ITALIAN RIVIERA VILLAGE RECREATED
Experience Portofino, Italy at Universal Orlando | By Ashley Torres

	Bright hues color the Italian inspired Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Vibrant Mediterranean hues, the smell of sweet homemade gelato and the gentle waves of the harbor encompass the atmosphere of Portofino, Italy and became the inspiration for The Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando.

Recreating the ambience of the quaint fishing village, The Loews Portofino Bay Hotel features the best of the Italian Riviera, while offering all the amenities of a luxury resort.

Greens, reds and browns enliven the 750 hotel rooms, where plush bedding and furniture await for guests’ rest and relaxation. Not to be excluded, Kids Suites are available decorated in true Seussical fashion. From fanciful bedding to murals, children can relish in the wonder of sleeping amongst their favorite Dr. Seuss characters.

A vast number of eateries, which cater to guests seeking a dose of both elegant and casual dining with an Italian flare, can be enjoyed without leaving the resort. Featuring such favorites as antipasti, lasagna and veal, vacationers can choose to dine in a decadent dining room or outdoors by the Portofino Harbor. Indulge in a variety of simple pleasures at the deli, pizzeria and cafe. For those wanting a night in, 24-hour room service is available.

Swimming in the Mediterranean might not be possible, but the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel features three themed pools for those seeking to enjoy the Florida sun. For the kids, or kids at heart, the beach pool includes a Roman aqueduct-style water slide and an adjacent children’s pool. The hillside pool offers secluded privacy, while the villa pool offers exclusivity with private cabanas and upgraded amenities.

Children are never forgotten at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel with bocce ball courts and a game room arcade. For parents who wish to enjoy a romantic evening there is Campo Portofino, a supervised children’s activity center open seven nights a week which gives children a fun experience for a nominal fee.

Health and beauty is readily available for resort guests at the fitness center and Mandara Spa. Featuring a cardio theater, exercise machines and more, the fitness center is available for a daily fee or through a discounted multiple day pass. Get pampered after a hard workout at the Mandara Spa, a full-service spa that offers a variety of custom and personalized spa treatments.

For the shopping enthusiast, the resort provides five retail and gift shops, plus the Portofino Art Gallery. Universal Orlando merchandise and resort wear are available.

The Loews Portofino Bay Hotel provides guests a unique experience with several benefits. The top benefit includes complimentary Universal Express ride access for all hotel guests to bypass lengthy lines at both Universal Orlando theme parks. The easy access will save time waiting in lines and most rides and attractions will be less than 20 minutes – a far cry from the one to two hour wait without the Express pass. Transportation from the resort to Universal theme parks, CityWalk Entertainment Complex, Sea World and Wet n’ Wild is available via water taxis and shuttle buses. Complimentary seating at select Universal Orlando restaurants and shows is also offered.

For more information, call (407) 503-1000 or visit www.loewshotels.com.

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