Freixo Douro Superior

The view was the one bright spot. The rest was a real disappointment, and I wouldn’t recommend it if comfort matters to you. The pool was dirty, with yellow stains that looked like mold or something, and the soundproofing was poor. The beds were uncomfortable, the pillows synthetic, and some things in the room were broken. It felt old and dirty, and the official photos don’t match what’s there. Breakfast was poor too: powdered orange juice, no fresh basic vegetables, cold scrambled eggs and sausages, and awful coffee. Definitely not a four-star hotel.

The location suited me, though it really depends on what you’re after. It’s a nice hotel, and the staff were friendly and very helpful. The restaurant serves good food, but the menu is quite limited and a bit pricey. The spa is basic, and the indoor pool could be warmer. I’d recommend it for a slow-paced break, hikes with great views, good food, and excellent wine.

The restaurant has a veggie menu for vegans and vegetarians, and breakfast had vegan butter plus almond or soy milk. The rooms were spacious, clean, and air conditioned, and the staff were really friendly and helpful, especially the wait staff. We didn’t get to try the pool or Turkish bath, though with more time we would have liked to. It’s a lovely hidden gem in Portugal, and I’d definitely stay again.

The restaurant was super, and the hotel has a quiet feel to it. There’s a gym, pool, and sauna, and the staff were friendly and ready to help with whatever you needed. The view over town is beautiful.