Caléway Hotel

The garden facing rooms at the back are quiet, and ours was very comfortable. Some rooms at the front look onto a narrow one way road. The garden views from the rooms are lovely, and there’s also an open stairway leading up from the old stone reception and hall. The building’s front blends into the local style, so watch for the entrance. Breakfast is served up the old stone stairs. It’s continental, with a small choice of hot food. There’s a little self service bar where you write down what you take on an honesty sheet. Drinks are very cheap, with beer, wine, some spirits, soft drinks, port, and bottled water available. This is a lovely small boutique hotel, and I’d definitely recommend it. It’s a hidden gem across the river from busy Porto, just a few minutes on foot from the Port lodges. The access into Porto is about a 10 minute walk, either over the low level iron walkway or by gondola up to the upper level, then across on the tram train level.

I liked the location a lot. It’s easy to walk into Porto, and the train up the hill is close by for trips to the beaches at Espinho, Granja, and Aguda. The stay was good overall, though the hotel didn’t quite feel like a four star place. The staff were friendly, but our room showed some wear, including a little mold in the shower. There was no tissue box or artwork on the walls. We tried the breakfast buffet, but the eggs were cold. Some weekend evenings, music from the restaurant complex behind the hotel can get very loud. They may stop it around 22:30, which was frustrating when we wanted to turn in early.

The staff were professional, responsive, and really helpful. The hotel is very close to the waterfront, yet the area stays quiet. We’ve visited Porto many times, but this was our first stay in Vila Nova de Gaia, and the location was perfect.

If you’re coming by car, there’s plenty of parking nearby. The hotel is in just the right spot, with a good breakfast and a lovely modern room inside a restored original building.