Hotel
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando
For a touch of Italy in Florida make sure to stay at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando. The hotel is located along the water at Universal Orlando imitating the waterfront town of Portofino, Italy. With cobblestone streets and Cyprus trees all around it’s sure to make you feel like you’re in Europe. It doesn’t stop there though. Make sure to take the “gondola” to Universal Studios. They have a water taxi to bring you to Universal Studio and they also offer theme park benefits. After a long day at the parks make sure to listen to some live music while sipping on some espresso back at the hotel to end your night the right way. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando is a perfect location for weddings and corporate events in their 42,000 – plus square feet function space. The hotel has 750 glorious guestrooms including 45 suites and three pools including one with a huge water slide.
Perks of Hotel
Not only is the hotel a little slice of Italy in Florida, but they also have a few things to add as well. They offer exclusive park benefits for people who stay at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando. One being unlimited ride access which in other words means skipping the endless lines at both parks and being able to ride over and over again without waiting. Normally $89 per person, now free for guests with a valid park admittance of course. They also offer early park admittance to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter which means guests can enter the park one hour before normal opening time. They also have something which helps you save money the longer you stay. Its called “ The Longer You Stay The More You Save”. In other words, if you stay seven nights or longer, you can save up to 35% at any Universal Orlando on site resort hotel during their best days to vacation.
Room
I was privileged and got to stay in a Garden View two queen room. There were two queen beds, a large TV and a view of the garden and pool. The room was a spacious 450 square feet. The furnishings were all so elegant and from Italy along with the marble accents in the room. This is basic though compared to what else Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando offers. If you’re vacationing with your family, you can get a suite or even a kids suite that can go up to a whopping 2,725 square feet and is themed. The hotel has a crazy Despicable Me kids theme suite which has the entire suite themed like Despicable Me.
Restaurant
Bice Ristorante
For an authentic Italian meal head over to Bice Ristorante. Located in Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando, definitely stop in for dinner to feel like you traveled from Florida right to Europe. While eating, enjoy the gorgeous views in front of you. I ordered the bruschetta as an appetizer and was not disappointed. For dinner I got the Ravioli di Manzo alla Massaia con Salsa di Funghi Profumati al Marsala… in simple terms it’s ravioli stuffed with beef short rib and spinach in a marsala sauce with mushrooms. I obviously asked for no mushrooms but it was still delicious and even better when I ate my leftovers at 4 am. It’s a little pricey but worth every penny.
Things to Do
The resort lies close to the water at Universal Studios. Located right next to Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando are two insanely fun theme parks. The Universal CityWalk entertainment complex is also right next door. As I said before staying at the hotel gives you exclusive benefits and access to the theme parks. If you just want to stay on the resort property, there are still things to do. They have three themed swimming pools, on-site shopping, Bocce Ball, Jogging/walking paths, music at night and Harbor nights. The three pools include a family pool that has a Roman- Aqueduct themed water slide, a sandy beach, two hot tubs and cabanas. The other two pools include the adult only pool and the last pool that has private cabanas. You can rent a cabana which offers a ceiling fan, plasma screen tv, refrigerator with snacks and drinks and some lounge chairs. The Harbor Nights is a wine tasting and jazz event featuring wine, food and music to give you a Mediterranean feel. If you’re more of a simpleton, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando also has a full fitness center and spa. Don’t forget to stop by and play Bocce Ball or even spend the night at the Dive-in-movie
* This post is sponsored by Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando.
Comments
This hotel looks so pretty! You are giving me great ideas for our trip next year!
This hotel looks amazing! Thanks for sharing this great review!
How gorgeous is this?! It looks like another country and I love it!
Maggie @ Polished Closets
Okay I’m sold, this is the prettiest hotel on the East Coast, hands down. I want to visit “Italy” without leaving the country haha! I can’t believe how large the rooms are – some are bigger than most apartments. Craziness. But omg the food looks divine. I wanna teleport there right now!
Stephanie // SheSawStyle.com
This hotels sounds/looks amazing! How fun was that trip?!
that hotel looks so pretty and i’m drooling over the bruchettas!
That hotel is SO gorgeous!! My family always stays at the Royal Pacific Universal hotel when we go .. staying on site makes all the difference!
-Morgan
How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com
This hotel sounds perfect, I love that you get a pass to skip the lines at the rides!! That’s huge!!
Xx Mollie
This place looks amazing! That room was incredible, great views and the food looked amazing!
i’m actually on my way to Portofino Bay as we speak! one of my favorites – I love Orlando.
xo Emily
http://www.thehipsuburban.com
The hotel looks gorgeous and I love that it feels like a bit of Italy is in the U.S. And how cool is it that they have so many perks at the park if you stay there! Thanks for sharing – I will definitely look into the this hotel when we head to Orlando!
This hotel looks gorgeous! I totally thought you were in Italy at first!
xo,
Britt
OMG this hotel looks so dreamy from the scenic view to the food to the rooms!
xx – anna
fleurdille.com
This looks like such a gorgeous resort!
http://www.kayleighskloset.com
This place looks so dreamy!
I want to go here!! How are you always on vacay!!
Such a pretty hotel! I am staying at my first Loews hotel this week and am so excited!
This trip sounds absolutely amazing!! Love all of these pictures!
Rachel / http://www.helloher.co
Wow! Looks like such a beautiful place! I’ve never been to Orlando, so definitely bookmarking this for when I do.
xx Leah / http://www.eatpraywearlove.com
That hotel looks amazing!!