PORTOFINO BAY HOTEL Information

[Dislifer]

Does anyone have any pictures of a deluxe room. Thanks

DizMom-looks like you will be there before me...so please...post some pictures and tell us ALL ABOUT Portofino!!!! Can't wait to hear! Have fun!

 

[gopherit]

I have a Loews card for perks ...so it's just a matter of getting the rate for the room for that time of year....can't be as bad as Disney ...especially when you can use your hotel room card to get on rides right away.... thanks....just one thing -- it's a far walk back to Portofino, right....we could easily walk back to HRH - instead of waiting for the boat.....boat is usually your only option then for Portofino, correct?

Like you, we have 3 kiddos and have stayed @ HRH and enjoyed its closeness to the parks. And also like you - we're planning on trying PFB next trip (June 1-6 2008). We have given the walk a few "test runs" and even with 3 kids in tow, it's not too bad. I just know that for us, anyway, being in one room and NOT feeling like a sardine is worth its weight in gold. PLus, we really liked the ambiance of PFB as opposed to HRH, and the kids LOVED the pool and slide at PFB. As for options to get back - seems like we walked out of US one day and were going to walk over to PBH when a bus came up and asked us which hotel we needed - PBH or RPH or HRH. Seemed silly to us, with HRH sitting there, so we said, "PBH!" and rode it over. Not a very big bus - a bit smaller than the WDW buses (like a van on 'roids...) Not sure if same bus option was available over at IOA.

HTH and have fun!

 

[dannigrace]

We aren't staying at PBH but would like to go to dinner there and take the boat to Halloween Horror nights. Is this possible, if so how do I make reservations. Do you have to pay for parking?

 

[*Flower*]

We aren't staying at PBH but would like to go to dinner there and take the boat to Halloween Horror nights. Is this possible, if so how do I make reservations. Do you have to pay for parking?

Yes, the hotels do charge for parking, whether or not you are a overnight guest. It's kind of spendy to park there.

You might want to park in the theme park lot (only a one-time charge) and take the boat to PBH for your meal. The hotel parking is by the half hour (I think).

Good luck!

 

[dannigrace]

What is the # to call to make reservations for a resturant at PBH? Thank you!

 

[*Flower*]

Mama Della's Ristorante:

Open daily for dinner at 5pm; Reservations recommended 407-503-DINE (3463).

Bice Ristorante:

Open daily for dinner. Reservations recommended 407-503-1415.

The Trattoria del Porto doesn't take reservations.

The others are considered counter service, and there are a couple of cocktail lounges.

HTH!!

 

[tinkerdorabelle]

I can get a pretty good discount through my DH job POB for $224.00. They told me this doesn't qualify for Loews perks, etc. I reaaaally wanted to try for an early check in and a later checkout as our plane leaves later in the day. Do you think this may be possible if I'm not paying a full price? Anyone ever get later checkout? and if so did they pay full price? Thanks. I'm still deciding between HRH and POB, we can get pretty good deals for both but I would really POB myself which is the one haven't stayed at yet.

 

[Sleepy]

I can get a pretty good discount through my DH job POB for $224.00. They told me this doesn't qualify for Loews perks, etc. I reaaaally wanted to try for an early check in and a later checkout as our plane leaves later in the day. Do you think this may be possible if I'm not paying a full price?

First, can I ask what discount you got? It would help some of us who might qualify, but not know that discount is available.
Last year, we got military discount at HRH (one that is not ever advertised. I had to ask). Although it was not Loews qualifying, I asked for a late check-out. I got it for I think either 1pm or 2pm. Since we were club, we waited in the lounge the rest of the day, but we could have waited in the lobby or by the pool, etc.

 

[LOLA2]

Are there hairdryers and refridgerators in the rooms?

 

[bfalexander]

I am taking family of 4 and mother in law to universal. going week of thanksgiving.

i have no clue on all that advice people give for what to do. just wanted general advice.

1. people say to stay in west wing b/c closer walk to boat or parks?
2. how do people feel about club level i booked? good? rooms? amenities?
3. any other tricks? activities? dining?

burt

PS thanks

 

[bubba's mom]

1. people say to stay in west wing b/c closer walk to boat ?

yes....(sorry can't help w/ other questions)

 

[Dislifer]

First, can I ask what discount you got? It would help some of us who might qualify, but not know that discount is available.
Last year, we got military discount at HRH (one that is not ever advertised. I had to ask). Although it was not Loews qualifying, I asked for a late check-out. I got it for I think either 1pm or 2pm. Since we were club, we waited in the lounge the rest of the day, but we could have waited in the lobby or by the pool, etc.

We're thiniking of upgrading to Club Level. Do you think it was worth it at Portofino???
Thanks!

 

[macraven]

We're thiniking of upgrading to Club Level. Do you think it was worth it at Portofino???
Thanks!

how many in your group?
do you need a lot of room?

do you plan to spend more time at the hotel than the parks or city walk?

 

[Dislifer]

how many in your group?
do you need a lot of room?

do you plan to spend more time at the hotel than the parks or city walk?

Macraven, there will be 3 of us going to Portofino. I have stayed Club Level both at RPR and Polynesian and we like it because you can get a quick breakfast and be on our way to the park early. I'm just not sure I want to do this at Portofino because I heard it is not as nice as other club levels. I'm sure it is fine, I just always struggle with this choice because of the extra $$. One specific question I have is...do they have water bottles? We don't drink soda, etc...just water so if we can each grab a water bottle on our way out to the park and then again at night...that's worth a lot to us!!!

Thanks for your input!

 

[Motherfletcher]

We're thiniking of upgrading to Club Level. Do you think it was worth it at Portofino???

I've been to all 3 of the club lounges at the Universal hotels and PBH is the largest and IMHO the nicest. They have water bottles with their logo on the bottle like HRH. I've been encouraged to take a tray full of offerings back to the room.

"Worth it" is a little harder to answer. I've been compted to club level at PBH and have paid $50 to upgrade at check in. You are actually paying for the convenience more than anything, along with a location that you can stretch out. Two weeks from tomorrow we are going to Orlando and staying at the Crowne Plaza Universal. I got the room through Hotwire for $59 and as a Priority Club member I've always been upgraded to their club level. So as far as value I'd say CPU is worth it but the on-site clubs are more of a luxury expense.

 

[macraven]

Macraven, there will be 3 of us going to Portofino. I have stayed Club Level both at RPR and Polynesian and we like it because you can get a quick breakfast and be on our way to the park early. I'm just not sure I want to do this at Portofino because I heard it is not as nice as other club levels. I'm sure it is fine, I just always struggle with this choice because of the extra $$. One specific question I have is...do they have water bottles? We don't drink soda, etc...just water so if we can each grab a water bottle on our way out to the park and then again at night...that's worth a lot to us!!!

Thanks for your input!

if you stay club level at pbh, you will enjoy the food offerings a lot.
it is better than hrh club. i have done both before.

the club level is on a different floor than the rooms.
it might be a hike for you depending on where your room/suite/villa is located.
as MF stated, you are encouraged to use a tray to take items back to the room. take as much water as you need. it is not a problem.

if you are only interested in club level for breakfast and water, you have to figure out the difference of costs between regular and club room rates.

breakfast is good at pbh club. if the 3 of you are hearty eaters, and you take out a few water bottles with you for the day, you might come out ahead in the long run over costs.

if it is only a $50 difference, i would say go for it.
they also have other times for food offerings for club guests.

 

[Dislifer]

Thanks Macraven and Motherfletcher! I really respect your opinions because I have read many of your posts before. I think I'm going to upgrade to Club Level...now I just have to see if it is available!!! We already have ressies but not for Club Level and we'll be there 12/26 - 12/31...kind of a busy time of year

 

[goofy!]

Macraven, there will be 3 of us going to Portofino. I have stayed Club Level both at RPR and Polynesian and we like it because you can get a quick breakfast and be on our way to the park early. I'm just not sure I want to do this at Portofino because I heard it is not as nice as other club levels. I'm sure it is fine, I just always struggle with this choice because of the extra $$. One specific question I have is...do they have water bottles? We don't drink soda, etc...just water so if we can each grab a water bottle on our way out to the park and then again at night...that's worth a lot to us!!!

Thanks for your input!

We just got back last week from 6 days at PBH.

We did club. They were really pushing it for anybody to add at check-in. At check-in, they handed us a sheet that listed all the food serving times and asked us if we wanted to upgrade. The elevators had the flyers and they were pushing it on the PBH channel on the TV's. It was $60.00 per day to upgrade. However, it was never that busy even with all the promotion.

We thought it was worth it just for the breakfast. We could grab a quick breakfast of cereal and bagels and be on our way to the parks. They also had muffins, danish, bread for toasting, lowfat yogurt, granola, fresh strawberries, cantalope, hot oatmeal with brown sugar, raisins and other stuff to put into it.

Drinks were orange and apple juice, skim and whole milk, coffee, decaf, hot water with an assortment of teas and hot chocolate.

We only made it back for appetizers once. They were pretty good. Fried cheese ravioli, fried spinach and mushroom balls, chicken skewers with a yummy sauce, two different antipastos individually served in martini glasses, fruit, cheese and crackers. White and Red wine and beer.

For dessert, there was usually a plate of the big cookies and then another plate with cannolis and a few other things.

Bottles of water were always available.

This was the schedule:

7-10:30 (11 on weekends) breakfast

2:30 - 3:30 Italian ice

4:30 - 6:30 appetizers, wine and beer

8:00 - 10:00 dessert (although the desserts were usually gone by 9:15)

Only thing I would have preferred would have been to have the wine offered with the dessert rather than with the appetizers. I find a glass of wine is much more preferable at 9pm rather than 4:30pm

I took pictures of the breakfast set-up. I need to resize the pictures and then I will post them.

 

[macraven]

goofy! that is pretty much the same time schedule for hrh also.

hrh did more hot dishes the past year than before.

i'm surprised pbh did not refill the desserts for sweet hour.


maybe they will for the Christmas holiday time

 

[Dislifer]

We just got back last week from 6 days at PBH.

We did club. They were really pushing it for anybody to add at check-in. At check-in, they handed us a sheet that listed all the food serving times and asked us if we wanted to upgrade. The elevators had the flyers and they were pushing it on the PBH channel on the TV's. It was $60.00 per day to upgrade. However, it was never that busy even with all the promotion.

We thought it was worth it just for the breakfast. We could grab a quick breakfast of cereal and bagels and be on our way to the parks. They also had muffins, danish, bread for toasting, lowfat yogurt, granola, fresh strawberries, cantalope, hot oatmeal with brown sugar, raisins and other stuff to put into it.

Drinks were orange and apple juice, skim and whole milk, coffee, decaf, hot water with an assortment of teas and hot chocolate.

We only made it back for appetizers once. They were pretty good. Fried cheese ravioli, fried spinach and mushroom balls, chicken skewers with a yummy sauce, two different antipastos individually served in martini glasses, fruit, cheese and crackers. White and Red wine and beer.

For dessert, there was usually a plate of the big cookies and then another plate with cannolis and a few other things.

Bottles of water were always available.

This was the schedule:

7-10:30 (11 on weekends) breakfast

2:30 - 3:30 Italian ice

4:30 - 6:30 appetizers, wine and beer

8:00 - 10:00 dessert (although the desserts were usually gone by 9:15)

Only thing I would have preferred would have been to have the wine offered with the dessert rather than with the appetizers. I find a glass of wine is much more preferable at 9pm rather than 4:30pm

I took pictures of the breakfast set-up. I need to resize the pictures and then I will post them.

Can't wait to see the pictures!!!
Thanks for all the details...now I just have to call ASAP to upgrade!