Luxury Lodging at The Loews Portofino Bay Resort
The Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is one of the premier hotels at Universal Studios Orlando. The hotel offers a unique Italian themed experience that is perfect for guests who want to enjoy all that Universal Studios has to offer.
We have not stayed in this hotel yet, and all ratings come from online reviews.
Located just a short walk from the main attractions at Universal Studios, the Lowes Portofino Bay Hotel offers guests easy access to all of the must-see sights. All guests staying here get all day Universal Express Unlimited for each paid guest included in the room prices. This makes the value of this hotel outstanding.
With several dining options available right on site, including Italian specialties and classic American fare, guests will never go hungry during their stay at this hotel. In addition to these great amenities, the hotel also offers a fitness center and business center, ensuring that guests have everything they need for a memorable stay. Nightly opera performances over the plaza was a fan favorite here. Check out the videos below for some expert reviews.
You can print your boarding passes and buy park tickets in the lobby which is a feature with most Universal Studios Resorts. There is a Universal Store for souvenirs and a small grab and go store featuring snacks, and vacation necessities.
Features include three pools, lazy river, water slides and Jacuzzi area. Free boat and shuttles to the parks and city walk. Early enrty to Hary Potters Wizarding world too.
Has five eateries including Bice Ristorante offering Northern Italian cuisine; Trattoria del Porto offering a family atmosphere with Italian charm, a bar and grill and quick service restaurant. Food and drink offerings will be covered in more detail below.
Online reviewers tout the excellent staff, food, room services and luxury accommodations and amenities in this resort.
Complaints focused on cleanliness of the rooms, maintenance of the rooms and value. Complaints were about 15% of this hotels reviews which is about average.
Overall, the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is a great choice for visitors to Universal Studios Orlando who are looking for a luxurious and convenient place to stay.
Check In
Check in and out is very similar to other Universal Resorts. Check in staff are attentive, friendly, quick and helpful. 4:00 p.m. is the official check-in time at Portofino Bay but if you arrive early they will hold your luggage, print your passes for your Express Unlimited and point you to the free transports to the parks. Complementary beer and wine are offered to waiting guests from 4pm to 8 pm. You can get a car rental, theme park tickets and necessities as well.
People who stayed here rave about the professional staff, how they give you a ton of information quickly and are willing to meet every need they can.
Complaints about the check in process were focused on credit card holds, rooms not being ready, being over booked (not getting the room they booked) and long waits.
Rooms
Rooms here have three options. Standard, Club Level and Suites. Each level offering a bay or garden view. All rooms come with a Keurig Coffee Maker, in room safe, fridge, TV and closet just to name a few.
Standard, Club Level and King rooms are all very similar in size, design and amenities.
The ‘Despicable Me’ Suite has a separate room for the kids and is heavily themed to the movie.
You can find all the amenities for each level with our “Tap for more Information” button.
People loved the bed comfort, bedding, room views, amenities and cold A/C. Most complaints were about maintenance, cleanliness and outdated look.
Food and Beverages
If you’re looking for a tasty meal or refreshing drink while staying at the Lowes Portofino Bay hotel, you won’t be disappointed. There are plenty of food and beverage options to choose from, whether you’re in the mood for a quick snack or a sit-down meal.
The hotel has its own restaurants, cafes, and bars, as well as room service available 24 hours a day. There’s something to suit every taste and budget, whether you’re craving Italian cuisine at Mama Della’s Ristorante with thier menu of authentic dishes from Tuscany, Naples, and Piemonte. Featuring family dining specialties like Insalata Mama Della and some say the best lasagna this side of Sicily.
If you want to grab a quick bite at the Sal’s Market Deli serving up handmade pizzas, sandwiches, salads, meats, cheeses and fresh fruit. You can also get some wine, beer and grab n’ go items too.
The featured dining experience is Bice Ristorante offering Northern Italian cuisine. All pasta here is hand rolled daily and also features hand made pastries and deserts.
As far as bars you can find the Thirsty Fish, this is a bar and grill featuring a full wine list, full cocktails and a few easy to eat items.
Overall, the food and beverage options at the Lowes Portofino Bay hotel are impressive and sure to please even the most discerning palates. Whether you’re there for business or pleasure, be sure to stop by and experience it for yourself!
Employees
Overall reviews state staff is helpful, attentive, professional and willing to meet your needs.
The few complaints we saw were focused on non-caring hospitality staff (room cleaning staff), overwhelmed front desk staff.
Location
The best part of this hotel is the location. This is one of the reasons for the premium price point.
The location is ideal for adventures into the Universal theme parks and other iconic tourist destinations like Sea World, convention center, Icon Park and others close by.
