Ritz Carlton or Portofino Bay?

Just started looking into hotels for a girls night in Orlando (6 or 7 females in 30s). Our tentative plan is to drive over from Tampa early one Sat. morning, spend the day relaxing by pool, maybe have a spa treatment. Go out that night and head back to Tampa Sunday afternoon.

Leaning towards Portofino b/c of vicinity to CityWalk (I have never been). Looks like Ritz Carlton might be far away from any nightlife?

Also are there any Florida resident discounts at any hotels? Which months are cheaper?

Leaning toward month of August- Portofino is about $300/night while Ritz is about $200/night at that time.

Thanks in advance!

Ritz Carlton or Portofino Bay?

Have only stayed at the Ritz, cannot comment on Portofino. The Ritz is fabulous, 500 acre property connected with a JW Marriott. The Ritz Carlton Spa is incredible, 40,000 square of heaven! The spa has their own private huge lap pool (no kids allowed!) spa cafe, beautiful 2nd floor ladies only area with whirlpool, sauna, streamroom, relaxation area, and a huge menu of services, they have 42 treatment rooms! Spend a day at the spa and drive over to Citywalk. Unfortunately you are going on a Sat/Sun. The Ritz Spa offers 15% discounts to Florida residents Mon thru Thur on all their treatments. The hotel however is in a residential area, about 15minutes to Citywalk, personally think you might enjoy a night out with the girls in Winter Park, alittle bit more upscale and not so ';touristy';. Check the Ritz Carlton website and click on to the photo tour to see the spa...........:)

Ritz Carlton or Portofino Bay?

Thanks bubba! How far is Winter Park from the Ritz? I%26#39;ll look into that! We%26#39;ll have cars, but was thinking about taking cabs where we went at night so that we could all have a few drinks.

Suggestions on the best and closest nightlife appreciated. Thanks!

Without a doubt the Ritz!

On our last vacation, my husband and I spent two nights at the Portofino. The resort is really nice; beautiful Villa pool for relaxing by and great spa. The rooms are nice but not worth the price they charge. However, the convenience of having the water taxi take you to and from City Walk is worth the bucks. We spent the night partying at City Walk and then, stumbled to the taxi to bring us home.