Location. Reminiscent of an Italian fishing village, Universal's Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is located in Orlando, Fla., in the center of Universal Studios Orlando. The hotel is two miles from Wet 'n Wild and International Drive. Special theme park benefits include Universal Express ride access to bypass regular lines at most attractions and rides, complimentary resort wide transportation via water taxis or shuttle buses and priority seating at select Universal Orlando restaurants.
Hotel Features. Designers and craftsmen painstakingly modeled the ambience of Universal's Loews Portofino Bay Hotel after the Portofino village of Italy. Elaborate paintings decorate exteriors, Vespas are parked in the main piazza and faux fishing boats are anchored in the harbor. Dining options include buffet style breakfasts at Trattoria del Porto, poolside drinks at Splendido Pizzeria and family style dining at Mama Della's Ristorante. Three themed swimming areas include the Villa Pool complete with private cabanas, an aqueduct styled waterslide and a hillside pool. Mandara Spa at Portofino Bay displays a vast menu that includes Balinese massages, lime and ginger body treatments and marine facials with the Elemis product line. Evenings bring movies under the stars at the hotel's weekly poolside "dive in" movies. The main piazza hosts a quarterly wine festival and "Harbor Night" with live jazz. Campo Portofino provides supervised children's activities.
Guestrooms. Featuring authentic Italian furnishings and marble accents, guestrooms include custom duvets with goose down duvet inserts, elegant window treatments with lace curtains and Egyptian cotton linens. High speed Internet access is available. Bathrooms boast dual marble sinks, Bloom toiletries, telephones and cotton bathrobes. Club Level rooms offer access to the Club Lounge, which includes complimentary breakfasts and evening receptions, and Internet access.
Expert Tip. Enjoy the sounds of Italy daily with the hotel's "Musica della Notte" (Music of the Night) show in the Harbor Piazza.