Melia Ria Hotel & Spa

The Melia Ria Hotel's modern cube-like structure sets the tone for a contemporary stay. Interiors are done in a handsome black, white, and red color scheme, with lots of polished surfaces, simple beige sofas in rows, and generic artwork. An atrium, however, stands out, with railings lined in cascading plants, a red-velvet couch, and large red vases holding spherical plants. Unfortunately, noise has reportedly risen up from here into guest rooms. The look continues in the lobby bar, while the restaurant has a more upscale, though understated feel with leather seats, striped accent walls, and tables draped in beige cloths. There's not a ton that makes this property stand out, though an on-site health club is a perk for those with time to spend at the property. 

This small city of Aveiro -- nicknamed the Venice of Portugal -- is known for its canals, and the Melia Ria sits at the quiet end of one next to the Cultural and Congress Center (Centro de Congressos de Aveiro). That makes the hotel a practical option for business travelers, but sightseers will also appreciate the fact that following the waterside path will lead to the historic town center in less than 10 minutes on foot. For those who don’t feel like walking, a tourist bus stops outside the hotel in summer; boat trips aboard traditional gondola-like "moliceiros" offer an alternate means of transportation. As a result, a car isn’t required, but garage parking is available for a fee on-site. Arriving and departing guests can take advantage of frequent local train service connecting Aveiro to Lisbon, Porto, and other points or travel by air via Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport, situated about an hour's drive north in Porto.

• Two-minute walk to the Cultural and Congress Center
• Six-minute walk to the Aveiro Forum Shopping Mall
• Seven minute-walk to the Cathedral of Aveiro
• Eight-minute walk to the Museum of Aveiro
• 10-minute walk to Dom Pedro Infante Park
• 11-minute walk to the Aviero Train Station
• 12-minute walk to the Aveirense Theater
• Six-minute drive to the University of Aveiro
• Nine-minute drive to the Ílhavo Maritime Museum
• 12-minute drive to Praia da Barra
• 14-minute drive to Praia da Costa Nova
• 54-minute drive to Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport (in Porto)

Designed in a similar style to common areas, rooms have a contemporary, neutral-tone look with pops of red. Simple dark-wood furnishings, white walls, and bright-red throw pillows are attractive, and water-themed photographs -- some of the city’s signature "moliceiro" boats -- in sepia tones add some local character. Overall, however, the look is a bit staid. Sufficient amenities consist of individually controlled air-conditioning, irons and ironing boards, minibars, digital safes, flat-screen TVs with cable channels, work desks, and free Wi-Fi. Straightforward white-tiled bathrooms have shower/tub combos, bidets, and stylish vessel sinks. Hairdryers and an array of free toiletries are provided. Premium Rooms add electric kettles and guaranteed water views (as opposed to city ones), while Suites add separate living rooms, bathrobes, and espresso machines. 

The Melia Ria stands out for its variety of on-site features, though some cost extra to access. The highlight is the first-floor Health Club, which houses a spa for treatments, a sizable indoor pool, sauna, and Turkish bath. Also here is a big and bright gym outfitted with all the necessary cardio and strength-training equipment. Unfortunately, access to any of these facilities requires a fee. 

For dining, Do Lago Restaurant serves international buffets for breakfast, and a la carte Portuguese and Western fare for lunch and dinner. Food receives positive reviews across the board. For something more casual, guests can grab salads and sandwiches, in addition to drinks, at the lobby bar, which is open late.

A business center and multiple meeting and event spaces are on-site. Wi-Fi is free throughout, while parking requires a fee.