Stepping into the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort is an immediate journey to the charming seaside village of Portofino, Italy. From the moment you arrive, the meticulously crafted architecture, vibrant colors, and serene harbor create an immersive experience that transports you thousands of miles away. One of the most enchanting ways to approach this luxurious retreat is via the complimentary water taxis from Universal CityWalk. Gliding across the tranquil bay, watching the hotel’s picturesque facade illuminate against the evening sky, truly feels like stepping into a dream. My initial stay at this magnificent resort as part of the 2018 Universal Blog Squad left an indelible mark, and I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to return and once again immerse myself in its unique ambiance.
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Experience La Dolce Vita at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Universal Orlando Resort
The Loews Portofino Bay Hotel stands as a premier destination for those seeking an elevated Universal Orlando experience. Beyond its stunning visual appeal, the hotel offers a wealth of amenities and exclusive theme park benefits that make it an ideal choice for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. Every detail, from the cobblestone pathways to the intricately painted facades, contributes to an authentic Italian escape right in the heart of Florida.
Ready to immerse yourself in Italian luxury? Book your Portofino Bay Hotel Reservation HERE.
One of the true highlights of staying at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is the enchanting “Musica Della Notte” performance. Every evening at 6:30 pm, the Harbor Piazza comes alive with the sounds of live opera, serenading guests as they relax by the water. It’s the perfect opportunity to savor a glass of fine wine from The Thirsty Fish or enjoy a Starbucks coffee, all while being captivated by the beautiful music and the magical ambiance of the illuminated harbor. This daily tradition adds an unforgettable touch of romance and culture to your Orlando vacation.
Luxurious Accommodations at Portofino Bay
Deluxe 2 Queen Room – Your Italian Retreat
Our Deluxe 2 Queen Room at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel offered a generous 490 square feet of comfort, overlooking one of the resort’s inviting pools. The room was thoughtfully designed with two plush queen beds, a spacious sitting area, and a large, well-appointed bathroom. The decor echoed the sophisticated yet welcoming spirit of Italy, with elegant furnishings and a soothing color palette. One distinctive feature, mirroring authentic Italian design, was the compact, corner walk-in shower. While intimate, it was perfectly functional, complemented by a wonderfully deep bathtub – an absolute blessing after racking up 20,000 steps exploring the Universal theme parks. Soaking in the tub provided the perfect relaxation and rejuvenation.
Beyond the comfort of the beds, the room was equipped with a Keurig coffee maker, offering a selection of K-cups including French roast, decaf, and green tea, ensuring your morning brew was just a few steps away. A functional writing desk provided a quiet space for any work or planning, while a comfy side chair invited relaxation. Additional amenities included a large dresser for ample storage, a modern flat-screen TV for entertainment, and a refrigerator to keep beverages and snacks cool. Every detail was curated to enhance the guest experience, blending comfort with convenience and a touch of Italian charm.
Secure your stay at this magnificent resort. Book your Portofino Bay Hotel Reservation HERE.
A Culinary Journey: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel Restaurants
The Loews Portofino Bay Hotel boasts an impressive array of dining options, each offering a distinct taste of Italy, from casual bites to upscale fine dining. Guests can embark on a culinary adventure without ever leaving the resort.
Trattoria Del Porto
Trattoria Del Porto invites guests to a vibrant, family-friendly setting for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In the mornings, the expansive breakfast buffet is a true highlight, offering an impressive variety of hot and cold selections to fuel your day at the parks. From classic American breakfast items to European pastries and fresh fruits, there’s something for everyone. For those preferring an individualized meal, the Ă la carte menu presents enticing options; John raved about his delicious Eggs Benedict. While my buffet breakfast was good, the fresh fruit and delectable yogurt parfaits were particularly outstanding. To ensure a table during peak times, especially for breakfast, reservations can conveniently be made on OpenTable. Adding to the family fun, Saturdays feature a face painter and balloonist from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm, making dinner an extra special event for younger guests.
Mama Della’s Ristorante
Step into Mama Della’s Ristorante and feel instantly transported to a cozy, traditional Italian countryside home. This charming eatery provides a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for a hearty, authentic Italian feast. Be sure to arrive hungry, as the generous portions and the complimentary bread course alone are enough to tempt your appetite. A must-try starter is the Burrata Bruschetta – a truly delightful culinary experience. As you dine, strolling musicians move through the restaurant, serenading tables with classic Italian songs, creating a magical and personalized ambiance. Don’t hesitate to inform them if you’re celebrating a birthday or special occasion, as they love to make it memorable. Reservations are highly recommended and can be secured via OpenTable, ensuring you don’t miss out on this delicious Italian dining experience.
Bice Ristorante
For a sophisticated culinary experience, Bice Ristorante offers elegant fine dining with a rich heritage originating from Milan. This upscale establishment serves exquisitely prepared Italian dishes with impeccable service in a chic, refined setting. Guests are encouraged to adhere to a resort evening wear dress code to complement the elevated ambiance. Bice is renowned for its fresh pasta, expertly crafted seafood, and a curated wine list that perfectly complements the menu. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a luxurious meal, Bice provides an unforgettable dining experience. Reservations are highly recommended and can be easily made on OpenTable to secure your preferred dining time.
Splendido Bar & Grill
Perched overlooking the stunning Beach Pool, Splendido Bar & Grill offers a relaxed, casual dining experience with picturesque views. It’s the ideal spot to enjoy a refreshing cocktail, a crisp salad, a satisfying sandwich, or a juicy burger without having to leave the poolside fun. The menu is diverse enough to cater to various tastes, making it perfect for a leisurely lunch or a light dinner after a day of swimming. The vibrant atmosphere and convenient location ensure that delicious food and drinks are always within reach.
Sal’s Market Deli
Sal’s Market Deli is your go-to destination for quick, delicious, and authentic Italian-inspired casual fare. Perfect for a grab-and-go meal or a relaxed sit-down, the deli offers a fantastic selection of freshly made Italian sandwiches, delectable antipasto platters, vibrant fruit salads, and, most famously, brick-oven pizzas baked to perfection. It’s an excellent choice for families or anyone looking for a convenient and tasty meal, whether you’re heading out to the parks or returning to the resort.
Bar American
Bar American provides an elegant yet cozy setting to unwind and enjoy expertly crafted cocktails. With its sophisticated atmosphere and comfortable seating, it’s the perfect spot for a pre-dinner drink, a nightcap, or simply a moment of relaxation away from the bustling parks. The skilled bartenders can prepare a wide range of classic and contemporary beverages, ensuring a delightful experience for all.
In-Room Dining
For ultimate convenience and privacy, the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel offers comprehensive in-room dining services. Guests can enjoy a delicious meal from the comfort of their room, whether it’s a leisurely breakfast, a quick lunch, or a gourmet dinner after a long day at the parks. The extensive menu features a variety of options, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every craving, delivered right to your door.
The Thirsty Fish
Strategically located near the convenient water taxi dock, The Thirsty Fish is a charming and lively spot, perfect for unwinding. With both indoor and outdoor seating, guests can choose to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere inside or relax al fresco with a glass of wine, soaking in the picturesque harbor views and watching the world go by. It’s an ideal setting for pre-dinner drinks or a casual evening out. Adding to its appeal, The Thirsty Fish frequently features live jazz music on select nights, enhancing the relaxing and sophisticated ambiance.
Gelateria
Let’s be honest: Orlando’s weather can often be hot, humid, and downright sweltering. These are precisely the moments when a scoop of authentic, artisanal gelato becomes an absolute necessity. Located on the first floor, conveniently next to Starbucks, the Gelateria is your oasis for a sweet, cooling treat. Offering a delightful array of traditional Italian gelato flavors, alongside other snacks and pastries, it’s the perfect place to refresh and re-energize before heading out to the water taxi or back to the parks. Indulge in a taste of Italy and beat the heat simultaneously!
Starbucks
For many, a day isn’t complete without their favorite Starbucks beverage. I was particularly delighted to find a Starbucks at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, making it easy to grab my beloved chai tea. What makes this Starbucks truly special, however, is the option to sit outside under an umbrella, sipping your coffee while enjoying the stunning Italian-inspired scenery. It’s an experience that truly makes you feel like you’re in an authentic European cafĂ©, providing a peaceful start or end to your day.
Don’t miss out on this incredible experience. Book your Portofino Bay Hotel Reservation HERE.
Unmatched Exclusive Theme Park Benefits
Staying at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort comes with a suite of unparalleled benefits that significantly enhance your theme park experience. These perks transform a great vacation into an extraordinary one.
Universal Express Unlimited: Skip the Lines!
This is arguably the most valuable benefit of staying at Portofino Bay: Universal Express Unlimited is included with your room! This incredible perk allows you to skip the regular lines at most popular attractions across Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Imagine breezing past long queues and enjoying significantly faster access to your favorite rides, saving hours of precious park time. Our guides often note that guests can cut their wait times by half, if not more, with this pass. While the Universal Express Unlimited pass is a huge time-saver, remember that you still need to purchase your park admission tickets separately.
Early Park Admission: Be First to the Magic
Another fantastic advantage is Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal’s Volcano Bay! Guests staying at Loews Portofino Bay can enter these popular areas one hour before the general public. This means you can experience the most sought-after attractions, like Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure or VelociCoaster (in Islands of Adventure during Early Park Admission, if applicable), or enjoy the water slides at Volcano Bay with fewer crowds. It’s a VIP head start that allows you to truly soak in the magic before everyone else arrives.
Additional Benefits for a Seamless Stay:
- Resort-Wide Charging Privileges: Your room key card acts as a convenient payment method, allowing you to charge purchases made within the Universal theme parks, CityWalk, and other Universal resort hotels directly back to your hotel account. This streamlines your expenses, keeping everything on a single credit card and consolidating receipts.
- Complimentary Water Taxis: Enjoy a picturesque and hassle-free ride on the complimentary water taxis directly from the hotel’s harbor to Universal CityWalk. This scenic route bypasses traffic and drops you off right at the entrance to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. You’ll also clear security with minimal lines, making your journey to the parks incredibly efficient.
- Convenient Texting Service: For any needs or requests during your stay, simply text the hotel’s dedicated service number (407-588-0141). Whether you need extra shampoo, more hangers, or have a question about resort amenities, assistance is just a text away. You can also use this service to check the status of your room or schedule a wake-up call.
- Express Checkout Options: Avoid the checkout lines by utilizing the express checkout features. You can conveniently check out directly from the TV in your room by selecting the video checkout option, or simply text 407-588-0141 with your name and room number.
These thoughtful conveniences, combined with the luxurious ambiance, are why staying at a Universal Orlando Resort hotel, particularly the Loews Portofino Bay, is one of our top Universal Studios Tips for an unforgettable vacation.
Resort Recreation & Relaxation
Beyond the theme park thrills, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel offers an abundance of recreational opportunities designed for relaxation and enjoyment. The resort features three distinctive swimming pools, each offering a unique atmosphere.
The Beach Pool: A Roman Oasis
The crown jewel is the stunning Beach Pool, a sprawling oasis complete with a sandy beach area, a thrilling Roman aqueduct-themed water slide, and two inviting hot tubs perfect for unwinding. Lush landscaping and comfortable loungers create a resort-style paradise, ideal for families and sun-seekers. For those seeking a quieter experience, the Villa Pool offers a more serene environment, while the East Pool provides another tranquil option.
Mandara Spa & Fitness Center
Indulge in ultimate pampering at the award-winning Mandara Spa, where a range of treatments from massages to facials awaits to rejuvenate your mind and body. For guests who wish to maintain their fitness routine, a state-of-the-art fitness center is also available, ensuring you can stay active during your luxurious escape.
Ready to experience the best of Universal Orlando? Book your Portofino Bay Hotel Reservation HERE.
Beyond Portofino: More Universal Orlando Insights
Planning your complete Universal Orlando adventure? Explore more of our detailed guides to maximize your fun and make informed choices:
- Discover another fantastic Universal lodging option: The Loews Sapphire Falls Resort.
- Indulge your sweet tooth at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium at Universal CityWalk.
- Take a photo and video tour of the vibrant Cabana Bay Beach Resort.
- Prepare for thrills with our Halloween Horror Nights Survival Guide.
- Check out a photo and video tour of the modern Aventura Hotel.
- Browse all of our comprehensive Orlando Travel Guides for tips on various attractions.
- Looking for activities beyond the theme parks? Explore these unique things to do in Orlando besides theme parks for a change of pace and new adventures.
Thank you to Loews Portofino Bay for generously hosting my stay as part of the Universal Blog Squad.