We absolutely love Portofino Bay. Even when we are not staying there, we hop a boat to go hang out, shop or grab a bite. The atmosphere is incredible. I always love your videos.
My boyfriend and I stayed at Surfside last year when we went. While it was nice, as soon as we saw Portofino Bay on the shuttle from the airport we knew we would be staying there the next time we came to the parks. We booked our vacation for this summer last night and we did chose Portofino Bay. I'm so excited. 🙏🏻😩😍
I stayed in a 2 bedroom on the 3rd floor over looking the beach pool. In the morning there was someone using a power blower (name?) as they were cutting the grass - you could not hear it or the lawn mowers through the double pane glass. That's a welt built and maintained resort.
We love Portofino Bay! We have stayed at all three premier resorts and we feel each have unique qualities that make them worth the money. You mentioned there were some signs of aging at Portofino and we agree. It’s been over a decade since it’s last refresh. The resort is currently getting another refresh. Excited to see it today once it’s finished.
Portofino and hardrock are my fave hotels. Premier hotels are my fave and there’s no other place we would even consider staying at. Worth the price in my opinion.
Thanks for the video! I'll be going to Universal and stay at Portofino Hotel in February. First time taking vacations by myself, and first time without my family. I stayed at hard rock before, and with my family we used to stay at the Beach Club every time we went to Disney. Time to create new memories for myself. I hope it is as nice as in your video. Thanks for your content!
The real Portofino has painted on details on the buildings since it was originally a humble fishing village. The decorative paintings were added once the town became more of an upscale destination. So that aspect of the resort is actually very authentic to the true Italian town. I’ve been to Portofino, Italy many times ;)
Great review. Stayed here for 4 nights with my family a few weeks ago. Loved our stay here. Fantastic hotel and staff. One thing to mention is that this hotel can be a bit of a maze to navigate. Other than that, I really enjoy it here and would definitely recommend it.
Another excellent video mate. Looking to work my way through the hotels across the coming years so these videos always help in where to tick off next and what they offer
The best universal resort out of the three I’ve been to, nice waiting area for the water taxi. And Great details all over the resort I can’t wait to experience it more.
HIGHLY recommend this property, it's not cheap but cheaper than a plane ticket to Italy. The main large pool is a great place to relax and the Bocce ball court has crushed sea shells. The staff is very professional. Kudo's to the architect and designers for recreating a beautiful place. It's worth staying here just to stroll the property late at night, very peaceful.
Nice looking hotel with some great amenities, but considering what you pay, the rooms are pretty spartan (posted this before you mentioned the same thing later in the video). For the money I expect much more to the room than just some tarted up décor. I stayed at a $100 a night Hampton Inn a few weeks ago and that room was every bit as nice as this Portofino room (yes people, I know the Portofino is about more than just the room). Maybe if I got a very good deal, then with the amenities I'd consider staying here, but I think most of the Deluxe resorts rooms at Disney could give this one a run for the money (and I don't say that very often).
I was just here in early January! I loved this hotel, my only problem was the layout. It was hard to get around! My room was on the same level as the lobby, but you couldn’t walk from the lobby to the room, so we had to bring our luggage down to the bay. And it was so hard to get to the main pool even though we had a map
This is JUST SUCH A CLASSY looking place! How does this compare to Riviera at Disney?…Honestly, this reminds me of a couple of the places I got to stay in the one time I ever got to actually GO to Italy, when my grandmother treated me to a REALLY nice deluxe tour back to her home country when I was 13 back in 1982 (Didn’t get to visit the real Portofino, but we DID get to visit the Real Bellagio!-the Vegas version is nicer!)….This just looks so…Lovely, I guess is the best word…maybe, serene, I guess…Thanks for sharing this!
Yeah I should’ve included a mini comparison of Riviera. I think PB beats it in pretty much every area except for the rooms. Would love to go back with the family but just too pricey.
Was looking at booking this for our May holiday. But it was just too much on top of everything else! Looking forward to staying at Sapphire Falls still and can't wait to hop over to here and look around.
Hi I am actually wanting to plan for Universal after Epic Universe opens, but I am in my 'pre-planning' stages now. One of the biggest factors for me personally is if my mom is going to come (she probably will). This played a vital role when we went to WDW- privacy because my mom is a very light sleeper and I snore (and talk) in my sleep. So for one thing, we would need a place with a suite and have thick walls. We ended up at the Cabins at Fort Wilderness at Disney for those big reasons and my mom got plenty of sleep (thank goodness lol). I was checking online to see out of the resorts which one was the 'most quiet' and this resort got the best grade with B+. It's obvious that Universal won't have any cabins (nor will the new hotels at Epic Universe will too). But yeah I was wondering since you've been to all the resorts if you could let me know which ones have suites and have very little noise level? Thanks!
Hello! I just found your channel and subbed...love your vids so far! QUESTION: My Bucket List is to travel to every Lowes Hotels in the US. I am now planning a trip to one of the Lowes Hotels at Universal. Please help me decide which I should book in order to check off the Orlando resort property visit. I am a solo female traveler who is enjoying retirement but in a youthful manner; not particularly fond of being around families with children on my getaways (I know...I'll be visiting a family oriented location). I enjoy fine dining and lovely walking paths. You have done wonderful reviews of the Lowes properties at Universal. Thank you so much for helping me decide which I should visit to satisfy my Orlando Lowes properties check! If you were in my shoes, which resort would you put at the top of the list? I value your opinion.🙂
We absolutely love Portofino Bay. Even when we are not staying there, we hop a boat to go hang out, shop or grab a bite. The atmosphere is incredible. I always love your videos.
honestly that's sometimes the best thing about universal, eat at the hotels and ride the boat around!
Likewise! I’m always looking for an excuse to head over there 😁
Thanks for watching!
Thanks for this comment! I was wondering if we could go take a look even if we are staying at Cabana Bay!
My boyfriend and I stayed at Surfside last year when we went. While it was nice, as soon as we saw Portofino Bay on the shuttle from the airport we knew we would be staying there the next time we came to the parks. We booked our vacation for this summer last night and we did chose Portofino Bay. I'm so excited. 🙏🏻😩😍
I stayed in a 2 bedroom on the 3rd floor over looking the beach pool. In the morning there was someone using a power blower (name?) as they were cutting the grass - you could not hear it or the lawn mowers through the double pane glass. That's a welt built and maintained resort.
My friends Jason and Lucia suggested I should stay here during my trip to Universal, looks cool!
We love Portofino Bay! We have stayed at all three premier resorts and we feel each have unique qualities that make them worth the money. You mentioned there were some signs of aging at Portofino and we agree. It’s been over a decade since it’s last refresh. The resort is currently getting another refresh. Excited to see it today once it’s finished.
You have one of the best videos that dive into the small details of the resorts🎉
From one frugal gentleman to another I am glad you made this video.. was looking of booking for my honeymoon
Not the most frugal video I made 😂
Portofino and hardrock are my fave hotels. Premier hotels are my fave and there’s no other place we would even consider staying at. Worth the price in my opinion.
agreed, definitely Portofino tops my list!
Your videos are as close as I get to a vacation, much less a dream vacation like this. I really appreciate them. Thank you.
You’re very welcome Brian! Thanks for watching 😁👍
Thanks for the video! I'll be going to Universal and stay at Portofino Hotel in February. First time taking vacations by myself, and first time without my family. I stayed at hard rock before, and with my family we used to stay at the Beach Club every time we went to Disney. Time to create new memories for myself. I hope it is as nice as in your video. Thanks for your content!
The real Portofino has painted on details on the buildings since it was originally a humble fishing village. The decorative paintings were added once the town became more of an upscale destination. So that aspect of the resort is actually very authentic to the true Italian town. I’ve been to Portofino, Italy many times ;)
Great review. Stayed here for 4 nights with my family a few weeks ago. Loved our stay here. Fantastic hotel and staff. One thing to mention is that this hotel can be a bit of a maze to navigate. Other than that, I really enjoy it here and would definitely recommend it.
lol that's what's always kind of fun for me as a local that it is a maze 😂
Another excellent video mate. Looking to work my way through the hotels across the coming years so these videos always help in where to tick off next and what they offer
Thank you Callum 👍😁
The best universal resort out of the three I’ve been to, nice waiting area for the water taxi. And Great details all over the resort I can’t wait to experience it more.
HIGHLY recommend this property, it's not cheap but cheaper than a plane ticket to Italy. The main large pool is a great place to relax and the Bocce ball court has crushed sea shells. The staff is very professional. Kudo's to the architect and designers for recreating a beautiful place. It's worth staying here just to stroll the property late at night, very peaceful.
Staying in September ❤ after visiting it last year we were very impressed ❤
Have fun! 😁
Another amazing video ❤ I love your channel ❤❤❤
Great video, as always. Your production quality is amazing. I think you will gain many many more subscribers this year
7:54 It could be the air conditioner or something, but I've been noticing that the top left side drawer handle was swinging back and forth rapidly.
Haha, yeah that freaked me out a bit when I was editing. I think it’s because I dumped everything in the draw right before I started filming.
@@TheFrugalBrit Possibly, yes, though I can see some people say "is Rm 1522 haunted?!"
Excellent video. Looking forward to my stay here in a couple weeks. This was actually cheaper than royal pacific when I booked.
Nice looking hotel with some great amenities, but considering what you pay, the rooms are pretty spartan (posted this before you mentioned the same thing later in the video). For the money I expect much more to the room than just some tarted up décor. I stayed at a $100 a night Hampton Inn a few weeks ago and that room was every bit as nice as this Portofino room (yes people, I know the Portofino is about more than just the room). Maybe if I got a very good deal, then with the amenities I'd consider staying here, but I think most of the Deluxe resorts rooms at Disney could give this one a run for the money (and I don't say that very often).
Yeah I think that’s fair about the rooms, love the size, but not the most inspiring.
I was just here in early January! I loved this hotel, my only problem was the layout. It was hard to get around! My room was on the same level as the lobby, but you couldn’t walk from the lobby to the room, so we had to bring our luggage down to the bay. And it was so hard to get to the main pool even though we had a map
Love Portofino! Both times we stayed it was cheaper than the other Deluxe hotels. Sals is the best counter service of all the deluxe resorts.
Great content as always! What’s next for TFB? California theme park reviews?
This is JUST SUCH A CLASSY looking place! How does this compare to Riviera at Disney?…Honestly, this reminds me of a couple of the places I got to stay in the one time I ever got to actually GO to Italy, when my grandmother treated me to a REALLY nice deluxe tour back to her home country when I was 13 back in 1982 (Didn’t get to visit the real Portofino, but we DID get to visit the Real Bellagio!-the Vegas version is nicer!)….This just looks so…Lovely, I guess is the best word…maybe, serene, I guess…Thanks for sharing this!
Yeah I should’ve included a mini comparison of Riviera. I think PB beats it in pretty much every area except for the rooms. Would love to go back with the family but just too pricey.
had the veal scallopine before...mouth watering madness! great overview video!
😋
Map at 1:10 is rotated 90 degrees.
Portofino should be on the North East end of the parks.
Favorite resort in all of Orlando right here.
Was looking at booking this for our May holiday. But it was just too much on top of everything else! Looking forward to staying at Sapphire Falls still and can't wait to hop over to here and look around.
Thank you so much! me and my family are most likely going to stay here it looks amazing!
I love this resort. It's my favorite Universal hotel.
Looks nice. Been to Portofino. Obviously not the same but would love to stay here.
Hi I am actually wanting to plan for Universal after Epic Universe opens, but I am in my 'pre-planning' stages now. One of the biggest factors for me personally is if my mom is going to come (she probably will). This played a vital role when we went to WDW- privacy because my mom is a very light sleeper and I snore (and talk) in my sleep. So for one thing, we would need a place with a suite and have thick walls. We ended up at the Cabins at Fort Wilderness at Disney for those big reasons and my mom got plenty of sleep (thank goodness lol). I was checking online to see out of the resorts which one was the 'most quiet' and this resort got the best grade with B+. It's obvious that Universal won't have any cabins (nor will the new hotels at Epic Universe will too). But yeah I was wondering since you've been to all the resorts if you could let me know which ones have suites and have very little noise level? Thanks!
Hello! I just found your channel and subbed...love your vids so far! QUESTION: My Bucket List is to travel to every Lowes Hotels in the US. I am now planning a trip to one of the Lowes Hotels at Universal. Please help me decide which I should book in order to check off the Orlando resort property visit.
I am a solo female traveler who is enjoying retirement but in a youthful manner; not particularly fond of being around families with children on my getaways (I know...I'll be visiting a family oriented location). I enjoy fine dining and lovely walking paths. You have done wonderful reviews of the Lowes properties at Universal. Thank you so much for helping me decide which I should visit to satisfy my Orlando Lowes properties check! If you were in my shoes, which resort would you put at the top of the list? I value your opinion.🙂
Thank you for that! It sounds like Portofino bay would be perfect for you 😁
I love it. A little part of Italy, the land of my ancestrals
😁
Another good video bro 👍. Looking to stay here on my next Universal studios visit.
The Splendido Grill menu at 6:37 says 'Add a description here' for the cheese and pepperoni pizzas 😂
😂😂
Do the water taxis allow electric wheelchairs?
Hmmm, can’t say I know for certain, but I suspect they would be able to.
Can you do the swan & dolphin plz?
Will do them eventually, not likely to be for some time though I’m afraid.
Saw u at Bush gardens today lol what's up you came in zagora Cafe
Ha no way! Always feel like a massive goof when I’m filming lol.
Back at Busch tomorrow to finish off, amazing park!
Oh I’ve just realised you’re the guy I saw working 😂
@@TheFrugalBrit yeah what's up man come by again if u want to I will be waiting on that epic video Busch gardens amen and yeah that's me ;)
If we book one of the premier resorts, do we still need to get the normal ticket, or does it come with it?
You still have to buy the tickets unless you bought a package. It does come with free express tickets for the duration of your stay
It looks like thay room and bathroom are accessible rooms for those with disabilities. I believe other rooms have separate bathroom areas.
Let’s talk bathrooms .. what kind of noise coverage does someone have in there ?
I enjoy Royal Pacific’s theming, but their rooms feel very cramped. Only reason we stay at Portofino
The gym looks incredible for a hotel
Not that I’ll ever use it lol
Slated for construction from now till 2025, per a representative on the site. We wanted to stay here. They said the exterior will be worked on.
Looking forward to staying here for 10 nights in September
I’m first!
Could we see a I-drive restaurant list again with no budget considerations❤️
Very underwhelming with the exception of the outside of the buildings but then again it was built in 1999
That Lasagna gave me the trotts... expensive microwaved food.
😮
The walls in this room are so bare. I don't like this at all, it's almost like they didn't finish decorating before you moved in :(
Yeah they’re a bit under decorated for sure
it looks lonely and old nothing about this screams luxury
It was mid week in September so maybe not at its best.
Seems elegant yet a bit stuffy for me . I love a party vibe