Loews Portofino Bay Hotel handles conferences, incentive trips, galas and weddings from a handful of guests up to about 1,400, with more than 42,000 square feet of event space and 750 guest rooms on one site. The hotel is built around a bay on the grounds of Universal Orlando Resort, at 5601 Universal Boulevard in Orlando, Florida.
Seminars and company events
The lower level holds the three ballrooms. The Tuscan Ballroom covers 15,040 square feet and divides into four sections, the Venetian Ballroom 7,670 square feet in five sections and the Ligurian Ballroom 2,967 square feet in three. Two breakout rooms, Vicenza and Verona, sit on the same level. Upstairs, the Bernini, DaVinci and Michelangelo rooms each measure 850 square feet and split in two, the Del Mare room offers 851 square feet, and the Donatello Boardroom has fixed seating for up to 28. Meeting specialists help with menus, promotion and décor, and audiovisual services are on site. Hotel guests receive Universal Express Unlimited ride access at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, which makes the hotel a frequent choice for incentive programs.
Weddings and receptions
Weddings range from 20 guests to more than 1,300. Ceremonies take place on an outdoor piazza, with rehearsal space and indoor backup, and receptions move to the Tuscan Ballroom or the Citrus Piazza. A wedding planner and specialists coordinate the day, and the pastry chef makes the cake in house. Rehearsal dinners and farewell brunches can be added, and room blocks are available for out-of-town guests.
Rooms and capacities
Outdoors, the Citrus Piazza beside the ballrooms takes receptions of up to 580, the Villa Piazza above the Villa Pool up to 480, and the Piazza Centrale off the lobby up to 440. The Harbor Piazza runs along the bay, and the Villa Lawn hosts events under the stars. Mama Della's Ristorante offers private and semi-private rooms for 8 to 70. The hotel does not publish layout capacities for its indoor rooms.
Accommodation
The hotel has 750 rooms, 45 of them suites. Six Hospitality Parlor Suites each have a 920-square-foot parlor with a dining table for seven, useful for executive receptions or a client lounge.
Catering
Catering is in house, with Italian-inspired menus and plated, station or brunch formats for weddings. Restaurants include Bice Ristorante with bay views, Mama Della's Ristorante for family-style Italian, Trattoria del Porto, Sal's Market Deli, Splendido Bar and Grill by the pool, a Gelateria and The Thirsty Fish. The Harbor Piazza serves espresso and gelato with live music.
History and setting
The hotel recreates the look of the Italian fishing village of Portofino around its own bay, with colored facades along the water and piazzas between the buildings. It sits inside Universal Orlando Resort, so groups can combine sessions with time in the parks.
Getting there
The address is 5601 Universal Boulevard, Orlando. Self-parking and valet parking are available, along with electric vehicle charging. Check-in is at 4 p.m. and check-out at 11 a.m.
