Douro Scala

The restaurant let the stay down, with disappointing food and service. At night, the hallways have an eerie, mystery-film sort of feel. The valley and vineyard views, though, are beautiful and easily the hotel's best feature. If scenery is what you're after, you'll find it here. For top-notch service, fine dining, or a genuine luxury stay, I wouldn't choose this place. Beyond the views, it felt like a three-star experience at best, not a five-star one.

The rooms and the hotel itself have fantastic views, and breakfast was very good. We also found the staff nice, so it was a lovely stay overall. Construction work did disturb the peaceful atmosphere, though, and the indoor pool felt quite cold even though the sign said 29°. Aside from those issues, everything was great.

The room was beside a construction site, with bulldozers making noise well into the evening, and the night manager was super rude. We left the next day. For a five-star place, the layout was confusing and we kept getting lost. The balcony was so cramped that the table and chairs barely fit, and my family could see me showering or bathing from the bedroom. When I asked for whisky, they said it was only available for cocktails and wouldn't order it for me. After we worked out some vodka instead, they wanted €20 for a shot. I deserve a refund.

I bought a voucher after seeing the hotel advertised on Odisseias. I emailed the hotel, and they confirmed there was availability for my chosen date. But when I tried to book using the voucher, they said I couldn't use one from Odisseias. Catia was dismissive and hung up while I was trying to get information, then stopped replying to my emails when I asked why I couldn't book. Listing the hotel on Odisseias while refusing clients' vouchers and having no availability is dishonest. I wouldn't recommend it, especially if you're coming through Odisseias.