Portofino Bay Hotel @Universal:Experiences/ Opinions Please

[nezy]

I recently saw on the travel channel a show that highlighted this hotel at Universal. I was just wondering if was as good as it looks.
Also, for the price would I be better to stay at The Polynesion or Aninimal Kngdom or Wilderness Lodge at Disney.

We always go to Disney-not Universal. As the kids get older though I think they would definately like to ride some of those coasters at Universal/Islands.

Thank you for any input.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

IMHO, the only WDW resort that compares to Portofino Bay is GF. This is an extremely nice resort. Definitely 5*! There's several dining options, and a range of shops. The pool area is very nice, and as an on-site guest, you are welcome to use the pools at the other resorts. The boat is a nice way to travel to and from the parks & Citywalk. The perks for on-site guests at Universal are much better than at WDW. I definitely don't think you'll be disappointed. Go for it! You're kids will love you for it! We've stayed at all 3 UO resorts, feel free to ask questions.

 

[Stiff]

I saw the same show...I was REALLY impressed

but alas, my child is only 4 and I dont think he will appreciate IOA or universal *fully* yet, so we will wait awhile

 

[UKDEB]

We've stayed at PBH twice, most recently in July this year. Staying onsite at Universal is definitely worth it, but we were very disappointed with PBH this time - the whole resort is getting shabby and our rooms were truly awful for a hotel which claims to be 5*. I did send an email when I got back and received this repsonse:

<i>Thank you for your comments and feedback on your recent stay. I apologize for the inconveniences that you incurred with your first room, without making excuses we have had a very busy summer. As you have commented our rooms are looking "tired" and so you are aware the hotel is going through a major soft furnishings refurbishment next year which should allow us to
provide the high standards of service which are expected. Once again thankyou for your feedback and comments. Please feel free to contact me directly when you next return to the hotel so I can take a personal interest in your reservations.</i>

 

[AJKMOM]

You should check under the Universal Studios section of this website. They have their own threads.

 

[simpilotswife]

I did not care for it.

 

[RumpleMom]

The front of the line access is wonderful. The restaurants at PBH are pricey. The Entertainment card discount for the room was 50 per cent.

 

[Unifan]

We stayed in a villa room Club level, the only problem was the height of the beds. The kids would have to make a running leap to get on the beds, and we had to use a foot stool because they are so high up, but they are very nice.

 

[webray]

Yep..the only Disney resort you could compare Portofino to is the Grand Floridian..however..Portofino blows the GF away. Portofino is so much nicer..the rooms, the beds, bedding, bathrooms, ammenities. Honestly, for the price, there is no comparison.

A deluxe room at Portofino runs us anwhere from $169..on up, depending on the season. GF...$225 per night on up, and definately not worth the money at all.

AKL...well..that is a different story..if you are staying concierge with a balcony over looking the savannah..it is well worth it..of course, then your room won't be as cheap as a standard room either.

 

[MulanMom]

Just returned from our first Universal visit and stay at PBH. What a wonderful hotel! The room was nicely appointed, the beds verry comfortable, and Wow! the bathroom is huge!!!! We received excellent and friendly service from every single member of the staff. Having front of the line express was wonderful and made for stress-free touring of Universal and Islands of Adventure. The kids enjoyed the pool area and its zero-entry and slide. We are looking forward to a return visit sometime in the future!