As longtime and loyal Titanium members, we were really looking forward to our stay at the Sheraton Porto Resort and Spa. Unfortunately, the experience fell well short of expectations—particularly for a property carrying the Sheraton name under the Marriott banner. ||||To start on a positive note, the restaurant staff were consistently warm, professional, and attentive, especially during breakfast service. The breakfast buffet itself was a highlight of the stay, offering a generous spread with fresh, well-prepared food and beverage options. It’s clear that the kitchen and restaurant teams take pride in their work. We also appreciate them being able to accommodate our dietary restrictions with relative ease for which we are very grateful. ||||However, beyond the dining area, the hotel begins to falter. One of the most surprising oversights was the complete lack of a dedicated concierge desk. For a full-service Marriott property, this is a basic amenity, especially for guests unfamiliar with the area. The front desk staff did their best, but without a concierge, detailed local guidance was hard to come by.||||The rooms themselves feel outdated and in need of renovation. We were given an upgraded junior suite but the water from the shower leaked onto the bathroom floor due to poor design, and mold was clearly visible on the ceiling (likely due to an inoperable exhaust fan) both issues that suggest an overall lack of maintenance. Furthermore, there are not nearly enough electrical/USB outlets in the room which was annoying to say the least. These are not the kinds of conditions one expects at a property marketed as a resort and spa. When it was brought to staff's attention, the only solution proposed was to provide us with extra bath towels which they were initially reluctant to even do at first. No attempt was made or offered to send maintenance staff to our room. ||||Compounding the disappointment was the hotel’s failure to disclose that the Turkish bath, sauna, and steam room were all closed for renovations during our stay. This information was not communicated during booking but only after check-in, which is unacceptable for guests who may have chosen the property specifically for these amenities which we did. ||||The Executive Lounge, touted as a premium offering, was also very underwhelming. Food and beverage options were sparse and the lounge itself lacked any real atmosphere or comfort. Staff also gave incorrect information regarding the hours for both the jacuzzi/pool and the complimentary evening happy hour—adding confusion and frustration to an already lackluster experience particularly after coming back to the hotel after a full day of sightseeing. ||||While we appreciate the friendliness of the restaurant team and the quality of breakfast, it’s hard to justify returning to this property given the number of issues encountered. All of these issues were raised when we checked-out and we were offered a meager €40 total discount for our two night stay. ||||Bottom line--there are other Marriott options in Porto that offer better upkeep, clearer communication, and a more reliable guest experience. For future visits to this beautiful city, we would strongly recommend considering alternative Marriott...
Read moreSheraton Porto Hotel & Spa: A Comfortable Stay with a Few Surprises
Tucked into the heart of Porto, the Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa is one of those places that manages to be both upscale and unpretentious. From the moment you step into the sleek, glass-filled lobby, you’re greeted by an unexpected touch—a curated collection of contemporary art and high-end jewelry on display. It’s a bold move for a corporate-style hotel, adding a touch of sophistication that hints at Porto’s rich artistic culture. But does the hotel itself live up to the elegance of its decor? Well…
The rooms are spacious, with big, beautiful windows that flood the space with natural light. The beds? Plush. The bathrooms? Modern and functional. But for a hotel of this caliber, the decor feels a bit… safe. Think neutral tones and corporate minimalism rather than the charming character you’d expect in a city as vibrant as Porto. If you’re looking for something ultra-stylish, you might find it a little underwhelming.
Then there’s the spa—easily the crown jewel of the hotel. It’s gorgeous, serene, and exactly where you want to be after a long day of exploring. The treatments are indulgent, and the ambiance is spot on. But here’s the catch: access isn’t included in your stay. If you’re expecting to take a casual dip in the pool or relax in the sauna without an extra charge, you might be in for a surprise.
Speaking of pools, the indoor swimming area is nice but not exactly jaw-dropping. It does the job, but it’s more of a wellness facility than a destination in itself. If you’re imagining a resort-style pool scene with loungers and cocktails in hand, this isn’t quite that.
Now, let’s talk food and drinks. The buffet breakfast is extensive, with fresh fruit, pastries, eggs, and a solid selection of Portuguese delights. It’s satisfying, but the coffee could use a serious upgrade—especially in a country that prides itself on fantastic espresso. The bar is a bright spot, though, with expertly crafted drinks in a stylish setting. Order a cocktail, sink into a plush chair, and admire the glint of high-end jewelry pieces subtly showcased around the hotel, giving the space an almost gallery-like feel.
What makes the Sheraton Porto a great choice for families is its walkability and the ever-attentive staff. They’re friendly, professional, and always ready with a recommendation. But while the location is central, it’s not quite in the heart of Porto’s historic core. You’ll need to walk a bit—or hop in a quick Uber—to get to the city’s most picturesque spots.
So, is the Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa worth it? If you’re looking for a solid, well-run hotel with great amenities and a touch of luxury, absolutely. The art and jewelry displays add an unexpected layer of sophistication, making the experience feel a little more curated. Just don’t expect a boutique-style experience or a deep sense of Porto’s charm within its walls. It’s polished, it’s comfortable, and it gets the job done—but for those seeking something more uniquely Porto, the real magic might just be waiting...
Read morequiet area, yet close to the main roads, easy to commute to airport or get to the carriage way if you need to escape the city quickly not very far from the ocean, for a good morning jog hotel is very easy to navigate inside, no maze you would be lost when trying to find the spa or fitness room. one of the highest minibar prices I saw in EU, but amazingly, room service and the portions of food are the largest and prices cheapest. I wanted an afternoon snack, and after I ate the club sandwich I could not eat my dinner - for about the same prices as small pack of cola & crisps in minibar. very good meeting/congress facilities, well equipped, well organized and located conveniently. very fast elevators, and quite many of them - very easy to move 100+ people up and down if you have just 15 minutes to dress for a dinner and head back down only small downside, which is sadly present in most of the hotels these days, premium or cheap b&b's - the staff at the reception does not communicate very effectively which leads to some time waste at check-in and check-out (missing invoices, missing information about cash deposit, double charges by error etc.) the restaurant staff should respect non-Portuguese dining etiquette standards. Each country has its specifics, but in multicultural places like hotels, especially the premium ones, you would expect some kind of tolerance. The cutlery and napkin etiquette is rather different than in most EU countries, and you will find your plate or glass missing within a second once you turn your back to your seat when you just need to refill your coffee. The food is quite good, but you have to accept the fact it will be not seasoned well, so a pinch of salt and pepper is usually a must for foreign visitors. Not to say it is not tasty, but it often is not very "expressive" The furniture in the rooms that is not utilized too much - leather chair by the window, coffee table with magazines, were dusty, in most of the rooms I visited during our 120+ room reserved conference. AC in the rooms does not always work, especially in the morning it is just blowing hot humid air in the rooms, but the public areas have always good and fresh air. This would be a problem for me in the summer. The bathtub and toilet were quite badly scratched, in more rooms than mine - does not really look good and especially when you see it for the first time you think your toilet is dirty. It is not hard to get rid of the black scratches in ceramics, and it should be taken care of asap. Also the faucets need some maintenace, both shower heads, sink and bathtub were covered with...
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