Holiday Inn Figueira da Foz

The hotel has a strong 90s/2000s feel, and the waits for the elevators were often a few minutes, which got annoying. The pool they promote isn’t very big, was overcrowded, and requires swimming caps, something I haven’t encountered in a long time. Breakfast was basic continental fare. The woman at the breakfast reception didn’t speak English, which is fine, but being able to understand numbers seems like a standard expectation. The suite itself was spacious, and the side view was nice. The location is undeniably attractive, but the quality of the stay didn’t feel like four stars.

The pool on the 16th floor is incredible, with what may be the best ocean view I’ve ever had from a pool. The restaurant food was good, and the location is great for Figueiera de Foz. The hotel itself is amazing, though the service was slow, and reception didn’t answer when I called.

The breakfast was great, and the pool is a real plus. But for a hotel this size there are only two lifts, so we spent a lot of time waiting and riding them. The room looked much better in the online pictures. It’s an interesting place, and if you go, walk out the front and into the old town.

The auditorium is cinema-like, so the hotel works well for a corporate event as well as a family stay. The ocean views from every room are fantastic, as is the pool right at the top.