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Castle Hotel, Autograph CollectionvsLoews Portofino Bay Hotel
Both hotels are recommended by those who travel for a living. Overall, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando ranks significantly better than Castle Hotel, Autograph Collection. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando comes in at 91 with recommendations from 14 sources including The Telegraph, Star Service and Rough Guide.
Castle Hotel, Autograph Collection
DK Eyewitness
Rough Guide
Star Service
Frommer's
Fodor's
Gayot
Oyster
Lonely Planet
8629 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819
From $79/night
- Pet Friendly
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Laundry Service
DK Eyewitness "In the style of a medieval fairytale castle, this popular hotel features fanciful surroundings, gargoyles in the lobby, and a large pool."
Rough Guide "A good-value, elaborate theme hotel, complete with Renaissance music and medieval decor."
Star Service "This imaginative nine-story hotel continues to bear the telltale crenellated profile of its theme park masters." Full review
Frommer's "Most of the hotels along International Drive fall into two categories: gigantic convention-fed pillow mills and nondescript low-rise chain-run pillow mills." Full review
Fodor's "You won't really believe you're in a castle at this midprice hotel, although the whimsical gold-and-silver spires... may make you feel as if you're having a Harry Potter moment." Full review
Gayot "Guests are greeted in the lobby with mosaic-tile murals, arched doorways, Renaissance-era music and piped in nature sounds, for what's just the beginning of a multi-layered storybook affair."
OysterUpscale
"The four-pearl, 214-room Castle Hotel, Autograph Collection is conveniently located near I-4 and the Orange County Convention Center, a short drive to the area's major theme parks." Full review
Lonely Planet "You can't miss the castle-like exterior of this International Drive landmark, as distinctive inside as it is out." Full review
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
Concierge
Insight Guides Fodor's DK Eyewitness Rough Guide
Michelin Guide Star Service Gayot
Zagat
The Telegraph Show All Reviews
5601 Universal Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819
From $266/night
- Pet Friendly
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Shuttle Bus
Concierge "Universal boasts the property is its most sumptuous, and while it's truly comfortable, it's still at heart a very busy property catering to theme park vacationers."
Insight Guides "With a huge lagoon-style pool, a small sand beach, and Saturday "luaus" (Hawaian feasts), this Pacific Rim-themed hotel is particularly relaxing."
Fodor's "The charm and romance of Portofino, Italy—destination of Europe's rich and famous—are conjured up at this lovely luxury resort." Full review
DK Eyewitness "The charm and ambience of the Italian seaside village of Portofino have been meticulously re-created at this lavish resort."
Rough Guide "A lavishre-creation of the Italian seaside village of Portofino, complete with vintage scooters parked in the piazza."
Michelin Guide "Operated by the Loews Corp on Universal theme-park property, this colorful hotel edges a large body of water like the bayside Italian fishing village for which it is named."
Star Service "Located inside Universal Studios, this polished top-shelf theme resort offers direct access via walkway to the park's CityWalk shops and restaurants." Full review
Gayot "This is Portofino, although it is far removed from the location where you would probably expect to find it---the lovely lower thigh of the Italian boot."
Zagat4.0
"Pretend like you're "visiting Italy" at this "upscale" Portofino-inspired resort that's "in the midst of amusement park excitement" while still providing a "relaxing" oasis."
The Telegraph9.0
"The array of amenities is impressive and the dining is superb." Full review
