The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande LakesvsLoews Portofino Bay Hotel
Both hotels are endorsed by writers. On balance, The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes ranks significantly better than Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando. The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes comes in at 98 with endorsements from 14 sources such as Gayot, Forbes Travel Guide and Lonely Planet.
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes Show All Reviews
4012 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando, FL 32837
From $399/night
- Pet Friendly
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Shuttle Bus
Frommer's
"Debuting back in 2003, the Ritz-Carlton Orlando has fast become one of the city's best destinations for deep-pocketed travelers." Full review
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A recent addition to the Grande Lakes resort's outdoor activities is a zipline adventure, with two separate courses to choose from, each with multilevel structures, poles, cables, platforms, and unique climbing elements.
Concierge
"The lakes and nature preserve surrounding the sprawling Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes makes the resort feel far removed from the theme parks."
Jetsetter
"Plush escape from the theme park frenzy with a serene spa, golf and haute fare in a family-friendly setting." Full review
Oyster
Luxury
"Located about 15 minutes from both Disney and Universal Studios on the beautiful (and massive) Grande Lakes resort grounds, the Ritz-Carlton is one of the best luxury hotels in Orlando." Full review
Star Service
" Around-the-clock room service, daily newspapers, complimentary shoeshine, twice-daily maid service, and a well-connected concierge round out the options." Full review
Gayot
"Located on the Grande Lakes Orlando resort, this Italianate-style hotel offers class and elegance in a city riddled with inexpensive chains catering to the theme park crowds."
Zagat
4.5
""No one does it like Ritz-Carlton does" rave fans who come to be "bathed in elegance" at this "large, convention-sized" resort in South Orlando, where "everything is top-notch"."
Forbes Travel Guide
4 Stars
"It's here that you can find expertly crafted cocktails and rub shoulders with the property's many business travelers who come to the luxury resort for conferences." Full review
Fodor's
"Exemplary service that extends from the porte-cochere entrance to the 18-hole golf course, restaurants, children's programs, and 40-room spa." Full review
Afar Magazine
"56 Club Level guest rooms that offer spectacular views of Orlando, the golf course, lakes and gardens." 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