Sunday, December 14, 2008
Another Great Stay at Portofino Bay
We'll be leaving Portofino Bay after a lovely 4-day stay in room 2509, with its smashing view over the Piazza and the soaring Christmas tree, which gets lit every night at 6.
Of the three Loews hotels at Universal Orlando, this has always been our favorite (the others are Hard Rock Hotel and Royal Pacific Resort). And the view as you drive into the hotel has never ceased to astound me.
I noticed one change: It used to be that "club level" was synonymous with location. In other words, if you were in a "villa" room (as we were), you had access to the club lounge.
This is no longer the case. Now you need to specify that you want "Club Concierge Level" when you book. On arrival, you will be given a special gold room key that grants access to the lounge.
The new policy raises a number of questions in my mind, which I have not yet gotten answers to. But until I track down the full story, remember that if you want club level privileges, you must specify "club concierge level." Just booking a room in the "Villa Wing" won't do it, apparently.
Of the three Loews hotels at Universal Orlando, this has always been our favorite (the others are Hard Rock Hotel and Royal Pacific Resort). And the view as you drive into the hotel has never ceased to astound me.
I noticed one change: It used to be that "club level" was synonymous with location. In other words, if you were in a "villa" room (as we were), you had access to the club lounge.
This is no longer the case. Now you need to specify that you want "Club Concierge Level" when you book. On arrival, you will be given a special gold room key that grants access to the lounge.
The new policy raises a number of questions in my mind, which I have not yet gotten answers to. But until I track down the full story, remember that if you want club level privileges, you must specify "club concierge level." Just booking a room in the "Villa Wing" won't do it, apparently.
Labels: loews hotels, portofino bay hotel, universal orlando
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Hoofing It At Portofino Bay
One of the unavoidable consequences of the ingenious design of the Portofino Bay Hotel is the long, long corridors that lead from the lobby to the rooms. From time to time, I have heard people complain about it.
But if you think the guests have to hike, spare a thought for the bellmen. I was chatting with a bellman today who told me that someone brought a pedometer to work one day and they figured out that the average bellman at Portofino covers ten miles every day.
Tip well!
But if you think the guests have to hike, spare a thought for the bellmen. I was chatting with a bellman today who told me that someone brought a pedometer to work one day and they figured out that the average bellman at Portofino covers ten miles every day.
Tip well!
Labels: orlando, portofino bay hotel, universal orlando
