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The Portofino Bay Hotel, part of Universal Studios Islands of Adventure, uses architecture, plants and artifacts to evoke the spirit of the Italian resort town.
By MARY JANE PARK, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times, published May 21, 2000
ORLANDO -- Improving on reality is what Central Florida's theme parks seem to do best. I have not visited Portofino in Italy, the model for the Portofino Bay Hotel, but some who have say that the hotel is an astonishingly accurate reconstruction of the waterside village, plus room service.
The Portofino Bay opened last September and is the only place to stay on the vast property that comprises Universal Studios Escape. The Hard Rock Hotel is under construction and expected to open later this year; both are Loews hotels.
Bougainvillea and other sun-loving plants bloom in enormous terra cotta vessels in the hotel's bright piazzas, and deep archways provide cooling shade. A soft breeze bobbles the gondola fleet moored in the bay near a dock where guests can board courtesy water taxis to other areas of the resort.
The week before Easter, the hotel teemed with conventioneers and families on spring holiday; I was a midweek business traveler staying only one night.
Guests who might otherwise have been competing for a parking space at the mall left a convoy of sport utility vehicles at valet parking and strolled through the broad outdoor piazzas within the hotel compound. The evening I was there, an accordionist played arias and the theme from The Godfather outside one of the hotel's eight restaurants and lounges. All have an Italian theme, from the high-end Delfino Riviera restaurant to the blue umbrellas of LavAzza, "Italy's No. 1 Coffee," outside the espresso and gelato shops. A hotel desk employee ended our conversation by saying, Ciao. A bit precious, but inoffensive.
The hotel makes it easy for guests to navigate Universal relatively unburdened. Resort I.D. cards issued at check-in double as electronic room keys and charge cards for merchandise, food and entertainment throughout the resort. Guests have access to Universal theme parks an hour before they open to the public, priority seating at selected restaurants and shows and complimentary delivery of in-park purchases to rooms.
Just as there are various levels of restaurants to choose from, there are several hotel shops, indoor and outdoor recreational options, child-care and children's activities, and business equipment and services. Rooms, villas and suites offer ascending levels of amenities.
Inside my room, I was amazed at the fluffy white (!) comforters on the beds. Just for fun, I programmed a "character" wake-up call.
Several hours before I heard from Cat in the Hat, however, a fire alarm stirred me from my slumber. I threw on the hotel-supplied bathrobe and peered out into the hallway at other sleepy guests. We stood around outside our rooms for a bit, then went back in. The second fire alarm got my attention; I pulled on day clothes and took the stairs outdoors. Within a few minutes, an apologetic hotel employee sprinted through the plaza to tell us that a hotel guest had lit a cigar in a designated non-smoking room, hence the commotion.
It was the only hitch in my stay, and the hotel staff did not cause it.
Rates at the Portofino Bay Hotel vary seasonally; occasional discounts are available to Florida residents. For reservations, call (407) 503-1000 or (800) 837-2273; the Web site is http://www.loewshotels.com