Casa Zogbi hotel

I’d normally never book a Superior River View Room, but I did here and felt there was a bait and switch. The online confirmation showed one room, while I arrived to find a darker, less ornate one. See the photo below. I calmly raised it with the concierge, but nothing was done, so this honest review is how I feel I can be heard by anyone considering a stay at Casa Zogbi. The staff are wonderful, breakfast is outstanding, and the location is very central, though only certain taxis can go down this pedestrian street. Still, I rate the experience 2 stars because of management. No one likes a bait and switch. No one.

The room details were lovely, and the welcome sweets were a definite plus. Staff were so kind and helpful, breakfast had lots of tasty choices, and the hotel is well placed for walking to all the sights. The river view was good, too. The only downside is that the room is a little small, though it’s still quite comfortable.

Breakfast is at the restaurant next door, where it’s made to order with unlimited refills. The space was clean, the staff friendly, and the portions just right. Bread, yogurt, and tea were all good. The scrambled eggs were the one miss: they smelled odd, likely because of poorly handled pork fat. If smells bother you, skip them. We came right before Christmas, and the warm yellow lights and pine decorations made the small hotel feel relaxed and homey. It’s tucked down a narrow alley, two minutes from the river, with a view of Porto’s iron bridge. Since it was off-season, we got early check-in. In the room there was a handwritten welcome card and a small plate of pastéis de nata, simple touches that lifted the mood. The room isn’t large, but two people can move around comfortably. The pointed ceiling, part of being on the top floor, gives it a cozy attic cabin feel. There’s a wardrobe, shoe care kit, and marble patterned bathroom. The shower is a strange design choice: no door and no slope in the floor, so showering floods the whole bathroom. The bed is large and comfortably firm. The TV is small, though, so you’ll be squinting if you try to watch from bed. Great location, thoughtful service, and a comfortable room. The shower and eggs are minor downsides, but they don’t affect my stay. Highly recommend!

What stood out most was the staff. Their smiles and service made Porto feel like home, and the front office team, Helmer and Patricia, were kind, helpful, and always ready with directions, recommendations, and suggestions. Thank you for everything! I spent 3 nights in the middle of August at this brand new, exquisite hotel right in central Porto. The room felt luxurious, and the linen, towels, amenities, and room service were all superb. Amazing hotel and great value for money. Highly recommended!