What can you tell me about the Portofino Bay Resort?
Recreating Portofino, a seaside Village along the Liguirian coast of Italy, Loews Portofino Bay Resort is complete with colorful facades, cobblestone walkways, bell tower and a beautiful harbor piazza with outdoor seating, surrounded by shops, and cafés. This 750-room flagship resort at Universal Orlando is the ultimate in European elegance near a theme park. With 3 pools, 8 restaurants/lounges, Campo Portofino (childcare) and the Mandara Spa your non park time can be spent in the lap of luxury.
Opened in September 1999, Portofino Bay Resort underwent a $22,000,000 renovation completed in 2013. Italian-inspired changes were made to the trompe l’oeil facade of the buildings. Trompe l’oeil (French for “deceive the eye”) it is a style of illusion painting. The hand painting art form depicts realistic details on the hotel’s exterior (shutters, window frames and boxes, bricks, cornerstones etc.) over more than 100,000 sq. /ft. of the hotel’s exterior. All guest rooms were refurbished with both hard and soft goods, making it the most decadent hotel on Universal Property.
Are there smoking and nonsmoking rooms?
All rooms are non-smoking.
What time is check-in and check-out?
Check-in time: 4:00 pm. Check-out time: 11:00 am. Guests who arrive early will be given a room key for Express Pass usage within the parks while their room becomes available
Is there a specific age you need to be to reserve a room?
The minimum age requirements to check-in to a Universal Orlando Resort onsite property is 21 years. Driver’s license and major credit card for incidentals are required at time of check in.
What are my room options?
Garden View
Bay View Room
Deluxe Room
Club Level Deluxe Room
Kids Suite
Portofino Parlor
Suite Villa Parlor Suites
Hospitality Suite
Governatore Suites
Presidente Suite
ADA ROOM DESCRIPTIONS
Visit our ROOM DESCRIPTION page for more detailed information!
Are there handicapped accessible rooms?
Yes, of course! Universal is great with support for handicapped visitors. Visit our ADA Room Page.
What can I expect from the Club Level Lounge?
The club lounge is located off of the lobby area. Club rooms are mostly located in the Villa Wing. You can however add club level service to any room based on availability at check in. Cost is ~$100+ per night
7am-10amMorning Offerings:
Yogurt with toppings, fruit, oatmeal with toppings and hard boiled eggs .Coffee/tea/milk/hot chocolate
Oatmeal with toppings
Hard boiled eggs
White and Wheat toast, English muffins, Bagels with toppings (jelly, peanut butter, cream cheese, butter)
Small cereal boxes with milk
Fresh whole fruit- bananas, oranges, apples
Fresh sliced fruit- melon mix and/or strawberries
Available all day: coffee, hot tea, iced tea, lemonade, bottled water, cans of co*ke, diet co*ke and sprite
Noon – 3pm Afternoon Snack Offerings:
Individual bagged goldfish crackers, granola bars, chips, pretzels, popcorn, terra chips
Available all day: coffee, hot tea, iced tea, lemonade, bottled water, cans of co*ke, diet co*ke and sprite
5:00 – 7:00pm co*cktail Offerings
Salad with 2 dressings
Crackers and cheese platter
Crudités and dip
Chafing dish hot entrée
Wine
Beer (Peroni, Bud Light, Miller Light)
Available all day—coffee, hot tea, iced tea, lemonade, bottled water, canned co*ke, Diet co*ke, Sprite
8:00-9:3 pm
Individual mini desserts and cookies
Coffee
Tea
Milk
Available all day: coffee, hot tea, iced tea, lemonade, bottled water, cans of co*ke, diet co*ke and sprite
Can I get a balcony or a patio?
Here is our best guess (and really are approximations):
Garden View rooms: Balconies and patio rooms are few and far between in this category. There is one garden King with patio in the West Wing. Juliette balconies count comes in at 4 in the East Wing and 1 in the West Wing for King Rooms and 4 in the East Wing and 7 in the West Wing for the 2 Queen bedded rooms. Remember, these rooms can change bedding configuration at any time and that will then skew our un-scientific research and count.
Bay View Rooms: There is a little more inventory in this category, but still not a lot. There are 6 Bay View King Room with Juliette balconies and 4 full balconies in the East Wing. There is 1 Juliette balcony West Wing and no full balconies with King beds in the East Wing. For the 2 Queen Rooms there are 11 Juliette and 16 full balconies in the East Wing and 4 Juliette and 4 full balconies in the West Wing. Patios we counted 7 King and 17 Queen bedded patios in the East Wing and 4 King and 6 2 Queen in the West Wing. Most patio rooms seemed to have a pet occupying it as well.
Deluxe Rooms: Have no Juliette balconies in either Wing. There are 2 full balconies in both the West Wing and Villa Wings for the King bed and for the 2 Queen rooms.
What are the room amenities?
Character wake up calls
300 thread count, 100% cotton bed linens
32” flat panel television with HD channels and On Demand in-room movies (fees for on Demand)
Two telephones – one cordless in the room, one corded in the bathroom with dual lines
Keurig coffee makers with cocoa, coffee and assorted teas
Minibar (charge)
Cotton bathrobes
Iron, ironing board
In-room safe
In-room wireless high-speed internet access (fees apply – complimentary wireless high-speed
Internet access in public areas)
Daily newspaper (upon request)
Bathrooms feature:
Dual sinks
Lather skin and body care products
Cotton swabs & cotton balls
Sewing kit
Hair dryer
Make-up mirror
TV audio speaker
I will be traveling with a baby. What is available to help me?
Cribs/Pack and Plays are complimentary upon request. Loews offers the “Kids Closet,” offering items available for guests to use during their stay. These include toys and gear, books, strollers, night-lights, potty seats, baby bathtub, baby blankets, outlet protectors, and more.
What should I expect to pay?
2016 Universal Hotel Prices
I hate leaving my pet home. Can I take them?
Pets under 75 lbs. are welcome are welcome at the Portofino Bay Resort. You are allowed up to 2 pets per room. Each pet is welcomed with a personal note from the hotel’s general manager which includes a listing of pet services available at the hotel including a map of the area with dog-walking routes highlighted. To show you how much Loews loves pets, there is a pet room-service menu, along with a list of local pet services, veterinarians, groomers and pet friendly attractions. In the guest room is a special amenity that includes special pet place mats with food and water bowls, toys and treats, and a “Do Not Disturb” sign that lets housekeeping know that a pet is in the room. Pet walking and pet sitting services are available through the hotels’ concierge desks. Pet owners are asked for a cell phone number that enables the hotel staff to contact them immediately in case of emergency. Loews Hotels also loans its guests necessities such as various sized dog and cat beds, leashes and collars, and even pet videos. Kitty litter boxes and litter, pooper-scoopers and a selection of pet toys (such as rawhide bones, catnip and scratch poles) are also available for purchase.
A fee of $50 per night with a maximum of $150 per stay will be applied at check-in. You must a health certificate for each pet, obtained from a veterinarian within 10 days of the pet’s arrival and it must be presented upon check-in at the hotel. Pets are not allowed in the pool/lounge or restaurant areas. You can read the pet policy here <insert pet pdf Garden View & Bay View rooms only.
Visit our PET page for more information
Is there a coffee maker?
Each room is equipped with a Keurig coffeemaker with regular and decaf coffee and teas. There is also a Starbucks on the harbor level of the East Wing (fee) if you want something more than regular coffee or tea.
Can I get a microwaves or refrigerator?
There is a stocked (fee) minibar in each room, you will receive the key at check-in. Microwaves and Refrigerators are $15 each per day, plus 12.5% sales tax. Available on a first come, first served basis. If you need a refrigerator for medical needs, complimentary medi-fridges are available on request with the resort.
How about Wi-Fi?
Wireless internet access is free in each guest room and most common areas of the hotel. You can choose to upgrade to Premium Plus wireless internet access for optimal entertainment and business needs.The regular wireless access is complimentary for up to 4 devices per room for a 24-hour period. It is adequate for surfing the web and checking email. Premium Plus wireless access is $14.95 for up to 8 devices per room/24-hour in case you want to stream music, videos, use VPN or transfer large files for work or play
What can you tell me about the pools?
There are three different pools. One is sure to suit your fancy!
The Beach Pool is the largest of the three and is where most activities take place. A zero entry pool themed as a Roman Aqueduct, there are waterfalls, slides and 2 hot tubs along with a white sand beach. The adjacent child pool and play area is great for the little ones. There are various activities for the older kids too! Ping Pong, pool games and even a “dive in movie” on select nights. Hungry or thirsty? Splendido Bar and Grill is poolside with bar seating and tables in the shade. There are also friendly waiters that will visit your beach chair for orders. There are 3 private Cabana’s here that you can rent
The Villa Pool is probably my favorite pool in Orlando. It is elegant, serene and so unbelievably stunning. Lined with graceful palm trees the pool is long enough to use for lap swimming. There are both hot and cool tubs and padded lounge chairs for your relaxing pleasure. 16 Cabana’s are available to rent. Each cabana comes with a ceiling fan, flat screen TV, refrigerator with water, soda and a fruit bowl, along with upgraded furniture. A locker area with changing rooms and showers are located at the Villa Pool as well. Tired of lounging about? The Bocce court is right next to the Villa Pool if you are up for a game.
The Hillside Pool is the smallest and most private of the three resort pools. Located at the end of the East Wing it is a great space to relax and unwind since it is the quietest and least used of the three. There is a handicap lift for the pool.
How can I rent a cabana?
Any Universal Orlando Resort Hotel guest can rent a Cabana at either the Beach or Villa pool, you do not have to be staying at Portofino Bay Resort. Call 407-503-1200 for reservations. (We will post charges once we get them)
Where can I find something to eat?
There are 8 restaurants and lounges at the Portofino Bay, so you are sure to find something to satisfy your cravings.
Bar American (Bar/Lounge)
Bice Ristorante (Table Service) (pronounced Bee – chay)
Gelateria – caffe espresso (Counter Service)
Mama Della’s Ristorante (Table Service)
Sal’s Market Deli (Counter Service)
Splendido Pizzeria (Table Service)
The Thirsty Fish (Table Service)
Trattoria del Porto (Table Service)
Starbucks (Counter Service)
Room service is available 24 hours a day
Visit our MENU page for more information!
Can I order gifts to be delivered to the room?
Yes, the hotel has a variety of gifts that can be ordered. Please note that some require advance notice. Check out our IN ROOM GIFTS page at Portofino Bay for more information
What types of child care options are available?
For toilet trained kids for children ages 4-14, Campo Portofino® (run by Kids Night Out) is a supervised kids’ camp that is open 5:00 pm – 11:30 pm, Sunday through Thursday and from 5:00 pm to midnight, Fridays and Saturdays. From the Kids Night Out website: “Each caregiver is thoroughly assessed with an application process, interviews, background checks, and reference checks. Equally as prioritized, the caregiver must fully comprehend child safety, know what children like in order to have fun, and genuinely love children. Once approved, each caregiver goes through specialized Kid’s Nite Out training and Disney Orientation. All services are followed through with stringent security procedures.” Current costs are $15 per hour per child. If you wish them to provide a meal it is an additional $15 per child.Kids Night Out will also provide private in room babysitting as well. For information & reservations: 407-503-1200 http://kidsniteout.com/kids_camps.html (hours, location and pricing subject to change)
Which rooms are closest to… ?
Beach Pool – West Wing
Villa Pool – Villa Wing and part of the West Wing
Hillside Pool – East Wing
Lobby – Villa Wing
Boat Launch – West Wing
Dining areas –Villa Wing, part of East and West Wings.
What are my transportation options to the Parks, CityWalk and other resorts?
Universal provides bother water taxis and bus service to CityWalk, Universal Studios and Island of Adventures Theme Parks. The water taxis run every 15-20 minute continual loops starting 1/2 hour prior to park opening (even for early entry) and continues until 2:30am. Water taxis all can handle wheel chairs and motorized scooters. The water taxis do not run when there are storms or lightening.
You can also take a shuttle bus to the theme parks. The shuttle drop off is located at the CityWalk Transportation Hub. You then have to walk through CityWalk to get to the parks, so stick to the walking or the boats as long as they are running.
There is also the Pedi Cabs Operated by Orient Express that will whisk you quickly to whichever park you wish to go. Comfortably seating 3 adults there is no charge for these, they drivers work solely for tips. Most people tip $10 for a ride for 2 people.
Hotel Dining Shuttle – Beginning at 6:00pm and ending at 10:00pm a 10 passenger shuttle runs every 30 minutes providing free transportation between on-site hotels. Reservations can be made with your hotel concierge or by calling 407-503-DINE. Make sure you give yourself at least 15 minutes extra time to arrive at your resort restaurant.
Can I walk to the Parks, CityWalk or the other resorts?
Portofino to Hard Rock 7-10 minutes
Portofino to Universal Studios 12-15 minutes
Portofino to Islands of Adventure 15-20 minutes
Portofino to CityWalk 15-20 minutes
Portofino to Royal Pacific 25-30 minutes
Portofino to Cabana Bay Beach Resort 35-45 minutes
I am staying at 2 different Universal Hotels. Will they transfer my luggage?
If you are staying at Portofino Bay, Hard Rock Hotel or Royal Pacific there is a complimentary car service that will transfer you and your luggage to one of the other 3 hotels. Make arrangements with the Hotel Concierge and they will provide a complimentary transfer coupon to give the driver for service. It is based on availability and please remember to tip.
Can I shop at the resort?
Of course! There are five upscale gift and retail shops including:
Galleria Portofino features art from both theme parks and even Murano glass. You can find some cool gifts here
Le Memories di Portofino features gifts and logo resort clothing along with reading material and sundries.
Alta Moda (High Fashion) featuring higher end clothing you forgot to pack for that night out.
L’Ancora (The Anchor) is where I end up stopping when I realize I forgot something or I want something salty. They have the necessities (hair care, sun tan lotion), casual clothing, snacks and soda.
Universal Studios Store for your Thing One and Thing Two shirts. (and other stuff you forgot to buy in the parks)
Are there running trails?
Whether you walk, jog or run, there are safe running trails. Stop by the hotel’s concierge desk upon your arrival and ask about the .45-, 1.3- and 3-mile loop. The paths extend throughout the rest of Universal Orlando Resort as well.
Where can I work out?
There is a Fitness center across from the Beach Pool at the Mandara Spa. It is complimentary for onsite guests.
• 7 treadmills with TV monitors
• 4 upright bicycles with TV monitors
• 2 stair climbers with TV monitors
• 3 Elliptical cross trainers with TV monitors
• 13 stations of variable resistance weight machines
• Smith press machine
• Free weight area with dumbbells and 2 benches
• Stretching area
• Access to fitness mats
• Nutritional bars available
• Locker Rooms
• Steam and Sauna
Open 5 AM–8 PM daily
Fitness facilities are available for ages 18 and up (subject to change without notice). Shower facility fees apply.
Is there a SPA?
Mandara Spa (near the Beach Pool) is a full-service spa. Offerings include massage, skin care, body treatments, hair and nail care, steam/sauna Opens daily at 8:00 am. Call (407) 503-1244 for an appointment or for more information http://www.mandaraspa.com/Main/SpaView.aspx?SpaID=7
I heard there is Opera?
As long as the weather is nice, Musica della Notte (Music of the Night) takes place each night at sundown. At sunset, on the balcony of the Bar American Opera singers take the stage and sing out over the harbor piazza. Grab a glass of wine at a table and enjoy.
I will have a car, where do I park?
Portofino has a parking garage with 1,125 spaces. Most are covered and out of the sun. Costs are:
Day guests: Self-parKing: $20 plus tax per day; Valet parking $30 plus tax per day
Overnight resort guests: Self-parKing: $20 plus tax per day; Valet parking $27 plus tax per day
Is there a car rental desk at Portofino Bay Resort?
Yes, Hertz Car rental is located at the resort
Are there ATM’s on-site?
There is an Automatic Teller Machine located near the main lobby
Is there a self-serve laundry?
Portofino Bay Resort does not have a self-serve laundry. There are bags in the closet you can fill and send out (fee). Services include laundry; dry cleaning, quick pressing, and shoe shine service. If necessary, Express or Same Day Service can be requested. Hours of Operation: Available 9:00am to 6:00pm / 7 days a week.
Are there special events that take place at Portofino Bay Resort?
Yes, see our Special Event page for listings. <COMING SOON>
What are the Holiday Celebrations at the Resort?
Check out our HOLIDAY EVENTS and HOLIDAY DINING pages to see what dinners and events have taken place or are scheduled to take place.
What are your best tips on staying at the Portofino Bay Resort?
Check out our tip page where we list not only ours, but reader submitted tips on improving your stay. <COMING SOON>
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando
5601 Universal Boulevard
Orlando, Florida, 32819
Phone: 407-503-1000
Fax: 407-503-1010
updated 4/4/16
