Overall Ratings & Reviews Forte de Gaia, Autograph Collection

From the first moment of greeting to the last moment the people at the service give you excellent filling of welcome

I don’t enjoy leaving unflattering reviews, but our experience was so different than what I had expected (based on others’ reviews and the price point) that I’m sharing here. Issues: (1) By booking on Expedia, we were not only given the worst room (limited view, next to elevators, etc.) but were scolded by the reception staff for not booking directly with Marriott. We were also rudely dismissed when having inquired about a room change. (2) The bathrooms are not actually a separate (bath)room and are just a separate space in the bedroom. If you are traveling with someone, be prepared for no privacy regarding lights, sound, etc. (3) Dinner in the restaurant was just okay and way over-priced for what it was (though the service was pleasant). (4) Multiple times a day, there are huge tourist buses that drop off and pick up right outside the hotel, which means every time you come and go, you need to wade through dozens of tourists standing around the entrance. (5) Most of the attractions (churches, restaurants, cafes, shopping, tours, etc.) are on the other (city) side of the river, which means there’s a 25-35 minute walk each way, and even if you’re fit and healthy, there really is only one way across the river, so it’s the same trinket stands and tourist traps you pass by each time (and not a good use of time). Moreover, a taxi or Uber also takes 20+ minutes due to the traffic (congested by the tour buses and the limited number of bridges in/out of the city).

Lovely property in Gaia, the quieter side of the river in Porto. Rooms are spacious and clean. Beautiful heated pool and deck overlooking the river. Great breakfast buffet. Close to many restaurants and port producers for those that wish to tour them.

The hotel made dinner reservations for us. Breakfast was great. We had two separate reservations and they accommodated us in one room. The staff was always friendl!!!

Great location and top notch service.

This is in the top 5 best hotels I’ve ever visited! The facility is simply gorgeous. Due to the power outage in Portugal we had a lot of interaction with the staff, and they were incredibly supportive, kind, and friendly during the whole ordeal. Breakfast was amazing. I was sad to leave!

Great service from the staff.

The view of Porto and the river was sublime. The staff were so cordial and helpful. Food very good in restaurant. Loved Porto!

We had the most incredible stay at this hotel and got engaged here, making it even more special. The staff were absolutely amazing – so attentive, kind, and went above and beyond to make our stay perfect. We couldn’t recommend this hotel enough! The location is fantastic, close to everything, and the breakfast was delicious with plenty of choice. A truly unforgettable experience – thank you to all the team!

What a phenomenal find, we were booked at the Se Catedral Tapestry hotel which was a disaster so took to Expedia to find another property. Luckily the Fonte De Gaia had availability and we headed on over. We were welcomed by Liliana & Patricia who are by far two of the best hotel team members we have encountered in all our years, they are a huge asset to the hotel, all team members were five star but these two ladies were 6 star and could not do enough to help us, thank you Liliana & Patricia

We enjoyed the exceptional customer service at the Forte de Gaia. All the staff were amazing! We had booked a second-class room without a bathtub or historic view, and on our arrival we found this room overlooked the decommissioned swimming pool area that was being renovated by busy builders. Someone had left a fruit basket in the room, but we were unsure if this was an 'extra' so we decided not to touch it. The hotel is close to riverboat cruise liners but quite a long way from most attractions, athough we enjoyed the extra walking. The lifts took some working out! Some didn't go to where you wanted them to but they were always rekiable! The view from the restuarant at breakfast time is spoiled by inoperative patio heaters and closed-up parasols. Otherwise, a pleasant stay at a relaxed hotel.

Lovely hotel

Staff was very friendly and helpful. Great recommendations from Marta as to where to make the most of our visit in the town. Thank You

In all respects exceptional, very thorough beautifully done I would stay there again

Was greeted with a welcome drink! Staff knew our names and went out of their way to make sure everything was to our liking. Made suggestions whenever I asked for recommendations. Best hotel experience we have ever had.

Actually one of the worst VIP property experiences I have had. Friends who had booked regular rooms had better accommodations than I did. I was on the second floor right in front of a bus stop and friends were given rooms on floors 4 and 6 with views of The city. Also my room had bugs in the bathroom was missing a a hot water kettle which the other rooms had. Very poor service

Exceptional staff, helpful and polite.

An unbelievable hotel all around.

I loved the personalized service and the ambiance was peaceful and inviting. The breakfast was great. I would come back to The Lodge.

It was so very beautiful.