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Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention CentervsLoews Portofino Bay Hotel
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando and Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center are both highly recommended by professional reviewers. On balance, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando ranks significantly better than Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando comes in at 91 with approval from 12 publications including Rough Guide, The Telegraph and Travel + Leisure.
Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center
DK Eyewitness
Star Service
Gayot
Zagat
Frommer's
Fodor's
Travel + Leisure
Lonely Planet
Independent Travel + Leisure
6000 W. Osceola Pkwy., Kissimmee, FL 34746
From $139/night
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Laundry Service
- Concierge
DK Eyewitness "Gaylord Palms has its own restaurants, recreational facilities, shops, and the Canyon Ranch Spa Club."
Star Service "This Southern-flavored convention-resort follows the blueprint of its Nashville sibling Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, offering an upscale biospheric experience." Full review
i
You can choose between soft orange or deep blue color schemes, though all units share the same well-rounded amenity roster.
Gayot "This elaborate, decidedly Southern resort... pays tribute to distinctive regions and eras of Florida that are rich in history and charm, though often underrepresented."
Zagat "It may be centered on a convention center, but this sprawling 63-acre Marriott resort in Kissimmee also attracts leisure travelers."
Frommer's "It's a convention center in disguise, but the Gaylord Palms appeals to vacationers, too, and is not your run-of-the-mill resort." Full review
Fodor's "Built in the style of a grand turn-of-the-20th-century Florida mansion, this resort is meant to inspire awe." Full review
Travel + Leisure "The hotel has a lush atrium and rooms, two on-site pools, a Canyon Ranch spa, golf putting course, and croquet lawn." Full review
Lonely Planet Top Choice
"This is, without a doubt, the most massive hotel in Orlando, and it’s popular as a conference center... and a family resort." Full review
Independent "Fans of 1972 sci-fi classic Silent Running will be at home in this uber-cool domed environment encompassing 1,718 rooms and five acres of indoor delights that feel like the great outdoors"
Travel + Leisure "It’s near everything, but also in a world of its own, thanks to towering glass atriums with native flora and fauna and scenes made to feel like other destinations...kids go crazy for the water park"
21 Best Family Resorts in Florida, According to Locals
August 12, 2023
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
