Being Porto Hostel

The morning we had a flight, we went to use the kitchen at 7:30, the time we’d been told it opened, but the kitchen and office doors were locked. We were left waiting on the stairs for half an hour. We tried calling, but got no answer at 8 o’clock. A woman eventually arrived and said she’d been held up by an accident on the bridge. My mother and I were hungry and nervous about getting to the flight, and sitting on cold cement stairs made it worse. I understand delays happen, but she didn’t seem compassionate about our situation and offered no way to make up for the time or stress. I work in hospitality, and even tea, coffee, or breakfast would have been a kind gesture. The service was terrible and added stress for my poor mother, who the woman seemed very insensitive toward. It had already been a difficult stay for my 75-year-old mother. Our train came in late, and the check-in guy was kind enough to wait until 11. But getting up three big floors left her exhausted halfway up and nearly in tears. We then had to ask to move to a ground-floor bed in the female dorm, which would have been great.

The city views from the upper floors were incredible, and we met some amazing people. The hostel was clean and comfortable, and the staff were super friendly and helpful. It’s in a great spot in Porto. I had such a good time and highly recommend it.

I strongly recommend avoiding this place. Their reception closes at 11 pm, and I can’t believe a hotel or hostel wouldn’t have 24-hour reception. I’d booked a 9:15 pm flight from Rome to Porto, arrived around 11:30 or 11:45, caught a bus at 12:20 am, and reached the hostel at 1:06 am. They’d messaged me while I was on the plane, when I had no data to reply. I tried contacting them after landing, but got no response because reception was closed. I’d clearly said in my booking that I’d arrive late, but they ignored that message and just told me reception closed at 11. It was raining when I got there, and I had to run from hotel to hotel looking for somewhere else to stay. I was turned away ten times because places were full, and spent two hours out in the rain before finding a bed. I reported everything through their booking platform. Porto is not friendly with Latin Americans. The customer service was awful.

The location is great, and the staff were friendly. The rooms are nice too. Still, this “hostel” doesn’t have much of a social feel. Most people seemed to want a cheap hotel and acted like they’d booked a private room. As a solo traveler who enjoys hostels, I can’t recommend Being Porto.