Should you stay at Universal Orlando’s Portofino Bay Hotel? We’re here to answer that question for you in this Loews Portofino Bay Hotel review. In this guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about the hotel, from rooms and dining to amenities and location.
BOTTOM LINE: This hotel is amazing and definitely worth it, if you want to pay for what you get (which is a lot).
We stayed at Universal’s Loews Portofino Bay Hotel on our first visit to Universal Orlando Resort and have returned many times since. We’ll be honest this is going to be more of a guide than a review. Nothing spicy because, frankly, we love this hotel so much it’s labeled as “Home 2” in Laney’s Google maps. The only ding we can really give it is that, like the entire hotel industry, the quality dipped after the pandemic.
What is Universal’s Loews Portofino Bay? An Overview of the Hotel
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel was Universal Orlando’s first on-site hotel. It opened in 1999 and remains a flagship at the resort to this day.
RELATED: Click here to read about the evolution of Loews Portofino Bay Hotel in our comprehensive history of Universal Orlando Resort.
Immersive Theming: An Italian Seaside Village
Portofino Bay’s theming is one of its standout features, offering guests a truly immersive Italian escape. Inspired by the picturesque coastal village of Portofino, Italy, the hotel transports visitors to a charming Mediterranean harbor. As you step into the grand lobby, you’re greeted by rustic stonework, terracotta tiles, and vibrant colors that evoke the essence of a quaint Italian seaside town.
This hotel is very quiet and never busy. But the price you pay for that is a lot of walking. The property is large, and everything is very spread out. Truly like an actual village.
The hotel’s design continues throughout the property, with cobblestone walkways, lush gardens, and charming piazzas that make you feel as though you’re strolling through a scenic Italian village. The attention to detail, from the architecture to the decor, creates a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a luxurious retreat with a touch of European flair.
Main Lobby
Upon arrival you’ll walk into the main hotel lobby, with its signature Loews hotel scent. If you don’t know it, you’re missing out! This is where you’ll check in and also where the Universal Planning Center and Portofino Bay souvenir shop is. You’ll also experience the intricate Italian décor for the first time.
There is also a large lounge that looks out over the Harbor Piazza below. You used to be able to walk out onto the patio, but it’s been locked now for quite a few years. It has comfortable seating (including couches and armchairs), water, and even chess tables. There used to be a lobby bar, but it was a victim of the pandemic and shuttered in 2020. Most of the hotel is downstairs from the main lobby floor.
The Bay
The river that runs through Universal Orlando Resort ends (on one side) at the Portofino Bay—a body of water that serves to replicate the seaside aspect of the Italian riviera-themed hotel. The water taxi to the parks and CityWalk meets you at a dock extending into the bay on the west side of the harbor.
The hotel is located far away from anything else, and surrounded by trees so that, unlike most other on-site hotels, you really can’t tell that you’re staying at a theme park. No ride views, no other hotel views, no highway or street views. Just serene paradise.
Harbor Piazza
The Harbor Piazza is the centerpiece of Portofino Bay. The hotel surrounds the large open air piazza that backs up into the bay. Shops and restaurants with patio seating surround the harbor. It’s very often empty and quiet. The perfect peaceful place to unwind before or after a day at the parks.
Given that it rains a significant amount in Orlando, the awnings and overhangs that cover 90% of the piazza façade are very handy. During a rain shower it’s fun to watch people bolt for cover, trying to move more tables to dry ground. You can make a lot of new friends this way. Some of us dance in the rain, some of us want to be best friends with the person at the only dry table.
Holidays at Portofino Bay
Like all Universal Orlando on-site hotels, Portofino Bay gets into the holiday spirit in November and December (along with the theme parks) with festive Christmas decorations throughout the hotel, including a large tree on the Harbor Piazza.
Should You Stay at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel?
Portofino Bay is by far the most quiet and luxurious among the Universal Orlando on-site hotels. (Though slightly less so since they decided to close the Mandara Spa late last year.) If you’re looking for a little luxury away from the parks, you will love Portofino Bay. If you’re looking to do Universal Orlando on a shoestring, you will not.
Loews Portofino Bay Price Comparison
We aren’t going to sugarcoat it. Portofino Bay is expensive. Hard Rock and Portofino Bay go back and forth on which is most expensive at any particular moment, but they’re always the two (2) most expensive hotels at the resort. They also have the most amenities, including the Unlimited Universal Express Pass and other exclusive park benefits (all covered in the next section 👇).
The Universal Unlimited Express Pass will run you up to $350 per day, per person. Depending on your party size, that will add up quickly. If you have four (4) people in two (2) rooms at, say, Cabana Bay Beach Resort, buying the Unlimited Universal Express Pass for 3 days can set you back over $4,000.
On the other hand, if you don’t find value in the Universal Unlimited Express Pass, Portofino Bay might not be worth the cost to you. Also, Loews Royal Pacific Resort has the same exclusive benefits at a slightly lower cost.
RELATED: Click here to compare the cost and other amenities of all Universal Orlando on site hotels in our ultimate Universal Orlando planning guide’s on site hotel easy reference chart.
If you do find value in fun, exclusive park benefits, spacious rooms, delicious dining, and great shopping, read on to find out what you’ll experience when you stay at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel.
Exclusive Universal Orlando On-Site Hotel Perks
RELATED: Click here to discover the exclusive benefits at each Universal Orlando on site hotel in our 2026 Universal Orlando Planning guide.
Benefits at Every Universal On-Site Hotel
Loews Portofino Bay includes every on-site hotel exclusive benefit shared by every Universal Orlando on-site hotel, including:
- Early Park Admission: Access to select attractions at Universal Orlando theme parks up to an hour early with valid theme park admission.
- Complimentary Transportation: Shuttle buses and water taxis provide convenient access to all Universal Orlando theme parks and Universal CityWalk.
- Resort-Wide Charging Privileges: Guests can use their room key for purchases throughout Universal Orlando Resort.
- Complimentary Merchandise Delivery: Have purchases from any and all Universal Orlando Resort stores delivered directly to your hotel room. You can shop at any time during you trip and not worry about lugging your merch around. (Easily our personal favorite Universal Orlando on-site hotel feature!)
- Universal Orlando Store: Like every on-site hotel, Portofino Bay has a Universal Orlando merch shop. They’re great for picking up last minute souvenirs before you catch your flight, or for grabbing last minute necessities before you go to the parks.
- Universal Vacation Planning Center: Each on-site hotel has its own on-site Universal Planning Center where you can pick up your park tickets from your vacation package and purchase any other Universal Orlando tickets and passes, or make any reservations, you need.
UNLOCKED TIP: Packages will usually show up in your room the day after your purchase. Make sure you leave enough time for your stuff to reach your suitcase before your departure.
Benefits Exclusive to Premier Resorts
As a premier hotel, Portofino Bay also includes premier resort benefits, including:
- Universal Express Pass Unlimited: Skip the lines every time with unlimited use of the Universal Express Pass.
UNLOCKED TIP: The Universal Express Pass Unlimited is valued anywhere from $120–$330 per day. At certain times this can be the entire price of your stay per night, and every guest in the room gets an express pass. Totally worth it.
- Water Taxi Service: Hop on this convenient river boat located at your hotel’s dock and enjoy a relaxing ride to Universal Orlando theme parks and Universal CityWalk.
- Priority Seating at Resort Restaurants: Show your room key at restaurants across the resort and skip the walk-in guest line.
Travel at Portofino Bay
Travel to Loews Portofino Bay
Whether you bring your own vehicle, rent a TURO or AVIS vehicle, use a rideshare service, book the Universal Orlando official shuttle, or fly in on a pig, just pull up to the circle entrance of the hotel, and the hotel team members will take care of you. Maybe not on the pig. This is embarrassing but to be honest we’ve never tried. Sorry to bring it up.
If you bring a vehicle to the hotel (rented or otherwise), you have two options, self-parking and valet. The prices are:
- Self parking: $36 per day.
- Valet parking: $45 per day.
If you are not staying at the hotel but want to park there for the day the prices are:
- Self parking: $53
- Valet parking: $56
You’re going to experience similar parking fees at every on-site hotel, and it’s frankly why we try to avoid bringing a car to Universal Orlando if at all possible.
Travel to and from the Parks
Water Taxi and Shuttle
The water taxi is the fastest, most convenient way to get back and forth from the theme parks. However, the buses to the north campus parks and CityWalk, EPIC Universe, and Volcano Bay stop at Portofino Bay just like every other hotel. The Volcano Bay water park is not serviced by the water taxis. You must take the dedicated Volcano Bay shuttle bus. Same goes for EPIC Universe, the newest Universal Orlando theme park located on the resort’s south campus.
We love the water taxi so much. It adds a layer of relaxation and luxury to the trip. And the water taxi views are not to be underestimated!
The bus pickup is outside the front of the hotel, next to the porte-cochère. The water taxi leaves from the dock on the west side of the bay.
Walking Path
There is also a walking path that starts at Portofino Bay, goes past the Hard Rock Hotel, and ends up at the Universal Studios Florida gate. And it also has similarly amazing views. I’m sure ambitious people choose to take the path for fun. People like us take the path only out of necessity. Because the water taxi service closes during inclement weather. And then you then have the option of the bus or the path.
UNLOCKED TIP: The path to the hotel is about a 15-minute walk. The walk over to and back through CityWalk, back to the park entrance, and down to the bus pick up is about 25 to 30 minutes. Plus, then you’re waiting for a bus. But to each their own.
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel Accommodations
Standard Rooms
There are two (2) regular guest room views to choose from at Portofino Bay: those that face the bay (bay view rooms) and those that don’t (garden view rooms). By “garden view,” they mean “you don’t have a view of the bay … and you get what you get and you don’t get upset.” We’ve stayed in both. Unless the bay view is significantly more expensive, we always try to book it.
Views That Matter
The bay views add a whole layer of immersion and luxury to your stay at Portofino Bay. It’s honestly hard to put into words just how peaceful it feels. Looking out at the bay and Harbor Piazza—lined with charming outdoor seating, gelato-eating families, and people sipping cocktails from the Thirsty Fish while listening to live music from the lobby balcony—it’s easy to forget you’re in the middle of a theme park resort. The hotel wraps around three (3) sides of the bay, and the whole area feels like a tucked-away Italian village.
UNLOCKED TIP: Some rooms have patios (first floor) or balconies (upper floors). Arrive early in the day to request one—these are first come, first served, and worth the effort. We also got a room with ten (10) foot ceilings on our last stay. We haven’t figured out how many there are or how to get them, but it is definitely worth asking. It ups the luxury in a really unexpected way.
Room Sizes Compared
Standard guest rooms at Portofino Bay are enormous by normal hotel standards—450 square feet to start. Deluxe rooms jump to 490 square feet, and suites range from 650 all the way to a palatial 2800 square feet.
UNLOCKED TIP: The standard rooms here are 100–125 square feet bigger than any other Universal on-site hotel. So unless you’re upgrading for a specific feature, don’t feel pressured to pay more for a deluxe room just for space—there’s already plenty.
The first time we stayed anywhere else, it was at Royal Pacific. While we loved the theming and the vibe there, the room felt noticeably smaller. Royal Pacific’s standard rooms are 335 square feet, and after Portofino Bay, that just felt tight.
The majority of guest rooms are in the East and West Guest Wings located on either side of the Harbor Piazza. It’s a hike to get there from the main lobby. So be prepared. (An elevator will take you and your suitcases to the Harbor Piazza level.)
Club Level
Portofino Bay has a large club level that serves a continental breakfast and drinks and snacks throughout the day. The rooms are the same as non-club level rooms but come with turn down service and a personal concierge. In our opinion, the level of service at the hotel is great in a standard room, and there’s no need to pay for extra service. They treat all guests well.
Suites
As a Signature Collection hotel, Portofino Bay also offers suites. One of the suite options is a family friendly Despicable Me Kids’ Suite. It has a minion themed bedroom for kids. Other suites have a range of extra amenities, up to the Presidential Suite, which is basically a penthouse apartment.
We find staying in a bay view room to be all the luxury we need at this overtly luxurious hotel, but if you need or want more space, Portofino has it to offer.
Restaurants at Portofino Bay
Most of the hotel’s restaurants are directly off the Harbor Piazza. Six (6) are on the ground floor, and one (1) is located a few floors up, providing amazing bay views. The Café Espresso coffee shop connects to a gelateria on the east side of the harbor. The north front of the piazza houses Trattoria del Porto, Mama Della’s Ristorante, and Sal’s Market Deli. The west front houses the Thirsty Fish bar.
BICE Ristorante is located on the third floor near the water taxi dock on the west side of the Harbor Piazza. Below BICE on the first floor is the main hotel bar called the Thirsty Fish. And Splendido Bar & Grill is the poolside eatery located at the beach (or main) pool. All restaurants at Portofino Bay lean on Italian fare, but you can also find American dishes.
Additionally, while this is the least kid-friendly hotel in the lot, each restaurant does have a kids menu.
Trattoria del Porto
- What: Full table service
- Where: The north side of the Harbor Piazza on the ground floor
- Breakfast: 7AM to 11AM
- Lunch: 11AM to 5PM
- Dinner: 5PM to 10PM
Trattoria del Porto is the hotel’s main table service, casual, all day restaurant. It offers standard American fare, mostly on a buffet, but they do have a menu also. Lunch and dinner offer a variety, including burgers and fries, steak and chicken, and pasta.
We love the breakfast at Trattoria. The eggs and pancakes are very good, and they have a variety of juices, tea, and coffee. The service is excellent, but that’s true of every Portofino Bay restaurant. And it’s probably our favorite Portofino restaurant after BICE. The drinks are also amazing as are the burgers and fries.
UNLOCKED TIP: Trattoria del Porto has been part of the ongoing Portofino Bay renovation, and they recently completely remodeled the outside patio. It’s completely gorgeous now! (The interior has undergone a complete renovation as well.)
Click here to explore the Trattoria del Porto menu.
Mama Della’s Ristorante
- What: Full table service
- Where: The north side of the Harbor Piazza on the ground floor
- Hours: 5PM to 10PM
As the homestyle offering at Portofino Bay, Mama Della’s is a more formal table service restaurant than Trattoria del Porto. But a less formal table service restaurant than BICE. Mama Della’s and Trattoria are located next to each other on the main floor off the Harbor Piazza, and they share a lobby. Mama Della’s offers steaks, pasta, and other Italian dishes.
And the opera singers from the Musica della Notte will come sing at your table. The service is also excellent. Mama Della’s has a fun, boisterous atmosphere great for families. It’s only open for dinner, from 5pm to 10pm.
Click here to explore the Mama Della’s Ristorante menu.
BICE Ristorante
- What: Full table service
- Where: The west side of the Harbor Piazza on the third floor
- Hours: 5:30PM to 10PM
BICE Ristorante is the more formal “dress code” restaurant at Portofino Bay. It might be our favorite restaurant at the resort. It sits on the third floor and has two (2) patios to take in the bay views.
We can’t recommend BICE enough. It’s a standard Italian restaurant. It has great steaks, chicken, pasta, and more. Amazing drinks, and a big wine list. It also has amazing service. Definitely worth one of your nights out. Don’t come in your swimsuit though.
Click here to explore the BICE Ristorante menu.
Sal’s Market Deli
- What: Grab and go and counter service
- Where: The north side of the Harbor Piazza on the ground floor
- Hours: 11AM to 11PM
Sal’s Market Deli is the grab and go offering at Portofino Bay Hotel (every Universal on-site hotel has one). However, they also offer pizzeria scratch-made fare, including pizza, calzones, sandwiches, salads, soups, and desserts. There are plenty of tables both inside and outside where you can sit and eat, or take it back to your room, the Thirsty Fish, or even the pool.
Like most on-site hotel grab and go shops, Sal’s is open for most of the day. You can grab water, soft drinks, milk, juice, energy drinks, hard seltzer, beer, and wine there. They also recently added liquor to the grab and go options, a welcome change, and one that keeps up with the other on-site hotel markets.
Sal’s quick grab food options include chips, candy, cold sandwiches, charcuterie, desserts, and more. It also houses the hotel’s Coke Freestyle machine.
RELATED: Click here to read about Coke Freestyle and more Universal Orlando tips and tricks in our 2026 FAQ.
Click here to explore the Sal’s Market Deli menu.
The Thirsty Fish
- What: Bar and full table service
- Where: The west side of the Harbor Piazza on the ground floor
- Hours: 5PM to 12AM
The Thirsty Fish is a full bar (and kind of pub) at Portofino Bay. It’s located directly below BICE on the first floor. The bar itself is indoors, but there are lots of outdoor tables you can sit at 24/7—even when the bar isn’t open.
Thirsty Fish is the first restaurant you come to on the harbor when you hop off the water taxi after a long day at the parks. Imagine how many people just collapse into the nearest seat here. (It’s us. We’re people.) Inside, there’s the bar, a few high tops, and plenty of chairs and couches. It’s cozy in the best way. And extremely nautical.
Where to Sit
We especially love the outside seating. There’s a mix of high tops and low tops, and you can sit out there to listen to Musica della Notte. We try to do this every night we’re there.
Part of the outdoor area is covered under a large wraparound patio with plenty of tables—great for when it rains (which it does in Orlando, a lot). There’s also a hotel bathroom just a few steps away, and the walkway is completely covered. It’s all very convenient.
Drinks and Views
In addition to a full bar, The Thirsty Fish serves signature cocktails and a small menu of bar bites.
UNLOCKED TIP: You can order anything off the Sal’s Market Deli menu, and they will bring it across the piazza to your table. This might be a secret though. Don’t tell anyone just in case.
We won’t lie—this is where we end up spending a good chunk of our hotel time hanging out, resting, and people watching. It’s friendly, it’s comfortable, it’s the closest thing to the water taxi, and it has the best view of Musica della Notte. Plus, the drinks are solid.
Click here to explore the Thirsty Fish menu.
Splendido Bar & Grill
- What: Bar and full table service
- Where: The Beach Pool on the northwest side of the property
- Food Service: 11AM to 10PM
- Bar Service: 11AM to 11PM
Every hotel has at least one (1) outdoor poolside bar and/or restaurant, and at Portofino Bay it’s called Splendido Bar & Grill. The Beach Pool (the main Portofino Bay pool) adjacent “bar and grill” is located next to the fitness center. The fare at Splendido is mostly American, offering nachos, mozzarella sticks, salads, pizza, and sandwiches. You will also find the amazing tropical and exotic cocktails we’re all looking for on vacation.
For such a big and luxurious hotel, the poolside bar is kind of small and disappointing. We are particularly ruined on Universal Orlando on-site hotel poolside restaurants now that we’ve been to Lotus Lagoon, the poolside restaurant and bar at the new Helios Grand Hotel.
RELATED: Click here to read about our experience at Lotus Lagoon and Laney’s experience with their gluten free offerings.
UNLOCKED TIP: The Beach Pool and fitness center, are located behind the west wing of the hotel, and you have to walk up a flight of stairs and back down a flight of stairs to get there. However, if you’re too tired from the parks for all those stairs, walk into the west wing and take the elevator to the third floor. From there, you can cut across to the pool and only walk down one flight of stairs.
Click here to explore the Splendido Bar & Grill menu.
Café Espresso and Gelateria
- What: Full table service
- Where: The east side of the Harbor Piazza on the ground floor
- Monday through Friday: 3PM to 10PM (Gelateria)
- Saturday and Sunday: 12PM to 10PM (Gelateria)
There is a coffee shop on the east side of the hotel that serves Starbucks coffee and other Starbucks offerings. It used to be called Starbucks. We have no idea what prompted the change. There is also a gelateria with amazing ice cream attached to the coffee shop. The coffee shop opens around 6am, and the gelateria doesn’t open until 3pm. Café Espresso isn’t on the official website, but trust us, it’s there.
Click here to explore the Gelateria menu.
Room Service
- What: Room service
- Where: Your hotel room
- Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Room service is available at this and every Signature Collection hotel. At Portofino Bay the options are pulled from all food options at the hotel.
UNLOCKED TIP: Don’t be afraid to order room service because you have a food restriction. They’re great about it.
Click here to explore the Portofino Bay in room dining menu.
Dietary Accommodations at Portofino Bay
The Italian theming at Portofino Bay can easily scare off those with dietary restrictions, especially those guests who are gluten free. Don’t let it. All Portofino Bay restaurants are wonderful at accommodating. BICE is maybe the most accommodating, as 90% of their menu can be made gluten free. Yes, even the pasta!
RELATED: Click here to read our gluten free guide to ten (10) safe places to eat at Universal Orlando, including BICE and Trattoria del Porto. (They are all safe, but we picked ten (10) across the whole resort for this guide).
Portofino Bay takes the same approach to allergen safe dining as the rest of Universal Orlando Resort. The minute you mention a food restriction to your server, they are on top of it. Protocols for safe meal preparation are in place and well-practiced at each restaurant.
RELATED: Click here to explore our ultimate gluten free dining guide to EPIC Universe, Universal Orlando’s newest theme park.
The only place we don’t recommend eating fresh is Sal’s Market Deli, because they make everything there from scratch. But Sal’s still has many prepackaged options that are safe for guests with dietary restrictions.
RELATED: Click here to read more about Universal Orlando Resort’s dietary accommodation policy in our 2026 Ultimate Planning Guide.
RELATED: Click here to read our review of every hotel restaurant on the new south campus that houses EPIC Universe and three (3) new hotels.
Shops at Portofino Bay
UNLOCKED TIP: The official hotel site does not accurately list these shops.
Le Memorie di Portofino
To the left of the lobby check in, there is a little Italian cobblestone hallway, and back to the left is where Le Memorie di Portofino is located. It’s a souvenir and sundry shop that carries merch specific to the hotel. (Whereas the Universal Orlando Store carries merch specific to the parks.) They also have suitcases and other amenities you may need last minute. Do you buy too many souvenirs for everyone you know? Okay good it’s not just us.
Universal Orlando Store
Every hotel has a Universal merch shop. Portofino’s is located on the east side of the Harbor Piazza next to the coffee shop and gelateria. These stores have last minute items like sunglasses, sunscreen, meds, umbrellas, ponchos, etc. They also have tons of merch from every land, including and especially Harry Potter merch. The selection is much more limited than the big stores at the parks, but sometimes they have unique items you won’t find anywhere else.
UNLOCKED TIP: Pop in here to grab lanyards and pouches to store your tickets and room keys before you head to the parks.
L’Ancora
This nautical themed shop next to the Thirsty Fish Bar on the west side of the Harbor Piazza and has a lot of gear you would find at a shop in a real fishing village. Very cool if you’re a beach or fishing or bay person!
Alta Moda
Alta Moda is a family resort wear shop located on the west side of the Harbor Piazza. Pick up general sundries here. It’s not listed on the official website, but we promise it’s there!
Galleria Portofino
This little fine arts shop is located next to the Universal Studios Store on the east side of the Harbor Piazza, and it’s also one you won’t find on the official website. No sundries or souvenirs here, but instead you’ll find fine collectables.
Family Art Photography and Printing
A full-service gallery, studio, and printing shop.
Amenities at Portofino Bay
Pools and Activities at Portofino Bay
Musica della Notte
Every night around dusk, and sometimes a little later, the balcony off the lobby of the hotel hosts opera singers that serenade guests down on the Harbor Piazza with American standards, sung in both Italian and English.
This is one of the highlights of our trips to Portofino, and something we try to catch every night we’re there. And if we aren’t staying there, sometimes we’ll go over to Portofino just for the music at dusk. It doesn’t last that long, maybe 15 or 20 minutes. But it’s really beautiful! Grab a drink at Thirsty Fish, sit outside, and enjoy.
Harbor Nights
At sporadic points throughout the year, Portofino Bay hosts an event called Harbor Nights, where the Harbor Piazza fills with people tasting unlimited wine and eating unlimited bites provided by the hotel’s restaurants, while listening to live music and classic Italian opera singers.
This event is neither free, nor cheap. SRO will set you back $80, VIP is over $100 (I’m assuming that at least buys your sitting room but who can say), and you can pay $850 for a private party table.
In our minds there are two (2) ways to look at Harbor Nights. The glass half full version is “wow what a cool and fun experience where I can enjoy myself and meet new people!” But the glass half empty version is “I’m sorry why exactly can’t I sit on my piazza for free tonight??” As we often say, to each their own.
Portofino Bay Pools
There are three (3) pools at Portofino Bay: the Beach Pool, the Villa Pool, and the Hillside Pool.
UNLOCKED TIP: If you’re staying at a premier level on-site hotel, which Portofino is, you have access to amenities at every other on-site hotel. Go to the front desk, show them your Portofino room key, and they will give you a hospitality key to use at that hotel.
Beach Pool
The Beach Pool is located near the fitness center and is the main resort pool for the hotel. It features the hotel’s poolside bar, Splendido Bar & Grill. And it’s also great for kids—it has a water slide and a kid pool. It also has two (2) hot tubs, and—as the name would suggest—a sand beach.
Villa Pool
The Villa Pool is located further northwest on the property near the villa wing and the “hospitality wing.” This pool is fairly quiet but still sits in the center of some of the beautiful architecture and gardens at the hotel, so it’s never really empty.
Hillside Pool
The Hillside Pool, on the other hand, sits at the far end of the east wing, where the bay has narrowed almost into the river back to the parks. We didn’t even know this pool existed until we saw it on the map and went looking for it. It is remote and very quiet. And it’s a long walk to get there. But we would highly recommend it for single or couple travelers looking for a break from the hullabaloo. Not that Portofino is a big hullabaloo hotel to begin with.
Video Game Arcade
Every Universal Orlando on-site hotel has their own version of a video arcade. Portofino’s is pretty small and nothing to write home about. But if you or your kids love video game arcades, it might be right up your alley!
Fitness Center
The fitness center is relatively large for a hotel gym and well stocked. There are sixteen (16) fitness machines, a free weight area and a weight machine area. We’d rather get our workouts at the parks, but to each their own!
Convenience Amenities
Luggage Storage
This one is important. Don’t waste a day of your trip sitting around waiting for your check in or check out time. Store your luggage and spend that time exploring the resort. This is especially important if you booked a Universal Orlando vacation package. Because your tickets will be valid the day of arrival and the day of departure.
Laundry Service
The hotel has valet laundry and dry cleaning service.
Business Center
Located down the hallway off the main lobby (close to Le Memorie di Portofino). It’s just a standard business center, but you can also mail items and get packages there.
Text Service
This is hardly new or unique anymore as many hotels across the world employ it, but all Universal on-site hotels, including Portofino Bay, have a texting service that you can use instead of calling the front desk. They will send you a welcome text when you check in, and after that if you need anything or have any problems, just text the chain. It’s very helpful and convenient.
Universal Planning Center
Every Universal Orlando on-site hotel has a Universal Vacation Planning Center. Portofino’s is located next to the check in desk in the main lobby. (Though it has moved over the years.) The planning centers are important because it’s where you pick up your park tickets from your vacation package. And they also have any and all other park needs covered. You can buy any other passes there, including special event tickets like Halloween Horror Nights.
Amazon Delivery/Door Dash/Instacart
You can have packages and food or groceries delivered to the hotel. Pick up packages at the business center, and pick up food from delivery apps outside the main lobby at the porte-cochère.
Groups and Events
Away from the Universal Orlando and tourist offerings, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel also offers many beautiful event spaces, including three (3) ballrooms, a boardroom, three (3) piazzas, and a courtyard. The backdrop is quaint and beautiful, ideal for weddings and other social events, as well as business events.
The courtyards and piazzas are key immersive elements to the hotel that every guest should explore, but we likely wouldn’t know about the ballrooms if we hadn’t used them extensively in 2017.
Hurricane Irma 2017
We were staying at Portofino during Hurricane Irma and the Orlando lockdown. It was a wild time. Most Universal Orlando on-site hotels are built around one (or maybe two) buildings, so guests can access nearly everything—lobby, restaurants, amenities—without ever stepping outside.
A Hotel Entirely Outdoors
That is very much not the case at Portofino Bay. As you’ve probably picked up by now, this hotel is spread out. Really spread out. There is literally nothing you access without going outside. Guest rooms are in their own buildings, and every single restaurant, shop, and even the fitness center has an exterior entrance.
So there we were: locked in during a hurricane, everything outside shut down, and we had no clue how (or where) to find food. After spending hours cooped up in our room watching weather updates and Wonder Woman, we ventured downstairs in our guest wing to see if anything was open. Every single restaurant and shop was shuttered—because, again, no one in the entire city of Orlando was allowed to go outside.
Secret Hallways and Ballroom Restaurants
Then we spotted a sign. “Food this way,” or something like that—it was eight years ago. So, we followed the arrows … and ended up in a literal secret passage. Not even kidding. A section of the wall opened to reveal a hidden hallway, and we walked through it in complete disbelief. Was this built for hurricane emergencies? Is it usually just for housekeeping? We have no idea. But there we were, walking through a back corridor like theme park spies, headed for the main building that houses the lobby and ballrooms.
Inside the ballrooms, the hotel had set up food stations, grab-and-go snacks, drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic), and even little social areas. So, a couple times a day, we’d sneak through the secret hallway, load up on food, and return to our room to watch Wonder Woman for the 700th time.
A Stay We’ll Never Forget
Those 50-ish hours were oddly quaint. Trapped, bored, stir-crazy—and somehow still charmed by the whole ordeal. But the second that lockdown lifted, we made a break for it. We went straight to CityWalk, plopped ourselves down at Margaritaville, and stared blankly into space—just thrilled to see someone who wasn’t each other or Gal Gadot.
It’s an experience we hope never to repeat, but one we weirdly cherish. Hurricane Irma gave us a totally unique way to get to know our favorite hotel—and a secret hallway we’ll never forget.
Explore Loews Portofino Bay Hotel.
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel FAQ
Portofino Bay Accommodations
Yes—for many guests. The free Universal Express Unlimited passes, early park admission, and luxurious setting make it a strong value, especially during peak crowd levels when time savings are significant. Click here to read more about pricing and savings.
Find them here. All rooms feature high-end Italian décor and spacious layouts.
Yes.
Yes.
Yes, as of 2026. Some exterior areas are under renovation. Noise is minimal, but check with the hotel for current status before booking.
Universal Orlando Resort
Yes, many. Click here to read about them.
Yes. Every guest receives complimentary Universal Express Unlimited Pass access for all major theme parks (Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and EPIC Universe)—on both check-in and check-out days.
Yes, at the Universal Orlando Store on the Harbor Piazza level.
Yes. If you’re staying at a premier level on-site hotel, which Portofino is, you have access to amenities at every other on-site hotel. Go to the front desk, show them your Portofino room key, and they will give you a hospitality key to use at that hotel.
Yes. At the Universal Planning Center.
Click here to explore Portofino Bay transportation.
Portofino Bay Amenities & Activities
Yes, the Musica della Notte takes place every night at dusk, weather permitting. There is also opera singing at Mama Della’s Ristorante.
Yes. Decor can be seen throughout the hotel, and the Musica della Notte is often Christmas themed.
No. Unfortunately, the Mandara Spa closed in December 2024. A replacement for the space has not been announced yet.
Yes.
Yes.
Yes.
The hotel offers self parking, day parking, and valet parking. Check out pricing here.
Portofino Bay Dining
Yes. There are eight (8) restaurants and lounges, (plus in room dining), including:
Mama Della’s Ristorante (home-style Italian), BICE Ristorante (fine dining), Sal’s Market Deli (casual, fast options), Splendido Bar & Grill (poolside dining), Trattoria del Porto (casual table service), The Thirsty Fish (bar and small eats), Café Espresso (coffee shop), Gelateria, and in room dining. Read more here.
The hotel focuses on Italian cuisine, so guests looking for more variety may want to explore CityWalk.
Yes, of course. They are great at it. Read more here.
Portofino Bay serves Starbucks beverages at Cafe Espresso.
Yes, at Sal’s Market Deli.
Yes.
Not the same pizza delivery that other on-site hotels have (e.g., Cabana Bay Beach Resort). However, you can order pizza from in room dining.
Yes. Sal’s Market Deli sells liquor, wine, beer, and hard seltzers.
Conclusion: Our Loews Portofino Bay Hotel Review for 2026
Thanks for reading! Make sure to bookmark this post if you’re thinking of staying at Portofino Bay!
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel offers a luxurious, immersive experience that combines Italian charm with the convenience of staying within Universal Orlando Resort. Whether you’re enjoying the beautiful Mediterranean-inspired architecture, relaxing by the pools, or indulging in world-class dining, this hotel provides a top-tier experience for families, couples, and travelers seeking a little extra luxury.
With its prime location, exclusive perks like early park access, and a variety of amenities, Portofino Bay Hotel is the perfect choice for anyone looking to enhance their Universal Orlando vacation. Just be aware it comes with a price to match. If you’re ready to experience a slice of Italy while enjoying everything Universal has to offer, this hotel should definitely be at the top of your list.
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