Portofino Bay. - Review - hotel review

Travel America, March, 2001 by Debbie Meyers

Mediterranean magic enchants hotel guests at Florida's Universal Orlando

From the fishing boats in the harbor to the pastel buildings hugging the waterfront piazza, Portofino Bay Hotel artfully captures the essence of the Italian Riviera. Patterned after the famous seaside resort village, this slice of Italy amid the fantasylands of Central Florida provides an upscale retreat strong on continental luxury and Old World charm. It's an easy walk or boat ride away from two of America's most visited family fun kingdoms--movie-themed Universal Studios and Universal's new Islands of Adventure.

Arriving at Portofino Bay, you're transported to northern Italy as you navigate the long winding drive around a harbor flanked by cypress and olive trees. Upon first sight of the hotel, guests familiar with the real village of Portofino marvel at the painstaking attention to detail that completes the illusion.

The 750-room Loews hotel, Universal Orlando's first on-site hostelry, opened in September 1999. Earlier this year the 650-room, rock 'n-roll-themed Hard Rock Hotel, also managed by Loews, made its debut just steps from the already existing Hard Rock Cafe and Hard Rock Live concert venue. Loews' 1,000-room Royal Pacific Resort will open at Universal in 2002.

One of Portofino Bay's most distinctive features is the elaborate trompe l'oeil painting on the building facades. This centuries-old technique, used by artisans in Portofino to create the illusion of architectural elements like moldings and marble columns, harks back to when the poor fishing village could not afford grand buildings like those found in Rome or Venice. Trompe l'oeil artists from Portofino, Italy, were hired to paint the hotel. The Portofino coat of arms adorns one of the piazza walls.

Restaurants and bars around the piazza range from the gourmet northern Italian offerings of Delfino Riviera to the homemade ice cream, capuccino, and pastries at the Gelateria or Cafe Espresso. Guests find intimate, home-style dining at Mama Della's Ristorante and extensive antipasto and dessert bars at Trattoria del Porto. Sal's Market Deli has fresh meats, breads, and pizzas. Splendido Pizzeria overlooks the Beach Pool, with its Roman aqueduct-style waterslide and white sand beach. There are two other pools, including one for guests in the exclusive Villa section.

Recreational facilities also include a spa and fitness center, a jogging and bicycle path, and two bocci ball courts. Campo Portofino, a supervised children's activity area, is open evenings.

The retail lineup includes stores like Alta Moda, featuring the latest in Italian resort fashions, and Galleria Portofino, with creations from Italian artists.

Guest rooms, with four-poster beds and antique-looking armoires, are painted in soothing colors, and all bed linens, like those used in the Old Country, are white. Decorative tiles in the bathrooms were manmade in Italy specifically for the Portofino Bay.

Free water taxis ply the scenic waterways that connect Portofino Bay to the two theme parks, Hard Rock Hotel, and Universal's CityWalk, an entertainment/ dining complex whose newest restaurant is the basketball-themed NBA City. Emeril's Restaurant Orlando, Motown Cafe, Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville, and the world's largest Hard Rock Cafe are other CityWalk eateries. In addition to water taxis, bus transportation from the hotels is available.

Portofino and Hard Rock guests enjoy the new "No Line, No Wait" express access to all but two rides at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. They also may enter both parks one hour before the gates open to the general public. Other privileges include priority seating at select restaurants and shows, complimentary package delivery of in-park purchases to guest rooms, and resort ID cards to charge merchandise, meals, and entertainment throughout Universal Orlando. A separate card for children is available with pre-loaded spending limit determined by the parent.

FAST FACTS

Name: Portofino Bay Hotel.

Owner/Operator: Managed by Loews Hotels as part of a joint venture with Universal Inc., and the Rank Organization.

Location: Within walking distance of Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and CityWalk.

Accommodations: 750 rooms and suites with a king-size or two queen-size beds.

Facilities: Eight restaurants and lounges, five shops, three swimming pools, three whirlpools, children's wading pool, two bocci ball courts, jogging and bicycle path, spa and fitness center, children's activity area, business center with secretarial services and computer equipment.

Rates: Starting at $235 during off-peak periods. Rooms in the Villa complex (from $395) include 24-hour butler service and access to the private Villa Club Lounge and Villa Pool. Kid's Suites (from $395) feature an adult king bedroom connected to a themed kid's room with TV, Sony Playstation, and play area.

Contact: Portofino Bay Hotel, (407) 5031000, or Loews Hotels, (800) 23-LOEWS. Universal Orlando's website is www.universalstudios.com.