Hotel Premium Porto Downtown

Although the hotel bills itself as a four-star property, it falls shot in terms of both available features and decor. The overall looks is more reminiscent of a mid-range American hotel chain than an independent European hotel. Rooms are generic and have earth-tone decor, while the lobby is a bit more cheerful with a back-lit front desk -- which doubles as a somewhat impersonal bar -- blue armchairs topped by colorful zig-zag-print throw pillows, and a small bookshelf area offering some titles in English. The rooftop terrace is a more alluring amenity, with ample seating and lovely views over the city. Unfortunately, it's only open in the summer months. The hotel targets both business and leisure travelers and seems to particularly pull in vacationers who are middle-aged or seniors. 

Located in the center of the city, about a 10-minute walk from the river, the hotel is well-located for business or leisure travelers, particularly those coming to town for theater (the National Theater is a five-minute walk from the hotel). It's also a short walk from the Sao Bento metro stop -- about 10 minutes -- but keep in mind that Porto is quite hilly and might not be for those who have difficulty with mobility. One of the city's most popular neighborhoods for cafes and restaurants, Ribeira, is about a 10-minute walk downhill toward the river, though many take a five-minute cab ride to return (taxis are cheap here). Do try La Copa, an artisan ice cream shop located right across the street, and explore beyond this side of the city with a walk over the bridge to Gaia, where a highlight is the port tasting at the Graham's 1890 Lodge.  

Rooms are modern and bright, though without much personality: think warm wood tones, white walls, and crisp white linens on the comfy beds. Each is air-conditioned, blissfully quiet, and comes with blackout curtains, but they're on the small side (the single-bed rooms, great for solo travelers on a budget, measure about 172 square feet). They don't leave much room for a practical closet, and drawer space in particular is limited, so more than a few guests wind up living out of their suitcases. Fortunately, amenities are sufficient, consisting of laptop-sized safes, minibars, flat-screen TVs mounted into wooden boxes, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. The white marble bathrooms have good lighting, but they don't have the option of bathtubs, which can be disappointing after a day spent walking the city's many hills. Still, the showers are powerful and the hot water doesn't run out. They're stocked with lavender-scented Castelbel toiletries, bathrobes, and hairdryers.  

The property's PortoBello eighth-floor rooftop restaurant serves up a Portuguese menu along with 360-degree views of the city, though it's fairly quiet even on weekend nights. At sunset, a selection of local tapas are offered to guests, which can be enjoyed with a cocktail or Douro wine, though take note, the terrace is only open in the summer. Breakfast, which is not included in the room rate, is also served in the restaurant or on the terrace and offers a well-regarded selection of cold meats, cheeses, hot dishes, and fruit. The traditional custard tarts are particularly liked. For business travelers, there's a meeting room that accommodates 20 to 50 people, as well as an event planner who can put together business functions.  Parking is available in a garage located a one-minute walk from the property for a nominal fee. Wi-Fi is free, available, and reliable throughout the property.