
Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa
Best for families or groups who need multi-bedroom villas, lots of pools and an on-site water park.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa is a family-focused villa resort in Orlando’s International Drive area with multi-bedroom villas, multiple pools and a small on-site water park; read this if you want roomy villa-style accommodations and on-site family recreation. Universal’s Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is a 4-star, Italian-themed Universal Orlando hotel with harbor scenery and direct Universal benefits; read this if you want a Universal-branded stay with early park perks and close access to Universal parks.
Updated · about 3 km apart

Best for families or groups who need multi-bedroom villas, lots of pools and an on-site water park.

Best for guests who want a Premier Universal Orlando hotel with easy access to the parks, express/early-entry perks and an Italian-harbor atmosphere.
When Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa wins: Choose Westgate if you need large multi-bedroom villas, multiple pools and a dedicated on-site water park or if you’re traveling with a big family or group that wants in-unit kitchens and living areas.
When Universal’s Loews Portofino Bay Hotel wins: Choose Portofino Bay if you prioritize proximity to Universal Orlando, Express/early-entry perks included with many room types, and several on-site full-service restaurants and a more boutique, themed hotel experience.
Bottom line: For space and on-site family amenities, Westgate Lakes is the practical choice; for direct Universal access, branded park benefits and an Italian-harbor hotel experience, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is the better fit.
| Category | Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa | Universal’s Loews Portofino Bay Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Large family-oriented villa resort with lots of on-site recreation and informal dining. | Premier Italian-themed resort focused on Universal guests, with more formal restaurants and resort atmosphere. |
| Location (Orlando) | International Drive / Convention Center area (9500 Turkey Lake Rd). | Located at 5601 Universal Blvd, inside the Universal Orlando area, a short walk/boat/shuttle to the parks. |
| Size (rooms) | 1990-room property (villa-style accommodations ranging studio to five-bedroom villas). | 750 guestrooms. |
| Ages / audience | All ages — family-friendly facilities and kids’ programming. | All ages — family-friendly; Not adults-only. |
| Pools & water features | Seven outdoor pools, seven hot tubs, children’s wading pools, plus the paid-admission Treasure Cove Water Park. | Three outdoor pools and three hot tubs; waterslide and other pool features listed. |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple casual venues including Drafts Sports Bar & Grill, Sid's Bistro, Cordovano Joe's, Marketplace & pool bars. | Five on-site restaurants, bar/lounge and poolside bar; Italian and full-service dining options (Bice Ristorante noted). |
| Spa & wellness | Serenity Spa by Westgate — 10,000 sq ft, 12 treatment rooms, steam room, sauna, fitness center and kids’ spa services. | Not published |
| Known for | Spacious villas, on-site Treasure Cove Water Park and family recreation (mini golf, courts, marina activities). | Italian harbor theme, proximity to Universal parks, Express/early-entry perks for many rooms. |
| Parking & transport | Complimentary self-parking and free valet parking; scheduled shuttles to theme parks. | Self parking (surcharge) and complimentary shuttle to parks; close walking/boat access to Universal CityWalk and parks. |
| Pet policy | Pet-friendly (allows dogs with limits and fee). | Some pet rooms allowed (pet fee applies); service animals exempt. |
Westgate Lakes sits on Turkey Lake in the International Drive / Convention Center area of Orlando.
Good choice if you want easy access across Orlando’s attractions and free parking.
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is inside the Universal Orlando complex and is designed for guests focused on Universal parks.
Ideal if proximity to Universal parks and park benefits are a priority.
Westgate Lakes focuses on villa-style accommodations from studios up to five-bedroom villas.
Pick Westgate when you need in-room space, kitchens and family-style living.
Portofino Bay offers traditional hotel rooms and suites with themed decor and some club/Despicable Me kids’ suites.
Choose Portofino for standard hotel rooms with optional club/ themed suites and direct park benefits.
Westgate’s dining skews casual and family-friendly with several grab-and-go and poolside options.
Good for families who want casual, varied and convenient on-site dining.
Portofino Bay has a mix of full-service restaurants, a coffee shop and bars, including an Italian restaurant.
Better if you want sit-down, full-service dining and an Italian-themed restaurant lineup.
Westgate Lakes emphasizes on-site aquatic fun, including an onsite water park that requires a separate admission.
Strong pick for families who want resort water attractions without leaving property (note water park access costs extra).
Portofino Bay provides resort-style pools and direct access to Universal park benefits rather than a large on-site water-park complex.
Best for guests who want attractive pool areas plus easy access and perks for Universal parks.
Westgate Lakes has an on-site full-service spa and family-friendly evening options.
Good balance of family-friendly nightlife and a sizeable full-service spa for daytime wellness.
Portofino Bay offers resort amenities and evening dining/entertainment oriented toward Universal guests.
Pick Portofino Bay if you want evening dining and easy return to the parks after late park hours.

Large multi-bedroom villas, kitchens and living areas that can sleep very large parties.

Close location inside Universal property with room types that include Universal Express Unlimited and early park entry.

Treasure Cove Water Park plus seven pools and extensive family recreation on property.

Multiple full-service restaurants including Bice Ristorante and an Italian-harbor resort atmosphere.
Westgate Lakes is focused on family-friendly villa accommodations, many pools and an on-site water park (paid admission). Portofino Bay is family-friendly too but is geared toward guests visiting Universal parks.
Many Portofino Bay room types and some packages list Universal Express Unlimited or early park entry — check the specific room name/description when booking.
No — Treasure Cove Water Park requires a separate paid admission that is available only to guests staying on-property.
Both have multiple options: Westgate leans casual and family-oriented (sports bar, pizza, deli, pool bars); Portofino Bay has several full-service restaurants and an Italian option for sit-down meals.
Westgate provides complimentary self-parking and free valet. Portofino Bay lists self-parking and valet but notes parking fees (subject to change).
Explore how Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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