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Walt Disney World DolphinvsLoews Portofino Bay Hotel
Both Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando are highly recommended by travel writers. Overall, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando is preferred by most reviewers compared to Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando is ranked #4 in Orlando with endorsements from 14 reviews like Concierge, Zagat and Michelin Guide.
Walt Disney World Dolphin
Fodor's
DK Eyewitness
Rough Guide
Zagat
Frommer's
Travel + Leisure
Afar Magazine
Gayot Afar Magazine
The Telegraph Show All Reviews
1500 Epcot Resort Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32830
From $147/night
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Shuttle Bus
- Laundry Service
Fodor's "A pair of 56-foot-tall sea creatures bookend this 25-story glass pyramid, a luxe resort designed, like the adjoining Swan, by world-renowned architect Michael Graves." Full review
DK Eyewitness "Home to Tod English’s BlueZoo restaurant, a must no matter where you stay, this whimsical resort is best known for the tremendous dolphins that sit atop its exterior."
Rough Guide "Sister hotel to the Dolphin... from which it’s separated by an artificial lake and beach, and likewise whimsically decorated... equipped with every conceivable luxury."
Zagat3.7
"Centered on an "enormous, pyramidlike" main building, this "stylish" Michael Graves--designed resort is "within walking distance of Epcot"."
Frommer's "The ceilings are a little bit low, the staff a little bit distracted, but the location never quits." Full review
Travel + Leisure "The hotel has the advantages of a Disney property (i.e., early entry to a different park each day) but more flexible pricing." Full review
Afar Magazine "Revitalize and refresh just steps from Disney World at our magical retreat, featuring golf, five pools, spa, and a white-sand beach." Full review
Gayot "This Michael Graves-designed resort shares many motifs and amenities with its next-door neighbor and sister hotel, the Dolphin."
Afar Magazine "Walt Disney World’s four remarkable theme parks are part of nearly 104 square kilometers (40 square miles) filled with entertainment. Magic Kingdom is home to the iconic Cinderella Castle..." Full review
The Telegraph8.0
"An extensive twin resort and convention hotel right in the heart of Walt Disney World, hence in an ideal location for those wanting the full theme park experience, but at a more moderate price." 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
