Ultimate Guide to Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando

The Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is one of the best, if not the best, on-site hotels at the Universal Orlando Resort. Originally opened in 1999 as part of a major expansion to Universal, the 750-room Portofino Bay Hotel has a unique Italian design / theming transporting guests to the Portofino harbor on the Italian Riviera.

This full service resort is among our favorite Universal on-site hotels as it has an amazing  style and theming. Rooms along Portofino Bay’s Harbor Piazza have some of the best views at the Universal Orlando Resort. In addition, the hotel features multiple pools areas, exceptional dining options and Universal’s only on-site hotel spa.

The Portofino Bay Hotel is managed by Loews Hotels and is a Universal top tier “Premier Hotels & Resorts” which means has the resorts highest level of amenities, dining venues  and service.  When staying at Portofino Bay or any of the on-site hotels at Universal, guests are provided a number of exclusive theme park benefits which further enhance the value for the cost.

If you thinking about staying at the Portofino Bay Hotel or any of the hotels at The Universal Orlando Resort, we would appreciate if you can use our links when making the reservations.  Endless Summer is an affiliate with Expedia.com and receives a small commission for each stay that was referred by our website.  This allows us to continue to continue making great content for our audience.

The Loews Portofino Bay Hotel – Frequently Asked Questions

What are the hotel rates at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel?

Depending on the time of year, hotel rates at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel typically average from less than $400 per night for a standard room to more than $750 per night for the larger suites. Discounts are offered for Universal Orlando annual passholders.

How close is the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel to the Universal theme parks?

The Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is a Universal on-site hotel which offers water taxi and shuttle bus transportation to Universal’s CityWalk and Volcano Bay.  There is also a walking garden path that will take approximately 15 to 20 minutes to reach CityWalk.  Pre-Covid there were free shuttle bikes which was a great way to travel.

Is there a Resort Fee or Parking Charge at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel?

There are no resort fees at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel but self-parking costs $33.00 per night and valet parking is available for $42 per night.   Other costs include Florida state sales tax of 6.5% and an Orange County occupancy tax of 6%.

Is there a spa at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel?

The luxurious 13,000 square foot Mandara Spa located on-site at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel by the Piazza Ponte between the Beach and Villas pools.

Does the Loews Loews Portofino Bay Hotel offer complimentary Universal Express passes?

Since the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is a Premier level hotel at the Universal Orlando Resort, complimentary Universal Express passes are included as a resort benefit. Other Universal Premier hotels include the Hard Rock Hotel and the Loews Royal Pacific Resort.

Universal Express is the ultimate theme park benefit of any hotel in the Orlando area.

Is there a nice pool at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel?

There are three separate pool areas at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel which include: The Beach Pool, The Villa Pool and The Hillside Pool.  Individual pool features include a sandy beach area, water slide, children’s play area and multiple hot tubs.

What are the food & beverage options at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel?

The Loews Portofino Bay Hotel features a number of dining options ranging from grab-and-go to poolside and upscale dining.  Learn more about the dining options in our post below.

What is the check-in and check-out time at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel?

The check in-time at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is 4:00 pm and check out time is at 11:00 am.

What is the pet policy at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel?

The Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is a pet friendly hotel allowing up to two (2) pets per room.  There is a $100 one-time fee per stay  two dogs that are 50 pounds or less.  Click here to see the complete Loews Loves Pets Policy.

What is the reservation cancellation policy at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel?

Guests may cancel reservations for the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel six or more days prior to the visit for a full refund.  A one night room rate plus tax fee is charged for cancellations from five days or lesser.

The Location of the a Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

The Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is within the boundaries of Universal Orlando, just across Universal Boulevard from the Hard Rock Hotel.   Access to the hotel is fairly simple as there is an interchange at Universal Boulevard from Interstate 4. 

This property is very well located and is fairly close to the Orlando /Orange County Convention Center, the International Drive attractions and several of Orlando’s major shopping & entertainment destinations.

It will take travelers about 20 minutes to get to the hotel from the Orlando International Airport and less around 10 minutes to get to the Orlando / Orange County Convention Center.  

In addition to what is offered on-site at the Universal Orlando Resort, there are several restaurants and retail venues within a very short distance along Kirkman Drive which include a Walgreens Pharmacy, Kobe Japanese Steakhouse and TGI Fridays. Additional shopping outlets and restaurants are located along nearby International Drive and Sand Lake Road (along known as restaurant row).

Being in the heart of the Universal Orlando Resort, Universal’s CityWalk, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure is a 10-minute water taxi ride away. 

Guests can also take the a walkway under Universal Boulevard and past the Hard Rock Hotel to an entrance just adjacent to the front gates of Universal Studios Florida (approximately a 15 to 20 minute walk).

Additional area theme parks and destinations are short distance to the hotel.  Per Google Maps, travel time is as follows (non-peak hours):

• SeaWorld Orlando: Less than 15 minutes.
• The Magic Kingdom Park at the Walt Disney World Resort: approximately 25 minutes.
• EPCOT at the Walt Disney World Resort: approximately 20 minutes.
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort: approximately 20 minutes.
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort: approximately 25 minutes.
• Disney Springs at the Walt Disney World Resort: approximately 15 minutes.
• Downtown Orlando: approximately 20 minutes.
• Orlando Premium Outlets: Less than 5 minutes.
• Vineland Premium Outlets: Less than 15 minutes.

Hotels Amenities at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

The Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is a very large full-service hotel the Universal Orlando Resort and features a number of amazing amenities including:

Resort-Style Swimming Pool

There are three individual hotel pools at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, each with its own features.  The Beach Pool is the perfect family area with a Roman aqueduct-themed water slide, sandy beach area, separate kiddie pool, two hot tubs and beach cabanas.

The Villa Pool is more serene and offers private cabana rentals as well as upgraded lounge chairs.  The cabanas feature a refrigerator, flat panel television and ceiling fan.

The Hillside Pool is near the east wing of the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and is the ultimate quiet spot to relax after a day at the theme parks.

Poolside Activities

The Loews Portofino Bay Hotel offers its guest a number of daily poolside activities including contests, games and more.

Fitness Center

Guests visiting the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel have complimentary access to the fitness center  which includes a full compliment of cardio-vascular and strength training equipment.  Separate locker rooms for men and women provide towels, showers and dry saunas.

Musica della Notte

The Loews Portofino Bay Hotel hosts a nightly show along the Harbor Piazza by Italian-inspired classic opera performers.  This show is free to hotel guests as well as visitors and should not be missed during your next visit to the Universal Orlando Resort.

Mandara Spa

The Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is the only on-site hotel at the Universal Orlando Resort which features a full service spa.  The 13,000 square foot Mandara Spa features 14 individual treatment rooms, a full-service salon, co-ed lounge and hydropool as well as separate men’s and women’s sauna & steam rooms.

Click here to see the spa brochure and list of spa services.

Additional Amenities at Portofino Bay include:

• On-site Universal Vacation Planning Center
• 24-hour room service
• 24-hour on-site business center
• Full service concierge
• Resort Kids Camps
• Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the Hotel
• Game (Not) Over (arcade)
• Universal Studios Store
• Alta Moda store
• L’ancora store
• Le Memories de Portofino store
• On-site Car Rental

Dining Options at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

The Loews Portofino Bay Hotel features multiple casual and upscale dining options that will fit any palette. 

Mamma Della’s Ristorante

Mamma Della’s Ristorante is all about authentic Italian cuisine with live musicians performing at your table.  Open daily for dinner service at 5:30 PM.

Click here to see the menu at Mamma Della’s.

Bice Ristorante

Bice Ristorante features Northern Italian cuisine in a elegant setting including seafood to veal as well as pasta specialties and steak. Bice is open daily for dinner service starting at 5:30 PM.

Click here to see the menu at Bice Ristorante.

Trattoria del Porto

Guests will enjoy casual dining at Trattoria del Porto.  This family friendly Italian restaurant lets guests dine alfresco overlooking the harbor (there is indoor dining as well) for either breakfast or dinner.

Click here to see the menu at Trattoria del Porto.

Sal’s Market Deli

Quick service dining is offered at Sal’s Market Deli.  Get your pizzas, sandwiches or salads here along with an array of drinks and snacks.  Open daily from 11:00 AM.

Click here to see the menu at Sal’s.

Bar American

This elegant lobby bar serves a mixture of beer, wine and specialty cocktails along with burgers and flatbreads.