Golden Tulip Porto Gaia

“Does not deserve the previous negative reviews. Is there something going on there?”

Margaret found what appeared to be a decent looking hotel called The Golden Tulip at a reasonable rate and started to complete the booking form but I suggested that she pause whilst I checked it on Tripadvisor and what I found caused a great deal of concern. There were no recent good reviews. E… more

Margaret found what appeared to be a decent looking hotel called The Golden Tulip at a reasonable rate and started to complete the booking form but I suggested that she pause whilst I checked it on Tripadvisor and what I found caused a great deal of concern. There were no recent good reviews. Every one was negative and quite picky. We discussed matters for a while but decided to give this hotel the benefit of the doubt and we are so glad we did. The blurb said that check-in was from 3.00pm and we arrived at 1.30 and I, being cheeky, tried to wheedle access to our room but to no avail. Carla was friendly and polite when she explained that the staff were not available to clear the rooms for check-in until 3 but said she would store our luggage for us and meanwhile we could use the car-park so no joy there. The foyer and lounge area were, admittedly rather pleasant. Whilst waiting, we walked along the paved seafront, looking over the ancient rock formations that bordered the majestic waves but when the rain came down decided to high-tail it back to the hotel and await the call which came at 2.40. There we encountered our first shock; and it was a shock. We had been given a large, warm, comfortable room with larger than king-sized bed and an enclosed terrace which, as requested, looked over the sea. It was nothing like we ewre led to believe. The cleaners had not expected us to get there so soon after they had cleared it and were still in the process but seemed delighted to show us where everything was and afterwards, when we had moved our gear in, I told them that we thought the room was lovely and their delight really was genuine. One of the more derogatory comments made by an earlier reporter was that the furniture was old. I think that the word they may have been looking for was antique or reproduction, but it was all of good quality. Even the mid-Victorian refrigerator. A nice touch, that. Everything about the accommodation was clean and in excellent condition. Because of the potentially damaging other comments, Margaret and I, using our nosiness as experienced mystery shoppers did, in fact check most thoroughly for faults and I came to the conclusion that the complaints about the rooms were vindictive and petty. The shower room and toilet were beautifully tiled and brightly lit. The Terrace was wide enough for the two wicker chairs and the table to give us plenty of space. I suffer from Sleep Apnea but I slept better on that bed than I have slept for ages. It was so comfortable. Everything about our room spoke of a lost bygone age (apart from the refrigerator). After an excellent night, we went down to the breakfast room expecting the usual hotel fodder. It never changes, does it? Well, the sea view was an improvement from the usual and the orange juice was certainly not the usual over-diluted pap and I took my Liptons Earl Grey tea bags to the tea/coffee stall when I beheld packs of AHMAD Earl Grey tea. Wonder of wonders. I turned to the diminutive lady standing beside the coffee machine and I asked her how I could get some of that and she said, “Would you like me to make you a pot?” Now she could have said, “Put it in a cup and press the button for hot water,” but her reaction exemplifies the attitudes of all of the staff we engaged with at the Golden Tulip Hotel. A china pot of Ahmad Earl Grey Tea. Bliss. Sorry, I sidetracked myself, the rest of breakfast was excellent as well. The central buffet bar was copiously stocked, as was the hotplate. Such a shame about my diet, but there was plenty of fresh fruit. Now it was not all sunshine and roses, up on the fourth floor, we couldn’t get internet access although we could in the foyer. It didn’t bother us because I had brought along a well stocked laptop and we like each other’s company. Also, we could sit in reception and people watch. Another negative is that the bar was unstocked. I think it was unstocked because it was never used and it was never used because it was unstocked if you get my drift. It was next to reception and drab. Shame that. The main question is, “Would we go back? Definitely. It is a quaint hotel, staffed by some exceptional people.”

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“Okay stay. Poor maintenance”

Poor maintained hotel. Very outdated rooms, not properly clean. Swimming area defo not taken care off and gym was almost non existent. Bed and pillows were good and comfortable enough! Area was a big plus, close to the beach to watch sunset or have a dip! Mini market around the corner. 20 min Uber … more

Poor maintained hotel. Very outdated rooms, not properly clean. Swimming area defo not taken care off and gym was almost non existent. Bed and pillows were good and comfortable enough! Area was a big plus, close to the beach to watch sunset or have a dip! Mini market around the corner. 20 min Uber ride to central - choose Bolt app as it’s much cheaper :) Breakfast was OKAY, fresh pastries, some cut fruits, variety of bread, scrambled eggs, baked beans, coffee/selection of teas and cereals. Overall the stay was okay, but what was annoying that on our arrival they wouldn’t let us to check in to our room even 1 min before time.. which was very annoying as the hotel was looking so empty and we were traveling from far and I had autistic teenager with me.

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