One Shot Aliados Goldsmith 12

“I’ll Be Back”

When it comes to traveling, I do my research and focus primarily on quality, mid-range budget, location, and use honest reviews, especially the critical ones. As a solo traveler, safety is a priority. After much consideration, I chose this hotel. Yes, a number of reviewers complained of the ongoin… more

When it comes to traveling, I do my research and focus primarily on quality, mid-range budget, location, and use honest reviews, especially the critical ones. As a solo traveler, safety is a priority. After much consideration, I chose this hotel. Yes, a number of reviewers complained of the ongoing construction noise, but I come from a big and loud family and have learned to sleep and eat whenever I can. Before my arrival, I received a couple of emails from the hotel, and they provided me with three options to get from the airport (OPO) to the hotel. Since my arrival was at night, I opted to use Bolt (like Uber). It was a quick ride and cost less than $20 (16 Euros?). I also used Bolt when I flew out. I opted for the room and breakfast. When I arrived, the two front desk clerks welcomed me with smiles, assigned me Room 207, and quickly went over the map of the area. The room had everything I needed. Breakfast is served on the 5th floor and was well-stocked with breads, sweets, cereals, yogurt, nuts, fruits, juices, coffee, eggs, bacon, sausage, and condiments. My go-to was the yogurt (sometimes two) garnished with nuts and fruits, toast (loved the soft multigrain bread), and coffee. On the last day, I didn’t eat at the hotel, but slept in and ate at Do Norte. The hotel is central, so even if you think the bridge or beautiful library is far, it’s not. The train station is literally across the street in one direction, and that colorful sardine house is also across the street. It’s so centralized, that even a directionally-challenged person like me can’t get lost (well, I could, but I had the map). I utilized the balcony on a daily basis to people watch at all hours of the day/night. Be aware that the balcony is connected to all of the other rooms, so I wouldn’t have it open at night or when I’m in the shower. Does it get noisy? Yes. In fact, on my last morning at 5 am, a group of people (Africans?) were loudly arguing and two or three were threatening to fight each other. They were holding up traffic, and after a while, a Portuguese woman in a white Tesla gave them a piece of her mind. Throughout my stay, I heard people and someone’s car alarm constantly. And it wasn’t until the second day that I noticed that I could close the solid wood door shutters (?) that buffered the noise and light! But the noises didn’t bother me. Have I mentioned the staff? All of the ones I encountered were welcoming, friendly, professional, and helpful. I asked for the late check out and got it, plus they held my bags after I checked out, which allowed me to get a meal before heading to the airport and a short walk. When I arrived and asked for recommendations for good Portuguese food, no problem. Even the cleaning staff were helpful and efficient. But it’s the location of the hotel that will have me coming back. The next time, I plan on taking the Douro Valley day tour and hopping on one of the trains. Until then, goodbye Porto!, the place of great wine and food and passionate people. Just a suggestion: Before buying $280 worth of sardines in pretty tins, wait. You’ll find great sardines to take home for much cheaper in wine stores and the super market across the street from the hotel (yes, it’s next to the little fruit store). (I guess videos can’t be uploaded, so I’m attaching photos of sardines.)

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“Extreme customer care”

Unfortunately I had to cancel my trip to Porto due to a sudden emergency in the family. Therefore I had to cancel my reservation with the hotel and I’m not in a position to review them regarding a stay. However, I’d like to express my gratitude for the extreme help and understanding of the hotel … more

Unfortunately I had to cancel my trip to Porto due to a sudden emergency in the family. Therefore I had to cancel my reservation with the hotel and I’m not in a position to review them regarding a stay. However, I’d like to express my gratitude for the extreme help and understanding of the hotel regarding my force major. Even though my reservation did not have the free cancellation clause and I had to pay for the first night, upon my explanation and request for free cancellation, the hotel respected my excuse immediately and acknowledged free cancellation. I appreciate such humanitarian and client oriented attitude and business philosophy greatly. Upon rescheduling my Porto trip, this hotel definitely will be my first choice. 🙏🏻

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“Great outdoor space with corner terrace room”

We stayed in a corner terrace room on the 5th floor. We enjoy an outside space for a morning coffee or a glass of wine in the evening. The hotel also has a rooftop terrace where all guests can go. We knew about the construction (hotel also included in our booking), but there was no construction ove… more

We stayed in a corner terrace room on the 5th floor. We enjoy an outside space for a morning coffee or a glass of wine in the evening. The hotel also has a rooftop terrace where all guests can go. We knew about the construction (hotel also included in our booking), but there was no construction over the weekend and on Monday/Tues it didn't start until 8 AM and ended by 5, and we were out most of the day anyway. There is some street noise, but that's to be expected when you are this central and it didn't bother us. Having a view to Sao Bento Station and Clerigos Tower was wonderful. The staff were also very friendly and helpful. We would stay here again - we loved Porto!

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“Noisy”

I have stayed in the One Shot hotel in Valencia and have an upcoming booking in Seville so I am a fan of the brand, mainly due to the positive experience I had in Valencia. This was the reason I booked a week in One Shot Porto but I soon realised I had made a mistake. Surface construction works on … more

I have stayed in the One Shot hotel in Valencia and have an upcoming booking in Seville so I am a fan of the brand, mainly due to the positive experience I had in Valencia. This was the reason I booked a week in One Shot Porto but I soon realised I had made a mistake. Surface construction works on a new metro line continue outside the hotel and the noise from 6.30am is unbearable. I have posted a video with this review which was taken at 7am but the noise is all day. Not the hotel’s fault of course and they do mention it on their website. Unfortunately the issue is compounded by the non existent soundproofing within the hotel itself. Windows are thin and the noise levels from other rooms is unacceptable. Metro construction is due to finish by the end of June 2026 but there is another building directly opposite the hotel which is about to commence more construction works. I booked a balcony room but did not use the balcony as it overlooked the building sites. In fact, we kept all windows and shutters closed during our week long stay. The room itself was clean and well appointed. We did not have breakfast. Staff were very friendly, I did not need their assistance so interactions were brief. The hotel is in a great location and I would consider returning but not until all nearby construction projects are completed and the hotel improves its own soundproofing. It needs to better insulated both internally and externally because there is a very busy road outside with traffic and people noise. I stayed for a week and even with earplugs I reckon I only managed four hours sleep each night so bear this in mind if you are a light sleeper. In summary, staff amazing, rooms great, hotel is central, just get the place soundproofed properly.

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