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A relaxing escape with theme park perks
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A relaxing escape with theme park perks

Review of Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando

By: Tarah Chieffi

  • Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is one of Universal Orlando's top-tier resorts.
  • The resort is designed to resemble Portofino, Italy, complete with a lively piazza and an aqueduct-themed pool complex.
  • As one of Universal's Premier Hotels, guests receive early theme park entry and complimentary skip-the-line passes.

There aren't many theme park hotels that can truly make you forget you are at a theme park, but Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando looks and feels as much like an Italian seaside village as the name implies. As you stroll along the cobblestone grounds, you'll encounter a lively piazza filled with shops and eateries and a harbor filled with gently bobbing boats.

Despite being within walking distance of Universal, the hotel is secluded enough that you won't see (or hear) any roller coasters from the property. Even if you love theme parks, you might want a respite from the action at the end of the day. That is exactly what you'll find at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel.

What is Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is one of the most upscale hotels located at Universal Orlando Resort. You'll find spacious rooms and a full slate of amenities, including multiple pool areas, table-service restaurants and immersive theming. It's also one of the closest hotels to Universal's theme parks, only a 10- to 15-minute walk from the park's entrance.

For these reasons, the hotel is pretty pricey relative to the other accommodations in the area. Rates start at just less than $500 per night, but there are ways to squeeze a lot of value out of that nightly rate, which we'll touch on below.

There are plenty of budget-friendly hotels at Universal, but Loews Portofino Bay Hotel offers luxury accommodations and full-service amenities for theme park visitors who want their vacation to feel indulgent. Here's what my recent stay at the hotel was like.

For the full article, click here.