Sao Felix Hotel Hillside and Nature

The hillside setting at São Félix Hotel Hillside & Nature is surrounded by nature, and we could watch gorgeous sunsets over the coast from our balcony. We spent two very restful days there. The staff were busy with lots of guests but still greeted us with warm smiles and were incredibly welcoming. It was easy to get to the UNESCO sites in Guimarães from the hotel. We also noticed the nearby square, with its Fernando Pessoa quote and monument to emigrants, which added a nice cultural touch. A great place for comfort and atmosphere.

The peaceful hilltop setting has beautiful views, and the staff were very friendly. Everything was clean. You’ll need a car to stay here, though. Porto and other nice towns are easy to reach by car. The hotel feels very dated and needs renovation. The pool loungers and balcony chairs are old and uncomfortable. Meals and breakfast are fine, but nothing special, and the Wi-Fi barely works. When you're on the balcony or by the pool, a white wall blocks the view. Transparent railings or an infinity pool would make a big difference. With modern updates, more comfort, and better facilities, the hotel could really reach its potential.

We had a lovely three-night stay, with stunning views and a really peaceful atmosphere. The reception staff were incredibly kind and welcoming. Breakfast tasted great, though the choice might seem limited if you stay longer than one night. The hairdryer is quite old, so if you have long hair, bring your own.

The view is nice, and you can get lots of “instagramable” pictures. I do wonder if some of the reviews are fake, though. I can’t think of anything else positive about the place, and I wouldn’t return or recommend it. The hotel feels dated and badly in need of renovation. My room was cold and smelled strongly of cigarette smoke. Breakfast was the same basic selection each morning, with little variety, and it got boring quickly. There’s an “entertainment room,” but it’s just a small room with a snooker table and a few random books. The pool was closed for the season, and even open it didn’t look inviting. The whole place felt lifeless, and maybe suits older guests looking for a quiet retreat, but it misses the mark if you want some atmosphere or things to do. There’s almost nothing nearby, just a steep road up to a small café and a church. I tried to find shops or somewhere to explore, then took a 15-minute Uber ride to Casa China. That was disappointing too, with most places shut and little to see or do. Getting there was a hassle as well: we flew into Vigo Airport and the trip to the hotel took over two hours. I know that isn’t entirely the hotel’s fault, but alongside everything else it added to the frustration, especially given how expensive the trip was. The stay left a bad impression of both the hotel and my whole trip to Portugal.