Pestana Douro Riverside - Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Lifestyle
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Summary of reviewsPestana Douro Riverside - Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Lifestyle is a highly-regarded hotel nestled along the picturesque banks of the Douro River, offering guests serene and scenic views that provide a peaceful escape from the busyness of central Porto. Though a bit removed from the city center, the tranquility and charm of the riverside location often compensate for the need to rely on taxis or ride-sharing services, which are generally affordable and efficient.
Guests commend the hotel's spacious and modern rooms, which are tastefully decorated with bright colors and feature comfortable beds and balconies with stunning river views. Cleanliness is another strong suit with rooms and common areas consistently maintained to a high standard. Though there are occasional minor issues, such as limited wardrobe space or maintenance lapses, the overall comfort and presentation of the rooms enhance the luxurious stay.
The hotel staff receive widespread accolades for their friendliness, professionalism and attentiveness. Specific team members, like Jorge, David, Bruno, André and Ana, are frequently mentioned for their exceptional service. This warm and welcoming service significantly enhances guests' overall experience.
Breakfast at Pestana Douro Riverside - Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Lifestyle is often considered a highlight, featuring an excellent variety of delicious options that cater to various tastes. While a few guests note occasional disorganization during peak hours and specific gaps in the menu, the positive aspects of the breakfast service—such as the attentive staff and beautiful dining area—generally outweigh the negatives.
Dinner experiences are mixed with many guests praising the quality and presentation of the food, especially during festive occasions. However, some diners find the menu repetitive and overpriced and note issues with cold dishes and slow service. Thus, the restaurant has room for improvement in variety, pricing and efficiency.
The hotel's pool facilities garner varied feedback; the outdoor infinity pool is a standout feature, celebrated for its cleanliness, impressive size and breathtaking views. In contrast, the indoor pool often disappoints due to its small size and cold temperature.
Fitness enthusiasts will find the gym well-equipped and well-maintained, despite a few comments on its limited size and late opening hours. For those seeking relaxation or a bit of fun, the hotel also offers a game room with amenities like a snooker and foosball table.
Wifi service generally meets guests’ needs, providing solid coverage and reliable internet access, despite occasional issues in certain rooms. Parking, however, presents a mixed bag of experiences. While some appreciate the free and secure options available, others struggle with limited spaces, tight spots and occasionally high costs.
Overall, Pestana Douro Riverside - Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Lifestyle shines in its serene location, exceptional staff and comfortable, modern accommodations, making it a noteworthy choice for those seeking a restful stay slightly removed from Porto's bustling center.
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Guests commend the hotel's spacious and modern rooms, which are tastefully decorated with bright colors and feature comfortable beds and balconies with stunning river views. Cleanliness is another strong suit with rooms and common areas consistently maintained to a high standard. Though there are occasional minor issues, such as limited wardrobe space or maintenance lapses, the overall comfort and presentation of the rooms enhance the luxurious stay.
The hotel staff receive widespread accolades for their friendliness, professionalism and attentiveness. Specific team members, like Jorge, David, Bruno, André and Ana, are frequently mentioned for their exceptional service. This warm and welcoming service significantly enhances guests' overall experience.
Breakfast at Pestana Douro Riverside - Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Lifestyle is often considered a highlight, featuring an excellent variety of delicious options that cater to various tastes. While a few guests note occasional disorganization during peak hours and specific gaps in the menu, the positive aspects of the breakfast service—such as the attentive staff and beautiful dining area—generally outweigh the negatives.
Dinner experiences are mixed with many guests praising the quality and presentation of the food, especially during festive occasions. However, some diners find the menu repetitive and overpriced and note issues with cold dishes and slow service. Thus, the restaurant has room for improvement in variety, pricing and efficiency.
The hotel's pool facilities garner varied feedback; the outdoor infinity pool is a standout feature, celebrated for its cleanliness, impressive size and breathtaking views. In contrast, the indoor pool often disappoints due to its small size and cold temperature.
Fitness enthusiasts will find the gym well-equipped and well-maintained, despite a few comments on its limited size and late opening hours. For those seeking relaxation or a bit of fun, the hotel also offers a game room with amenities like a snooker and foosball table.
Wifi service generally meets guests’ needs, providing solid coverage and reliable internet access, despite occasional issues in certain rooms. Parking, however, presents a mixed bag of experiences. While some appreciate the free and secure options available, others struggle with limited spaces, tight spots and occasionally high costs.
Overall, Pestana Douro Riverside - Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Lifestyle shines in its serene location, exceptional staff and comfortable, modern accommodations, making it a noteworthy choice for those seeking a restful stay slightly removed from Porto's bustling center.
Luxury Hotel
This 5-star hotel, situated on the Douro River, offers a rooftop bar with panoramic river views and an infinity pool. It also boasts a Magic Spa with multiple treatment options and an indulgent indoor pool, along with spacious deluxe rooms and suites.
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
This hotel is part of a group with stated commitments to sustainability and a dedicated environmental program.
Hotel with Swimming Pool
Located by the Douro River, this hotel features a swimming pool and offers a luxurious and scenic experience.
Indoor Pool Outdoor Pool
Business Hotel
The venue has 7 fully equipped meeting rooms, with a total meeting space of 1175 Sq. Ft. The venue offers 165 rooms with all the modern amenities for your comfortable stay.
Hotel with Indoor Pool
This hotel offers a heated indoor pool as part of its Magic Spa. The spa provides multiple treatment options, contributing to an indulgent and relaxing experience by the Douro River.
Hotel for Honeymoon
Dog Friendly Hotel
Romantic Hotel
Hotel with Parking
Hotel with Gym
5-Star Hotel
Hotel with Outdoor Pool
About Pestana Douro Riverside - Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Lifestyle
License: 10074
Guest Reviews
Location
However, the hotel's location can be seen as a double-edged sword. While it offers beautiful, scenic views and a calm setting, it is not situated in the city center. Guests have noted that it's approximately 4 kilometers from the old town and it takes around a 30-minute walk or a short Uber/Bolt ride to reach downtown Porto. For those without a car, the reliance on taxis or ride-sharing services is a given, though these services are generally affordable and efficient.
Despite the distance from the main attractions and city center, many visitors felt that the location's charm more than compensates. The convenience of a good transport connection and a frequent mention of the hotel's peaceful riverside terrace and outdoor space enhance its appeal. Several reviews also mention the ease of access by car and the reasonable taxi fares, which make travel to and from the city center manageable.
In summary, the Pestana Douro Riverside - Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Lifestyle hotel is highly acclaimed for its beautiful riverside location, tranquil environment and the stunning views it offers. While it is a bit removed from the city center of Porto, the accessibility via taxis and the serene atmosphere make it an attractive option for those seeking a relaxing stay away from the city’s main tourist areas.
Breakfast
The breakfast buffet impresses many with its varied and extensive selection, which includes both cold and hot items, pastries and local products, such as cheese. Several guests specifically enjoyed the generous portions and the pleasant, well-organized presentation. The beautiful location of the breakfast area and attentive, friendly staff also receive commendations, adding to the overall pleasant dining experience.
However, it's worth noting some critiques. A few guests feel the breakfast service can be disorganized during peak hours, leading to delays in replenishment and limited variety. Some reviewers mention the absence of vegetables, freshly squeezed orange juice and vegan options as areas for improvement. Additionally, some guests believe the breakfast doesn’t fully match the standards expected of a five-star hotel.
Overall, while there are a few areas highlighted for improvement, the breakfast at Pestana Douro Riverside - Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Lifestyle seems to leave a generally positive impression, often described as a highlight of the stay.
Dinner
However, the positive tones are somewhat overshadowed by a series of criticisms. A recurring theme is that the dinner menu lacked variety and was often repetitive. Numerous guests found the food and drinks excessively expensive with the quality not justifying the high prices, especially in comparison to other luxury hotels in Cascais and Lisbon. The buffet-style dining frequently drew dissatisfaction, being cited for its limited options, cold dishes and underwhelming flavors. The New Year's meal and dinner buffet, in particular, faced sharp criticism for not living up to their five-star standards. The slow service at the restaurant and bar areas added to the frustrations for some guests.
Despite the moments of culinary success, the overall consensus suggests that the dining experience at Pestana Douro Riverside - Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Lifestyle has room for improvement, especially concerning price justification, variety and service efficiency. While there's much to appreciate, especially during festive moments and specific meals, the hotel’s restaurant needs enhancements to meet guests’ expectations consistently.
Rooms
Guests appreciate the spaciousness of many rooms with some specifically noting enough space to comfortably accommodate multiple adults. Balconies with scenic river views, particularly of the Douro River, are a significant highlight, providing picturesque backdrops and adding to the overall appeal. Many rooms also boast functional amenities like mini bars and well-maintained air conditioning units.
Despite the general praise, a few reviews indicate that some rooms are smaller than expected with limited wardrobe capacity and minimalistic space for luggage. The occasional maintenance issues, such as missing hooks or ants, were also reported. The bathrooms, while largely satisfactory in terms of size and cleanliness, did receive some critiques for inadequate separation of toilet areas and lack of bidets.
Overall, the rooms at Pestana Douro Riverside - Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Lifestyle combine comfort, modern style and stunning views, making them a delightful aspect of many guests' stays. The excellent room service and detailed decoration add to the luxurious experience, though a few areas could benefit from minor improvements.
Beds
There are instances where guests appreciated the large, king-sized beds and the quality pillows provided. However, there were a few comments on the inconsistency in bed types, such as having two separate beds instead of a king-size and remarks on the beds being too hard or uncomfortable for some.
Overall, the majority of reviews praise the beds at Pestana Douro Riverside - Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Lifestyle as a strong point of their stay, noting large and comfortable beds as a significant plus in their hotel experience.
Cleanliness
Several reviews praise the hotel for its newly refurbished decor and overall elegant presentation. The efforts of the cleaning staff are frequently highlighted with numerous guests mentioning the thorough daily room cleaning and the general well-kept state of the hotel. Specific mentions include spotless rooms, impeccable cleanliness and the property smelling wonderful.
However, some guests did note occasional lapses in cleaning, including rooms not being cleaned at the expected times, insufficient cleaning in less visible areas and minor issues such as unvacuumed carpets. A few reports also cited lapses in cleaning around the pool area and insufficient cleaning of some rooms, particularly around the under-bed areas.
Despite minor criticisms, the overall impression of Pestana Douro Riverside - Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Lifestyle is one of exceptional cleanliness and comfort, enhanced by its beautiful, well-maintained and modern facilities.
Staff
Breakfast staff also stand out with many reviewers appreciating their attentiveness and the quality service provided each morning. Guests commend the overall courtesy and politeness of staff members across various services, including the bar and restaurant.
Specific individuals, such as Jorge, David, Bruno, André and Ana, are highlighted for their exceptional assistance and friendly demeanor, contributing significantly to guests' positive experiences.
Though there are a few mentions of slow service and lack of training in certain areas, these are outnumbered by the kudos for the staff’s diligence, attentiveness and professional handling of guests' needs.
Overall, the attentive and friendly nature of the staff seems to play a major role in guests' satisfaction, making Pestana Douro Riverside - Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Lifestyle a highly recommended choice for a friendly and welcoming stay.
Wi-Fi
Gym
However, there were a few critiques. Some guests mentioned that the gym could be better equipped and noted that it is on the smaller side. A couple of reviews pointed out that the gym opens at 9.00 am, which could be inconvenient for those looking for an early workout.
In addition to the gym, guests also appreciated the game room, which includes amenities like a snooker and foosball table. Overall, the fitness facilities, despite minor drawbacks, provide a satisfying experience for most guests at Pestana Douro Riverside - Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Lifestyle.
Pool
In contrast, the indoor pool has been met with some dissatisfaction. Many guests report that it is quite small and frequently too cold to enjoy, detracting from the overall experience. Additionally, there have been mentions of the indoor pool not being heated and feeling unkempt at times.
Nevertheless, the outdoor pool’s setting and the panoramic views it offers are standout highlights, making it a great spot for relaxation and enjoyment. Guests also appreciate the nearby poolside restaurant and bar, adding to the convenience and ambiance. Overall, while the indoor pool may leave something to be desired, the outdoor facilities more than compensate with their stunning design and inviting atmosphere.
Parking
However, there are several areas of concern. Many reviewers pointed out that the parking spaces are limited, very tight and difficult to maneuver in with some describing the experience as stressful. The parking lot often becomes crowded quickly, leading to a lack of available spaces. Guests cited issues with confusing directions to the parking area and difficulties validating parking cards.
Another significant point of contention is the cost of parking with numerous guests mentioning the €15 daily fee as excessively high. There are complaints that parking is not always included in the hotel price and that there is no guaranteed covered parking space. Some reviewers also noted that the parking lot does not have direct internal access to the hotel, which they found inconvenient.
In summary, while Pestana Douro Riverside - Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Lifestyle does provide parking options, both free and paid, it appears the facilities could benefit from improvements in space availability, ease of access and cost transparency. For those planning to drive, it’s advisable to consider these factors and possibly make alternative arrangements when staying at the hotel.
4 Star
Despite being classified officially as a higher-star venue, guests often felt that features such as breakfast and overall service did not quite reach five-star expectations. This has led to opinions that it is more accurately described as a business hotel with a four-star level of comfort and service, rather than a luxury five-star experience.
The cost of drinks was mentioned as being quite high for a hotel of this category, hinting that some aspects could be perceived as overpriced. However, the hotel is still considered a "fantastic four-star hotel" and worth the stay for those expecting a quality four-star experience. The overall sentiment underscores that while it perfectly fulfills the criteria for a four-star rating, it does not quite meet the elevated standards often associated with a five-star hotel.
Business
Although the hotel is a bit far from the city center and can be considered on the pricier side, its business services are robust. The meeting rooms are functional and the business center is an asset for those requiring a space for business meetings. Even though there are no specific facilities for hosting large events or meetings, the hotel is suitable for those looking for a focused business venue.
The restaurant comes highly recommended for hosting trainings, adding to the hotel’s appeal for business activities. Flight attendants and other professionals frequently stay here, underlining its reputation as a business hotel. While it is indeed a beautiful place for a business trip, it is best suited for short stays geared towards business purposes. The contemporary decorations and facilities add to the overall pleasant experience for business travelers.
Outdoor Pool
Indoor Pool
However, several guests noted that the indoor pool is quite small and often too cold for comfort with some expressing disappointment over the lack of heating and ambient music. The absence of lounging space and occasional maintenance issues were also mentioned. Despite its benefits, the pool's size and water temperature were recurring areas of concern among visitors.
Honeymoon
Honeymooners also note the hotel's attentiveness to special requests and small attentions, such as room upgrades and courtesy gestures to celebrate special occasions like anniversaries. Although one couple felt disappointed with their wedding night stay, the majority of guest reviews highlight exceptional and honeymoon-worthy experiences. With its combination of great service and romantic ambiance, Pestana Douro Riverside - Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Lifestyle stands out as an ideal honeymoon destination.
Romantic
Guests often commend the romantic facade and the tastefully decorated spaces, particularly noting the romantic pool area and the scenic vistas available from various vantage points within the hotel. Special attention to guests' needs, such as memorable wedding anniversary celebrations or honeymoon welcomes, elevates the overall experience. The dining experience also contributes to the romantic allure with options like dinner on the pier offering a magnificent setting conducive to romance.
The romantic environment is consistently highlighted with a mix of peaceful and picturesque surroundings that create an atmosphere perfect for a romantic getaway. Whether it’s enjoying a memorable meal, soaking in the romantic views from the room or simply relaxing in the quiet ambiance, Pestana Douro Riverside - Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Lifestyle offers a wonderful, welcoming and profoundly romantic experience for couples looking to celebrate their special moments.
Yes, Pestana Douro Riverside - Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Lifestyle has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Indoor Pool, Outdoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Pestana Douro Riverside - Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Lifestyle.
Yes, Pestana Douro Riverside - Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Lifestyle welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Pestana Douro Riverside - Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Lifestyle.
Yes, Pestana Douro Riverside - Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Lifestyle has a gym.
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