Hotel Douro

Staff were friendly, and helpful. The common areas have been renovated but not the rooms. A brochure in our room stated that updating occurred in 2004. It is past time to upgrade the rooms. While housekeepers did their best to assure that bedding, and bathrooms were clean, the horribly stained carpets and chipped paint needs replacing.

A weekend stay to participate in a cycling event was my reason to stay at this hotel. A very late arrival meant a little fumble around to ignite the lights in my third floor room (the keyfob needs to be inserted of course!) and then sleep! Alas being located next to an electrical plant room meant it wasn't peaceful, fortunately I'd brought earplugs but really you shouldn't have to wear them in any decent hotel!? Given my schedule of events over the weekend I didn't bother asking to change rooms but in retrospect should have done. Only went for breakfast the once, it's basic and self service with so-so coffee alas but was better than nothing and perhaps it's best to go to a local cafe to fuel up for the day? Staff on duty were obliging and kept their distance unless required which was fine with me. The hotel is in a good location and save the 'electrical plant room noise intrusion' the rear facing rooms are otherwise relatively peaceful, just make sure you ask for a room at the furthest end of the corridor! This is a hotel which at one time would have been quite classy but alas lack of inves**ent has seen its decline but for the money it serves its purpose and should be considered as such.

My friend and I stayed here the night before beginning El Camino. We had a company portering our luggage to our next hotel. When I arrived at the next hotel, I realized that I left my electrical adapter in my room at the Hotel Douro. The staff had found it and found an unlocked pocket of my bag to slip it into before the porter picked it up. Not having to go search for another adapter in a much smaller town late in the evening was a huge blessing for us. The room was nice and big enough for us to comfortably store our luggage and bikes. It was a nice room and the breakfast was a good start to our day. We were able to walk from this hotel to the main downtown area of Porto, and my friend is not really a big walker.

1. Room a bit tired looking decoration wise but the basics were good - comfortable bed and adequate shower. Very clean. 2. Continental breakfast served in basement ( floor -1) -no hot food but perfectly adequate. 3. Friendly staff. 4. @7 minute walk from metro - case da musica - 10-15 minute ride to Sao bento. Spa supermarket - 2 minute walk from the metro on the way to the hotel. 5. Effectively in a cul-de-sac as end of road is cemetery with cafe Christine opposite and 2 cafe / restaurants next to the hotel