Hotel berhampiran Parque de merendas da Amarela, Braga

We stayed 3 nights in this delightful hotel as our base for exploring the region. The top floor suites look bigger in the online photos than they actually are, yet the room was comfy and we loved hearing the bells chime. Please be aware that the elevator is narrow. The breakfast is the usual fare of yogurt, cheeses, breads, and fruits. Our western-facing windows permitted us to see the sunset over the Arco da Porta Nova. Located at one end of the main shopping street, we had lots of options of cafes and restaurants as we strolled towards the central square area. It is also directly across from a small bakery cafe. Being a university town, we arrived just as new students were being initiated into their academic units and marching around in colorful groups singing songs until 4am, Since we had a rental car, going to Peneda Geres naitonal park was an easy drive and we enjoyed hiking and then returning to the hotel. The hotel recommends the Park Center (R. Cardoso Avelino 25, 4700-219) which is a short (10 minute) easy walk slightly uphill to the hotel. In October, the Park Center was mostly empty and quick to get in and out.

We arrived too early to check in, but were able to leave our bags, and offered bottles of water. Anna checked us in and was wonderful. The room was spacious and had a small fridge, stovetop, microwave/oven, and dishwasher. The location was right next to the old city. The view from the outdoor patio was priceless. I would highly recommend this guesthouse.

The hotel itself is a very sensitive renovation of a very old building (more than 1000 years old). It was very clean very comfortable and very well located. All of the major attractions are well within walking distance. Barbara at the front desk was excellent. She was very helpful very courteous and very pleasant. All of the staff were very well trained and helpful. Perhaps the male staff do need a little more training as they appeared to me to be a little bit grumpy.

We stayed 2 nights at Mercure Braga Centro. We were given a room with balcony at the front of hotel where extensive road works were going on. It was too noisy to sit on our balcony and enjoy a drink. When we checked out I asked the reception person why we were given such a noisy room his attitude was extremely bad he just shrugged his shoulders and said it shouldn't worry us as we were out most of the day. Whenever we walked past reception and greeted them with a hello they so rude and ignored us. The shower was mouldy there was no milk or black tea provided for our tea and coffee, the cleaners left us with 3 tissues in the tissue box. Not what i would expect from the Mercure group we have stayed in many Mercure hotels previously and never experienced this bad attitude and treatment.

Avoid at allllll costssssss. First of all, everything seemed really good, the room was a decent size, the bed was big enough for 2 people, although if you like to sleep in a hard mattress where when you wake up you feel like you went to war? Well their beds are the best for you then, the pillows makes your neck be in pain when you wake up of how flat they are. Also, I was there for 5 nights, and believe it or not, it was 2 people, we started with 3 toilet rolls, which we barely use on the first day, we arrived at the hotel around 3pm, went to do some quick shopping of snacks and drinks which you can easily do around you, and then we went to find a restaurant and eat and etc, so we barely used any toilet paper, the next day after the housekeeper was there, we realised from 3 toilet rolls, we only had 2, which we were confused because we had 3, but oh well. So we spent the all day in the hotel, and the toilet paper is really thin and not big, probably as big as half a toilet paper, either way, they did not leave any more toilet paper, throughout the 5 nights we were there, which is ridiculous because we either asked or bought some ourselves, which is ridiculous having to spend money on toilet paper that should be provided by the hotel. I think it was really bad, but if that is not enough to keep you away, then go ahead and book a room to one of the worst hotels in the area I would say.

Infelizmente só não têm melhor avaliação por ter de entregar a chave de cada vez que saía, mas ainda pior porque na última noite estive cerca de meia hora a tocar à campaínha para que me abrissem a porta. Quando abordei a vossa colaboradora e perguntei se estava tudo bem, respondeu ”sim, porque não haveria de estar?” ao que respondi que estive cerca de meia hora a tocar à campaínha e inclusive cheguei a ligar para a recepção, mas a pessoa levantou as sobrancelhas, encolheu os ombros e riu. Se o atendimento é 24/7, um pedido de desculpa teria sido suficiente. Acerca da limpeza, era boa, o quarto era espaçoso, com arrumação, mas infelizmente ouvia muito barulho. As cortinas apesar de opacas, também não tapavam totalmente a claridade.