it be themed after Portofino, Italy.
The “Beach” Pool is considered the best pool in all of the Universal resorts, and one of the top pools in Orlando.
Portofino Bay is pet friendly.
Of the three, Portofino Bay is typically the most expensive.
Most rooms at Portofino Bay do not have a balcony.

This Italian seaside themed resort at Universal Orlando is my favorite. Thanks to the pastel colored buildings, bay area, and restaurants along the harbor, you truly feel like you are in another place! It makes a beautiful escape for families and couples. The atmosphere is beautiful and relaxing. Whether you are looking for the perks of a Premier Resort, or a place to relax with just a day or two in the theme parks, Loews Portofino Bay is a great option!

Carrie Hurst

Not only do I love sharing all my vacation tips and ideas here on A Princess and Her Pirates, but I also work alongside families to create magical vacation memories year after year! Email me at carrie@destinationsinflorida.com to begin the planning process, and join hundreds of families on my current guest list.