Overall Ratings & Reviews Novotel Porto Gaia

We arrived late to find a rough and dirty room. It was hot and the AC was not working. The staff couldn't provide a fan. We slept eith the windows open but there was no wind and the room was very hot. The sofa bed broke two of its support planks and I had to sleep in a hole and no support for my hips. When we woke up there was a bed bug filled with blood crawling next to my son, which probably fed on him through the night. We just packed our things and left, 8 hours after checking in. Worst hotel experience I had in my life. They refused to refund me for the night.

To provide some context I’m a Marriott person however in Portugal, Marriott would not allow a family of 4 to stay in 1 room. Therefore I booked Novotel in Gaia as they allowed it. Note I was coming from the Novotel from Lisbon (which I give it a 4 star and overall was very pleased with my stay) to the Novotel in Gaia/Porto, I was very disappointed (the service, room and overall ambience of this hotel is below Novotel standards especially when comparing to Lisbon). I read mixed reviews before booking but took the risk. This is at best a 2 star hotel with a very dated look and feel which is in need of serious upgrade. The rooms were small, very dated and the washroom was very uncomfortable. The vibe and feel is no where near a 4 or even 3 star hotel. The breakfast was decent though and the pool looked to be clean as families were enjoying it seemed compared to prior reviews I read. Also the location is away from all the action. I booked 4 nights at this hotel and within few hours of checking in I cancelled the rest of my stay and booked an Airnb in downtown Porto (Reiberio) walking distance to all the key sites and was a 2 bedroom apartment and was awesome. To confirm I stayed here for only 1 night. The front desk (Maria) was kind enough to cancel my reservation and was helpful. However if you are traveling with your family and want to enjoy a better experience? I would not recommend Novotel Gaia. If you are on a budget then this hotel might serve your purpose.

Pool is small and crowded but fine and not many in Porto. BBQ night was poor. Should have gone out. Room was fine. Location is short Uber to everywhere but not mention walkable.

Beautiful hotel.

Good value, but site only accessible by car.

Close to lots of places of interest.

Air conditioning was not good

Quiet and out of the way. Don’t expect city center, but Uber helps a lot. Breakfast was the same every day, save for one item (main) that changes. You can’t bring your room towel to the pool. You have to buy a pool towel. It’s the hotel rule. I bought two. Guess what? You see many people who don’t follow that rule. They blatantly have their room towels out. Odds they enforcement of the rule? No.

Nice hôtel with amazing breakfast.

The staff are great but the building is dated and could use an update. The location is isolated so it is necessary to drive to find restaurants.

Nice days to stay in this hotel Close to downtown

Good little hotel and facilities for young children. We had a lovely stay and would return. Only downside was the room was a bit small for the four of us but then again we were out and about for most of the days. Location good and only a €4 Uber ride into the old town

A/C was not working properly. Room was not comfortable.

Good

Hotel desperately need renovation. Rooms and mattress we well used condition

Very nice experience, great location and friendly staff

Lovely staff very friendly and helpfull !!

Tub was not safe to get in and out of. Way too high off ground.

Nice hotel, although not so easy to get to if you don't have a car.

The staff had a weird rude attitude throughout our stay. It isn’t exactly the nearest from the main area in Porto, but it worked for us for what we needed it.