After my 3 days of mourning that I traditionally have after returning to Florida from Indiana, it's now time to focus on my next adventure: a week with children at Portofino Bay in Orlando. Monday morning we are taking off bright and early (4 AM!) to drive down and check in before the park opens. Now, I love a great roller coaster more than any other chica, but for me it's the hotel that makes my vacation. I realize that you can sleep just as well in a Motel 6 but well, why would you want to? I can sleep just as well at home too, but the point of being on vacation is to relax and spoil yourself (well, it is to me) and enjoy creature comforts that aren't my usual norm. Here's a description of the hotel from Gayot.com - The Guide To The Good Life:
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.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.
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. 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.
