The hype
Travelers love the spacious rooms and professional staff but are consistently annoyed by the extra charge for the pool.
Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa
$130-200/ night
Book this if You're a Marriott loyalist or business traveler who wants 5-star facilities at a 4-star price and doesn't mind a 10-minute Uber to the historic center.
Why People Love It
- Spacious, modern rooms (starting at 32 sqm) that feel larger than typical European boxes
- The spa is a legitimate wellness destination with a massive hydrotherapy pool (if you pay for it)
- Located in the Boavista business district, meaning it's quieter and less chaotic than the tourist-packed Ribeira
Quick Take: A polished, glass-and-steel business fortress that charges you extra to use the pool unless you have status.
Reviewed by @cvvergara1: I stayed at the Sheraton Porto for a weekend getaway. The suite was huge, and I loved the smart glass bathroom feature—total privacy in one click. The spa and indoor pool were exactly what I needed to relax. Perfect spot if you want luxury with easy city access.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The '5-star' rating feels accurate for the hardware but the 'nickel-and-dime' policy on the spa and breakfast (~€28) rubs many the wrong way.
- You have Marriott Platinum status (free breakfast + spa access)
- You need a quiet, reliable place to sleep and work
- You prefer modern luxury over creaky historic charm
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Daily and thorough, though sometimes too eager to start (9 AM knocks).
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally sparkling marble and glass. Recent isolated reports of humidity/mustiness in some rooms.
- Maintenance: Excellent condition for a 20-year-old hotel. Lobby and public areas are pristine.
- Linens & towels: Crisp, white, and high quality. Towels are fluffy.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells like the signature Sheraton 'white tea' scent; rooms are neutral.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Traffic on cobblestone streets (lower floors)
- Aggressive housekeeping knocking early (9 AM)
Before you book
Good to know
- The 'Spa' access fee includes the pool, sauna, and steam room; only the gym is free for everyone.
- Breakfast is expensive (€28); walk 5 mins to local bakeries for a €5 feast instead.
- Metro station 'Francos' is a 10-minute walk, but Ubers are cheap and faster.
What to pack
- Swim cap (mandatory for the pool, sold at spa desk if you forget)
- European power adapter (Type F)
- Uber/Bolt app downloaded (essential for getting downtown)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Club Level rooms (High floors) – worth the upgrade for the free spa access and lounge breakfast
- Rear-facing rooms on floors 8+ for garden views and absolute silence
Rooms to avoid
- Low floor rooms facing Rua Tenente Valadim (traffic noise)
- Standard rooms if you plan to use the pool daily (the daily fee adds up fast)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate a room on a high floor (8th or above) facing the garden/rear to minimize street noise. If possible, please ensure the room is not near the elevator bank.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool free?
No. Unless you are in a Club room or have Marriott Platinum+ status, it costs ~€20 per person, per day.
How far is the city center?
It's about 3km (2 miles). A 10-15 minute Uber ride or a 20-minute Metro trip. Not walkable for sightseeing.
Is breakfast included?
Only if your specific rate says so. Otherwise, it's a steep ~€28 per person. Club rooms get free breakfast in the lounge.
Is it quiet?
Mostly yes. The windows are good, but ask for a high floor to escape the rumble of tires on cobblestones.
Can I open the windows?
Yes, windows usually open slightly for fresh air, but the climate control is efficient.
Is there parking?
Yes, underground garage parking is available for ~€25/day.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Juice Bar' inside the spa serves healthy lunches that are cheaper and faster than the main restaurant.
- ✨
The Club Lounge has a private terrace that is often empty—great for a quiet sunset drink.
- ✨
Don't buy the hotel water; there's a supermarket (Pingo Doce) just 5 minutes walk away.
5 things to know before you go
💡The bathroom wall is glass. There are blinds, but you can still see silhouettes—awkward for colleagues sharing a room.
💡The 'Garden' is more of a visual feature than a place to hang out; you look at it, you don't really 'use' it.
💡Housekeeping is aggressive. Put the 'Do Not Disturb' sign up or they WILL knock at 9 AM.
💡The beds are 'Portuguese Firm'—which means very hard. Ask for a topper if you have a sensitive back.
💡The piano bar actually has live music most nights and is a surprisingly decent spot for a nightcap.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa is located and what's nearby.