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Opera songs echo across gurgling-fountain courtyards and down pedestrian alleyways.
You might think you're in an Italian seaside village. Well don't reach for an English-Italian phrase book, because you're really in Orlando.
In a city known for theme parks that can convince you you're in action-packed movies or fairy tale adventures, creating hotels that look and feel like exotic locales isn't new. Portofino Bay Hotel-the first foray into lodging by theme park giant Universal Orlando-- does a convincing job. Water taxi access to Universal's parks, Orlando's only butler service option, and other refined amenities make it a noteworthy addition.
Planners for the Loews-brand luxury hotel spent two years measuring every inch and angle of Portofino, the real northwestern Italy town it resembles. Staggered rooflines and trompe l'oeil paintings create the illusion that dozens of venerable structures line courtyards, alleys, and the harbor.
The 750 elegant rooms feature fourposter beds, white duvet covers, and marble-- accented bathrooms. The largest swimming pool sports a sandy beach, faux ancient ruins, a waterfall-fed hot tub, and a water slide skirting rocky cliffs. Another quieter pool includes tentlike privacy cabanas, artistic topiaries, and classical statuary and urns.
A spa offers massage, herbal wrap, and salon treatments, while a fitness center suits those who prefer to work out rather than luxuriate. Campo Portofino arranges adventures for kids. Manicured bocce ball courts and a fresh market and deli also lend Italian flavors.
Butler service, available around the clock for an extra $100 a day, has proven so popular that the hotel employs four full-time butlers. The charming servers do everything from unpacking luggage to squeezing orange juice, serving poolside appetizers, and arranging theme park tickets and spa reservations.
Most Italian of all are Portofino Bay's restaurants, from romantic dress-up dining to a swimsuits-are-welcome pizzeria and a watch-the-world-pass gelato and espresso bar.
Delfino Riviera, a classy dinner-only setting, showcases gourmet Tuscan-style meals headlined by grilled sea bass and roasted chicken. Trattoria del Porto's open-hearth cooking includes creative pizzas and pastas, plus antipasto and dessert bars. At Mama Della's Ristorante-a collage of living rooms with mismatched chairs, china, and wallpaper patterns-an effervescent Mama encourages all to "Eat! Eat!" from family-style bowls of lasagna, spaghetti, and chicken cacciatore, as well as ample platters of cannoli.
Portofino Bay guests ride water taxis to reach the Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure theme parks, plus the nightclubs of Universal Studios CityWalk. Other perks include early park admission, front-of-the-line access to rides during certain hours, and priority seating for dining.
After a day in the parks or a night on the town, the cruise back to Portofino Bay offers a relaxing escape. Stroll along the resort's waterfront, and enjoy this romantic slice of Italy in Central Florida. Joe Rada
Portofino Bay Hotel: 5601 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819; (407) 503-1000 or toll free 1-888-837-2273. Rates: Start at $235 in off-peak, $265 in shoulder, and $320 in peak seasons. Butler service: Add $100 per day. Package: The Ultimate Adventure Package includes two nights' lodging, admission to both Universal theme parks and most CityWalk nightclubs, a movie pass, and a meal at any Universal restaurant for $385 per person.
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