Disney's Polynesian Village ResortvsLoews Portofino Bay Hotel
Both properties are praised by travel writers. Overall, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando ranks significantly higher than Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando is ranked #4 in Orlando with positive reviews from 14 reviews such as The Telegraph, Travel + Leisure and Zagat.
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
1600 Seven Seas Drive, Lake Buena Vista, Orlando, FL 32830
From $442/night
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Shuttle Bus
- Laundry Service
Oyster
Upscale
"The crowded, 853-room Polynesian remains one of Disney's most popular Deluxe-category resorts for families." Full review
DK Eyewitness
"Lush tropical gardens and waterfalls, a white sand beach, and a lagoon swimming pool with a steaming volcano and torch-lit walkways create the illusion of an island paradise."
Travel + Leisure
"Commanding an enviable position on the Seven Seas Lagoon, and a short boat ride from the Magic Kingdom’s front gates, the South Seas–inflected Polynesian is a circa-1971 Disney original." Full review
Fodor's
"You may not think you're in Fiji, but families with kids can have fun pretending in this South Pacific-themed resort directly across the lagoon from the Magic Kingdom." Full review
Gayot
"An impressive rainforest setting and exotica ambience---even to discerning Tikiphiles."
The Telegraph
8.0
"Facilities and amenities that make its South Seas style even more appealing, from the Tiki God in the lobby to the grand bungalows built over Seven Seas Lagoon." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler
"The Polynesian has been around since 1971; its great location and fun atmosphere never get old, even as newer choices crop up around it." Full review
Time Out
"Want to see what $2,000 a night will get you at a Disney property? Set your search to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort—specifically, the private, eight-person, over-the-water Bungalow...." Full review
Frommer's
"The longhouse-style thatched-roof complex remains one of the most transporting of the Disney resorts...a notch above for families as the monorail is steps away and rooms are on the big side" Full review
Lonely Planet
"With faux-bamboo decor, a jungle motif in the lobby, and coconut-shell cups and shell necklaces in the store, you just may think you're in the South Pacific." 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