Disney's Animal Kingdom LodgevsLoews Portofino Bay Hotel
Both Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando are praised by those who travel for a living. Overall, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando is the choice of most writers compared to Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando comes in at 91 with praise from 14 publications including Lonely Planet, Fodor's and Condé Nast Traveler.
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
 Concierge
 Fodor's
 DK Eyewitness
 Rough Guide
 Michelin Guide
 Gayot
 The Telegraph
 Travel + Leisure
 Condé Nast Traveler
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2901 Osceola Parkway, Lake Buena Vista, Orlando, FL 32830
From $294/night
- Bar/Lounge
 - Hot Tub
 - Free Internet
 - Room Service
 - Shuttle Bus
 - Laundry Service
 
 "By far the most interesting Disney-run hotel—and the best choice for guests who aren't enamored of the company's mythology." 
 "Entering the vast atrium lobby is like entering a cathedral with a roof formed of thatch rather than marble." Full review
 "The impressive glass wall in the lobby overlooks a vast savanna that allows for random sightings of birds, giraffe, and other wildlife." 
 Star
 "One of Disney’s most spectacular luxury hotels, where from some of the rooms... you can wake up to see wildlife grazing outside your window." 
 "When booking a reservation at this horseshoe shaped lodge, ask for a Savannah View room, which offers vistas of Animal Kingdom's grazing animals from its private balcony." 
 i 
Ask for a Savannah View room, which offers vistas of Animal Kingdom's grazing animals from its private balcony.
 "Adjacent to the Walt Disney World theme park, the resort is set next to 33 acres of tropical savanna that's home to about 40 species of wildlife." 
9.0
 "Africa comes to central Florida in this fantasy game lodge, where giraffes, zebras, and other grazing animals roam just beyond your window." Full review
 "From your balcony at this African-themed Orlando lodge, you just might spot a giraffe, bongo, or wildebeest roaming the surrounding savannah." Full review
 i 
Don't miss the safari at the resort's companion Animal Kingdom theme park.
 "About 200 animals live on the property—and yes, they're visible from the guest rooms and the public viewing stations." Full review
 "No grander lodge ever existed on the African veldt, and the higher tariff returns to you in the form of a 24-hour safari." Full review
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
 Concierge
 Insight Guides
 Fodor's
 DK Eyewitness
 Rough Guide
 Michelin Guide
 Star Service
 Gayot
 Zagat
 The Telegraph Show All Reviews 
5601 Universal Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819
From $266/night
- Pet Friendly
 - Bar/Lounge
 - Hot Tub
 - Free Internet
 - Room Service
 - Shuttle Bus
 
 "Universal boasts the property is its most sumptuous, and while it's truly comfortable, it's still at heart a very busy property catering to theme park vacationers." 
 "With a huge lagoon-style pool, a small sand beach, and Saturday "luaus" (Hawaian feasts), this Pacific Rim-themed hotel is particularly relaxing." 
 "The charm and romance of Portofino, Italy—destination of Europe's rich and famous—are conjured up at this lovely luxury resort." Full review
 "The charm and ambience of the Italian seaside village of Portofino have been meticulously re-created at this lavish resort." 
 "A lavishre-creation of the Italian seaside village of Portofino, complete with vintage scooters parked in the piazza." 
 "Operated by the Loews Corp on Universal theme-park property, this colorful hotel edges a large body of water like the bayside Italian fishing village for which it is named." 
 "Located inside Universal Studios, this polished top-shelf theme resort offers direct access via walkway to the park's CityWalk shops and restaurants." Full review
 "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." 
4.0
 "Pretend like you're "visiting Italy" at this "upscale" Portofino-inspired resort that's "in the midst of amusement park excitement" while still providing a "relaxing" oasis." 
9.0
 "The array of amenities is impressive and the dining is superb." Full review