On our last trip to Disney, we stayed at the Travel Lodge directly across the street from the entrance on Harbour Blvd and we had every intention of staying there again. But this time we had my mom with us and I was afraid the extra adult would cramp the standard rooms that hotel had to offer. She had previously stayed at the Portofino and suggested it as an alternative. While we definitely missed the short walk into the park, this hotel room was a major hit with the kids. We had the Kids Suite which we got for $10 less than the standard room at the other hotel. There was a king bed and tv in it's own room. A separate room had a fold out sofa, 2nd tv, child size table and chairs and (the highlight for the kids) bunk beds. The room was more than comfortable for three adults and two kids and a larger group would have still been comfortable. The room was also clean including the furniture and bedding which is always the biggest plus to me. Staff was friendly and I saw a security guard several times in different places around the grounds during the evening. And he looked like a "real" security guard that could actually serve his purpose.
The ONLY downside to this hotel was the distance from the entrance,though to be honest it probably would have only been about a 15 minute walk. If you can't deal with that what are you doing going to Disneyland? My mom wanted to the take the ART trolley bus but if you don't time it right, you'll have to wait for the bus (they come every 20 minute) and then it makes several other stops before Disney. What took us 40 minutes on the bus would have only taken 15 if we'd walked. On the up side, the Portofino is the 1st stop coming home from Disney.
Overall I would say this was a great place to stay and though I wish it was a little closer to the entrance - it was such a hit with the kids we will definitely stay there again.

We stayed in the Kids Suite from 4/5 to 4/9 with 5 adults and 1 child (my in-laws stayed in a King Suite). The rooms was clean and comfortable. 2 adults slept on the sofa bed and said it was very comfortable. We went to Unviversal Studios, Seaworld and Disneyland and the walk from the hotel to Disneyland was only 10 min max. I do agree with some of the reviews of the window coverings - they are very thin and do let the light in early in the morning - but if you are there for Disneyland (which most people that stay here are) who cares!! You are going to be up early anyway. There is not as much privacy as they would have you think between the french doors in the Kids & King suites - you can see right through the thin material on the doors. But overall it was a great experience and I would definitly stay here again.

PS - The restaurant below (next door) at the Jolly Roger was like an old Dennys diner. The food was not that good - I would recommend ordering a pizza from Papa Johns a few blocks away or calling the Chinese take out just up the street - they are fast and much better that this restaurant, plus after a long day at Disneyland it worked out well. You can even call them on your walk back from the park and it can be ready when you get there.

This hotel will tell you it is quite and a "suite" hotel. It is neither. The doors close automatically very hard, waking you and your family all night. And the interior walls are paper thin, you can hear every conversation on the floor. The plumbing adjacent to your room, above and below is very loud.

The staff was nice.

This building is of wood construction, so the noises of the guests transmit between rooms well. Too well. We knew the agenda of the family across the hall every morning. When someone walks down the hall way, you can hear it in your room.

The "suite" part they claim to be is really just a thin french-door between the "master" and the "suite" - which has the thermostat.

I didn't mind being there once, but wouldn't go again nor recommend it. There seems to be several hotels around the area that appears to be of superior construction and let you and your kids get some sleep.

The Anaheim shuttle to Disneyland was fairly reliable and on time. Worth he $3 per day.

If you are on the fence between Disneyland and Disneyworld, pick Florida. CA is OK, but nothing compared to the hospitality of FL.

I almost cancelled my reservation based on all the negative reviews. Fortunately, I ran out of time to find another location. This hotel is just fine! (I travel a lot, so I know it's no Hilton but...). If you want a room with enough space for a family. This is perfect. The kids loved the bunks and having their "own" TV and room. Everything was clean and comfortable and the staff was friendly and helpful. The location was a short walk to the park, which gave us much flexibility. No, it's not pefect...our drain stoppers didn't work properly, but we contacted the front desk as we left for dinner the first day, and found them repaired by the time we got back that evening. If you are interested in the Portofino's spacious suites, great location, and reasonable prices...don't be afraid to book.