Portofino review

[Familyof14]

Just back from PBH where we had a Bay View reserved for our family of five adult sized people. We preferred to have the Bay versus a Deluxe because we did not want the larger bathroom with open tub and shower. Impossible for more than one person to be in the bathroom when another is bathing.

Well, we were late checking in. All the Bay views were gone (even though we had confirmed reservations) and we were offered an upgrade to the Deluxe Villa room. I explained our situation to the check-in clerk, but she didn't say anything. I started to ask for two garden view rooms in place of the Deluxe but decided to just let it be.

My 16 year old was suppose to sleep on an air mattress, but refused to carry it through the airport and said that he would just sleep on the floor. We didn't want to pay extra for a rollaway because they do take up valuable room when not being used. As it turned out, there was a chaise lounge in the room that was big enough (if we added a straight chair at the end for feet) for my son. We asked for an extra pillow and a blanket. They arrived a short time later along with sheets. My son said his bed was quite comfortable.

We had plenty of room in the bedroom and bath. Our queen sized beds were the most comfortable I have ever slept in. The only time we had a problem getting everyone ready was on the morning of our departure. Two of the family had taken a shower the night before, but we still had three that needed privacy, meaning no one else could be in the bathroom brushing teeth, putting makeup on, etc. The little alcove w/ desk and mirror just inside the entrance was a life saver.

All in all, the PBH exceeded our expectations. The staff was very friendly and the ferry boat was wonderful relaxing transportation. The only negative would be that our room was given away and the fact that our room was MILES away from an elevator. The room was also a connecting room to another. After we checked in, we didn't think anyone was next door because it was so quiet, however the next morning we could hear a young child running back and forth and screaming. In fact, that afternoon, we came back to the room for a nap and we were awakened by the same child. She sounded like she was in the room with us. My 23 year old jumped out of bed and went out in the hall to scream at the family, but they were turning the corner on their way out. If we could hear them, then I am sure we probably woke them the night before and the next evening. Oh well! We also had no view at all...just a bunch of brush.

 

[SpideyHulk24]

Great review! Thank you for sharing. I am glad that you did not let the small stuff ruin your vacation. Now that small child????? I don't get that. My DS can be loud and we are so cognizant of it when we are at hotels. We make sure he is quiet and does not bother other hotel guests. Some people are just rude!!!!

 

[Familyof14]

Yes, the parents could have done a little better job of keeping her quiet, however, I think the connecting door let in a little more noise than they knew. We try to avoid connecting rooms, but always seem to get them. It was so late by the time we got to our room, that we didn't try to change. Beside's, it would have taken us two hours to get down to the elevator and back!

 

[highlander447]

Good report thanks for sharing glad u had a positive exp at PBH

 

[Motherfletcher]

Did you check out the spa? And the boys didn't want to go there to shower?
We have stayed in the very last room on the villa wing (2397 and had the adjoining 2395). It is at least a quarter mile to the water taxi! It is hard to believe but the East Wing (by the hillside pool) can actually be worse. You must have been on the 1st or 2nd floor and near the 90's. Too bad you couldn't get the bay view. I know how hard you worked researching it.
How did the touring plan work out? Where did you have lunch?

 

[Familyof14]

I had two girls, and no they wouldn't hear of going elsewhere to bathe. I even tried to get them to take showers in the ships spa. My son is the one that locked himself in the bathroom and caused the jams all week. The girls were good about sharing the bath, but wouldn't let my DH, brother or myself in when they were showering. It really wasn't too bad though.

We were on the 5th floor (I think) . If you looked all the way to the right, out our window, we could see a pool.

I will write a report on the Parks board by these weekend. Trying to do one a day and that includes my cruise board as well. I will say that your help was much appreciated.
The first night, we got in too late to eat and had already eaten in the Charlotte airport. The next morning, we ate at a Croissant place...it was a very good egg sandwich. We ate lunch at NASCAR and I had one of the best pizza's ever! That night, we tried to get into Margaritaville and it was going to be a three hour wait. Went over to Hard Rock and they said 1 1/2 hours. I remembered the Portofino card and they placed us in a priority line. We were inside in no time and had a very nice meal. We went out on the veranda after eating and saw the fire works show. We picked up some Danish and juice from Seattle's Best and ate that in the room the next morning before leaving.

 

[Familyof14]

Just look here:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&postid=6108771#post6108771