Living La Dolce Vita
by
Kim Fay
 |
Little
Italy |
Aficionados
of all things Italian will surely recognize the following
scene. Rustic white fishing boats drift languidly in a
small harbor, embraced by a promenade of narrow buildings
that have been painted the earthy, oxidized colors of
a Mediterranean landscape. 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. Instead, this picturesque déjà vu,
the Portofino Bay Hotel, resides in Orlando, Florida.
Tampering
with geography has become big business in the 21st century
travel industry. The transplanted cultures at theme parks
and relocated landmarks on the Vegas strip are proof.
Unfortunately, most such attempts are over the top, as
if you can't be trusted to "get it." Fortunately,
there are a few exceptions, and the Portofino Bay Hotel
is one of them. It is charming and tasteful, as suitable
for honeymooners as it is for families, and while it oozes la dolce vita, it isn't ashamed of its Floridian
surroundings. For proof, just check out the waterways
designed not to separate you from the outside world, but
rather to take you directly to Universal Studios, where
your room key works as a pass that gets you into the park
early and gives you privileges to jump to the head of
the line.
 |
Water
Fun |
Palazzo-style
architecture, cobblestone streets and pretty piazzas set
the stage for 750 guestrooms and suites, the humblest
of which is spacious enough to sleep five. The décor
is subtle, done in soothing neutral tones, which are spiced
up nicely in the suites. Refreshment pantries, custom
duvets, Egyptian cotton sheets and remarkably big bathrooms
are the kind of standard amenities you'll find. And in
specialty rooms, such as Kids Suites, there are relevant
niceties like pint-sized beds and beanbag chairs. On the
Club Level you are greeted with a complimentary, custom
CD of classic Italian music. Along with three main suite
types, there are two signature suites, the Governatore
and Presidente, with walk-in closets, separate study areas,
dining and conference areas and big outdoor terraces.
One groovy, 21st century touch in all accommodations are
mini bars that employ technology rather than the intrusion
of housekeeping to determine whether the stock of goodies
needs replenishing.
 |
Presidential
Suite |
Since
Italy is renowned for wining and dining, it's no surprise
that food plays a prominent role here. The signature restaurant, Delfino
Riviera, serves Ligurian cuisine complemented by Versace
dinnerware, strolling musicians and views of the harbor.
It's tops for romance, but it's also just the beginning.
The informal Mama Della's Ristorante relies on family
recipes to draw folks in, and Sal's Market (for biscotti,
olive oils and more) is fashioned after Peck's, the acclaimed
Milanese deli dating back to 1883. Brick oven pizza is
the highlight at Splendido Pizza (you can also get burgers
here), and Gelateria Caffe Espresso serves, as its name
implies, gelato and espresso. Rounding out the list is
The Thirsty Fish for a waterfront experience and Trattoria
del Porto offering family friendly buffets.
 |
Pool
at Night |
From
the traditional (a full-service spa and preferred tee
times on a Jack Nicklaus golf course) to the unusual (a
Bocce ball court and pagers to keep track of your teens),
the extras here stand out. Among the three swimming pools
is a Roman-style aqueduct beach pool, complete with poolside
gazebos. And the "Did you forget?" closet includes
items you may have left behind, such as raincoats, cameras
and dog leashes. Regarding the latter, pets are welcome,
as is evidenced by the provision of signature pet bowls,
puppy pagers and a pet room service menu.
The
overall ambiance of the Portofino Bay Hotel is mature,
but because this is a Loews' property, and because it
is associated with a popular theme park, expect to find
kids, and expect to find them treated like royalty, beginning
with a complimentary stay (with their folks, of course)
if they're under 18. The hotel has thought of everything:
a gift bag at check in, supervised activities, a lending
game library, special menus, and a Kids Kloset for loans
of night lights, car seats and the like. And if little
ones come with a grandparent, it gets even better: they
are treated to thoughtful gifts such as a welcome photo
memory album, phone card to call home, matching luggage
tags and kid's cookbook.
Offering
a sweet tribute to Italy (for a real treat, come during
the San Gennaro festival in September), Portofino Bay
Hotel is more than just a pleasantly themed property;
it brings together the best of two worlds: classic Europe
with casual Florida—in one of the most entertaining
destinations in the U.S.
|
Portofino
Bay Hotel
