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Porto Day 2 - First appointments

Time spent in the morning, pressing the “snooze” button on my alarm meant we were slightly rushed for our first appointment. A quick breakfast and off to the Hotel Malaposta. Situated near the town square, it had a nice, modern interior with clean rooms. All en suite rooms with air conditioning. Breakfast is inclusive with a good choice. The Malaposta is a good balance of quality and price in a great location.

Next was the Hotel Universal, which was again in a privileged location on the main square. This hotel had an attractive reception area, fairly standard rooms but generally had a pleasant atmosphere with friendly staff.

The Grande Hotel De Paris was the next port of call, a flashback to renaissance France with a very Gallic interior. The rooms kept to the theme, with a range of different types of furniture. The walls and tables were decorated with bizarre objects, a gramophone, antique sewing machines and typewriters and (the best one!)… toilet seats. Altogether, the Hotel De Paris would make a comfortable and memorable stay in the heart of the city.

With an hour break, we decided to explore the city a little more. Coming to one of Porto’s many bridges, The Ponte Dom Luis, which crosses over the famous River Douro. I would advise that people with vertigo do not cross, the bridge is very high but presents you with tremendous views over the city.

Residencial Chique is basic accommodation, perfectly situated on the Avenue dos Aliados. Clean rooms with nice views over the square.

Our next visit was a proper tour around the Pão de Açúcar and the Residecial Dos Aliados. Family owned and run hotels, they also own numerous spots in Porto. These being the Café Guarany on the Dos Aliados. Founded in 1933, the café comes complete with a classical pianist and classic décor. They also run the famous Café Majestic, in which they claim J K Rowling wrote the first Harry Potter book and Jaques Chirac have dined.

Pão de Açúcar is a splendid hotel with art deco architecture and décor. The hotel offers many rooms with the same art deco theme catering for couples, groups and familys.They also offer a lovely terrace overlooking the city which catches the sun for most of the day.

The Residecial Dos Aliados is also a commendable hotel. Not quite up to the standards of the Pão de Açúcar, it offers very clean room, friendly staff and a generally welcoming experience.

After the tour of the hotels and we were taken for a drink in the Majestic Café, which also holds a modern art gallery downstairs, which gives local artists the opportunity to have their work on display.

We were then given the Metro experience, which, like the airport, is part of the regenerated infrastructure in Porto being only a couple of years old. Putting the London Underground to shame it has modern stations, clean, airy trains which are also very punctual. We then had a look around El Corte Ingles, which is a huge chain of department stores in Spain and Portugal.

Once back at the hotel, attempts to go for a night time walk around Porto were dashed by tiredness. Ah well, two days left.

Quite impressed with Porto so far….