PORTOFINO BAY HOTEL Information

[macraven]

if you booked a package for UO, you can do the add on for transportation.
the fee is reasonable.

 

[ols386]

If we want to be near the main building where the restaurants and shops are, which area/building should we request? Is the main pool near the main building?

 

[brettb]

I just looked at the floor plans for the both the standard and deluxe rooms.

The toilet, double sinks, and shower are all in the same room.

Seriously?!?

Please tell me there's nearby access to clean public restrooms. My wife does not want to be showering, drying her hair, putting on makeup, or brushing her teeth in the same room while I do my morning business. Or even shortly after the fact. The Polynesian has a similar situation and I'm thinking of changing that reservation because of it....

 

[bubba's mom]

I just looked at the floor plans for the both the standard and deluxe rooms.

The toilet, double sinks, and shower are all in the same room.

Seriously?!?

Please tell me there's nearby access to clean public restrooms. My wife does not want to be showering, drying her hair, putting on makeup, or brushing her teeth in the same room while I do my morning business. Or even shortly after the fact. The Polynesian has a similar situation and I'm thinking of changing that reservation because of it....

Yes...it's a real bathroom with sinks, tub/shower and hopper all in the same room. The only public restrooms (aside from the pool area) are in the lobby (which are nice too).

Might I suggest travel Lysol like we do? ...OR the RPR or HRH? They have sink outside the bathroom (containing hopper and shower/tub).

 

[bubba's mom]

If we want to be near the main building where the restaurants and shops are, which area/building should we request? Is the main pool near the main building?

The East Wing is the opposite side of the lagoon.

The West Wing is the side where the boat docks.

The Villa Wing is between the two.

Mama Dellas, Sal's are in the Villa Wing....BICE is the West Wing.

There is a pool on the East Wing and two pools between the West and Villa wing. I would have to say you can't go wrong w/ West or Villa wing. The shops, restaurants and pools (except East Wing pool) are all very close together...nothing is a far walk really...unless you are in the East Wing.

 

[joemo]

Off in 17 days, 10 nights at POFQ and 4 nights at PB. Never stayed there before and really excited!

I love all things Italian and having been lucky enough to visit the country twice just can't wait to stay here!

Have booked a bay view room and plan to eat at Mama Della's.

Is there anything we should do or anything experts can recomend? Don't want to miss anything.

Grazie molto!

 

[joemo]

Anyone??

 

[bubba's mom]

What are you looking to not miss?

Anything at the hotel?

There really isn't anything "don't miss" at the hotel...it's at the parks....

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

I would definitely not miss a pizza from Sal's. Great pizza

 

[JessicaR]

Off in 17 days, 10 nights at POFQ and 4 nights at PB. Never stayed there before and really excited!

I love all things Italian and having been lucky enough to visit the country twice just can't wait to stay here!

Have booked a bay view room and plan to eat at Mama Della's.

Is there anything we should do or anything experts can recomend? Don't want to miss anything.

Grazie molto!

Portofino is my favorite.

You already have Mama Della on the list and that is definitely a dont miss. Request Joe to be your waiter, he is awesome. Sal's for a slice or a panini is great too you can even have it sent to your room. The ice cream place thats attached, The Gelateria Caffé is excellent. My kids love the gelato and I love the cappuccinos. In the AM if you dont want a full breakfast you can always grab some breakfast items there as well.

My kids love to throw coins in the fountain in the lobby. I like to shop in the gift shop off the lobby.

In the evening be sure to take the boat ride from citywalk back to Portofino, its beautiful. Also when you get back have a cocktail at The Thirsty Fish and sit on the Piazza. Take pictures on the Vespas.

Be sure to visit the Art Gallery next to Sal's. They have some amazing and very interesting pieces. I have been collecting Frogs from the Frogman from this gallery for years.
Visit the Villa pool and jump in the cold plunge pool and then the big pool - my kids seem to love to do that. After, relax in the hot-tub that at the villa pool its usually empty.

Grab lunch at the beach pool one afternoon. Maybe rent a Cabana. We like to get a cabana at Hard Rock though. The Beach Pool slide is lots of fun and there is a hot tub hidden up behind the rocks.

Take in all the trompe l'oeil on each of the buildings - very cool and I still love looking at it 10 years later.

We enjoy having a full breakfast or the buffet from Trattoria del Porto outside on The Piazza at least one morning during the trip. The food is great and the service is excellent.

Usually at dusk dont miss Musica della Notte. The schedule changes so ask at the desk. When we were there is took place each evening. I found this description on their site.

Come and experience our daily show "Musica della Notte" (Music of the Night)! Each night at sunset Loews Portofino Bay Hotel's Harbor Piazza will come alive with a musical celebration that captures the romance and charm of Italy and the allure of Mediterranean hospitality.

Musica della Notte showcases a unique blend of classic opera, romantic and festive music, along with 'popera' favorites - the wildly popular musical style that bridges the gap between pop and opera. Three themed shows will be offered on a rotating basis Romantico Night, Classico Night, and Italian Festival Night.

Check out a Dive-In movie, usually at the beach pool one or two nights a week.

Divertiti!
Have a great vacation! Hope you enjoy Portofino as much as we do.
Ciao

 

[bubba's mom]

While these ARE all very nice things, I (personally) wouldn't consider them "don't miss".

idk...maybe it's me. The resort is nice and all, and there are plenty of things to see/eat/do, but I (again, just me), don't see how any of them are a "don't miss"?



That said...no doubt you'll enjoy the PBH. Have a good time.

 

[JessicaR]

While these ARE all very nice things, I (personally) wouldn't consider them "don't miss".

idk...maybe it's me. The resort is nice and all, and there are plenty of things to see/eat/do, but I (again, just me), don't see how any of them are a "don't miss"?



That said...no doubt you'll enjoy the PBH. Have a good time.

That OK that you dont - its my dont miss list not yours.

*Edited*Thinking that sounded snotty. Wasnt meant to. Just wanted to share MY thoughts with the person that was asking.

 

[bubba's mom]

That OK that you dont - its my dont miss list not yours.

*Edited*Thinking that sounded snotty. Wasnt meant to. Just wanted to share MY thoughts with the person that was asking.

Since you added " ", I didn't take it snotty.

 

[keishashadow]

how'd i miss the art gallery? must check it out, we tend to skip exploring the resorts, im slowing breaking away from park-commandoism

 

[JessicaR]

how'd i miss the art gallery? must check it out, we tend to skip exploring the resorts, im slowing breaking away from park-commandoism

Yeah I hear you. After so many visits I take more time exploring the out of the way stuff. Here is a link - needs some updating but gives a good idea of what they offer.

http://portofinogalleria.com/contact.html

 

[keishashadow]

Yeah I hear you. After so many visits I take more time exploring the out of the way stuff. Here is a link - needs some updating but gives a good idea of what they offer.

http://portofinogalleria.com/contact.html

thanx

 

[joemo]

Portofino is my favorite.

You already have Mama Della on the list and that is definitely a dont miss. Request Joe to be your waiter, he is awesome. Sal's for a slice or a panini is great too you can even have it sent to your room. The ice cream place thats attached, The Gelateria Caffé is excellent. My kids love the gelato and I love the cappuccinos. In the AM if you dont want a full breakfast you can always grab some breakfast items there as well.

My kids love to throw coins in the fountain in the lobby. I like to shop in the gift shop off the lobby.

In the evening be sure to take the boat ride from citywalk back to Portofino, its beautiful. Also when you get back have a cocktail at The Thirsty Fish and sit on the Piazza. Take pictures on the Vespas.

Be sure to visit the Art Gallery next to Sal's. They have some amazing and very interesting pieces. I have been collecting Frogs from the Frogman from this gallery for years.
Visit the Villa pool and jump in the cold plunge pool and then the big pool - my kids seem to love to do that. After, relax in the hot-tub that at the villa pool its usually empty.

Grab lunch at the beach pool one afternoon. Maybe rent a Cabana. We like to get a cabana at Hard Rock though. The Beach Pool slide is lots of fun and there is a hot tub hidden up behind the rocks.

Take in all the trompe l'oeil on each of the buildings - very cool and I still love looking at it 10 years later.

We enjoy having a full breakfast or the buffet from Trattoria del Porto outside on The Piazza at least one morning during the trip. The food is great and the service is excellent.

Usually at dusk dont miss Musica della Notte. The schedule changes so ask at the desk. When we were there is took place each evening. I found this description on their site.

Come and experience our daily show "Musica della Notte" (Music of the Night)! Each night at sunset Loews Portofino Bay Hotel's Harbor Piazza will come alive with a musical celebration that captures the romance and charm of Italy and the allure of Mediterranean hospitality.

Musica della Notte showcases a unique blend of classic opera, romantic and festive music, along with 'popera' favorites - the wildly popular musical style that bridges the gap between pop and opera. Three themed shows will be offered on a rotating basis Romantico Night, Classico Night, and Italian Festival Night.

Check out a Dive-In movie, usually at the beach pool one or two nights a week.

Divertiti!
Have a great vacation! Hope you enjoy Portofino as much as we do.
Ciao

Wow thanks, thats exactly what I was looking for!

By the way bubba's mom, I do understand that its a hotel not a themepark!

 

[keishashadow]

Wow thanks, thats exactly what I was looking for!

By the way bubba's mom, I do understand that its a hotel not a themepark!

but it is so well-themed im trying to slow down & smell the roses next trip, since I identify with what barb stated. imo one you visit a hotel several times you can easily get somewhat complacent and for many a nice resort attached to a themepark is icing on the cake vs the focus of their vacation.

 

[bubba's mom]

Wow thanks, thats exactly what I was looking for!

By the way bubba's mom, I do understand that its a hotel not a themepark!

It's a beautiful hotel, i just hope you aren't disappointed because it is only that...after saying you stayed in Italy.

Have a good time

 

[bubba's mom]

but it is so well-themed im trying to slow down & smell the roses next trip, since I identify with what barb stated. imo one you visit a hotel several times you can easily get somewhat complacent and for many a nice resort attached to a themepark is icing on the cake vs the focus of their vacation.

Once AGAIN...posting same time as me

Exactly. I feel like I've seen all I need to at PBH. Ate at MD's once. That was enough. yeah, pools are nice, but unless Bubba wants to go, we don't go out of our way to it. Like the eatin' places there too....

It's all different strokes for different folks....

Out of the 3, it is our fave resort tho.