Holiday Inn Porto Gaia

This Holiday Inn has features that make it a business hotel, but it thankfully lacks much of the generic decor one might expect of a large chain. The open-plan lobby is airy and modern, and there are stylish touches including industrial light sculptures and a modern atrium with high ceilings. Elsewhere, artsy flourishes -- like line-drawn portraiture -- add a lot of personality, helping to elevate this hotel even farther above its business-ready inclinations. The combination of dark wood and marble in the bar has a distinguished feel, and the occasional entertainment keeps things from being too sedate. Given the hotel's height and its hilltop setting, it has some astounding views of the city and Douro River from many areas and rooms. The vibe is lively and bright throughout the property's common areas, helping to draw a healthy stream of both business and leisure guests.

The Holiday Inn Porto Gaia is located in Vila Nova de Gaia, on a local road lined with residential houses and apartment blocks, just around the corner from the entrance to a major motorway. It’s about a 10-minute walk to Vila Nova de Gaia train station and 15 minutes on foot to Joao de Deus Metro station. It's also a 15-minute walk to the city's port cellars. Unfortunately it’s quite awkward to reach Porto proper, due to the location of public transport stops -- it may be more straightforward taking a taxi.  

It’s a 10-minute drive or a 34-minute metro ride to historic Ribeira Square. Bolsa Palace and the Ferreira Borges market are similar distances from the hotel. The popular Clerigos Tower is a 13-minute drive away or a 30-minute public transport journey, and the high-end shopping district in Avis can be reached in 11 minutes by car or 17 minutes by public transport. Note that travel times don’t necessarily correspond with actual travel distances due to roundabout public transport routes. Porto International Airport is around 20 minutes away by car, while Atlantic Ocean beaches are a 15-minute drive away.

Rooms have a more classic style compared to the public spaces, with traditional rosy wood furniture and some with ‘90s style carpeting. Palettes vary from navy blue to mauve, and the chunky or otherwise formal seating don't do much to modernize the overall look. The bedding is clean, comfortable, and modern, with crisp white sheets accented by blue bed runners. There are both soft and firm pillows, which is a Holiday Inn brand standard. Other features include espresso machines or kettles, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and soundproofing. Some rooms on the higher floors have beautiful views overlooking the Douro River and Porto. Bathrooms have a classic look as well, with green quartz countertops and beige quartz floors and walls. All bathrooms include bidets and bathtubs, and come with toiletries, hairdryers, and a decent amount of counter space. Some higher-category rooms have separate bedrooms or two-floor layouts. 

The standout feature of this hotel is the atrium bar, which is a sharp step up from most chain hotel bars. Think: sweeping full marble countertops in a wraparound square, towering floor-to-ceiling wood columns, and a dramatic glass-and-metal geometric sculpture suspended from the ceiling. There’s regular live music, and once the hunger kicks in, the Food & Friends Restaurant around the corner serves traditional Portuguese and Spanish cuisine. Breakfast at the hotel is a buffet  and is decent according to guests, though it costs extra.

For relaxation, the hotel has an upmarket spa and a hydrotherapy pool with different water jet settings, a sauna, and Turkish bath. Unfortunately, there's a fee to access any of it. The gym is free, but it only includes one treadmill, one elliptical, and a smattering of weight lifting machines. For business guests, the hotel has 15 different meeting rooms of all shapes and sizes which come equipped with the latest technology. There are also guest computers available for use in the lobby and a dedicated business center open 24 hours. On site parking will cost a daily fee, but there is free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.