Novotel Porto Gaia, Porto

Advantages: friendly efficient staff, good location
Disadvantages: poorly promoted restaurant

...In September we had a great holiday in North Portugal and I wanted to tell you about my favourite hotel. We booked into the Pestana Porto for 4 nights and it was a very enjoyable stay. My Aunt had recommended Oporto so after a search on Tripadvisor for hotels there, we booked a room with a river view. Location The Pestana Porto is ideally situated for tourists. It looks out onto the river Douro and the riverside cafes. Nearby are old, narrow quaint streets with bars and restaurants. River cruises regularly set off from just below our bedroom window. A walk across the bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia takes you straight into the old part of the town and you can easily walk to many of the famous port houses. The fabulous Palacio da Bolsa is located a short walk away. We walked into town although this is not recommended for all. Parts... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Beautiful City, Excellent Night Life
Disadvantages: Can't Find Any

...Beautiful City, Excellent Night Life If you never been there it's a must. How do I know this? I'm Portuguese and used to live about 4 miles from there. I think 34 years it's enough to know that Porto is a Beautiful city with the Douro River (you can make a trip by ferry departing from Ribeira to Spain) as a great landscape and of course the tasteful Port (you can visit the Porto caves where this wine is made). If you're looking for fun, I suggest going to Ribeira and Foz where you can find great bars and discos. In the summer you have several beaches to go (not far from Porto, 4/5 miles away), among them Miramar it's a great one and there is a great Hotel as well, and again great fun at night(better go to Francelos for fun 1 or 2 miles away from Miramar) If you like to shop and good restaurants, either you can go to Boavista... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Service, cleanliness, ambience, views, value for money
Disadvantages: None but not suitable for young families or clubbers!

...First of all, a word to the warning for anyone who enjoys the Magaluf/Palma Nova style holiday experience - the Hotel Felip and the resort of Porto Cristo are not for you! I say resort but in fact, Porto Cristo is a small coastal town built on the fishing industry and now boasts a very busy marina for private boat owners in addition to the still substantial fishing fleet. The town is on the east coast of Mallorca, about 62 kms (55 minutes) from Palma by car. Porto Cristo is probably most famous for the popular and stunning Caves of Drach which hosts day trip coach loads from all parts of the island, on a daily basis. The small town centre has a few tourist shops and cafe/restaurants together with local bars but no large clubs and you're very unlikely to spot a lager lout here! To be serious, the ambience of Porto Cristo is suitable... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful