Vila Foz Hotel & Spa — Hotel in Porto

DO NOT STAY IN THIS MEDIOCRE HOTEL, IF YOU’RE USED TO/EXPECT 5-STAR SERVICE

I stayed at the MANOR HOUSE GARDEN SUITE.

ROOM: The carpet was not vacuumed or cleaned adequately. There was a lot of fluff all over the floor. This was particularly noticeable on my wedding dress - all the fluff and dark dirt stuck on it and it was stressful to clean.

SERVICE: Below average. I had to call reception late in the evening to request a turndown service, as they seemed to have forgotten. Their idea of turndown service involved a member of staff handing me new towels at the door. They didn't even enter the room.

BREAKFAST: Limited breakfast buffet of which none of the options were impressive. The staff don’t greet you, as you enter the room - they look at you and just ignore you. Service was incredibly slow and I had to wait for almost an hour for what I ordered. I also had to remind them of my order.

MY EXPERIENCE AND STAFF PROFESSIONALISM: I booked almost two years in advance for a couple of nights during my wedding. I made this clear to the hotel from the moment I booked the room. Initial communication with guest relations was good - they were friendly, responsive and seemed to understand what happens when a bride is staying.

I made the hotel aware that people would be coming to my room to help me get ready for my wedding. I would assume that it is widely known that brides want photos of every moment of their wedding day. However, the staff didn’t make me aware, in advance, that photos were not allowed in the hotel. Shockingly, I found this out as they told off the photographers for taking pictures outside my room. While I understand that guest privacy is incredibly important, the staff have to make you aware, in advance, that there's no leniency and no photos are allowed even when there are no guests nearby. The way the staff handled the situation was appalling. Mara was very rude and unprofessional. She had no empathy whatsoever. The hotel was empty - I didn't see any guests around, so I begged (almost crying) to take some pictures where there was no one, especially in the garden, and she visibly couldn't care less about the situation. What's ironic is that influencers are allowed to take professional pictures with a photographer around the hotel. At the end of my stay, the hotel staff didn't even ask how it went. We then asked to register a formal complaint and again not a single person said sorry to us. The least I would have expected was a drink on the hotel to acknowledge that they caused a very stressful situation, but they didn't even say sorry. Most of the staff, especially management, need to go on some proper training. The final nail in the coffin was that the porters kept staring at us trying to juggle all our luggage to our taxi, as we left the hotel. We had to ask for their help to carry our bags, and wedding clothes. It's clear that poor service is common across all staff.

There were very basic things missing, such as cleanliness, professional staff and a satisfactory breakfast. I'm confident there are many other hotels offering this in Porto. Stay away from this one, if you're keen to have a relaxing 5-star experience.

Terrible hotel and the service...

Vila Foz Hotel & Spa is a beautifully restored mansion that blends old-world charm with modern luxury. Just steps from the Atlantic, it offers stunning ocean views and a serene atmosphere that makes it perfect for a relaxing escape. Rooms are spacious, tastefully designed, and well-equipped with high-end touches like memory foam beds and designer bathroom amenities. Many feature balconies or terraces overlooking the sea – a definite highlight. The staff are warm and professional, creating a sense of understated luxury from the moment you arrive. From the welcome drink to the valet and concierge services, you feel well looked after. The spa, indoor pool, and sauna also provide a peaceful haven after exploring the city. Vila Foz features two on-site restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Vila Foz, known for its refined seafood-focused tasting menus served in an opulent, historic dining room. The bar is also worth mentioning – the barkeeper makes an excellent Bloody Mary, probably one of the best in town. Breakfast, on the other hand, only just meets expectations. It’s fresh and adequate, but nothing special for a hotel of this calibre. A few other minor areas could be improved: the pool area could use more loungers, and service – while generally excellent – varies slightly depending on the staff member. These small details prevent a perfect score but don’t overshadow the overall experience. A luxurious and memorable stay in Porto, ideal for those who appreciate sophisticated design, excellent food, and a touch of the sea breeze. Vila Foz delivers calm elegance with just a few areas...

What a beautiful architectural marvel, The Vila Foz Hotel & Spa. A stunning castle capsule locked in time, overlooking the North Atlantic Ocean of Portugal, with breathtaking views. I had the opportunity to walk the beautiful sandy beaches of O Obelisco da Memória, where both sides were lined as far as the eye could see with delicious, edible sea mussels. I later stopped into a local tavern on the beach to sit back and enjoy the blazing sun while I sipped on a Coca-Cola.

I retreated to my room, having arranged a body massage one unlike any I’ve ever experienced. The massage began with a foot bath followed by a foot massage. I was then guided into unmatched spa-like relaxation. I felt as if I were like Jello, I returned to my room that evening and passed out.

The following day, all I could think about was how loose my body felt. Of all the massages I’ve had throughout my travels around the world, from one country to the next, this was truly the best I’ve ever experienced! It was so good, I decided to check in for a second night just to book another massage this time with lava rocks.

The castle was fairly priced prestige pricing, if you wanted to know $700.00 a night, plus extras like massages and food. But all in all, it’s definitely rated in my top 10 stays along my travels. The castle itself was one of a kind, with a historical theme and a vintage Rolls parked out front as an ornament to the estate! I would highly recommend this stop if you're looking for something noble and prestigious. I look forward to returning to Portugal, but only when I have more time to truly take...