Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando Resort, Orlando

Virgin rating

Standard Two Queen Room
Despicable Me Kid's Suite
Sal's Market Deli
Mama Della's Ristorante
MANDARA Spa®
MANDARA Spa®
A video preview image
Standard Two Queen Room
Despicable Me Kid's Suite
Sal's Market Deli
Mama Della's Ristorante
MANDARA Spa®
MANDARA Spa®

The hotel

Experience la dolce vita — the sweet life — at Loews Portofino Bay at Universal Orlando. Set on a stunning harbour, prepare to be transported to the charming, picturesque Italian seaside and cobblestoned streets. Sit and enjoy the views over the glistening harbour waters while sipping on a coffee. Taste traditional Italian food in one of the many restaurants. And, when the sun’s shining, jump into one of the pools to cool off. The parks are only a water taxi or shuttle bus away, and you’ll benefit from amazing extras such as FREE** Universal Express Unlimited ride access, allowing you to skip the regular lines in Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure all day (Valid theme park admission required) and Early Park Admission† to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ and Universal’s Volcano Bay.

Amenities

  • Kids Club
  • Wheelchair access
  • Families
  • Bar
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Games Room
  • Hot tub
  • Restaurant
  • Room Service
  • Safety Deposit Box
  • Spa
  • Swimming Pool

Where is it

Within easy walking distance of Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure plus Universal CityWalk and a quick shuttle bus ride to Universal's Volcano Bay. A water taxi or shuttle bus is also available to reach all 3 parks and Universal CityWalk. Transfer time from Orlando International Airport: 20 minutes.

Hotel information

750 rooms. All with air-conditioning, 42" flat-screen TV, iPod docking station, coffee maker, safe, iron and board, bathrobes, and hairdryer. Nightly turn-down service on-request. Garden View Rooms are 450 sq ft and have views of the lawns and gardens, with 1 king-size bed or 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 4 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.

Bay View Rooms are 450 sq ft and overlook the piazza and scenic harbour, with 1 king-size bed or 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 4 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. 

Deluxe Rooms are 490 sq ft and have views of the villa pool or the beach pool, with a larger living space and 1 king-size bed or 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 4 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. 

Club Rooms are 490 sq ft and include exclusive club benefits (listed below), with 1 king-size bed or 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 4 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. 

Despicable Me Kids Suites are large family suites, featuring two bedrooms and a separate kids room with a small table and chair set, wardrobe and TV. With 1 king-size bed in the master bedroom, and twin beds or bunk beds in the second bedroom, sleeping maximum 4 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. (Please note: the children's bedroom only opens into the adult's bedroom). 


Club Level Rooms include access to the Portofino Club Lounge, offering the following benefits:  

Access to an exclusive Lounge for American buffet breakfast, drinks and afternoon snacks 

Access to the exclusive Compass Club Lounge for private breakfast, drinks and afternoon snacks  

Please note: all rooms can have an additional rollaway bed, sleeping a 3rd child. Rollaway beds are at an additional cost, payable locally

  • Book 7 nights or more for travel before 31 Dec '25 and receive up to 30% off your accommodation rates. Any applicable offers have been calculated into the prices shown. Offers may not be combinable.

Complimentary water taxis or shuttle buses to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay and CityWalk™. Self-parking $28, Valet parking $37, both plus tax, per day (payable locally, subject to change).

Bice Ristorante (Italian cuisine, open for dinner). Mama Della's Ristorante (Italian food, open for dinner). Trattoria del Porto (Italian with a modern twist, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner). Sal's Market Deli (pizza, sandwiches and deli items, open for lunch and dinner). Splendido Bar and Grill^ (poolside dining). Gelateria (breakfast items, ice cream and milkshakes). Starbucks®. The Thirsty Fish (harbourside bar with evening entertainment on select nights). 24-hour room service*.

'Musica della Notte' (Music of the Night), an evening musical celebration at the Harbour Piazza.

Beach pool with water-slide, a sandy beach, adjacent children's pool, poolside games, 2 hot tubs and private cabanas*. Villa pool with private cabanas*. Hillside pool (quiet pool). Kids' camp* (reservations required), Mandara Spa®*. Fitness centre with hot tub, sauna and steam rooms*. Games room*.

Resort-wide charging privileges with your room key card. Complimentary delivery of merchandise purchased throughout the resort to your hotel. Wake-up call from one of your favourite Universal Orlando characters*. Gift and retail shops. Concierge. Complimentary WiFi. Universal Vacation Planning Centre.

Wheelchair accessible rooms available on request. Please note that these rooms are subject to availability and may be restricted to specific room categories and bedding arrangements. Rooms and facilities vary between hotels so please check at the time of booking. To discover all the special assistance services we offer please see additional information below.

2 nights at all times.

 

Please note: Due to renovation work, this hotel is currenly only on sale for 2025 departures.

WIZARDING WORLD and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s23).

Special assistance

Please note: one person must be 21 years or over in each room to check-in

^ Must be 21+ with a valid photo ID to consume alcoholic beverages.

**Requires theme park admission. Valid only at participating rides and attractions in Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Not valid at Universal’s Volcano Bay. Excludes separately ticketed events. Park-to-Park admission required to board the Hogwarts™ Express. Benefit valid only for guests of Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel® and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, for the number of guests staying in the room for the length of hotel stay. Available during normal theme park operating hours only. Additional restrictions may apply and benefits are subject to change without notice.

†Requires theme park admission. Early Park Admission begins up to one (1) hour prior to regular scheduled park opening to either Universal Studios Florida or Universal’s Islands of Adventure as determined by Universal Orlando. Early Park Admission begins up to one (1) hour prior to regular scheduled park opening for Universal’s Volcano Bay. Valid at select attractions at each park. Attractions are subject to substitutions without notice. Additional restrictions may apply.

Portofino Bay Hotel TM & © 2022 UCF Hotel Venture. All rights reserved. Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2022 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

Please note: the hotel will be making repairs to the façade of the hotel from June 2023 – June 2025 to maintain the immersive experience of the Italian village. All work will be done during business hours 9am – 6pm. These repairs are being done one section at a time and may be visible to guests. Guests can expect noise from time to time. ​Thank you for your understanding as the hotel make these repairs to the distinctive environment created for guests. Areas where repairs are in progress may be visible to guests, depending on the location of their room within the hotel. Most common areas of the hotel and food and beverage outlets will remain available for guest use. There may be modifications required in certain areas as work is being completed. 

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
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  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (5154)
  • Very good (1658)
  • Average (809)
  • Poor (450)
  • Terrible (489)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Beautiful hotel

Jun 30, 2024 788jennao Englewood, Florida

We had a great time. The room was clean but a bit small. Very convenient access to the parks (water-taxis) and good choice of restaurant. The outdoor really is beautiful. The kids enjoyed it a lot, plenty of activities to do for them. The staff was nice.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Family vacation

Jun 29, 2024 charless940 Scottsdale, Arizona

We stayed from June 21st through the 27th. We had a great time and the hotel was clean and nice we. Yes they are going through major renovations but the construction didn’t affect our stay. The food was amazing at every restaurant we ate at. The boat ride to the parks was easy and convenient. I would definitely recommend staying.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating WOW! Incredible experience

Jun 25, 2024 Timothy B North Utica, Illinois

We just returned from the Portofino bay hotel for my daughter’s wedding. WOW!! What a great experience!! The hotel is immaculate and the staff members are amazing. David M & Lauren were OUTSTANDING in the food and beverage department. Carmen and Alexandra were awesome in helping with the selection of our rooms. Seth, the manager at the front… Read more
We just returned from the Portofino bay hotel for my daughter’s wedding. WOW!! What a great experience!! The hotel is immaculate and the staff members are amazing. David M & Lauren were OUTSTANDING in the food and beverage department. Carmen and Alexandra were awesome in helping with the selection of our rooms. Seth, the manager at the front desk, was extremely helpful. Kaitlin was incredible! She stayed in contact with us throughout the week to ensure our family had the best vacation and wedding experience. Robert, general manager, went ABOVE AND BEYOND throughout the week, taking care of all our needs. His communication was second to none which makes Portofino Bay the BEST hotel we have ever stayed at. My daughter, Erica and son in law, Jimmy will never forget this experience and the Portofino staff made this a once in a lifetime experience. Thank you for the experience and we can’t wait to return to Portofino Bay for another vacation. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Underwhelming and Disappointed

Jun 23, 2024 Ben R

This was our second time staying at the Portofino and we are overall disappointed with this visit. In general, this is a very nice hotel, the service is above average, and staying at any of the Universal Resort is a definitely plus with the ease of access to the parks and the Express Pass added in. We thoroughly enjoyed our first stay at Portofino… Read more
This was our second time staying at the Portofino and we are overall disappointed with this visit. In general, this is a very nice hotel, the service is above average, and staying at any of the Universal Resort is a definitely plus with the ease of access to the parks and the Express Pass added in. We thoroughly enjoyed our first stay at Portofino prior to COVID, so we decided a return trip to the hotel was in order. Unfortunately, the second trip did not live up the expectations and we will almost certainly shy away from Portofino in the future. The biggest and most glaring problem we had was all the construction. When we first booked, we were not made aware of construction efforts up front. Either there was no formal warnings or it was not apparent when we booked the stay. When I did speak with an agent later on about the stay, the agent did mention that there would be some construction, but the resort would be fully open. From the conversations, i did not get a sense that it would be impactful -- many places have on-going construction, but it often is hidden or isolated. However, the Portofino construction during our stay was incredibly obstructive. The entire main courtyard on the water was completely shut down. Access to any of the restaurants, amenities, taxi services, and even the pools, was hinders with limited walk-ways under all the construction scaffolding. Thankfully, we did not get a room obstructed by the exterior construction blocking windows, but a significant portion of the exterior was covered, blocking any views out windows for many guests. Some insights: in speaking with some of the workers, they seemed to think this would go thru most of 2024 but hoped some parts would begin opening in later Summer. There were even shocked at the amount of construction and the impact it was having. In addition, we were not impressed with the Club Lounge. It was OK, but Disney has it much better. First, the staff was tremendous. However, everything else just OK. Breakfast was breakfast -- nothing flashy but just your typical hotel-style full service breakfast. Snacks were underwhelming and very limited in time, and evening meals were OK. Alcohol was very strictly limited to a 2 hour dinner window, which was a bummer. Desserts were good. Again, we had higher hopes and had read reviews that this was the best Club lounge Universal had to offer. Decent, but if it's the best, Universal is lacking. Hindsight: don't pay the extra for club level. There were other little things that didn't help, such as not having enough water taxis on the one early-open morning to shuttle people to the parks early. The end result was a 45 minute wait for a boat and then an extended wait in the line for that Hagrid ride forcing us to wait in line for an additional 2 hours just to get on. Probably not going back. Wish I stayed at Hard Rock. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Family Universal Portofino Bay Fla Resort

Jun 20, 2024 Wanderer23255331183 Baltimore, Maryland

Everything was great! A phone call or text to staff got quick results. From extra towels to laundry facilities to room service. Everything was responded to in a few minutes! This was our 3rd time at this resort. Everything we asked for was addressed almost immediately. We have traveled the world and who gets this kind of service!