We stayed at Portofino this July. It's wonderful. We loved it... felt like we were really in Italy.
Hard Rock is closer to City Walk and I believe it is slightly less expensive. Famous people have stayed there (the Hogans...
). I don't really like the design... kinda goth-y, hardcore (well, it is hard rock...).
Also... i've noticed that Hard Rock books a lot faster... i'm not sure whether by size, price, or popularity. Just something to keep in mind, I guess.