Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & SpavsLoews Portofino Bay Hotel
Both properties are praised by professional reviewers. Overall, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando scores significantly higher than Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando comes in at 91 with approval from 14 reviewers including Travel + Leisure, Gayot and Insight Guides.
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Show All Reviews
4401 Floridian Way, Lake Buena Vista, Orlando, FL 32830
From $544/night
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Shuttle Bus
- Laundry Service
Concierge
"You can't pick a more dreamily convenient Disney hotel—it's a single monorail stop away from the Magic Kingdom, and four from Epcot."
Fodor's
"The view across the lake to the Magic Kingdom is spectacular, day or night, as you can see the colors change on the Cinderella Castle along with the fireworks." Full review
Oyster
Luxury
"The Grand Floridian, Disney's crown jewel, is as elegant as it is expensive." Full review
DK Eyewitness
"This opulent Victorian-style resort features a magnificent five-story lobby topped by an ornate stained-glass dome."
Rough Guide
"Gabled roofs, verandas and crystal chandeliers are among the frivolous variations on early Florida resort architecture at Disney’s most upmarket hotel, complete with a full-service spa."
Michelin Guide
"Disney's most luxurious property is a Victorian-era waterside complex set on 40 acres along Magic Kingdom's monorail route."
Travel + Leisure
"With gas lamps and wicker chairs in this sprawling neo-Victorian manse, Cindarella, Prince Charming, and the wicked stepsisters feel right at home." Full review
i
Don't miss the dingin at Citricos or Victoria & Albert's (one of the best restaurants in Florida) and take advantage of the hotel's proximity to Disney's Magic Kingdom.
Travel + Leisure
"Just like the resort it’s housed in, the spa is meant to evoke the feel of a turn-of-the-20th-century escape." Full review
Gayot
"The splendor of Florida's high society, resort living of the early 1900s recalls the atmosphere of an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel."
The Telegraph
8.0
"Modelled on the classic Hotel Del Coronado near San Diego, California, this historic-styled property is Disney’s crown jewel and most upmarket offering." Full review
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel 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."
Zagat
4.0
"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 Telegraph
9.0
"The array of amenities is impressive and the dining is superb." Full review