Universal's Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Beautiful hotel!

The room was super spacious, we had a balcony on the bay and we were thrilled! The proximity to the water taxi and to the main pool was perfect. We could easily make it back for a swim and a soak in the hot tub after a long day in the parks. We loved the opera performances and the staff were always very friendly! When we arrived we had our luggage sent to bell services as we didn't know if our room would be ready so early and we were delighted to find that it was, the bellman who brought our luggage to our room was super helpful showing us around the hotel (thanks again Hunter!) Most people comment on the long line at Starbucks but when you compare it to the Starbucks in the Mouses' park, it's actually quite short. We never felt crowded at the hotel (and we were there during the Halloween Horror Nights events) The Universal Unlimited Express Pass and Early Entry features were an absolute must for us to be able to accomplish our goal to "Ride EVERY ride in the parks". We will absolutely be back!

It's expensive to go to Universal studios and stay at the portofino Bay hotel, but at least the hotel covers the price of the express pass at the park which makes it the same cost as one of the lesser priced Universal hotels. Staying at the hotel is like a visit to Paradise. It's beautiful and the boat ride to the Universal Park entrance is phenomenal. The staff here is fantastic and being from a big city it was an unexpected pleasure to find good Italian food right on the grounds of the hotel. Special note to the gentleman who organizes the valet and parking in front of the hotel. This man takes pride in his work and he is extremely friendly and efficient.

Accessibility to parks and room key fast pass

Most everything about the room was great-- but could use a standard supplied microwave at no charge as in most less expensive hotels/motels. We have stayed at the PortOFino several times over the years & enjoyed them ALL.