Just back from Portofino today. Who else has stayed there?

[TJA]

We just returned from Portofino (WL first for 8 nights, then Portofino for 3 nights). I don't really have a trip report, but just a few general comments and questions for those of you who have stayed there.

First of all, it was gorgeous, luxurious, and pampering! It was fun to be at the beach pool and have so many options for privacy. The villa pool was enchanting. We had a harbour room on the east wing, so we were the closest to the hillside pool which was fine when we wanted a quick swim.

My question to all of you is did anyone feel a little "scared" because of the lack of people? I'm sure there were lots of guests when we were there (Labor Day weekend)...maybe just because the resort is so big they had the guests spread out. My DH went back to our room one day and I stayed at the hillside pool to soak in the sun for a little while longer. I was the ONLY person there and you could hear a pin drop if you listened! I actually got nervous...and that really isn't me at all. I walked back to my room and did not see ONE person the entire walk back. We also noted in the mornings when we left for the parks that most times there were about 2 other people on the boat with us.

It was a lovely time and a gorgoeus resort. Just such a change from the WL (people EVERYWHERE).

 

[Seahag]

we haven't stayed there yet.......our trip is in November. I LOVE the mini-report above, it sounds like we have made the correct hotel choice ~~ I hope it's the same way when we go.
Thanks for sharing

 

[BarryHom]

Actually, I liked the deserted feel. For once, I didn't bump into crazy kids dancing in the hallway or weird guests wandering around aimlessly. It felt like I had the place to myself.

 

[TJA]

Barry Hom: Yes, I agree a deserted feeling was better than the alternative. It just made me feel a little creepy. But it's much more enjoyable to be able to get in a pool and relax without being splashed and not having room to move. I loved the Portofino and can't wait to go back. I was just expecting a moderate to large crowd being that it was Labor Day weekend. Oh, and how exciting it was to flash our room keys at the parks and get to the front of every line! I swear we did USF in about 2 hours! We went from ride to ride and never waited more than 5 minutes. It was awesome.

 

[antmaril]

We noticed the same thing when we were there at the end of June. We were staying at the HRH, which we loved, and went over to Portofino Bay one afternoon to see what it was like. It was absolutely deserted. We were amazed. It was almost too quiet. The hotel is beautiful, but we saw very few people.

 

[Melanie1001]

I absolutely love staying at the PBH! Went there a few months after it opened, going back in December. It's luxury, pampering, and you feel a million miles away from the park. Makes for a relaxing and quiet place to be. Guess I'm weird but I like that isolated/empty feeling you get there.

 

[CPM]

We haved stayed at PBH four times & I love it! I know aht you mean about that empty feeling, but I don't mind. I do notice that each time we ahve stayed there we never see anyone by that Hillside pool, or in the East wing. One night we noticed all the lights on and inquired about it. Well, I guess they had saved all the cleaning in the East wing for one night and that's what they were doing! Strange huh?