Universal’s Best Hotel Is Suddenly Getting Really Bad Reviews — Here’s Why

We’re not going to deny it. You have your work cut out for you when choosing a hotel at Universal Orlando!

As we said, you have to consider the four hotel tiers (Value, Prime Value, Preferred, and Premier) and all the accompanying benefits to see if it’s worth the stay for you and your family. Thinking about all of that, there’s one particular Universal hotel that consistently ranks among the top hotels to stay at, but for some reason right now, there’s been quite a surge of negative reviews. We think we know why. Let’s talk about it!

As we were mentioning, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel (a Universal Orlando Premier hotel) seems to always be ranked at or near the top of all the Universal hotels… until just now, and that’s because of a major construction project that is currently underway. 

A Picturesque Hotel that’s…Under Wraps??

Much of the hotel’s charm lies in its idyllic Italian Riviera-inspired atmosphere.

Unfortunately, much of the bay-facing area is currently obscured by things like scaffolding and construction screens, which significantly impacts those picturesque views we’ve all come to expect.

When we visited the hotel, we noticed that in addition to the scaffolding and building scrim, when walking by the piazza, there’s just a LOT of construction materials that give the area a claustrophobic atmosphere.

While the construction itself isn’t noisy, the visual impact of it all is undeniable.

We’re not the only ones noticing this, which is what we can see with the recent reviews on sites like TripAdvisor. Let’s have a look at one:

“Horrible! Don’t stay! The first room that we got was under construction. None of the trash was taken out and there was still left over food in the fridge. The second room had hair all over the toilet and beds didn’t look clean. Our keys didn’t work to exit the parking lot and the customer service at the gate was horrible! There food selections was good and there buffet was closed. I will never stay here again! The only good thing is that the employees were very friendly. When I was walking in the halls, they always greeted you.”

Here’s another review:

“Disappointed. Construction is an issue and prices should reflect that but they do not. Stayed in the club level, rooms were nice and big which was a plus. Food at the club level is OK at best. It seems like it would be an easy fix, it’s not as good as most continental breakfasts at any run of the mill hotel. Dinner option is not much better. You have to take the boat to Universal which can be annoying if you have to wait for 2-3 boats to go before you. The beach pool is nice but sadly had an issue so two of our days we had to use the small pool and it was packed. For the money just stay at hard rock or another hotel at Universal until they get back on track.”

• They need to be more transparent about the construction.
• Have prices reflect the construction that’s taking place and maybe people would not be so frustrated.
• Change the menu at club level, it wouldn’t be hard or expensive, it feels like they are doing the bare minimum because they don’t want you to like it and eat too much.

There’s Still a Silver Lining

While the complaints are justified given the cost and lack of clarity, staying at Portofino Bay does come with some significant perks even in the midst of the construction.

For example, if you choose to stay there, you’ll get Early Park Admission, which allows you to enjoy access to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal Volcano Bay up to one hour before the theme park opens.

Also,  you and your party on your hotel reservation all get free Universal Express Unlimited. This allows you to skip the regular lines for popular attractions at both Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure!

The hotel has great proximity to the Universal Orlando parks (just a short walk over). There are also complimentary water taxis and shuttle buses available to you.

Should You Stay There Now?

Ultimately, the decision is up to you and the priorities you’ve set for your trip. If the picturesque setting is what’s drawing you, it might be best to wait until the construction is complete.

Conversely, if the convenience of the Express Pass and proximity to the parks outweigh the construction woes, then Portofino Bay could still be a great option for you.

Of course, the easiest way to determine the best hotel for your Universal location is … to let someone else do it! Our friends over at Mouse Fan Travel have 20 years of experience booking Universal vacations — and their services don’t cost you a penny!

Keep following All Ears for the latest news on Universal Orlando!

Have you stayed in the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando? Tell all about it down below!

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