If you're planning a Universal Orlando vacation and trying to decide where to stay, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel deserves a spot at the top of your list.

After staying here myself, I can confidently say this is a hotel I would book again without hesitation. Between the included Universal Express Unlimited Passes, incredibly spacious rooms, and unbeatable proximity to the parks, it's one of the best values at Universal Orlando for families who want convenience and a more relaxed vacation experience.

Theming & Overall Atmosphere

Portofino Bay is inspired by the seaside village of Portofino, Italy. The moment you arrive, it feels like you've been transported to the Italian Riviera.

Colorful buildings line the harbor, cobblestone pathways wind throughout the resort, and you'll find beautiful waterfront views around every corner. It's easily one of the most immersive and visually stunning hotels at Universal Orlando.

What I love most is that it feels removed from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks. After a long day of rides and crowds, returning to Portofino feels calm, upscale, and relaxing.

Room Types

Portofino Bay offers a variety of room categories ranging from standard guest rooms to large family suites. The hotel features approximately 750 guest rooms, including multiple suite options.

Popular room categories include:

Garden View Rooms
Bay View Rooms
Deluxe Rooms
Club Level Rooms
One-Bedroom Suites
Hospitality Suites
Despicable Me Kids' Suites

One of the biggest surprises during our stay was just how spacious the rooms felt. The rooms are noticeably larger than many hotel rooms in Orlando, and the bathrooms are equally impressive with double vanities and plenty of space for families getting ready in the morning. Many guests specifically mention the room size as a major advantage.

For families of four or five, that extra space makes a huge difference.

The Biggest Benefit: Included Universal Express Unlimited

Let's talk about the reason many people book Portofino Bay.

Every guest staying at the hotel receives complimentary Universal Express Unlimited access for both check-in and check-out day at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.

This benefit alone can save hundreds of dollars per day.

Instead of waiting in standby lines, you'll have access to expedited queues at participating attractions. During busy travel periods, this can completely transform your vacation experience.

For many families, the value of the included Express Passes can offset much of the hotel cost, making Portofino Bay one of the smartest luxury hotel choices at Universal Orlando.

Transportation & Location

Another major reason I loved this hotel is its location.

Portofino Bay is one of Universal's closest hotels to the parks. Guests can:

Walk to the parks in approximately 10–15 minutes
Take the complimentary water taxi
Use Universal bus transportation when needed

The water taxi quickly became one of my favorite parts of the stay. It's convenient, scenic, and makes getting to CityWalk and the parks incredibly easy.

Being able to leave the parks and return to your room so quickly is a huge advantage, especially for families with young children who may need afternoon breaks.

Restaurants & Dining

Portofino Bay has some of the best dining options among Universal's on-site hotels, with multiple restaurants, lounges, and quick-service locations available.

Some guest favorites include:

Mama Della's Ristorante

A full-service Italian restaurant known for homemade pasta and classic Italian dishes.

Trattoria del Porto

Offers breakfast as well as Italian and American favorites throughout the day. Great option for families.

Bice Ristorante

An upscale dining experience perfect for date nights or adult-only trips.

Sal's Market Deli

Quick-service sandwiches, pizza, pastries, and grab-and-go options.

Splendido Bar & Grill

Located poolside and perfect for lunch or drinks during a pool day.

Whether you're looking for a quick breakfast before rope drop or a relaxing dinner after the parks, there are plenty of options without ever leaving the resort.

Amenities

Portofino Bay offers more than just a place to sleep.

Some of the standout amenities include:

Three themed swimming pools
Beach Pool with Roman aqueduct waterslide
Two additional quieter pools
Hot tubs
Fitness center
Full-service spa
Club Level Lounge
Children's activities
Early Park Admission benefits
Resort-wide charging privileges and delivery services

The Beach Pool is especially popular with families and provides a great break from the parks.

My Overall Opinion

I absolutely loved staying at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel.

The combination of spacious rooms, easy transportation, beautiful theming, and included Universal Express Unlimited makes it incredibly hard to beat.

While the resort itself is gorgeous, the real game changers are the location and Express Pass benefit. Being able to walk or take a quick water taxi to the parks while skipping long attraction lines creates a much more enjoyable vacation experience.

If you're planning a Universal Orlando trip and the budget allows, I would choose Portofino Bay again in a heartbeat.

For me, it's a 10/10 stay and one of the best hotel experiences available at Universal Orlando.

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando: Is It Worth It?