Exe Almada Porto

The hotel is a popular choice for visitors to Porto, primarily due to its excellent central location which places guests within easy reach of major attractions and vibrant city life. Its appeal lies in offering a comfortable and modern stay within a bustling neighborhood, making it an ideal base for sightseers, city breakers, and couples exploring the city's charm. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's impeccable cleanliness, the attentive and friendly staff, and the high-quality breakfast as key elements of a positive experience. While the city of Porto is known for its hills, the hotel's position allows for convenient access to public transport, including the metro, making exploration manageable for most. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room away from the street if you are sensitive to noise, and be aware that while parking is available, it can be limited and challenging to access.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of facilities designed to enhance guest comfort, though some aspects receive mixed feedback. Many guests appreciate the presence of a gym, although it is often described as quite basic, equipped with only a few machines like a treadmill and an exercise bike, serving its purpose for a quick workout. The bar area within the hotel is noted by some as being underutilized or poorly stocked, with a quiet atmosphere that doesn't encourage lingering. While not explicitly mentioned in all reviews, the hotel generally offers Wi-Fi, and guests do not report significant issues with connectivity. Some rooms may require using two elevators to reach higher floors, which a few guests found slightly inconvenient. Overall, the facilities are functional, but some areas could benefit from further enhancement to match the hotel's overall positive impression.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently praise the hotel's high standard of cleanliness throughout the rooms and common areas, contributing significantly to a pleasant stay. The bathrooms are frequently described as spacious and well-maintained, often featuring good showers with strong water pressure. Most guests find the beds comfortable, with many highlighting their large size and the quality of the linens, ensuring a restful night's sleep. However, some guests found the mattresses a bit too firm or even creaky, impacting their comfort. While the rooms are generally considered comfortable and well-appointed, some are noted as being compact or small. The soundproofing is largely effective, with double-glazed windows significantly reducing street noise, allowing for a quiet environment, though very sensitive sleepers might still notice some activity from the bustling area. A recurring point is the absence of tea and coffee making facilities directly in the rooms.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast consistently receives high praise from guests, often described as wonderful and very good. There is a wide variety of options available, catering to diverse tastes, including a selection of hot foods, cold cuts, cheeses, breads, yogurt, and pastries. Many appreciate the inclusion of local Portuguese food items, adding an authentic touch to the morning meal. While the overall quality is excellent, some guests noted that the hot breakfast items could occasionally be warmer. The breakfast service hours are also a highlight, extending later than typical, which is convenient for those who prefer a leisurely start to their day. The restaurant area, primarily used for breakfast, is described as pleasant and well-maintained, with attentive staff ensuring a smooth dining experience.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location, making it a prime choice for exploring the city of Porto. Guests find it incredibly walkable to numerous popular attractions, including the riverfront, shopping districts, and a wide array of restaurants and bars. Its proximity to the Trindade metro station is a significant advantage, offering convenient and direct access to the airport and other parts of the city. While the hotel is situated in a lively area, the effective soundproofing helps mitigate potential noise. It is important to note that Porto is a hilly city, and while the hotel is centrally located, guests should be prepared for uphill walks when returning from certain areas, particularly the river. Parking is available, though it is often described as limited, paid, and sometimes challenging to access due to narrow streets, with guests frequently directed to nearby public garages.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive glowing reviews for their exceptional friendliness and helpfulness. Guests frequently highlight their attentiveness and willingness to go above and beyond to assist with inquiries, provide local recommendations, and ensure a comfortable stay. The check-in and check-out process is generally described as quick and smooth, contributing to a positive first and last impression. Many appreciate the staff's proficiency in multiple languages, including perfect English, which facilitates clear communication. Specific mentions include assistance with luggage storage before check-in or after check-out, and their proactive approach in resolving any minor issues that arise. The overall sentiment is that the staff's dedication to providing excellent service significantly enhances the guest experience, making visitors feel welcomed and at home.

Additional Information
While generally well-regarded, some guests feel the hotel, despite its many positive attributes, might be better categorized as a strong three-star hotel rather than a four-star, particularly concerning certain amenities or room features. A frequently mentioned point is the absence of tea and coffee making facilities in the rooms, which some guests found inconvenient, though coffee machines are available in the restaurant area. The gym on-site is noted as being quite basic, suitable for light workouts but not extensive training. Guests should also be aware that while the hotel is in a vibrant area, some rooms might experience street noise if windows are open, despite good soundproofing when closed. The hotel does offer parking, but it is limited and often requires navigating narrow streets, with alternative paid options nearby.