Vincci Ponte de Ferro

What we liked about this hotel *its proximity to the both sides of the Douro river *exceptional views *ultra friendly staff from reception. restaurant, housekeeping *reasonably priced, great value *exceptional breakfast, nice variety, fresh ingredients, health options *has an elevator that goes from bridge level to (almost) river level. We stayed 4 nights in a room with partial city views and just loved the experience.

This was our 3rd time to Porto and our 1st time staying at this hotel and wow we would not stay anywhere else when we next visit! Staff were so lovely and friendly, location and view fantastic so easy to walk across the bridge to the other side but equally so easy to access all the lovely restaurants and port houses on the same side. I personally prefer the side that this hotel is on, plenty of things to do and lots of lovely restaurants. We ate in the wine bar on our first night and the food was lovely. The hotel is just beautiful and should be a 5 star not a 4 star. We upgraded our room for an extra 20 euros a night and stayed in room 1212 and the view was fab! You get extra little perks such as an area with snacks and drinks that are all included in the rate. Oh yes, the room I almost forgot about that! Gorgeous bathroom with Clarins toiletries! Nice bright bathroom with a great shower. The bed linen was lovely quality and we had bathrobes and slippers provided for us. We didn't eat in the main restaurant but had a look at it and also the menu which was so reasonably priced and did look lovely but we just did not have enough time to do everything on this trip, definitely next time though! Lobby area is also beautiful and we did in fact stop for coffee here on our last trip and found it so lovely, it prompted us to book the hotel for this trip and we are so very glad we did!!

The Hotel Vincci Ponte de Ferro is in a perfect location and has lifts (elevators) both at the top of the bridge and near the river at the bottom although there is still a steep hill to negotiate. Vila Nova de Gaia is beautiful and the views stunning. It was a short walk over the bridge to Porto. The staff were exceptional - everyone was friendly and helpful, always courteous and smiling. There was a wide range of dishes for the breakfast buffet and optional cooked meal to your table. The soft beds were amongst the most comfortable we have experienced on our travels and large soft pillows suited us well. The room also had a sofa, two chairs and a small round table. The bathroom was well lit with a walk-in shower and without prompting, they provided a slip-mat and chair for my elderly mother to use. We were fearful it would be noisy but actually the room was very quiet although we could hear other guests when they were in the corridor. The hotel is also just a short walk to the hop-on-hop-off tourist bus. We used the Blue (Grey Line) service and this took us out to the beach on the Atlantic.

Amazing location, perfect for the view, a short walk into the centre of Porto and the riverfront. The room was comfortable, nice decor and great shower. Breakfast was great value at €17 (didn't go for it every day, plenty of options nearby to try), great service, lovely food and could sit out on the balcony with a view of Porto. Small gym was good for a quick workout in the morning (but crowded if anyone else was using). Pool on the rooftop bar only really usable between 5 and 7pm as in the shade (and v chilly) earlier than that (September).

We were massively let down by an Airbnb host in Porto which left us without a place to stay on arrival. We found Vincci Porte de Ferro and walked to the hotel, we spoke to Flavia at the reception and explained our situation, she calmly took all our details and got us a free drink in the bar whilst she processed our room booking we had quickly made on Booking.com. We decided to pay a little extra per night and got a room overlooking the river and the iconic bridge - amazing views. Anyone going to Porto for a holiday must book this hotel, this is in the perfect location, stunning views, amazing sky bar with pool, easy access to both levels of the bridge levels 1 and 14 - it is needed. And most of all the staff are wonderful and could not do enough for us, it felt like 5 star accommodation. 10 out of 10 Vincci Porte de Ferro😎