Portofino Bay

[MargaretJ]

We are staying at Portofino Bay for 3 days before we head over to Disney during our long summer trip. Anyone ever stayed here? If so what are the rooms really like? It looks so wonderful when Great Hotels was there that I am really looking forward to enjoying this resort.

[BetsyBoo]

MargaretJ,

I hear the beds are really high! I will be going to Portofino April 1st, I will let you know how it is. I can not wait to go!

BetsyBoo

[MargaretJ]

Anyone been to this resort?

[Moley]

We were there a couple years back and loved it. We were upgraded to a villa room but that was during a slow time. I wouldn't expect that to happen during busier times. So our room was quite deluxe since that is the former concierge room bloc. The Travel Channel special was made around the same time so there have been changes. The restaurant they wanted to compete with Victoria and Albert's has since closed. I'm not sure if another restaurant is in its place now.

The two regular restaurants are wonderful, as is the gellato shop. The pizza place is good, too. You can get a quick meal there. The grounds are gorgeous. Bay views give you a feeling of being right in the real Portofino Bay in Italy.

I loved our bathroom, but not sure if the standard room bath is the same. We had the same bath Samantha Brown had in the Travel Channel special. Boy was it crowded with her hogging the tub all the time. :lol:

I believe all the bath floors have the marble. The beds have the upgraded high count sheets and down comforters. Yes, they are high. Lots of mattress there for our Princess and the Pea spines. :peri:

The pool areas were great and so was the spa. When I was there, the spa was managed by a different company. Now it is under the same management as the Mandara spa at the Dolphin. Expect a very pricey massage menu but good service. We loved the boat service to the parks. You can also get a shuttle but make time for the boat. It is an extra pleasant ride to start and end the park day.

As with all the Uni hotels, you pay for parking above and beyond your room rate, even park it yourself. Be sure to ask at the concierge desk if there are discounts on tix for resort guests or shopping discounts. At Royal Pacific this last time, both our park tix were discounted and we got a shopping discount at selected park shops of 20% off. Uni also gives discounts for AAA members, so be sure to take that card with you, too.

Have fun. It is a wonderful resort. :D

[ddoll]

We had the same bath Samantha Brown had in the Travel Channel special. Boy was it crowded with her hogging the tub all the time. :lol:


I really should brace myself before reading your posts, Moley! :lol::lol::lol:

Nice review! We've stayed at RPR and HRH, but not PB. Since we had such wonderful experiences at both of those, I'm sure PB will be more of the same for you Margaret. Universal really does the hotels VERY well! And with FOL priveleges, you have more time to spend at the hotel enjoying the luxury.

[MargaretJ]

Thanks guys. We stayed at Hard Rock last year & really enjoyed it & were going to stay there again until we got Portofino Bay for about the same price. Last year we brought those 15 month Annual Pass tickets so still have them for this year. They have lots of blackout dates but none affect us. I am sure the Gelatto shop will get our visit once or twice & we are planning on eating at Mama Della's one evening.

[Tagrel]

We stayed here a few years back Margaret and really enjoyed the resort! Its is very beautiful. (I'll look for pictures) I'm guessing I have a couple some where! ;) But if I remember right I FORGOT to get room pics there! :shock: I'll check though.

The room was VERY nice. Comfy, large and TALL beds as I remember. I think the kids had trouble getting up on them! The bathroom was huge, but we had a deluxe room I think, so I'm not sure how they compare with regular rooms. We got a great Entertainment rate back then....

The pool was excellent - really enjoyed it. We spent most of our time in either the parks or City Walk, so not a lot of insight on the resort restaurants. There are some pictures and such in my 2003 Trip Report (http://tagrel.com/TR/Aug2002/day14.html)

HTH and off to see what other pics I have. I tend to share the best in the Trip Reports though....

[Mickey4Us]

We stayed there a few years ago and loved it. The room was a decent side. The bed was high (which would be a bit scary for my 4 yr old) and super comfy. The bathroom was huge!
We ate at the Italian restaurant one night (Mama's) and were pleased. "Mama" actually took our kid on a tour of the restaurant, staying where we could see them, so we could enjoy our food in peace.
One thing to be aware of...the boats do not run in inclement weather which could mean just a little rain. We didn't know this and waited for the boat for a long time. We didn't know where the bus stop was. So make sure you know were all the transportation stops are.
Enjoy!