Ibis Porto Gaia

Superficially clean rooms, upon spilling some water on the floor, wiped it up with the bath floor mat only to find the mat extremely dirty, not sure when the floor was mopped last, a bit off putting since no telling what folks pick up on their walk through Porto. English speaking and helpful front desk staff. Rooms are nicer than the Budget Ibis. Room does not have a refrigerator, nor safe but apparently the front desk has a safe (please use it). Elevator to upper floors is available. If unfortunate to have a room facing the rear parking lot no problem waking up since sunrise shines directly into the room. Not quite sure whether the A/C worked (may just be my unfamiliarity with the controls), attempted to get the room temp. down to 69-70 F without success, finally opened the window a bit but road noise all night was terrible. Good breakfast selection of breads, jams, cheese, cold cuts, juice, fresh fruit, but..... the scrambled eggs taste and smelled fishy, not exactly the first thing I want to smell in the morning (could be wrong but apparently chickens are fed fish meal ?). Easy enough to get to the hotel from the Gaia train station via the Bus 903 Arcos stop and getting off at Chas but the location of the hotel is terrible without having a car. Unless one is in extremely good health and willing to walk an hour to downtown Porto, taking the bus or a taxis is the only option. 903 continues on to the Musica round about. Unfortunately, if paying by cash, you'll need to pay each time you take a different bus which can quickly add up at 2.50 Euro pp. There is a mall with a food court very close to the hotel, getting there by foot is doable but not easy. The walking route that Google maps gives you is wrong in that it requires you to walk on the highway. One has to cross the bridge in front of the hotel and pass through several neighborhoods to get to the mall. Unless one wants to partake of the many wineries which would take some time, Porto has sufficient sights to see for a day tour, probably 2 days max. The Santa Clara church is impressive (4 Euro pp entry). Lots of restaurants and pastellerias around town.

We had room 206 with a wonderful view over the marina to the Atlantic Ocean. Ample free parking. The walk into the Gaia side of Porto is long, but it’s along the boardwalk by the river, so not hilly at all. The staff at reception and at the bar were all very nice. The breakfast was above average. The bathroom amenities were also above average. We stayed on the weekend, and the prices go up during the week, as we assume it’s mostly a business hotel.

Very well appointed hotel for a basic lodging Staff were excellent .. pleasant friendly and very helpful

Property has easy parking. It’s very clean and breakfast buffet was great. Only downside is the rooms are on the small side.

Better than your average ibis ( which are generally good anyway) check in took quite a long time , but that was more due to difficult guests. Parking behind the hotel for a larger vehicle, evening meal was good and breakfast as well very reasonably priced and comfortable quiet room