Eurostars Das Artes

“Lovely traditional hotel in quiet location”

I stayed here with my daughter for 2 nights in July 2023. Location Getting a taxi from the airport was quick and easy the taxi rank just outside arrivals. We arrived around lunchtime and got a taxi easily, plenty waiting and no queue. The journey to the hotel wasn't too long. Arriving at th... more

I stayed here with my daughter for 2 nights in July 2023. Location Getting a taxi from the airport was quick and easy the taxi rank just outside arrivals. We arrived around lunchtime and got a taxi easily, plenty waiting and no queue. The journey to the hotel wasn't too long. Arriving at the hotel you do have to carry your case up a few steps at the entrance just something to be aware of, and my case was fairly weighty as we were away for a week in total. Not sure if there is another entrance to the hotel. There is a small lift to the room, we never had any trouble getting the lift when we needed it. There weren't any stairs that we could see other than the fire escapes. Once inside the hotel had a cool calm traditional feel to it. The staff on reception were really lovely and check in went smoothly. We were given vouchers for a complementary drink at the bar One of our rooms wasn't ready, we arrived about 1pm but we were able to get the key for one room which was great meaning we could drop our luggage off in the room and freshen up. My room was a reasonable sized well equipped double. I think some of the other reviews I read suggested the rooms were dated. I thought of them more as traditional style. Dark wood fittings. There was plenty of storage, a safe, comfy chair as well as desk and chair. TV with good selection of channels, mini bar, complimentary water and a packet of crisps. The bathroom was a good size, complimentary toiletries and a generous sized bath with shower over. All in all a very comfortable room which I felt was good value for what we had paid. My daughter had what i think was described as a family room so not sure whether they put an extra bed in if required but it was a really good sized double think it had a king size bed. They gave us rooms next to each other on the first floor which was nice The room had a large window overlooking the terrace below which let in a lot of light. I can't comment on breakfast as we were on a room only basis. There is a lovely bar area and outside terrace. Only downside the wooden tables and chairs outside did look particularly worn they were just in need of a fresh coat of wood stain really. The hotel was on a quiet street within walking distance of the old part of Porto. There was a bar/cafe just down from the hotel and a small supermarket just on the next street about a minute away perfect for stocking up on snacks and things and the after sun we forgot to pack. Very reasonably priced and taking card and cash. Just one thing to bear in mind I found that I used more cash than I expected quite a few of the bars and cafes we went in only took cash so something to plan for as I think I had got into a habit of carrying very little actual cash these days. It doesn't take long to walk from the hotel to the river, albeit we went down some very steep streets and steps. Porto is very hilly but well worth the effort of all the climbs Less than 10 minutes walk from our hotel is Zenith a restaurant where they serve a fantastic selection of brunch items. Situated in a small square,Praça de Carlos Alberto. We ate there both days, we sat outside, if they were running short of space they put more tables out. Breakfast cost us around 30 euros for 2 of us including a soft drink. I had the Eggs Zenith and my daughter had the Shakshuka on the first day and the Zenith pancake and Dulce du Leche pancake the next. We would recommend any of those. I had a fresh orange and mango drink which was beautifully refreshing. Portion sizes are really generous. If we had been at this hotel for the week we would probably have had breakfast here every day as there was so much choice. We walked from there to the Bolsa Palace about a 15 minute walk. We found most things we wanted to see or do we could walk to although be prepared for the hills. It is so worth it though. Porto is one of my favourite places I have visited to date and definitely plan to get fitter so I can go back and be able to cope better with the hills. Bolsa Palace only 12 euros each but we had to book onto a guided tour, we arrived just before the next one was due to start so didn't have much of a wait. Some beautiful rooms, interesting history and quite a short tour about half an hour. We booked on a hop on hop off bus. 24 euros each for 48 hours (from when we validated our tickets on the bus) thought it was good value for money. Gives you a break from the hills, get to see the sights of Porto including going over one of the bridges over the Douro giving you a spectacular view down the Douro. We got off the other side of the Luis Bridge and walked back across it (not great if you don't like heights you can get the tram across it or walk across at a lower level as well). The bus also takes you to the other end of Porto and the 'Cheese Castle' were there looked to also be some beaches. We didn't get off and explore but probably would if we went back to Porto Just a 10 minute walk from the hotel is the Jardins Do Palacio de Cristal. The gardens were free to enter we spent an hour there early evening. Beautiful place to just sit, relax, read a book. I had a wander and there were Peacocks and Cockerels just wandering about and some great photo ops because it has some beautiful views over Porto. We ate at a pizza restaurant called Okra less than 5 minutes away from the hotel. Would recommend the Parma Ham pizza, reasonably priced we shared 2 different pizzas between the 2 of us and more than enough. The dessert was the surprise of the night for me, not a massive fan of figs but thought would give the Ricotta semifreddo with figs a go because it sounded interesting. Absolutely loved it, it was really interesting and tasted so good and thought it was great value at 6 euros. Lovely restaurant, great food and great location if staying at this hotel. Check out was 12pm which is great you can relax have a leisurely breakfast before needing to check out and was quick and easy. The lady on reception ordered us a taxi and it arrived within 5 minutes. If I went back to Porto I would be more than happy to consider staying here again and I just loved everything about my time in Porto, definitely want to return and also visit other areas of this beautiful country.

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“Mixed one location ok but rates are too high for value”

Stayed in this hotel for 5 days and 4 nights. The room is clean but not very bright. You hear the TV and even talks from next room. Breakfast was ok but not a lot variety. What you need to recognize is to check the room rates. I payed more than 200 bugs for it and this it’s not worse.

“Average for a 3 star hotel.”

Typical of the Portuguese Hotels we have had on our Bunnik tour on the Portuguese leg. Stairs and no ramp to get suitcases into the hotel and a bit if a shortage of staff to help. No tea and coffee or free water in the room only one free plug on one side of a double bed. Our bathroom toiletries w... more

Typical of the Portuguese Hotels we have had on our Bunnik tour on the Portuguese leg. Stairs and no ramp to get suitcases into the hotel and a bit if a shortage of staff to help. No tea and coffee or free water in the room only one free plug on one side of a double bed. Our bathroom toiletries was a shower cap but there were squeeze bottles of shower gel,shampoo and bath gel attached to the shower. Only one glass in the room although we were in a room for couples; there were 2 small ones in the bathroom. The tiny glasses allowed you to have some water to brush your teeth so you don't bang your head on the overhead cupboard mirror which is totally unnecessary since it doesn't hold anything. The basin was so shallow that you dare not leave it running long. There was a bidet if you need one, otherwise it just takes up valuable bathroom realestate. One of the few hotels without a pool and reliable WiFi in our room. No news in English. but old movies overdubbed in Portuguese. I was told that they were working on upgrading their WiFi. On the plus side, the room was clean, breakfast was plentiful with a good range of food. Thr staff as helpful as as was possible. The area is good for access to art galleries and eateries.

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