The three-pearl Holiday Inn Porto Gaia is a pleasant business hotel south of the Douro River, in Vila Nova de Gaia. While common areas are contemporary, the 179 rooms are plain, traditional, and dated, though they include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and air-conditioning. Some have great views over Porto. It's a 10-minute taxi ride to the Ribeira area, and the Joao de Deus Metro station is a 15-minute walk away. There are 15 different meeting rooms and a 24-hr business center for business guests, plus a spa and hydrotherapy pool (for a fee). This is a decent value within striking distance of central Porto, but those wanting more historic charm within walking distance of central Porto might consider the Castelo de Santa Caterina, which is just a bit pricier.
The three-pearl Holiday Inn Porto Gaia is a pleasant business hotel south of the Douro River, in Vila Nova de Gaia. While common areas are contemporary, the 179 rooms are plain, traditional, and dated, though they include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and air-conditioning. Some have great views over Porto. It's a 10-minute taxi ride to the Ribeira area, and the Joao de Deus Metro station is a 15-minute walk away. There are 15 different meeting rooms and a 24-hr business center for business guests, plus a spa and hydrotherapy pool (for a fee). This is a decent value within striking distance of central Porto, but those wanting more historic charm within walking distance of central Porto might consider the Castelo de Santa Caterina, which is just a bit pricier.
The three-and-a-half-pearl Hotel Solverde Spa & Wellness Center pleases on many fronts. Its beachside location, seawater swimming pools, vast array of recreational activities and extensive spa facilities makes the hotel feel more like a resort. However, the style here is fairly plain and can look dated in many places, which is a bit of a letdown overall. There are extensive business facilities, including a heliport, and a huge array of meeting rooms with Atlantic Ocean views. More than two-thirds of rooms also have ocean views and balconies, and all rooms have free Wi-Fi plus air-conditioning and flat-screen TVs. For a stay closer to Espinho -- home to much of the local action -- try Hotel Praiagolfe, which has a better sand beach for swimming, but no outdoor pool.
The three-and-a-half-pearl Hotel Solverde Spa & Wellness Center pleases on many fronts. Its beachside location, seawater swimming pools, vast array of recreational activities and extensive spa facilities makes the hotel feel more like a resort. However, the style here is fairly plain and can look dated in many places, which is a bit of a letdown overall. There are extensive business facilities, including a heliport, and a huge array of meeting rooms with Atlantic Ocean views. More than two-thirds of rooms also have ocean views and balconies, and all rooms have free Wi-Fi plus air-conditioning and flat-screen TVs. For a stay closer to Espinho -- home to much of the local action -- try Hotel Praiagolfe, which has a better sand beach for swimming, but no outdoor pool.
This 83-room luxury boutique hotel sits on the south side of the Douro River, in the historic port cellar district, with beautiful views overlooking Porto and the river. Unfortunately, this means that Porto's attractions aren't within walking distance, but the plus side is its peaceful, less touristy atmosphere. Classic English interior design adds to this hotel's charm, while the exterior resembles a picturesque Portuguese villa. Rooms echo the mixed English and Portuguese theme, and there are balconies with views in every room. There are also stunning indoor and outdoor pools, a full gym, and Porto's only Michelin-star restaurant. All of these features give the Intercontinental Porto -- across the river -- plenty to worry about. The atmosphere there is equally polished and historic, though it's not as intimate.
This 83-room luxury boutique hotel sits on the south side of the Douro River, in the historic port cellar district, with beautiful views overlooking Porto and the river. Unfortunately, this means that Porto's attractions aren't within walking distance, but the plus side is its peaceful, less touristy atmosphere. Classic English interior design adds to this hotel's charm, while the exterior resembles a picturesque Portuguese villa. Rooms echo the mixed English and Portuguese theme, and there are balconies with views in every room. There are also stunning indoor and outdoor pools, a full gym, and Porto's only Michelin-star restaurant. All of these features give the Intercontinental Porto -- across the river -- plenty to worry about. The atmosphere there is equally polished and historic, though it's not as intimate.
