Universal’S Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

“Beautiful but pricey and boring”

We had dinner at Bice, the Italian restaurant. at the Portifino hotel. For travelers that want the experience, but not the full park experience, it is too pricey to stay overnight, and not really a spectacular experience overall. The music each night is beautiful, but is not always lined up fo… more

We had dinner at Bice, the Italian restaurant. at the Portifino hotel. For travelers that want the experience, but not the full park experience, it is too pricey to stay overnight, and not really a spectacular experience overall. The music each night is beautiful, but is not always lined up for non hotel guests. Although we love taking family here, the hotel prices are too high. We chose the Helios Grand, for our party. As a Floridian, we were able to afford the stay with a magical experience, without using the parks. They should offer senior discounts to the older generation, so that they can enjoy the atmosphere and restaurants, and not have to travel to another hotel. The Bice restaurant was also freezing cold, and if we hadn’t snagged a table outside, we may have left altogether, because it was an ice cube. As a marketing advertising awareness , to bring future hotel guests, the full inclusive stay should be more well rounded. Something interactive without the horrible bar with the cheesy Karaoke below the restaurant. Something interactive in the Piazza like electric violinists, and arts and crafts in the early evening with painters and artists. Drone picture display maybe over the water with more seating in the piazza. Twice we have stayed at the Helios Grand this year, as the Portifino hotel will never compare with pricing or atmosphere.

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“Solid choice when visiting Universal”

Beautiful exterior and excellent staff. This is an amazing property, and the staff are very welcoming. While the general upkeep is ok, the interior really does need attention to bring it up to par based on rates charged. The hotel is clean, but when surfaces have been painted over so many times tha… more

Beautiful exterior and excellent staff. This is an amazing property, and the staff are very welcoming. While the general upkeep is ok, the interior really does need attention to bring it up to par based on rates charged. The hotel is clean, but when surfaces have been painted over so many times that it clearly needs to be sanded or replaced, it is time to reinvest in the quality of the product. Transportation was very dependable, and the location was great. Additional charging stations are needed in the rooms. The elevators were very hot and needs ventilation. Overall, it was a comfortable stay, and the room was very quiet.

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“Good deal with Express Passes”

I am rating the hotel in relation to the price of a room. The exterior and lobby areas are beautiful, the gardens are gorgeous, but the rooms do need some attention as the furniture and fittings are aging. We stayed mainly because of the express passes which come with the room, and this was a good … more

I am rating the hotel in relation to the price of a room. The exterior and lobby areas are beautiful, the gardens are gorgeous, but the rooms do need some attention as the furniture and fittings are aging. We stayed mainly because of the express passes which come with the room, and this was a good deal. Would I pay the same for the hotel if it did not offer the express passes? Housekeeping had not stocked the coffee area, though this was attended to when we asked for some coffee/tea to be provided. Check-in staff were great, very friendly and professional when under pressure. The water taxis were great, and saved standing in long queues for security at the parks. It is worth booking with free cancellation and re-checking prices regularly as ours dropped by £175 a night!

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