PORTOFINO BAY HOTEL Information

[GRUMPYMOMOF3]

Can anyone tell me about the kids suites.we are planning a trip next april and we are a family of 5(three girls,11,11,7)and wonder if we should go with the kids suite or just a deluxe room.

 

[thedisneymom]

The kid's suite has a separate bedroom with 2 twin beds and an extra tv .The main room has a king bed I believe. The deluxe is 2 queen beds I would go for the extra room kid's suite to give you a little privacy. You also won't have to watch cartoons.

 

[SamR]

The kids' suite is a bit pricey, but if you can get a rate you are comfortable with, it is a very nice choice for families. A very nice room for mom and dad, and a second themed room with two twin beds, a TV, and a video cassette player.

We stayed in a kids' suite at PBH for a trip to USO about a year-and-a-half ago. I took a few pictures in the room...You can view them at: Portofino Bay Pictures

Enjoy your trip planning!

 

[JessicaR]

SamR, your pictures are lovely! I especially love the picture of the bay overlooking the piazza! Just beautiful and it brings back great memories.

A little more info on the kidsuite...
Usually for the $ of a kidsuite you can book 2 garden/bayview rooms. That gives you 2 bathrooms and lots more room. Ask about connecting rooms. If the kidsuite is what you desire it is not the same as the deluxe rooms. The kidsuites are std rooms with an extra kids room (small) I think the room is 700 sq, ft. A deluxe is 500. I like the deluxe bathrooms best but its not a huge reason to book that room.

We book a deluxe for 4 and we're very comfortable.

 

[SamR]

SamR, your pictures are lovely! I especially love the picture of the bay overlooking the piazza!

Thanks! The bay area at PBH is beautiful at night, and even more so at Christmas. It's the perfect place for a romantic after-dinner stroll - Of course, we had three kids in tow, so that wasn't gonna happen!

 

[thedisneymom]

SamR
I have to tell you that seeing your pictures made me feel that I was there again,but seeing the Christmas tree makes want another trip this coming Christmas! It was so beautiful!

 

[Terthunkin]

Hello. We stayed at RP when it first opened and loved it. We're going back the first of June for three days. I have RP for military rate of $160 and PB club level military rate of $270. We have two boys, 12 and 13 so I'm thinking we'll eat $100 of food daily in the club. Is it convenient enough to go back and forth to the parks to return to the hotel for food? Last time we were at RP we were so thrilled with the FOTL that we spent five days in the parks, open till close, re-riding all the great attractions. I guess I'd like an update on the club amenities and if people who have stayed there recently used them. Thanks, Terri.

 

[thedisneymom]

It takes about 20 minutes from the park to Portofino. For $100 more a day use lots of soda, coffeee, and water.Also, take advantage of the terrific breakfast offerings, and there are only some smoked cold-cut type meats and a variety of cheeses from 5-7-NO hot foods. Then cookies at 9PM. If you aren't in the parks there are smoothies and energy type bars at 11:30 as well. Enjoy!

 

[mousemaniac]

Do only the deluxe rooms come with a balcony or do some of the standard rooms also have a balcony?

Thanks for the reply.

 

[Duanerice]

This is from my trip report I posted today:

Portifino Bay August 3 – 6, 2005

We just returned from 3 great nights at Portifino Bay. It was our 25th anniversary so needless to say; we did not have any kids with us . These was a relaxing trip to rest up and recharge our batteries. We have been to Universal many times so we don’t have the need to go when they open and stay until they close. We usually only go for a few hours everyday, usually at night. That is unless I make one of my solo “ride everything you can in 3 hours” trips.

Arrived at the hotel about 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday. I love the view as you are driving in. Kind of takes your breath away. I never got tired of seeing it as we returned on the boat.

Anyway, I had high hope for a nice room since it was our anniversary and I had called earlier and had even fax a letter to the front desk the day before (including our marriage license). We had a Bay View King room reserved. I had asked for the West wing or even an upgrade if any were available. I did say I was more than willing to pay for it, so I wasn’t asking for anything for free.

This was a surprise for my wife. She knew we were going to Orlando, but not that we were staying at the Portifino. I would have thought that when we checked in that they might start out with “Happy Anniversary”. The person that checked us in didn’t even know it was out anniversary. When we checked in there were no west wing rooms available. There were no upgrades available, no suites, nothing. Could be true, but I doubt it. The hotel wasn’t that crowded on Wednesday. Can’t say that on Saturday as it was a zoo. Oh yea, the self parking is great. Very convenient, right at the hotel. Not out of the way at all.

We were offered a Club Room for $80 additional per night, but decided we didn’t want it. First of all we wouldn’t use the services very much, second, it was queen beds not a king, but more importantly we didn’t want to be in that area of the hotel. When I think Club room, I think many, many kids in the hallways, the room next door and at the Club Room. Nothing wrong with that, but we were looking for a quieter hotel stay this time.

We were assigned room 1464 in the East wing. After staying there, I would don’t think I’d want the West wing. This side was much quieter than the West side. We were able to see the fireworks from our room the nights we were in the room. The walk to the boat was nothing, especially considering how long you’ll be walking in the park. I guess if you went to the pool a lot with kids you might want the West wing. But, we prefer to stay away form all that “excitement”.

The room was nice, great view. I cannot complain about the room or location. It is showing signs of wear and tear though. Probably needs a makeover pretty soon. The bed was comfortable with a choice of pillows. The coffee maker is a saving grace in the morning. Shortly after we arrived in the room, they brought the flowers that I ordered through the concierge a few days before.

We never did eat in any of the restaurants at the hotel. We were just never there at eating time. We did have a hot fudge sundae on 2 of the nights from the little place downstairs. AWESOME! Unfortunately they close at 10:00 p.m. If they stayed open, I bet they would be packed from 10:00 – 11:00 or so as people come back from the parks.

 

[gooman]

I stayed at this hotel last OCt for Halloween Horror Nights, well we stayed for half a night. The room we had was a dump, from ceiling to floors, chairs and bedding were nasty. You would not of wanted to even sit on a chair. We switched rooms and it was worse!! I tried to get comfortable but felt my skin crawling and we decided to leave at 3am. This is after driving straight 12 hours. I stayed at the Holiday Inn on International Dr., much better.

I think all the on-site hotels are just trashed and not kept up. Portofino is in bad need of a renovation and so soon. They really should hire a better maintenance and maid staff to keep the place clean.

Wouldn't reccomend you drink or eat anything in the mini-bar. No telling how long it's been in there. Bet you could find something in one of them form when the hotel first opened.

I'll never ever stay at an on-site resort at USF. Stay somewhere cheaper and just buy the Express Passes if you want them. Sometimes you don't even need it.

 

[MycatlovesEeyore]

DW will travelling to PBH for a conference in a few weeks. She has a "very important and pressing" question. How are the hair dryers in the rooms? Are they typical hotel quality or are they nicer. DW has very hard to dry hair, so she is wondering whether or not to take her hair dryer as we will be travelling with two children and four adults. Suitcase space is at a premium.

 

[dpuck1998]

I stayed at this hotel last OCt for Halloween Horror Nights, well we stayed for half a night. The room we had was a dump, from ceiling to floors, chairs and bedding were nasty. You would not of wanted to even sit on a chair. We switched rooms and it was worse!! I tried to get comfortable but felt my skin crawling and we decided to leave at 3am. This is after driving straight 12 hours. I stayed at the Holiday Inn on International Dr., much better.

I think all the on-site hotels are just trashed and not kept up. Portofino is in bad need of a renovation and so soon. They really should hire a better maintenance and maid staff to keep the place clean.

Wouldn't reccomend you drink or eat anything in the mini-bar. No telling how long it's been in there. Bet you could find something in one of them form when the hotel first opened.

I'll never ever stay at an on-site resort at USF. Stay somewhere cheaper and just buy the Express Passes if you want them. Sometimes you don't even need it.

LOL

 

[Daryl]

Wow, I've never stayed in a better kept hotel and I've been a guest there about 10 times. I will say this, if you are arriving late, call, speak to a manager and make sure they hold your room. Gooman had some really bad luck, here's hoping your next trip is better!!!

 

[dpuck1998]

Daryl,

Its his first post...I really doubt its at all true....my best guess is he is trying to keep people from going there!! Pretty lame ehh...

 

[boomer626]

I noticed on the Loews website (press release info.) that all rooms at the PBH are undergoing renovation from September through November. Mostly updating the design of furnishings and carpet. Sounds pretty good.

 

[boomer626]

Spoke to PBH front desk today and room renovations are ahead of schedule. Should be completed by end of October now instead of November.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Hello!

We stayed at the PBH back in October 2001 and really enjoyed it. We are thinking of staying there again this spring... what has changed over the last 4 years? Do they still have that awesome buffet dinner? Thanks!!!

 

[thedisneymom]

The hotel is still beautiful and there is a buffet at one of the hotel restaurants. I think Friday night is a character dinner.When you call for ressies they can help in that area. There is also sit down dinners at Mama Dellas and the new Bice. Don't forget about the pizza place too! Enjoy.

 

[Muffy]

Spoke to PBH front desk today and room renovations are ahead of schedule. Should be completed by end of October now instead of November.

Wow, great news!

Where is the buffet at PBH? TIA

Muffy