This hotel is located in Gaia on the South side of the Douro river, about 40-45 minutes walk from central Porto, and about 30 minutes' walk from the old Port wine lodges. Alternatively, the excellent and cheap Metro system is a 15 minute walk from the Hotel (Euro 1.20 per journey for Zone 2 which covers central Porto out as far as the seaside town of Foz), and you can change Metro lines or hop on a bus to continue your journey so long as it is completed within the hour. The hotel itself, standing as it does on a hill, is visible from most of Porto, so a good landmark for fixing your position. The hotel itself is excellent: modern, stylish, with pleasant en-suite rooms (ask for a higher floor room with a river view for excellent panoramic views cross the city and river). Because the hotel is located in Gaia, where a lot of locals live, prices are cheaper than in central Porto so it is worth exploring the local area. We had breakfast at a bakery near the Metro station (Joao de Deus) where a coffee and freshly-baked croissant (often still warm from the oven) cost Euro 1.40, and became so well-known to staff that after a couple of days they brought us our order without even asking! Similarly, a local Chinese restaurant offered an excellent all-you-can-eat buffet for 12 Euros including drinks. El Corte Ingles department store is also adjacent to the local Metro station (with an entrance direct from the Metro station itself). The Reception staff in the hotel were very helpful with local information, and happily printed off our boarding cards for our onward flights. The hotel also has a very pleasant, spacious bar lounge area near Reception and also a few tables on an outdoor terrace near the main entrance. I would not recommend this hotel for those who do not like walking or for the less mobile; however, if you don't mind a short walk to the Metro, or even a longer walk after breakfast downhill to the beautiful river gorge that Porto stands on, I recommend this hotel: the local neighbourhood will give a more authentic experience of Porto in contrast to the scenic city centre and World Heritage area. It has a very nice spa too where use of the hydrotherapy pool, sauna and steam room costs only Euros 15 per person for hotel residents. A relaxing and reviving alternative to sightseeing in case of a rainy day.

This hotel is in a residential area in Gaia on the south side of the river from Porto itself . For this reason it may not be suitable for the less active as it is at least a ten minute walk to the nearest metro station . Otherwise friendly staff and good sized rooms make this a really good place to stay as long as you are prepared to travel into Porto by taxi .

We spent two nights here earlier this month during our visit to Portugal. I am a Platinum Elite member with IHG so I try to stay in their properties when possible but was a bit apprehensive due to this hotel's distance from Oporto's center. However, it turned out to be the perfect choice. The hotel is a short walk [about 10 min] from the Metro and the views of Oporto across the river are stunning.

We stayed in a suite on the 19th floor and could not have been more pleased. The suite was HUGE, with separate living room and bedroom. The decor was somewhat traditional but everything was clean and well-kept. The bathroom was tasteful in dark green marble with dual sinks and separate toilet and bidet. Access to the Executive Lounge on the 22nd floor was also included; a small but comfy space with coffee and biscuits available.

The staff here was extremely friendly and spoke perfect English in case your Portuguese is rusty [or non-existent]. The lobby is a bit modern in design but somehow it worked to provide a cool experience for the senses.