Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando 

La dolce vita

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is a serene refuge from the hullaballoo of theme parks. Awash with cafés and old-world charm, it transports families, friends, and couples away from Orlando and along the cobblestones of an Italian village.

Everything is styled to resemble the seaside village of Portofino, and it’s an impressive replica just minutes from the roar of the Universal Orlando theme parks. Boats bob on the harbour, people mingle on the piazza, and cobblestone pathways invite exploration. Three pools offer something for every mood, from the beach-fringed pool, with a waterslide and splash pad for kids, to the tranquil Hillside Pool, which is ideal for quiet relaxation. Of course, Universal’s take on Italy wouldn’t be complete without abundant gelato, espresso, pasta, and pizza, so guests will find all sorts of restaurants, shops, and cafés around the village to cater to their whims.

Why we love Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando

  • The fairy-lit piazza comes alive at sunset with Italian opera, strolling musicians, and a show. Order scoops of gelato and enjoy the performance!

  • There are five shops, including Italian boutiques and The Universal Store, for picking up gifts and souvenirs.

  • Guests of this resort have access to extra perks, including early access to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and complimentary Unlimited Express Unlimited for skipping the regular queues when you have a valid entrance ticket.

  • Your room key can be used to make purchases across the whole of Universal Orlando and gets you priority seating at Universal Orlando restaurants.

4.5 stars
Mar - Jun, Oct - Dec
Approximately 10 hours to Orlando
In the centre of the action at Universal Orlando.
Approx. 30 minutes from Orlando airport
Suitable for children

Rooms

Facilities

  • Restaurants & bars
  • Board
  • Spas & wellness
  • Activities
  • Diving & Watersports
  • Families

The restaurants and bars lean heavily on the hotel’s Italian theme, so expect traditional dishes in Bice Ristorante, Mama Della’s Ristorante, and Trattoria del Porto. Even the grab-and-go option is a reimagined Italian deli. And, of course, an Italian-themed hotel wouldn’t be complete without its very own gelateria. The only anomaly? An all-American Starbucks.

Bice Ristorante
White tablecloths in a formal dining room serving antipasti, pasta, risotto, fish and meat dishes, and delectable Italian desserts. Open for dinner.

Mama Della’s Ristorante
For something more casual, head to Mama’s kitchen. Open for breakfast and dinner.

Trattoria del Porto
Dine indoors or out, with a view of the piazza. Come for pancakes in the morning and return for steak and seafood in the evening.

Sal’s Market Deli
From Italian meats to a slice of pizza and fresh fruit, Sal’s is where you go when you want to pick up something to take with you, although there are a few chairs and tables here, too.

Splendido Bar & Grill
Whether you want food delivered to your sun lounger or want to enjoy a leisurely hour in the shade, this poolside grill serves lunchtime favourites, including burgers, sandwiches, salads, and ice creams.

Gelateria
A rainbow of authentic artisanal Italian gelato.

Starbucks
An easy place to pick up coffee and snacks for your walk to the theme parks.

Nothing beats the fabulous flavours on offer at the gelateria on a hot afternoon in Florida.

What's included

Room Only

There are 14 single treatment rooms and two couples’ rooms at the Mandara Spa – many options have an Italian twist, such as the Dolce Limoncello Body Polish with Massage. Before or after a treatment, enjoy the relaxation lounges or take a dip in the hydrotherapy pool. There are also saunas and steam rooms in the changing rooms. For a workout on holiday, the resort has its own gym, with free weights and a wide range of cardio machines.

Away from the pools, look out for ping pong tournaments and hula hoop contests – check to see what’s scheduled when you arrive. There’s also Bocce Ball available, thought to be one of the world’s oldest lawn bowling games.

Three swimming pools each offer a different ambience. The Beach Pool is a firm family favourite with a sandy beach, water slides, kids’ zones, and beach cabanas. Resort staff occasionally arrange pool basketball.

The Villa Pool is quieter and has private cabanas and luxury loungers, whereas the Hillside Pool offers serenity and privacy.

This is an elegant choice for families with beautiful guestrooms that are sanctuaries away from the hubbub. If you fancy a bit more theming, the Minions-takeover rooms are a hit with little ones. If you’re travelling with tiny tots, you might want to consider one of the suites with a kitchenette.