Douro Scala
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Summary of reviewsDouro Scala Hotel is celebrated for its picturesque and tranquil location in the heart of the Douro Wine Region, surrounded by stunning vineyards and offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Douro Valley. Guests appreciate the blend of traditional and modern elements, enjoying modern amenities seamlessly integrated within the natural landscape. The hotel is conveniently accessible to nearby attractions, making it a great spot for relaxation and exploring the region.
The breakfast at Douro Scala is largely praised for its plentiful and varied options with fresh and tasty selections including dietary-friendly choices. Guests enjoy the option of sparkling wine and port wine, contributing to a positive breakfast experience despite some critiques about limited variety and slow replenishment. Dinner receives mixed feedback; while some dishes are commended for their taste and quality, the menu is considered limited and portions small with service occasionally slow.
The rooms at Douro Scala offer a charming blend of rustic and modern features, emphasizing comfort with spacious layouts, large windows and luxurious en-suite facilities. Guests enjoy the serene environment and stunning vineyard views, although some have noted issues with maintenance and cleanliness, such as outdated furniture and occasional pest problems.
Cleanliness throughout the hotel is generally praised with many noting the well-kept rooms and common areas, though minor issues such as pool maintenance and occasional lapses in room cleanliness are reported.
The standout feature of Douro Scala is undoubtedly its staff, who are frequently described as friendly, attentive and dedicated, ensuring a welcoming and professional atmosphere. While a few minor issues with training and availability are noted, the overall service quality remains high.
Wi-Fi at the hotel is noted to be decent in some areas but inconsistent overall, particularly in rooms where reception can be poor. The spa offers a peaceful environment with commendations for the massages and facilities, though there are some maintenance issues with the equipment.
The gym receives mixed reviews with some guests finding it satisfactory while others point out the need for renovation and better maintenance. The pools, both indoor and outdoor, are highlights for their appealing settings and pleasant atmosphere, although occasional cleanliness and maintenance issues are mentioned.
Parking is generally convenient with various options available, although there are minor inconveniences such as limited spots and a lack of electric vehicle chargers. Family amenities are well-appreciated, making Douro Scala a suitable choice for families with spacious rooms and tailored activities for children.
Overall, Douro Scala is highly recommended for its exceptional location, scenic views and friendly staff, offering a tranquil and pleasant stay with some areas for improvement in maintenance and service efficiency.
Categories
The breakfast at Douro Scala is largely praised for its plentiful and varied options with fresh and tasty selections including dietary-friendly choices. Guests enjoy the option of sparkling wine and port wine, contributing to a positive breakfast experience despite some critiques about limited variety and slow replenishment. Dinner receives mixed feedback; while some dishes are commended for their taste and quality, the menu is considered limited and portions small with service occasionally slow.
The rooms at Douro Scala offer a charming blend of rustic and modern features, emphasizing comfort with spacious layouts, large windows and luxurious en-suite facilities. Guests enjoy the serene environment and stunning vineyard views, although some have noted issues with maintenance and cleanliness, such as outdated furniture and occasional pest problems.
Cleanliness throughout the hotel is generally praised with many noting the well-kept rooms and common areas, though minor issues such as pool maintenance and occasional lapses in room cleanliness are reported.
The standout feature of Douro Scala is undoubtedly its staff, who are frequently described as friendly, attentive and dedicated, ensuring a welcoming and professional atmosphere. While a few minor issues with training and availability are noted, the overall service quality remains high.
Wi-Fi at the hotel is noted to be decent in some areas but inconsistent overall, particularly in rooms where reception can be poor. The spa offers a peaceful environment with commendations for the massages and facilities, though there are some maintenance issues with the equipment.
The gym receives mixed reviews with some guests finding it satisfactory while others point out the need for renovation and better maintenance. The pools, both indoor and outdoor, are highlights for their appealing settings and pleasant atmosphere, although occasional cleanliness and maintenance issues are mentioned.
Parking is generally convenient with various options available, although there are minor inconveniences such as limited spots and a lack of electric vehicle chargers. Family amenities are well-appreciated, making Douro Scala a suitable choice for families with spacious rooms and tailored activities for children.
Overall, Douro Scala is highly recommended for its exceptional location, scenic views and friendly staff, offering a tranquil and pleasant stay with some areas for improvement in maintenance and service efficiency.
Hotel near Vineyards
Situated in a beautifully restored manor house, Douro Scala offers a unique blend of history and modern comfort. Guests can explore the surrounding vineyards, participate in wine tastings, and enjoy the tranquility of the Douro Valley. The hotel's dedication to wine and hospitality ensures a memorable stay.
Hotel with Spa
Douro Scala offers a spa with a focus on wine therapy. The spa treatments incorporate local wine products and provide a relaxing experience in the Douro Valley.
Family Friendly Hotel
Douro Scala provides a tranquil setting in Mesão Frio, offering families a peaceful retreat. The hotel features a swimming pool and spacious rooms, making it suitable for families seeking relaxation.
Romantic Hotel
Located in Mesão Frio, Douro Scala offers a tranquil retreat in the Douro Valley. The hotel's setting and personalized service create an intimate and romantic atmosphere.
Hotel with Swimming Pool
Features a winery to enjoy local wine, a restaurant, and a spa offering massages, facials and body scrubs. Has both an indoor and outdoor pool along with a poolside bar.
Heated Pool Indoor Pool Outdoor Pool
Business Hotel
A larger, modern hotel in the region, Douro Scala is likely to have well-equipped meeting rooms and facilities suitable for business travelers and corporate events.
Hotel with Parking
While specific parking details aren't provided in the listing, hotels of this caliber typically offer parking facilities for guests. The property's location in the Douro Valley makes it a convenient base for exploring the region by car.
5-Star Hotel
Douro Scala offers a luxurious rural retreat with a focus on wellness and relaxation. It provides guests with a tranquil escape surrounded by natural beauty and upscale amenities.
Hotel with Outdoor Pool
This hotel offers both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, including a heated outdoor pool that is open all year. It also provides sun loungers and a poolside bar for a complete outdoor pool experience.
Hotel with Indoor Pool
This luxurious five-star hotel features a heated indoor pool as part of a polished spa area, which includes a hammam, sauna, hot tub, and five massage rooms. Guests highlight the pool's quality and the stunning vineyard views it offers.
Hotel with Heated Pool
The hotel's spa includes a heated indoor pool, private treatment rooms, and a hot tub. Guests have positively reviewed the amazing spa and pools, specifically mentioning the heated indoor pool.
Boutique-style Hotel
Luxury Hotel
Accessible Hotel
Hotel with Gym
About Douro Scala
License: 5599
Guest Reviews
Location
The strategic positioning allows easy access to nearby attractions such as Mesão Frio and Régua, contributing to its high praise for being both remote and conveniently located. The setting on a stunning hillside provides mesmerizing views from the rooms, enhancing the overall experience. Visitors can enjoy not only the impressive natural landscape but also modern amenities seamlessly integrated into the vineyard surroundings.
Guests appreciate the blend of traditional and modern elements throughout the hotel, further elevated by the serene environment. Whether it’s enjoying a glass of Port wine upon arrival, relaxing by the well-maintained pools or exploring the surrounding hiking trails, the location of Douro Scala is consistently commended. Even those focused on value for money find this hotel to be a great choice, thanks to its excellent price-quality ratio.
In summary, Douro Scala stands out for its exceptional and picturesque location, making it a highly recommended spot for peace, relaxation and captivating views in the Douro Valley.
Breakfast
However, not all feedback is glowing. Several reviews suggest that the breakfast selection may fall short of what one might expect from a 5-star hotel. Comments mention that the variety has diminished over time and that replenishment of items can be slow, leading to occasional dissatisfaction. Other critiques include the quality of certain products, particularly the hot drinks and breakfast juices and the sporadic availability of fresh items like liquid yogurts and freshly squeezed orange juice.
Despite these critiques, the general consensus remains positive with many guests enjoying the scenic views, calm atmosphere and overall experience that Douro Scala provides during breakfast. The minor shortcomings, while noted, don't seem to overshadow the majority of guests' satisfaction.
Dinner
However, several areas for improvement were noted. The dinner menu was described as limited and repetitive with portions often small and lacking seasoning. The quality of food did not meet expectations for a 5-star establishment and many guests felt the prices were exorbitant for what was offered. Additionally, service was frequently criticized for being extremely slow, sometimes resulting in waits of up to three hours. Issues with the maintenance and presentation of the restaurant further detracted from the experience for some.
Overall, while the food quality at Douro Scala receives commendation, there are significant concerns regarding menu variety, portion sizes, service efficiency and value for money.
Rooms
The modern, airy design of the rooms is highlighted with comfortable beds and well-thought-out layouts being a common mention. En-suite bathtubs and showers often positioned near large windows enhance the luxurious feel, allowing guests to relax while enjoying the scenic landscape.
However, there are areas where improvements are noted. Some guests have experienced issues with room maintenance, such as outdated furniture, inconsistent room temperatures and cleanliness concerns like spider webs and ants. The unique open bathroom designs receive mixed feedback with some finding them impractical or lacking privacy.
Despite these points, the overall consensus is positive with many appreciating the quiet, spacious and well-lit environment that Douro Scala offers. The combination of comfortable facilities and breathtaking views makes for an enjoyable stay, even if there are minor areas that could use a refresh.
Beds
However, there are notable concerns about bed quality as well. Some guests report issues with uncomfortable mattresses, damaged or worn-out bedding and subpar pillows, leading to a less than satisfactory sleep. The complaints include descriptions of mattresses with scratches and a general need for replacements. Additionally, some rooms suffer from the inconvenience of double beds turning out to be two twin beds pushed together and the quality of sheets and towels also falls short of expectations for some.
Despite these variances, the hotel manages to provide a beautiful and serene setting that many find conducive to relaxation, though it might be wise for potential guests to inquire about bed conditions ahead of their stay.
Cleanliness
Nonetheless, some reviews point out areas needing improvement. The pool area occasionally lacks proper maintenance with reports of algae and neglected pool floors. Some guests have encountered issues like dirty bathtubs, a bad smell in the wardrobe and fridge and dust in the hallways. Additionally, incidents of ants and spiders in the rooms and communal areas were mentioned, reflecting sporadic lapses in cleanliness.
Despite these challenges, the hotel generally maintains a high standard of cleanliness. The diligent and friendly service provided by the staff often compensates for minor setbacks. The well-maintained cleanliness of the spa, pool area and other hotel facilities contributes to a pleasant and tranquil stay. Overall, Douro Scala is appreciated for its comfort, cleanliness and exceptional service, even as it works on addressing maintenance and cleanliness inconsistencies.
Staff
While a few guests encountered minor issues with staff training and availability, the overwhelming sentiment is that the service is both efficient and helpful. The spa staff, in particular, are singled out for their attentiveness and warmth. The reception team is noted for their welcoming attitude, despite language barriers in some instances.
Guests highlighted the excellent professional service, especially at the restaurant, where the team is attentive and the dining experience is enhanced by friendly interactions. The cleaning staff also garnered positive mentions for their thoroughness and dedication.
Some small critiques were mentioned, such as occasional rudeness and instances of staff appearing overwhelmed, but these did not overshadow the overall positive experiences. Hospitality at Douro Scala is characterized by a harmonious blend of friendliness and professionalism, making it a welcoming retreat for visitors seeking a peaceful getaway.
Wi-Fi
Spa
However, there were notable downsides. Several guests experienced issues with spa facilities not functioning properly - this included the jacuzzi, sauna and Turkish bath. Complaints pointed to maintenance problems, such as a weak or non-operational sauna and jets in the jacuzzi only working at the bottom. The indoor pool was sometimes critiqued for being too dark and the same went for the sauna and steam room area. Additionally, some guests mentioned difficulty finding the spa manager, although services were professional and relaxing once received.
Overall, while the spa's atmosphere and some services received positive feedback, there are significant areas in need of improvement to meet guest expectations fully.
Gym
Pool
The outdoor pool is particularly celebrated for its large size and stunning views, providing a serene setting for relaxation and leisure. However, there are occasional issues with cleanliness and maintenance, as some reviews note algae, moss and cloudy water. This can detract from the overall experience, especially when the pool appears dirty or is out of operation.
The surrounding areas of both pools generally offer a comfortable and pleasant environment. Although the outdoor area is lauded for its beauty and the sense of tranquility it imparts, there are mentions of insufficient signage and the pool side bar's limited hours which could affect convenience.
Overall, the pools at Douro Scala have the potential to be standout features of the hotel, especially with their visually appealing settings and relaxing atmospheres. With more consistent maintenance and better support services, they could provide an even more delightful experience for guests.
Parking
Family
In addition to the general amenities, the hotel offers family rooms equipped with specific toys and coloring books, facilitating a more tailored experience for children. This makes it a pleasant stay for families, particularly those with young kids and highlights the hotel's commitment to being family-friendly.
However, it is noted that there are a few minor inconveniences such as the need to walk through wet areas and climb stairs to access different facilities, which could be challenging for families with small children. Additionally, the limited variety at breakfast and occasional staff shortages might mean some wait times for restocking. Even so, the friendly and accommodating staff, combined with the beautiful and functional decor, make Douro Scala a hotel worth considering for a family retreat.
5 Star
Many guests feel that the facilities and services do not quite meet the expectations for a hotel classified as five-star. For instance, the breakfast buffet is described as basic and not varied enough for a property of this caliber. Moreover, several reviews highlight that amenities such as the jacuzzi and sauna do not align with what is typically expected from five-star accommodation. Issues like lack of slippers, a perceived need for better decor and some basic service missteps contribute to the sentiment that the hotel does not truly reach five-star standards.
While guests appreciate the overall cleanliness and the quality-price ratio during certain times of the year, there is a consistent feedback suggesting that the service levels and attention to detail need improvement to genuinely reflect a five-star experience. Therefore, although Douro Scala has its strengths, particularly in location and staff friendliness, it might not fully satisfy those with high expectations of a five-star hotel experience.
Business
Accessible
Heated Pool
Despite these positives, there have been occasional comments about the pool temperature not always being warm enough for some guests' preferences. Additionally, there were mentions of limited access at times, which could affect the overall experience.
Overall, the heated indoor pool at Douro Scala offers a welcoming and enjoyable environment for visitors, making it a delightful amenity among the hotel's offerings.
Outdoor Pool
Several reviews mention the large size of the pool, which accommodates a good number of guests without feeling crowded. The pool's year-round availability is also noted, adding to its appeal. Visitors appreciate the heated pool option, though some have found the water temperature varying from pleasantly warm to uncomfortably cold.
However, a few negative points have been raised. Some guests noted issues with cleanliness, including dirty water, algae and broken floor tiles. There were also concerns about insufficient sunbeds and parasols, which can be a drawback during peak times. Despite these issues, the general consensus paints a positive picture of the outdoor pool at Douro Scala, making it a notable feature of the hotel.
Indoor Pool
However, there are some mixed feedback regarding its maintenance and condition. Some guests found the water temperature uncomfortably cool or too hot and noted issues such as a musty smell, rust stains, low lighting at night and occasional faults with the pool's jets and the Jacuzzi. Despite this, the pool area is generally considered suitable for relaxation, aligning well with the hotel's spa facilities.
Overall, while there are areas that could benefit from improved maintenance, the indoor pool at Douro Scala is largely seen as a welcoming and soothing feature, especially appreciated during the colder months.'
Boutique-Style
Luxury
However, despite these positive aspects, there is a consensus among guests that 'Douro Scala' does not quite live up to its advertised five-star classification. Several details and amenities fall short of what one would expect from a hotel of this caliber and the service has occasionally been described as poor and unpleasant. As a result, many visitors feel that while the hotel is beautiful and comfortable, it aligns more closely with a four-star or even a three-star, experience rather than the five-star luxury it claims to offer.
Romantic
While the rooms are particularly suited for romantic stays with emotionally themed decorations and in-room bathtubs enhancing the experience, they may not be ideal for friends traveling together. One can enjoy the serene views from the hotel, making it a delightful spot to rest and relish in romance.
However, the hotel falls short in delivering a fully romantic experience in some aspects, such as lacking a romantic dinner setting or welcoming touches like Port wine. Despite the absence of these small luxuries, the five-star room structure compensates with its cleanliness and atmosphere, leaning towards a romantic ambiance suitable for a memorable couple’s getaway.
Yes, Douro Scala has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Heated Pool, Indoor Pool, Outdoor Pool.
Yes, a spa is available at Douro Scala.
No, Douro Scala doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Douro Scala.
Yes, Douro Scala has a gym.
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