Is Portofino Bay hotel worth the extra $

[LindaRDH]

We have booked the flight and hotel stay over Easter through expedia .com. We are taking advantage of the heros discount tickets at Universal. The hotel we booked is the Wyndham Orlando which is off site. But after reading how beautiful the Portofino Bay hotel is and the advantage of the FOTL access, I desided to try and book a Universal hotel for a night during our stay.The best price I could find was through HotelKingdom.com for 209.90 +tax. The best price I could find elsewhere and through Universal directly was $300 a night. So I desided to book 2 nights at the Portofino for the 209.90 a night. Now, my question is it worth the cost for 2 nights vs. 1 night. I would like to enjoy the hotel and also take advantage of the FOTL access. Thanks in advance for your replies.

 

[BarryHom]

$200 a night is a little higher than I would pay, but it seems like the highest discount I've seen. I would say it is worth the extra $. The all-day Universal Express access pays for itself, especially during busy times.

 

[jdm]

We had the Portofino booked for 2 nights in Feb at a great rate $129 (Fan Club) and $150 entertainment. We were in the process of waiting for an exchange to come through from our timeshare company. When it did come through it was for 2/15 checkin which was our second night at the PB. I really struggled with this and was going to keep our PB for the $150 and check into our timeshare a day late. I then decided that I couldn't justify it and changed our reservation at PB for one night. I figured if we can use the express for the two days (checkin and checkout) we should be done with the bulk of the attractions then. I probably didn't help you at all huh :~)! I guess it depends on the price difference between your hotels and how much time you have to do the parks. It made a difference to us that you could use Express for two days on a one night stay. Also, have you tried pricing it with an Entertainment, AAA rate etc?
Good luck with whatever you decide.
Jenn

 

[gschmerl]

YOu are going to be there at a VERY busy time. If you can afford to spend the money, then go for it. The express access is priceless during the crowded holiday times. During Easter the parks should be packed. You will be soooooo happy to have that magic room key.

 

[tinkerbarb]

Be sure to ask for the heros salute rate!!

 

[CPM]

The highest we've paid is $159.00 not sure if the DH would go much over that, but we generally don't go at a busy time. What wre you paying at the Wyndham? The difference betwen the two is really what you have to consider. I would think easter week all rates are going to be high & the FOTL access will be essential! PBH is a beautiful hotel & worth paying a bit more for!