Hotel 2 Bintang di São Pedro da Afurada

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.

Porto has always been rated highly so was a little concerned that the Novotel was on the other side of the Douro River. Quickly dismissed on arrival when we were greeted at reception by Aderito Diaspora. A most charming man who made every one signing in to the hotel feel very special - being multilingual helps. Free with advice on what to see, what and where to eat and the best places for shopping. A trip into Porto was a little as €4 and never more than €10 and this included a ride to beautiful shopping complex of El Conte Ingles. So leaving the hustle and bustle of Oporto to the calm of Afurada was a plus. The suggestion to walk down to the quaint fishing village of San Pedro with an Uber to take us back was greatly appreciated as we were able to see the Uber coming right up to our restaurant table. All hotels should have an Aderito Diaspora.

We booked on the Accor site, chose a standard room with early check-in and late check-out. Advance information by e-mail was good, check-in and check-out was super easy. The breakfast was good with a large choice. We also had dinner at the hotel which was not a gourmet meal - but adequate. The room on the second floor was clean, quiet - but hot and stuffy (even though we did what we could to get it cooler and fresher). The location is next to a shopping centre with a large supermarket (Auchan) and theother type of stores you find in such centres. We only spent one night - but used the day to visit World of Wine close by. Went by Bolt back and forth. We chose this hotel for a stay after a river cruise due to the fact that they had early check-in and late check-out.