Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando050

As the Grand Floridian Resort is to Disney, so is Portofino Bay Hotel to Universal Orlando in terms of luxury, amenities, and cuisine. This sprawling property re-creates the famous Mediterranean seaside village of Portofino, Italy - right down to the lush gardens and restaurants off the harbor.

Given the upscale feel, it's still a perfect place for kids. And since the resort is pet friendly, you can truly bring the entire family on vacation.

Two quiet pools offer areas for parents to relax, while the main beach pool offers an old-world Roman theme with a toddler pool and fast, fun water slide. Camp Portofino, a supervised children's activity center, is open on evenings to allow parents to experience the nearby CityWalk nightlife - and gives kids a vacation from their parents, too.

Don't forget to tell your reservation representative that you're traveling with children. The Loews Loves Little Kids presented by Fisher-Price program provides a gift bag with a toy to all children under ten, as well as an Equipment and Toy Loan Program that offers play yards, cribs, swings, and even the "Royal Potty" for toddlers going through toilet training.

Rooms here, as you might expect, include fancy added touches like marble accents, duvet covers, cotton bathrobes, and even bathroooms with separate walk-in showers and tubs in some rooms. In-room safes, multiple telephones, TV with cable (including Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network), coffee maker, iron and ironing board, refreshment pantry, and hair dryer are all standard. High Speed Internet Access is also available on a pay-per-day basis.

Kids Suites are some of the most popular rooms at Portofino Bay Hotel and provide kids with a wonderfully decorated room of their own (including either bunk beds or two twin beds), a TV, chairs, and a table. Parents relax in the main room with a huge king bed. Book these as far ahead as possible.

The harbor is the place to be, especially for dining. Traditional Italian can be found at Mama Della's Ristorante, or eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Trattoria del Porto (you can also find character dining here on Friday nights). Fast-food options include a Gelateria and Pizzeria. And don't miss the performers on the balconies in the evening for a musical treat.

The Mandara Spa offers plenty of relaxing treatments for adults, and a special YSPA Teen Program including teen facials, massages, tanning, and manicures.

Rent a vehicle from the on-site Hertz Rental Car location to see the area's sites, or take the pedestrian walkway or water taxi to Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure.