"The Loews Portofino Bay Hotel may be located in the heart of Universal Orlando Resort, but it feels like an (Atlantic) ocean away. A winding, cypress-lined driveway leads to the main building, which looks like it's been transported from the Italian Riviera. Pass through the pale marble lobby to the main piazza, where the pastel-hued buildings line the harbor and classically trained musicians perform opera classics every evening. Of course, a hotel modeled after Portofino had better have amazing Italian cuisine, and this one delivers with a range of options. BiCE is the best option for a kid-free date night; the Italian classics and strolling musicians at Mama Della’s Ristorante will please the whole family. Finish the evening at Gelateria, because what respectable Italian village doesn’t have a gelato shop? The hotel falls on the higher end of Universal Orlando’s price range, but the included Universal Express Unlimited (typically at least $120 per guest) offers substantial value." - Valerie Marino
