Greetings fellow Mouse Fans!
Yesterday, I reviewed the many benefits to staying in one of Universal Orlando's three on-site hotels, but today let's talk about the hotels themselves.
Loews Portofino Bay – This is hotel we had the pleasure of staying at and it is gorgeous! The hotel is modeled after the seaside town of Portofino in Italy and has a very mediteranean feel to it. The rooms are BIG starting at 450 sq ft. Our Deluxe Room was 490 sq ft with two queen beds, a love seat and a GIGANTIC bathroom with glassed in shower and separate tub. The resort is low and wide which can mean a long walk from the lobby or the boat launch to your room. This was my only complaint with this resort.
Hard Rock Hotel – I was expecting an onslaught of sights and sounds when we entered the Hard Rock Hotel but was pleasantly surprised to find a well decorated lobby with a definite "rock" edge. No, the music playing was not your typical lobby muzak but you could still hear yourself think! The pool is the big draw at this hotel (along with the memorabilia located around every corner) and guests of other on-site hotels will be pleased to learn that the resorts share pool-hopping privileges! The pool has speakers underwater for an "immersive" musical experience. 😉 The rooms offer a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the hotel. Smaller than the rooms at Portofino Bay, the rooms start at 375 sq ft.
Loews Royal Pacific – I fell in love with this resort as we crossed the bridge from the driveway to the lobby. The bridge is lined with frog statues and they are wonderful and whimsical – right up my alley! The rooms here are the smallest of the three, starting at 335 sq ft but for couples or smaller families, this would be my choice. I found the feel of the resort to be relaxing and exotic. And the whimsical touches and theming of the resort bring to mind that "other" Orlando theme park that I love so much.
I was truly impressed with the quality of these resorts and cannot wait to plan my next visit. This time with my family in tow!
P.S. The Snippets will be on hiatus next week while I am on a Preview Cruise for Disney Cruise Line's newest ship – the Disney Fantasy!
Be well and make magic wherever you go!
Sara Varney
Travel Planner
