What are the public spaces at Portofino Bay Hotel?
The original flagship resort hotel of Universal Orlando, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, offers guests an immersive escape to the Italian Riviera, complete with a piazza right on the harbor (aptly named the Harbor Piazza). Take a stroll around the resort to explore the restaurants, shops, and other public spaces that make you feel as if you’ve been transported to the northwest of Italy and are living la dolce vita.
Portofino Bay Hotel – lobby
As you enter Portofino Bay Hotel from the circular drive and porte-cochère, don’t forget to check out the vintage Italian cars parked near the fountain. Once inside, you’ll find recessed ceilings, marble floors, and an interior dome painted to look like the sky – all emulating the open-air architectural style of the northern Italian coast. You’ll find the reception desk, guest services, luggage services, and a gifts and sundries shop in the lobby.
What is the Harbor Piazza at Portofino Bay Hotel?
At the heart of the hotel is the Harbor Piazza, a picturesque bay area surrounded by Portofino Bay’s guest rooms and buildings. Many of the resort’s shops and restaurants are located here, and select rooms in the East and West wings overlook the Piazza—some with full or Juliet balconies. This is also where guests can board the water taxi for a scenic ride to Universal CityWalk.
In addition to the Harbor Piazza, there are other piazzas scattered around the hotel, including Piazza Ponte, where a bridge crosses between two of the guest wings, while the Villa Piazza is a grassy area overlooked by the Villa guest wing, and is a beautiful location for weddings or celebrations. The Citrus Piazza provides an outdoor area for the conference wing of the hotel, and the Piazza Centrale is a covered atrium in the lobby area. Finally, the Bus Piazza is (you guessed it) the pickup location for Universal Resort’s shuttle bus services.
Portofino Bay Hotel – shopping
There are six stores located throughout Portofino Bay, starting with La Memories de Portofino, which carries Italian-themed gifts, Portofino Bay gear, sundries, wine, and snacks – located right off the hotel lobby.
For more shopping, wander down to the Harbor Piazza, where you’ll find nautical-themed souvenirs and apparel at L’Ancora near the Thirsty Fish Bar, fine Italian clothing lines for men, women, and children at Galleria, and the usual selection of theme-park and movie-branded gifts at the Universal Studios Store.
Portofino Bay Hotel – dining
Take a culinary tour across Italy, with a surfeit of flavors at the restaurants and quick-service dining locations at Portofino Bay Hotel. Bice is Portofino’s fine dining venue, with white-tablecloth service and homemade favorites from northern Italy. If a family dinner Italian-style is more your speed, head to Mama Della’s Ristorante for traditional favorites, including Mama’s famous lasagna or fettuccine alfredo. Trattoria del Porto is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a buffet and a la carte items to suit every taste.
For quick-service dining, Sal’s Market Deli has grab-and-go snacks and a hot counter with fresh sandwiches, salads, and pizzas made-to-order. If you’re hanging by the pool, Splendido Bar & Grill delivers food and drinks right to your poolside lounge chair. Or wander over to the Gelateria for milkshakes, smoothies, bakery items, and artisan gelato. Stop by the Thirsty Fish for an adult beverage to unwind after a long day at the parks.
For more on each dining location, visit our full guide to the restaurants and lounges of Portofino Bay Hotel.
Does Portofino Bay Hotel have a spa or fitness center?
Portofino Bay’s fitness center features free weights and a range of cardio machines. Prefer to work out outdoors? Enjoy the resort’s scenic walking paths while getting your steps in.
Portofino Bay Hotel – game room
Located next to the pool, Portofino Bay’s game room has all the newest video games for you to play to your heart’s content – or at least until your credits run out!
Portofino Bay Hotel entrance area – photo gallery
Portofino Bay Hotel more public spaces – photo gallery
Portofino Bay Hotel Villa Piazza – photo gallery
Portofino Bay Hotel Piazza Centrale – photo gallery
- Loews Portofino Bay Hotel: Dining & Lounges
- Bice Ristorante (full-service) at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
- Gelateria (quick-service) at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
- Mama Della’s Ristorante (full-service) at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
- Sal’s Market Deli (quick-service) at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
- Splendido Bar & Grill (full-service bar) at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
- The Thirsty Fish (full-service bar) at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
- Trattoria del Porto (full-service) at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
- Loews Portofino Bay Hotel: Distance From the Parks
- Loews Portofino Bay Hotel: Pool Areas
- Loews Portofino Bay Hotel: Public spaces & Harbor Piazza
- Loews Portofino Bay Hotel: Rooms