Are you looking to have a few days of excitement at Universal Studios Orlando? Are you trying to decide what hotel would be best for your trip?

**This post contains affiliate links. Please see my Privacy Policy and Disclosures Statement for more information.**

This post will give you all of the information you need to decide if Loews Portofino Bay Resort at Universal Studios is the right hotel for you!

Let’s be honest, Orlando has thousands of hotels to choose from. You can find plenty of nice hotels with great amenities for really affordable prices. Why would you spend the extra money to stay at one of the Universal Studios hotels?

Hopefully after this review, you will be able to decide if it is worth the money to stay at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. It is one of Universal Studios Premier resorts!

The Resort

Built in 1999, this resort was the first of what would become the collection of Universal Resorts in Orlando. As the name suggests, the architecture and design of the resort was meant to mirror Portofino. The beautiful, Italian seaside town.

As you walk the cobblestone streets along the waterway path, surrounded by Cypress trees, you might just be transformed to Italy. Despite the resort being massive, I still found it to be more quiet and calm. Especially compared to others that I have stayed at within the Universal collection.

Transportation

The hotel is located just 18 miles from Orlando International Airport (MCO) and is a short, 25 minute drive. While the hotel doesn’t offer complimentary transportation, they can arrange transportation for you (at an additional cost). Simply contact the concierge prior to your arrival.

From the airport, you can also grab a taxi or use a ride share service such as LYFT or UBER.

I would highly recommended making a car rental reservation ahead of time. This is especially important if you need a specific size or model. For those wanting to rent a vehicle for just a day or two rather than an entire trip, an Avis desk is located right at the hotel. Self parking is $28 per night or $37 per night for valet.

Traveling to Orlando by flight? Check out my post 20 Tips for Traveling on Flights with Kids!

Once I arrived at the hotel, the check-in, check-out process was quick and easy. Although there was a short line each time, it moved quickly and the staff were very friendly and helpful. My room was ready before the official check-in time which was nice after a long flight.

The resort has 750 guest rooms, including 45 suites. All of the rooms and bathrooms at this resort are large and spacious. I had a small balcony off of my room and it was great to be able to get some fresh air. The room was filled with natural light and made it feel very inviting.

All of the guest rooms at the resort feature a flatscreen TV, mini fridge, coffee maker, safe, bath robes, toiletries, iPod docking station and much more.

Club Level

Club Level Rooms are scattered throughout the resort and offer access to the Club which is located in the lobby. Throughout the day you will find complimentary non alcoholic beverages while beer and wine are served from 5pm – 8pm. All Suites also have access to the Club which offers more food options than I have seen at other resorts.

The morning includes a hot breakfast. The afternoon options are typically fresh fruit and packaged snacks, while dinner time is generally crudité, cheese & crackers, salads and a couple of hot dishes.

Amenities

The whole resort is equipped with free WiFi, both in the common areas and in the guest rooms. It always worked well and I never had a problem connecting.

Although I didn’t get the chance to enjoy it, the hotel houses a Mandara Spa where you can enjoy a massage, body wrap, or facial to unwind after a long day at the parks. If you are looking to burn a few additional calories, the hotel also offers a Fitness Center. Although your feet will already be killing you after walking around the parks!

For the most up-to-date information and pricing, check out their website here.

The Minions Suite

The Minions Suites are the perfect way to treat your kids to a special vacation. These Suites have a King Room and an adjoining bedroom with two twin beds.

The main bedroom is spacious and the balcony is a great way to get some fresh air.

The Minions themed kids room also has a dresser, kids table and lamp, closet, flat screen TV and a fun sitting chair.

Our son loved this room. The beds are adorable and he loved getting the chance to stay here!

Dining Options

Between all of the dining options located right at the resort and all of the restaurants just a short walk (or boat ride) away at City Walk, you will spend more time deciding where to eat than actually eating.

Here are all of the options right at Loews Portofino:

Bice Ristorante – This restaurant boasts a menu of authentic Italian dishes. A great restaurant for a date night. They are only open for dinner and the prices are on the higher end.

Mama Della’s Ristorante – More family friendly than Bice, this is a good option for a nice sit down dinner after a long day at the parks.

Trattoria del Porto – The perfect place to people watch while enjoying a meal in the Piazza. This restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and have a kids play area located within the restaurant.

Sal’s Market Deli – This casual, quick service restaurant has pizza, salads, sandwiches and more.

Splendido Bar & Grill – This poolside spot serves cocktails, wine, beer, pizza, sandwiches, salads and more.

Gelateria – Opening at 6am for the day, they start with serving breakfast but also serve smoothies, milkshakes and gelato throughout the day.

Starbucks – Die hard fans will find this shop open at 6am and located in the Piazza making it easy to grab a coffee before getting on the water taxi to the parks.

In-Room Dining – The menu has a wide selection that is available 24 hours a day.

Bar American – This lounge is located within the lobby and is open in the evenings to serve an extensive drink list.

The Thirsty Fish – This lounge is located off of the Piazza and serves many drink options along with a few food options.

Resort Amenities

Some of the additional resort amenities include:

• Wake up calls from your favorite Universal Studios Character (such as Optimus Prime!!). Set up this service when you arrive at the resort to start your day off with an exciting phone call from your favorite character.

• Every evening at sunset, the Piazza come to life with live music.

• Three themed swimming pool areas which include the Beach Pool with a water slide, a zero entry sandy beach area, kids pool, and two hot tubs. For those looking for relaxation, the Villa Pool offers private cabana rentals & bocce courts. The Hillside Pool is an adults only oasis that offers quiet and privacy.

• Their Resort Kids Camp is open in the evenings to allow parents to have a relaxing dinner, check out the spa or just have a little quiet. Children must be between the ages of 4 – 14 and potty trained. This service is provided at an additional cost.

Park Benefits

Personally, I think this is where the real value is for staying at one of Universals Premier Resorts.

Universal Express Unlimited

Included with your stay you will receive free Universal Express Unlimited. This allows you to skip the lines in Universal Studios Florida and Universal Island of Adventure. The three resorts that receive these privileges are The Hard Rock, Loews Royal Pacific and Loews Portofino.

Of course, you will need to purchase the park tickets but this added benefit saves $129 per person per day.

Early Park Admission

You are also granted early park admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Volcano Bay, one hour prior to regular opening. We took advantage of this and it was worth it to get a few rides in and see Harry Potter World slightly less crowded.

Complimentary Souvenir Delivery

Complimentary delivery of souvenirs to your hotel room. Rather than carry around your purchases all day, save yourself the hassle and have them delivered directly to your room!

Priority Seating

Priority seating at select restaurants at the parks, City Walk, and throughout the resorts. I would always recommend that you make a reservation. If that isn’t a possibility, this amenity allows you to have your name moved up on the wait list just because you are staying at one of the Universal properties.

Complimentary Transportation

Complimentary water taxis and buses to City Walk, Volcano Bay, Universal Studios, and Islands of Adventure. If you prefer to walk, there is a well maintained pathway from the resort to City Walk and the entrance to the parks. The pathway will take you right past the Hard Rock hotel and through a butterfly garden.

The water taxi service begins 30 minutes prior to the parks opening and runs until 2:30am each day.

All in all, I feel like the additional amount of money that you pay to stay at a Premier Universal Resort is well worth the cost when you figure in all of the added benefits. On top of all of that, the resort is being refurbished in the beginning of 2020. This will make what is already a great resort that much nicer and refreshed.

I hope you have found all of this information useful and allows you to make an informed decision about spending the extra money to stay at Loews Portofino Bay Resort!