Portofino Bay vs. Grand Floridian?

[MoSoccerMom]

We just returned from Disney and were very spoiled by staying at the Grand Floridian for a couple of nights. The beds were amazing, so comfortable with the thick sheets and feather pillows. We are planning to stay at PBH in June and I am just wondering if anyone can tell me how it compares to the GF as far as the room, service, etc. Or, to put in another way, which resort at Disney would PBH be the most similar to? Thanks!

 

[LukenDC]

I have stayed at both the GF and PBH. Of the two, I preferred PBH. My opinion is heavily influenced by the fact that both times I stayed at PBH I was upgraded to a deluxe room (I'm a Loew's member).

The rooms at PBH are more modern and have better amenities than the GF. The PBH's three pools are also better than the ones at GF. And of course the PBH wins hands down on price.

I give the GF the edge when it comes to charm. I also found the service at GF to be slightly better than the service at PBH. And the GF has a better selection of restaurants.

 

[MoSoccerMom]

LukenDC-what does a deluxe room at the PBH have that a regular queen double room does not? We are booked in a regular room. Thanks!

 

[CPanther95]

Larger. Much nicer bathroom with separate tub and shower.

 

[LukenDC]

Larger. Much nicer bathroom with separate tub and shower.

I agree. Additionally, there is also the option of having a king bed at PBH and the sitting area is more spacious and comfortable.

One thing that the GF has that the PBH does not have is balconies. There are a handful of balconies at PBH, but they are very scarce.

 

[LukenDC]

Here are some pics of the room at GF

And here are some pics of a deluxe room at PBH:

 

[java]

Oh we love the PB- the rooms are gigantic compared to disney. We also got upgraded once- not the other time and both times the rooms were great. We are loews members too(hey it's free and got to love that upgrade!!)You won't be disappointed. And HELLO FRONT OF THE LINE ACCESS!! (do they still do that?)

We love the GF too- but I think I would give just the room award to the PB

 

[LukenDC]

And HELLO FRONT OF THE LINE ACCESS!! (do they still do that?)

Yes, they still do that. I did not think to add that to my list of PBH amenities because I visit in September when the rides and attractions are all walk-ons.

 

[leahjade]

how do you get upgraded for being a loew's member? I never have but maybe because I have never asked! Of course, we go in the summer when it's more crowded and may not have as many openings.

 

[MoSoccerMom]

Since you all are mentioning the "front of the line access," I have a question about that. Is it like Disney where you get a fastpass time, or do you ALWAYS go to front of the line with no time restrictions?

 

[LukenDC]

Since you all are mentioning the "front of the line access," I have a question about that. Is it like Disney where you get a fastpass time, or do you ALWAYS go to front of the line with no time restrictions?

You always go to the front of the line without restriction (there may be some front of the line guests ahead of you).

 

[dsmom]

I have stayed at both several times - probably over 50 plus at the GF( I was raised by a disney fanatic mom). The things I enjoyed at the GF were Park Fare and the tearoom. The rooms I found small - except for the deluxe rooms in the main building. I liked the club level there allright but the views were not that great. The best thing about the Gf was a manager there named D.J.- not sure if he is there now or not but he was wonderful.

I LOVE PB! The rooms are huge and I don't see much of a difference in space in the regular and the deluxe rooms. We have had a balcony or patio every time we have stayed there and some of the balconies are HUGE! I love every resturant there and find the over-all feel of the place much nicer than the GF. I love the staff at the PB- everyone we have met there is incredible. I love the club lounge and think the pools are much nicer there than the GF.

 

[MoSoccerMom]

Thanks for the PB tips and pics!

 

[rodkenrich]

.

 

[damo]

There are now flat screen tvs in the Portofino rooms.

 

[CPanther95]

Do you know if they actually have HD on the flat screens?

Never understood the appeal of flat screens when the hotels just stretch and distort the standard definition programming they always had.

I've stayed in hotels that did that, and the remotes didn't even have a "format" button on them to correct it. The end result is a worse picture than having a 27" beast of a tube TV in the room.

 

[Aptor]

I am very impressed with GF but I love the Portofino. I totally am head over heals in love with the fact that they allow dogs and even have a dog menu

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

I think what the PBH has over the GF is that it is much newer. Now, we were in GF right before our room was refurbed..so it may be different now. But, while I thought the grounds of the GF were, well...Grand, the rooms were just so/so. At PBH, even the standard sized rooms are very nice.