What’s included at check-in and which common items cost extra
At check-in you receive your room key, access to free Wi‑Fi, resort benefits tied to your room type (Universal Express Unlimited and early theme park admission), and complimentary transportation to Universal (water taxi, shuttle buses and walking paths). Common extras that typically cost more: parking (self or valet), breakfast and other meals, in‑room microwave rental, pool cabanas, pet fee, and some spa or salon services.
In this guide
What you get at check-in
When you arrive and complete check-in (starts at 4:00 PM) the front desk issues your room key and confirms any Universal Orlando guest benefits that apply to your booking, such as Universal Express Unlimited access and early theme park admission if included with your room type.
You’ll also receive confirmation of on‑site services available for all guests: free Wi‑Fi in rooms and public areas, access to the complimentary fitness center, and information about complimentary transportation (water taxi, shuttle buses, walking routes) to Universal parks and CityWalk.
- Room key and instructions for charging privileges to your room
- Free Wi‑Fi in guest rooms and public areas
- Confirmation of Universal Express Unlimited and early admission (when included)
- Information on complimentary water taxi, shuttle bus schedules and walking paths
- Access to the fitness center and pool areas
| Included at Check‑In | Notes |
|---|---|
| Free Wi‑Fi | Available in rooms and public areas |
| Universal guest benefits | Universal Express Unlimited & early park admission when attached to room |
| Resort transportation info | Water taxi, shuttles and walking paths; water taxi links to CityWalk/parks |
ID, age and deposits
The hotel requires a government‑issued photo ID at check-in and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit for incidental charges. At least one registered guest in the room must be 21 or older to check in (military exceptions apply for active IDs aged 17+).
The 24‑hour front desk can explain the amount held for incidentals and the forms of payment accepted if you need clarity when you arrive.
- Minimum check‑in age: 21 (one registered guest must meet this)
- Military exception: active Military ID holders age 17+ may check in
- Deposit: credit/debit/cash may be required for incidentals
| Requirement | What to bring |
|---|---|
| Photo ID | Government‑issued (driver’s license, passport) |
| Payment/Deposit | Credit card, debit card, or cash for incidental hold |
| Age | At least one guest age 21+ (or active military 17+) |
Meals, dining and room service — what’s extra
Room rates do not include meals. Breakfast, sit‑down dinners, and quick bites at hotel restaurants and cafes are charged separately. 24‑hour room service is available for an additional charge.
The hotel lists several Italian dining outlets (for example Bice Ristorante, Mama Della's Ristorante, Trattoria del Porto, Sal's Market Deli, Splendido Bar and Grill, The Thirsty Fish and Gelateria); outlet hours and menus can change, so check with the concierge at arrival.
- Breakfast is available for an extra charge (prices vary by venue and menu)
- Reservations recommended for Bice Ristorante and Mama Della's Ristorante
- Sal's Market Deli and Gelateria offer quicker, pay‑as‑you‑order options
| Dining option | Included? |
|---|---|
| Breakfast at Trattoria del Porto | No — paid a la carte or buffet |
| 24‑hour room service | No — charges apply |
| Gelato, deli items | No — pay at purchase |
Parking, transportation and EV charging
Parking is not included in the room rate. Self‑parking and valet parking both carry nightly fees; the property also offers an EV charging station for an additional fee.
Complimentary transportation to Universal attractions is included: frequent water taxi service from the Harbor Piazza to CityWalk/parks, as well as shuttle buses and convenient walking paths. Note the water taxi does not serve Volcano Bay.
- Self‑parking: fee applies per night
- Valet parking: higher nightly fee
- EV charging: additional fee at on‑site station
- Water taxi and shuttle buses to Universal are complimentary
| Service | Included or Extra |
|---|---|
| Self‑parking | Extra (per night) |
| Valet parking | Extra (per night) |
| Water taxi to CityWalk/parks | Complimentary |
Room extras and in‑room charges
Some items that guests commonly ask for incur extra nightly charges. For example, an in‑room microwave can be added for a per‑night fee. Microwaves, rollaway requests, and special items are handled by the front desk at check‑in or via housekeeping.
Housekeeping, mini‑bar or vending purchases, and any paid entertainment or pay‑per‑view items are billed to the room unless paid at purchase.
- In‑room microwave: carries a nightly fee
- Rollaway/extra bedding: available on request (charges may apply)
- Mini‑bar, snacks and in‑room purchases are billed separately
| Item | Typical billing |
|---|---|
| In‑room microwave | Extra nightly fee |
| Mini‑bar / snack purchases | Paid at use and charged to room |
| Room service | Charged per order (24‑hour) |
Pools, cabanas and spa services
The resort operates three outdoor pools: Beach Pool (family pool with waterslide, sandy beach, children’s pool and lifeguards when slide is in operation), Villa Pool (quieter pool in the Villa wing) and Hillside Pool (a more private/quiet pool area). All are outdoor; there is no indoor heated pool on the property.
Pool cabanas and some poolside services are available to rent for an extra charge. The hotel's Mandara Spa permanently closed while the resort explores options for future spa services, so paid spa treatments are not currently available on the former Mandara premises.
- Beach Pool: family focus, waterslide, lifeguards when slide is running
- Villa Pool: quieter, cabanas available for rent (extra)
- Hillside Pool: quieter/private; status as adults‑only is disputed in sources
- Spa (Mandara) is closed; check with concierge for current offerings
| Pool or Service | Fee? |
|---|---|
| Pool access | Included for registered guests |
| Pool cabanas | Extra (rental required) |
| Spa treatments (former Mandara Spa) | Not available — spa closed |
Pets, accessibility and other policies
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel participates in a pet program for a one‑time fee; pet rooms are limited to non‑smoking Garden View and Bay View rooms and Club Level rooms are excluded. Additional pet rules and possible unattended‑pet fees apply, so confirm details with the hotel at check‑in.
Accessible rooms and features are available (ADA roll‑in showers, hearing‑accessible kids' suites, wheelchair‑accessible parking). The front desk can confirm accessible room availability and any additional support or equipment you may need.
- Pet program: one‑time fee; availability limited to select room types
- Accessible rooms: roll‑in showers and other ADA features available
- Front desk/concierge can arrange pet‑sitting, mobility aids or special requests (fees may apply)
| Policy area | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Pet fee | One‑time fee; limited room types |
| Accessible rooms | Available on request; front desk can assist |
| Club Level rooms | Not eligible for pet program |
