Hotel Palanca

The reception staff were good, but other parts of the service and the hotel could use some work. The breakfast was very basic, and the place could do with a facelift. The location itself wasn't bad. Noise was a real problem. I could hear the road and people in nearby rooms so clearly that I even heard a neighbour using the toilet. I found myself telling my partner to keep their voice down in case we disturbed someone. After getting back from a night out with old friends at 4 a.m., I was woken at 11:25 by the cleaner knocking next door and telling the guests they had to leave. The booking said keys should be left at reception by noon. I might return someday, but for now I can't decide what star rating this place deserves.

The staff made this stay special. When my charger stopped working, one employee kindly lent me her own, and the team also pointed me to tasty local food that wasn't expensive. My room was clean, and the location was great. I had such a lovely time here that I'd choose this hotel again if I return to Porto. Obrigado, see you soon!

The staff were warm and friendly, but it was hard to get a decent night's rest in my roadside room. Traffic and people passing outside were loud even with the windows shut. The shutters did block the light when fully closed, which I needed because the curtains weren't blackout curtains. They didn't help with the noise, though, and if I left them open the morning light woke me. The bed was so hard it felt like a board and left me aching, so I put the thin duvet underneath me for a bit of cushioning.

The metro stop is just around the corner, so getting into town takes only a few minutes. The location works really well, and the whole place, including the room, was consistently clean and hygienic. For a two-star hotel, the room was very good for the price, and the value overall is hard to beat. Breakfast is simple but fine. The older lady greeting guests in the morning is especially lovely, always welcoming people with a smile. I stay in hotels in different countries for work, and I'd recommend this one in its category. If I'm back in Porto, I'll come again. The staff are really friendly.