Just got back from our first stay at Portofino and we loved it! Check in was fast and efficient, our room was spacious, beautiful and right at the boat dock. Service was great. Loved the piazza/harbor and just strolling over to the deli for water/sodas/snacks. It is the furthest away from the parks, but boats ran frequently. I don't think we ever waited more than 10 minutes for a boat in either direction and most times it was less. The ride itself was very fast...maybe 5 minutes.
We've stayed at Hard Rock and love it also. Royal Pacific has beautiful, tropical grounds and it's close to IOA, but honestly we weren't too impressed with the rooms. We'd be fine to stay there again, but it would definitely be our 3rd choice.