PORTOFINO BAY HOTEL Information

[damo]

What is a blue member? I want to be blue!

Did you sign up for Loews youfirst?

 

[Qtips4Mick]

Yes, you need to sign up, then each qualifying stay advances your status and perks. It used to be more generous now it is date determined. It confuses me. I have stayed three times but not in a single year. My last stay was days prior to the years end. I am hoping it is indeed counted and she was correct I can get an upgrade if available. When I stayed at Portofino the first time I was upgraded to a bay room. It was gorgeous.

 

[Poly-Anna]

Reviews on Tripadvisor can only be believed with a grain of salt as they say or 50/50. Never take a review as the gospel truth. If the majority of reviews are good for a hotel then I book it. But you will always find those one or two people that need to trash a really good hotel.

That said, PBH is the best Universal Hotel. In in our minds one of the top 3 in Orlando. (The other two being the Yacht and Beach Clubs). It is consistently excellent in theme, amenities, cleanliness, and proximity to the UO parks. You will not be disappointed with staying here.

I've booked the PBH for Aug 1-6 at the Super Saver Rate and I'm a Lowes YouFirst Gold Member. I'm really excited about our trip but after reading reviews on Trip Advisor I'm concerned about my hotel selection and wondering if I should cancel and book at one of the other properties. If you have stayed there recently please comment on the condition of the rooms and the commone areas. If you have current pictures of the room interiors I would love to see those too!

 

[CRSTEPHE]

Poly-Anna,

We just returned from our stay and the hotel was beautiful and wonderful. We were in a Queen Deluxe with 5 people and we never felt crowded at all. The bathroom was fabulous and my husband even considered buying me one of the robes because I liked the ones in the room so much! Our children (all boys) loved the fitness center and I discovered that I like the elliptical machines. I never used the inroom wireless because my children specifically asked me NOT to use the computer while we were on vacation. Since thats the only thing they really asked me to-do or not-to-do, I decided it was really important to them and agreed. My computers sat in their cases for an entire week! The Geleteria and Sal's Deli were both great. The interior areas of the hotel were well maintained and I was very satisfied with our stay!

 

[trstno1]

Can I fit a roll-away in a deluxe room? I know, most (if not all) of the deluxe rooms have a chair that folds out to a single bed. Can I also fit a roll-away in there?

 

[damo]

Can I fit a roll-away in a deluxe room? I know, most (if not all) of the deluxe rooms have a chair that folds out to a single bed. Can I also fit a roll-away in there?

With the chair folded out, I'm not sure that you could also fit a rollaway.

 

[FeeFeeWhite]

It may fit, but I think there is a lounge chair that may be more comfortable and leave more room.

 

[chimo2u]

I had a hard time finding this thread, as I think it had fallen aways back! Too bad it isn't a sticky....it would be so much easier to locate it if it was. Anyway, I am very much looking forward to my stay here in Feb. I was second-guessing myself for a bit and thinking of switching to HRH for my 14 yo son, but the positive reviews here have made me think I will keep our CL reservation for PBH. It definitely looks like a beautiful resort!!

 

[canadianmickey13]

Hi, we've booked a club level room at Portofino Bay for March. Do I understand correctly that these rooms are scattered throughout the hotel? We've not stayed there before and would appreciate any tips on what we might request relating to room location. Also, is it possible to request a balcony - I understand there are few of these.
thanks.

 

[JessicaR]

Hi, we've booked a club level room at Portofino Bay for March. Do I understand correctly that these rooms are scattered throughout the hotel? We've not stayed there before and would appreciate any tips on what we might request relating to room location. Also, is it possible to request a balcony - I understand there are few of these.
thanks.

The room category would be a deluxe and you are correct. You can find them in the main bldg - west and east wing. Request a balony or patio. We really like the patio rooms that over look the villa pool.

Hope you enjoy the resort as much as we do!

 

[canadianmickey13]

The room category would be a deluxe and you are correct. You can find them in the main bldg - west and east wing. Request a balony or patio. We really like the patio rooms that over look the villa pool.

Hope you enjoy the resort as much as we do!

Thank you very much. Are there any important differences between the west/east wings and main bldg?

 

[bubba's mom]

Thank you very much. Are there any important differences between the west/east wings and main bldg?

Boat dock is at the West Wing. Most prefer that instead of walking all the way around the lagoon. Main (Villa) Wing connects the two.

 

[Mommy Poppins]

We are going to Universal for a day before and a day or two after our cruise in February. We have always stayed at HRH when at Universal. I was thinking of trying PBH for a change after the cruise. I've read that PBH is the farthest walk to the parks. Can you tell me how far it is to walk to IOA from PBH? Should we stick with what we know or try a different resort? We have kids 8, 12 and 15 (at trip time) if that makes any difference??

 

[JessicaR]

Thank you very much. Are there any important differences between the west/east wings and main bldg?

I like any room that isnt in the east wing - just too far.

To the left is the West wing - closest to boat dock; Straight on is Main Bldg where we stay, patio room, villa pool view. and all the way to the right is the East Wing furthest from every/anything.

 

[CornishPixie]

Okay, I am excited! I just switched my ressie from HRH to PBR for our January trip. For only $15 more a night I figured it was worth trying it out. We have stayed at HRH (once at club level) and RPR (3 times in a standard room). We have loved both hotels and we are really looking forward to trying out PBR.
Would love to know your educated opinions on a few things -
1. Should we do club level (is it better/worse than HRH)?
2. Is it too far to walk to the parks?
3. Any way to get a balcony? We are APHs and LoewsFirst members.

Every time we go to US and stay onsite our trip has been awesome because of these boards. I appreciate all the help and tips I have gotten over the years and in the future!

 

[JessicaR]

Okay, I am excited! I just switched my ressie from HRH to PBR for our January trip. For only $15 more a night I figured it was worth trying it out. We have stayed at HRH (once at club level) and RPR (3 times in a standard room). We have loved both hotels and we are really looking forward to trying out PBR.
Would love to know your educated opinions on a few things -
1. Should we do club level (is it better/worse than HRH)?
2. Is it too far to walk to the parks?
3. Any way to get a balcony? We are APHs and LoewsFirst members.

Every time we go to US and stay on-site our trip has been awesome because of these boards. I appreciate all the help and tips I have gotten over the years and in the future!

That's great you get to try the last one! I think you'll love it, we do.

Deciding on booking CL is really a personal thing. Some will tell you yes some feel it isn't necessary or worth it. We have done it both ways at all three. I like CL best at HRH. At Portofino since you're room isn't a private area for CL people only can be a distance to the actual lounge. Lately I like my space and loews suite upgrades at PBH better than CL. I found we dont use it as much at PBH due to proximity to our room.

No to far to walk and we do it often but we do find that we use the boats much more when staying at PBH. Has never deterred a return visit though! Its just a bit further.

I have a list of rooms that have balconies - or patios. There are very few of both. You can request one but no guarantees. What room category have you booked? And, what level Loews are you?

I have found of the three on-sites upgrades happen more frequently at PBH. Especially if you are going at a slow time.

Hope you have a great trip!

 

[CornishPixie]

Thank you, JessicaR!
That was very helpful info. For now, I have reserved a standard 2 queens room - garden view. I am not sure of Loews level but it is probably just basic. I think I will wait until we get there and see what happens at check in. I would love a balcony! Maybe I will decide on club level when I get there too. I am hoping that Jan 22-25 will be slow time and I will have some options.

 

[Travel1989]

JessicaR would you know any rooms in the bayview category that have a balcony. Thanks for your help

 

[chimo2u]

My 14 yo son and I are going to Universal studios Feb 10-13th currently booked club level at PBH....but I must admit these pics are making me want to change over to HRH!!!! especially for Club level there. My son really thinks HRH would be cool, but I was leaning towards PBH for the luxury feel!!
However, your pics have me thinking about switching and surprising my son with a stay at HRH!!! Did you love the rooms??? the ammenities and location to the parks??? would you recommend HRH??
Thanks for any advice/opinions it's such a hard choice!!
~ Marie

 

[damo]

My 14 yo son and I are going to Universal studios Feb 10-13th currently booked club level at PBH....but I must admit these pics are making me want to change over to HRH!!!! especially for Club level there. My son really thinks HRH would be cool, but I was leaning towards PBH for the luxury feel!!
However, your pics have me thinking about switching and surprising my son with a stay at HRH!!! Did you love the rooms??? the ammenities and location to the parks??? would you recommend HRH??
Thanks for any advice/opinions it's such a hard choice!!
~ Marie

I would def. do HRH with a 14 year old son. That is my son's favourite hotel of the three. It is really, really close to everything and has a very cool vibe.