Loews Portofino Bay Resort
Universal Orlando Resort, Florida, United States of America
At a Glance
Great option for guests wishing to be close to Universal Studios
Family friendly accommodation with interconnecting rooms and family suites
Guests at the hotel enjoy early entry into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Complimentary shuttle boat to Universal Studios and City Walk for restaurants and shopping
Superb facilities and an Italian oasis feel
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Florida is a year-round destination with balmy winters, but summers can be hot and humid. The best time to visit Florida is between March and May and in December when it is warm and sunny, before the weather begins to get too hot. Hurricanes and other less serious tropical storms can strike Florida any time in the summer up to the end of November, however the risk is greatest between August and October.
Insider's View
Guests staying at the Loews Portofino enjoy exclusive access to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter one hour before the gates open every day
No car is needed to get to Universal Studios, just jump aboard the hotel's boat that will take you right to the entrance in under 10 minutes
To start planning your holiday to Loews Portofino Bay Resort
Description
Modelled on the village of Portofino in Italy, the Loews Portofino Bay offers the feel of an Italian lakeside getaway yet with a wealth of family friendly accommodation and fantastic facilities just 7 minutes by water taxi from Universal Studios Orlando.
One of only three hotels directly located next to Universal Studios, the Loews Portofino Bay offers guests a feast for the senses with a façade reminiscent of an Italian lakeside village in the heart of Orlando.
With 750 guest rooms, this is not a boutique hotel, however, there is a plentiful feeling of space as the hotel is beautifully spread out and has a village feel to it with hidden piazzas and a nicely designed waterfront which guests are drawn to in the evening to enjoy live music, fine dining or simply to watch the boats bobbing on the water.
The perfect base for exploring Orlando’s theme parks and in particular Universal Studios, the hotel offers an abundant choice of facilities for it’s guests. Add to this a regular water taxi service which meanders through the water ways directly to the entrance of Universal Studios and the many restaurants, shops and bars of City Walk, you never need get in to your car again. Yet if you wish to head to Disney or any of Orlando’s other amazing attractions, you are never more than a 30 minute drive away.
From a choice of 8 restaurants within the hotel and the option of dining also at the nearby Hard Rock Hotel and the vast choice of eateries at Universal’s City Walk, guests will be spoilt for choice in their dining options. All have charge back facilities as well so it keeps it easy.
Families are well looked after with a choice of room or very spacious suite accommodation. The Loews also offers a choice of three swimming pools, one of which is particularly fun for families with plenty of shallow space and an extremely popular water slide. Each evening there is also a children’s club in place so the children can go and make new friends and have fun under the watchful eye of the hotel staff, whilst the adults have a little alone time.
One huge benefit of staying at a Universal hotel is the added benefits of your visit to Universal Studios. All guests staying at the hotel enjoy early admission to the “Wizarding World of Harry Potter” for one hour prior to park opening time as well as priority queue passes on selected rides in the park. There’s no charge for this, all guests need is their park ticket to take advantage of these nice little extras.
Accommodation
750 guest rooms offering a variety of accommodations from rooms, many of which interconnect, through to Hospitality Suites and the sublime Governors Suite.
Childcare
Children are welcome to come and stay at Loews Portofino Bay Resort and babysitting is available on request. There is a children’s club from 5pm to 11pm each day which offers activities, movies and the opportunity for children to make friends. There is a charge of $15 per child per hour.
Facilities
Loews Portofino Bay Resort has eight restaurants and bars spread throughout the hotel and access to the restaurants of the Hard Rock Hotel as well. Mandara Spa and gym ($10 per day charge for gym usage). Tour desk with ticket and attraction sales, Hertz Rent A Car depot, valet or self parking (additional charge) concierge services, three swimming pools, 1 with private pool cabanas and children’s pool, evening children’s club, gift shops, complimentary water taxi to Universal Studios and City Walk.
Activities
Universal Studios and Universal City Walk (with huge restaurant choices and shopping) are a 7 minute water taxi ride away. Water taxi runs from 7.40am to 2am daily and is complimentary to guests staying at the hotel.
All other Orlando attractions are within easy reach. Disney World theme parks are approximately 25 minutes drive away. Sea World, Wet and Wild and the International Drive attractions are all within 20 minutes drive.
Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Centre are around 2 hour drive.
Reviews
Bryony Butler (Staff)
What a fun hotel! Loews Portofino is inspired by the Italian Riviera village complete with cobbled streets, fishing boats, lake and even a gelato parlour. The hotel is situated in a fantastic location providing easy access to Universal Studios, guests benefit from complimentary boat rides which take you directly to the park along with early admission to the popular Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The room key cards also come with added benefits such as fast track passes for some of the busiest and best rides in Universal. For larger families the suites offer a great living space, perfect for relaxing in the evening after a busy day at the theme parks.
Charlotte Austin (Staff)
This hotel is built exactly upon Portofino Italy, and they have done a superb job. It fits right in on the water and if you are going to be visiting the Universal parks a few times and love Italian food then this is the hotel for you! I was pleasantly surprised by the homely upscale decor in the rooms and there are also so many good room options for families. This is really the best place to stay when enjoying the Universal parks.
Experiences
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7 Day Ultimate Disney Park Pass - Orlando
This 7 day pass will give you access to all six Disney Parks for 7 days and the ability to hop from one Disney Park to another on the same day with unlimited use of the Disney transportation system and use of Disney's Fast Pass system.
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Astronaut Training Experience
Train to be a Spaceman! The Astronaut Training programme at Kennedy Space Center gives you the closest possible experience to training for a space flight. This amazing half day experience is a must for all space enthusiasts! Min age 14.
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Disney and Universal Combo Ticket
Especially created to offer unlimited multi-day admission to all parks at Walt Disney Resort and Universal Orlando, you will have complete freedom to explore the parks at your own pace. That's 9 amazing Orlando theme parks with one ticket!
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Disney Character Breakfasts
Whether you want to have breakfast with Goofy or lunch with Cinderella, the magic of Disney can make it happen. Character meals are available throughout the Disney resort but sell out fast due to high demand!
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Kennedy Space Centre SpacePass
The SpacePass ticket offers the most comprehensive Kennedy Space Centre experience. The ticket combines all the elements of normal admission plus the 'Dine With an Astronaut' programme and an exclusive tour to the more restricted areas of the complex.
Location & directions
Universal Orlando Resort, Florida, United States of America
One of Universal Studio's own hotels it is located just 5 minutes by water taxi from the entrance to Universal Studios and City Walk.
How to get there
9-hour international flight to Orlando followed by a 30-minute drive to Universal Studios.
- 100% financial protection
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Firsthand knowledge
- Renowned service
- Award-winning tour operator
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