Porto River Aparthotel — Hotel in Porto

If you don’t want to read the long review, the summary is: Overall the stay was fine, but at the high price there should be better communication and service, more clothing storage options in the room, and maybe complimentary snacks in the room (other than apples), which is common at other properties in this price range. Upon request from management, I sent all of this feedback (and more) to the hotel, but they’ve never responded.

Pros: --If you want to be at the river, this is the place for you. --The rooms were spacious and furnishings were nice (but see point below about lack of clothing organization options). --The water pressure is outstanding. --Housekeeping was very good.

The cons: --Due to competing buskers out front (you might hear Metallica guitar simultaneously with karaoke-quality Adele), the location can be incredibly noisy. If you want to enjoy open windows during the day and into the evening, you’ll have to endure some cacophony. Much quieter after 11 pm. --The rooms really need a bureau or some kind of drawers or shelves. There were just a few hangers in each room and really nowhere to put our unpacked clothing (we were only 2 people, it would be really difficult with 2 couples). --I appreciate sustainability efforts, but if towels are not changed each day, there need to be ample racks/hooks for towels to dry properly. --Check-in service was disorganized. We were told the room would be ready in 30 minutes, when we came back from an hour-long lunch, the room still wasn't ready. We were early, so the room not being ready was ok, but I would expect better communication at this price point. Also, we were constantly interrupted during the lengthy check-in process because the one desk person had to keep coming around the desk to let people in the front door (not sure why it was locked and/or people didn’t have access during the afternoon). --The breakfast was the typical Euro setup with meats, cheese, breads and a few options for eggs. The coffee was very good. The service isn’t quite the level you’d expect at this price point, they seem to be trying but also seem easily distracted by things outside and not super attentive to diners. --Wifi wasn't great, it would cut in and...

We stayed at this boutique apartment hotel for several days, and preferred a back apartment, much quieter! We had delightful views of roof tops, local people's windows and alleys. The rooms and bed were very comfortable. The building is very old, but beautifully restored using a modern theme. Floorboards can be creaky, but that's part of the charm.

The hotel is in the tourist part of Ribeira, so in the busy part of the river front. Buskers play/sing their music (mostly good) quite loudly, during the day and into the evening. Lots of cafes and restaurants. So a very lively place.

A 5-10minute walk to a laundromat, hop-on hop-off buses, little supermarkets, shops. Walking distance to the main tourist attractions.

The reception staff were all very helpful and friendly. Booked a restaurant for us, with a river view, helped us with posting a parcel back to Australia, and gave us good general advice about getting around. Good level of English too.

The cleaning staff were fantastic. Friendly, smiling & helpful, everything cleaned beautifully everyday.

Breakfasts were simple and fresh, loved the scrambled eggs and pancakes. So good to sit outside in the morning sun overlooking the river and even the dining room was bright & fresh with French doors opening onto the balcony.

Great hotel, definitely...

The location was a bit tricky to find, as the entrance is tucked behind the outdoor tables of a nearby restaurant. However, I enjoyed my stay—it’s in a very convenient spot for sightseeing and evening strolls along the river. The hospitality from the staff throughout my visit, up until check-out, was much appreciated.

Unfortunately, my check-out experience was disappointing. I was asked whether I had taken anything from the minibar and was told to wait while housekeeping inspected it. Despite assuring them that I hadn’t taken anything, I was questioned about missing bottles of water. It felt unreasonable to be confronted about items I had never seen, especially when they were going to verify it themselves. I suggested they check the waste bin and I would pay if any empty bottles were found. I am 100% sure they can’t find a bottle as I didn’t take any item from the minibar. The receptionist just said it is okay to check out without payment, but no apology was made for the mistaken claim.

It’s important that minibar inventory is properly checked before assigning rooms to guests to avoid this kind of situation.

Despite this incident, others may still find the property suitable. However, I would likely choose a different accommodation if I...