When deciding where to stay in Porto, finding the perfect hotel for your vacation can feel like an uphill task. But for our Thanksgiving trip, we stumbled upon this beautiful property that was a winner for location, price and that oomph factor.
Located right on the riverfront in the Ribeira district, the Pestana Vintage embodies old world charm with attentive service and unbelievable views. Read below for all the things we loved about this property and a few that didn’t really hit the mark. Overall, this was one of the highlights of our Porto trip so definitely a strong recommendation especially for your first visit to Porto.
Hotel Location and Map
For those unfamiliar with Porto, it’s basically two towns right on the Atlantic Ocean and split by the Douro River. On one side lies Porto proper and on the other side lies Vila Nova De Gaia. For more information about where to stay in Porto, check out our full review. But for now, we are going to zoom into the riverfront area directly across from the Gaia port houses which is where the Pestana Vintage is located.
The hotel sits directly on the riverfront with unobstructed views of the Douro River traffic with every manner of boat floating by as the day goes on. The riverfront is very lively with multiple restaurants directly in Riberia square outside the Pestana and a short walk to Ponte Luis. That would be one of the six (and soon to be 7) bridges that crosses the Douro river and connects Porto to Gaia.
The bridges each have their own fascinating history and our riverboat cruise down the Douro was one of the most fun activities we did despite the weather. But the main reason I bring this up is that by staying at this hotel, you are able to easily walk to all of the restaurants on the riverfront as well as walk over to Gaia which is where all the lively port action happens. And more importantly, walk back after drinking all the delicious port.
Booking Tip: If you do decide to book a stay at Pestana Vintage, I recommend checking out the rates on Booking.com We prefer to book our hotels through them whenever possible, because they tend to have competitive rates and very generous cancellation policies.
Hotel Layout
This was one of the most fun and unexpected discoveries during our trip. The “hotel” isn’t actually one building but multiple historic and old buildings that have been preserved and converted into one property.
So there were originally 3 older structures that were very cleverly designed and combined to feel like contiguous space. We may have never found this out until our river guide pointed it out from the river and then all those different elevators and steps made a lot more sense.
So expect lots of corridors, turns, and even a little bridge that connects the buildings but all in a way that adds to the charm. Even if it does make hauling luggage more tricky. Also important to note that because of the multiple buildings and angles, not all rooms have the same exact river view so definitely a word of caution about taking time to pick the right room if the view is critical.
Most visitors enter directly from Ribeira square which is a short walk down from the one of the quickest roads leading to downtown and the riverfront called Riberia Negra which connects to the main Gustavo Eiffel road. Yes, the same Eiffel from the Eiffel Tower who also happened to design one of the six bridges on the Douro.
As you enter, you have the check-in desk directly on the right and a bar on the left. There is also a very nice sitting area in the back which was great for us when trying to keep all the kids entertained after a long bus drive from Lisbon airport. Checking in was fast and efficient and pretty soon, we were headed to our room to enjoy the spectacular views.
Pro Tip: Only registered taxis and smaller cars are allowed to drive down to the square as well as the Cais Da Ribeira so our large Sprinter van had to drop us off at the top which was a nightmare on a busy Saturday afternoon with elderly people in our party. If you do have a lot of luggage, it may not be a bad idea to call the hotel ahead of time and have one of the bell boys help out with a luggage cart.
Rooms Review & What’s Included
This is one of those hotels where the room category isn’t just “slightly nicer” but can really shape your experience. In general, given the location, the rooms tend to be on the smaller size as is to be expected. But definitely do your research to make sure you get exactly what you look for.
Main Room Types
- Classic / Superior rooms: The practical choice and the least expensive. You can get this in the double or twin configuration and ideal for couples or a party of two. They come with all the standard amenities and range from about 200-250 sq feet in size. You’re paying for location more than space.
- Plaza / front-facing styles: Great for people-watching and feeling in the middle of things. Not the same as the big river panorama, though but some of them may have partial views of the riverfront.
- River View / River View Balcony: This is the “wow” option and probably one of the most popular room choices. If the view is the whole reason you booked Pestana Vintage, this is definitely the recommended option and you get to experience not just the river but also the sounds and smells of the bustling riverfront. And maybe the occasional fireworks show.
- Grand View / Grand View Balcony: Usually the best and most expansive view and some of the largest rooms measuring nearly 460 feet. This is also the best option for families with kids as they can fit 3 people along with the Triple option for the other categories.
Our Review Of the Grand Room
So we ended up choosing the Grand View room because the riverfront for us was one of the major reasons for us picking this property. And with our son, having that extra rollaway option was the perfect amount of space.
So as you can see from the picture, the Grand View room was very tastefully decorated with a nice big bed, a little seating area and plenty of space for the rollaway. The bed looks right out to the river with 3 beautiful windows that can be opened to walk out to the balcony. Now, keep in mind, this was a really tiny balcony. But you definitely got to experience the sounds and the energy of the riverfront up close and personal.
Now if you were lucky enough to get a river facing room, this is the magic that lay outside. Stunning views of Ponte Luis I, the port houses of Gaia and all the buzz of the riverfront.
Here is another angle of the room facing away from the windows and as you can see the well-appointed bathroom is right on your left as you enter.
The glass window definitely gives it a very naughty vibe but fear not, the privacy curtain completely closes it off so there is no way to see into the bathroom..But if you are traveling solo and watching the river from the bathtub has been on your bucket list, the Pestana Vintage will not disappoint.
Here is a better picture of the bathroom. In keeping with more luxury touches, the bathroom had all marble with a deep tub and the quintessential bidets that throws all Americans off. The provided toiletries were all pretty standard as would expect from an upscale property and overall, plenty of space.
The rollaway bed was another great feature especially if you are traveling with kids. Now some of these beds can be pretty uncomfortable but the Pestana definitely got a vote of approval with the thickness of the mattress and being close to all the goodies.
Speaking of goodies, the minibar section was well stocked and had everything you needed to get into trouble at night. For a midnight snack, it also had chips and nuts and we definitely took advantage of that delicious Douro wine.
The Food and that Buffet
Now one of the highlights of the trip was the included buffet. If you read any reviews of the Pestana Vintage, people are sure to mention the buffet. And for very good reason.
The food and the setup exceeded expectations and sitting down for a leisurely breakfast almost became an activity that everyone looked forward to. The buffet is actually built below ground on one end of the hotel (remember this is a hill after all) and requires an elevator trip to the lowest floor.
Breakast Buffet
The buffet lays out as you walk down the steps from the elevator and enter the restaurant. There is a friendly and smiling server that will record your room number and escort you to the table. Once you are seated, directly next to you is a main central table that is laid out with cold cuts, olives and some delicious local specialties like smoked salmon and different types of fruits.
Then on the other side of that space is a walkway with different stations on the side. This is where you will find a wide assortment of delicious croissants, a hot food section at the end with eggs, sausages and baked beans. And some very interesting dishes like that green spinach cake that you see in the center. Not sure how I feel about that but it sure looked delicious.
At the entrance to the buffet, right where you walk in, were some additional pastries and cheese. And of course, we had to have Portugal’s very own, the Pastel del Nata. We had this tasty pastry all over the country on our trips and I have to say that this breakfast buffet was easily top five.
But the big surprise at this restaurant is that not only do you have the buffet option but there is also a full kitchen that lets you order ala carte!! So you get a menu when you sit and it is all included as part of the price of the hotel room.
Over the course of our trip, we had the pancakes, the eggs benedict, the omelets and everything was freshly prepared and absolutely delicious. Remember when I said that people rave about the buffet. This is why this is such a recommended option for travelers to Porto.
Rib Beef and Wine & Bar
While we didn’t get a chance to eat at the Rib, this highly rated steakhouse from Chef Rui Martens is a great choice for a cozy dinner. The menu has some really great Portuguese dishes such as Bacalhau as well as Duck rice in addition to a wide assortment of steak cuts. As well some stunning pairings of wine.
Getting to this restaurant is the same way that you would get to the buffet and we were truly bummed about not experiencing their award winning food.
Vinology Wine Bar
A really nice place to grab a quick snack or drink is the Vinology bar on the 2nd floor. As soon as you walk up the steps from the reception area, there is this really cute spot with a tapas style menu and some generous pouring of local wine.
We enjoyed a few of the cheese flights, some delicious meats and even a canned option from the menu below. The server was very passionate about wine and let us try and few local options before settling on a yummy vinho verde that paired perfectly with the cheese.
This also looked to be a good spot for non-hotel guests to come in and grab a snack and a drink while appreciating the river front. There were a bunch of tables set out on the balcony as well with some space heaters, and blankets, which made it a very romantic setting.
Service & Hospitality Ranking
Overall, we were really happy with the Pestana Vintage staff and the level of service. Once we got over the initial shock of needing to haul multiple suitcases down a hill, the hotel staff made sure that all of our trips to Gaia, for sight seeing as well as the airport transfer happened right outside the hotel in the square. They were quick and prompt to offer suggestions for nearby restaurants and order taxis for our large group.
On the last day, we had a late flight and kudos to the hotel and staff for holding all our luggage post checkout which allowed us a whole another day to explore and not run into any issues.
What We Didn’t Like
Now these are relatively minor things but there were a few areas to improve. The number one thing would be some better upfront communication on the traffic and the logistics of getting to the hotel. Also, there wasn’t a separate concierge so if you heavily rely on them for recommendations on things to do and places to eat, I am not sure they were equipped for that.
The service at the breakfast buffet was amazing but it did feel like the Vinology bar was often short staffed so often had to wait a while to get a glass of wine. But those are easily fixable things.
Best Option for This Type of Traveler
- First-timers who want the classic Porto riverfront experience
- Couples/friends who want views + an easy evening drink option
- People who don’t mind a lively area and want to be right in it
Maybe Look Elsewhere for This Type of Traveler
- Light sleepers who need guaranteed quiet
- Travelers who hate quirky layouts and want modern simplicity
- Anyone who wants big resort-style facilities (pool/spa-heavy stays
Overall Pros and Cons of Staying at the Pestana Vintage
Pros
- The view can be absolutely gorgeous (especially balcony rooms)
- Breakfast is a legit highlight
- You’re in the heart of the riverfront atmosphere
Cons
- It can be noisy at night depending on your room
- The layout can be a little “where am I going again?”
- If you don’t book a view room, you might miss the main magic
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1) Should I book a river-view room?
If the view is why you’re choosing this hotel, yes—it’s the main “wow” factor. Otherwise, you can save money and just enjoy the riverfront outside.
2) Are river view rooms noisy?
They can be, since the area stays lively. Some guests sleep great, others notice late-night sound—so it’s a bit of a roll of the dice.
3) What’s the layout like?
It’s a historic, multi-building kind of setup—more character, less “straight-line simple.” Expect a few turns and sometimes stairs.
4) Is breakfast actually that good?
I mean…if you are still not sold after all the pictures above, I am not sure what a good breakfast looks like. But the short answer is yes. This is actually that good
5) Is it good for first-time visitors to Porto?
Yes—this is one of the easiest places to “feel” Porto right away, especially if you’re here for the riverfront vibe.
6) Are the rooms big?
Generally, think of compact city rooms rather than spacious ones. If you want more space, look at suite categories.
7) Is it good value?
Best value when you’re paying for views/location and actually using them. If you don’t care about either, you can likely find better deals elsewhere.
8) Would you stay again?
If I wanted a view-heavy, riverfront trip—yes, but I’d book the balcony/grand view category and request a higher floor. If I needed guaranteed quiet, I’d choose a calmer base.
Overall Recommendation on Pestana Vintage
If you want Porto’s riverfront energy right outside your door and you’re excited about waking up to a view of the Douro and Gaia, Pestana Vintage is an incredible property. We loved the history and quirkiness of the hotel, the delicious buffet and being able to stare at that view for hours. You are definitely in the middle of the noisy action and it can be a pain in the butt to get to but if you manage to overcome those, you will have a dreamy stay that embodies the heart of Porto.
The location is perfect for walking to nearby restaurants as well as port houses and you are still close enough to major roads and the train station to be able to get to other parts of the city or country.
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