Hotel Boa Vista

Hotel Boa Vista is housed in a 19th-century building overlooking the Sao Joao da Foz fortress, at the point where the Douro River flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Some of the interiors have an unintentionally retro ambience, with shag carpets and black vinyl furniture in the lobby and sitting areas. However, there are a number of other places here for guests to hang out. The restaurant is a more attractive space, with wicker chairs and big windows that frame views of the sea and fortress. The rooftop swimming pool is open year-round, and the adjacent deck is a nice spot to sit with a cool drink and take in the sun and views. Outside the breakfast room is a map of Porto in 1892, along with antique desks and vintage cards and pens, reminding guests of the hotel's history -- guests are encouraged to record their experiences at the hotel. The Boa Vista draws tourists from across the spectrum -- couples, families, and solo travelers. Located outside the busy city center and near the sea, it attracts guests seeking a quieter vibe. The hotel has meeting rooms and event spaces, and business travelers find their way here too -- it's about a 10-minute walk to Catolica Porto Business School.

Hotel Boa Vista is in Foz do Douro at the western edge of Porto, where the Douro River meets the Atlantic Ocean. It's an area of fine homes, shops, restaurants, bars, and outdoor cafes with ocean views, but guests expecting to be in the heart of historic Porto should look elsewhere -- it's at least a 15-minute drive to the Ribeira Square area. The hotel overlooks the 16th-century Sao Joao da Foz fortress, which contains the ruins of a 15th-century church. The Passeio Alegre garden, a two-minute walk from the hotel, was built in the 19th century, and features tree-lined avenues, palm trees, sculptures, fountains, and summer concerts. It's a fine area for beach access as well, with Praia do Ourigo and Praia do Carneiro beaches both within a three-minute walk. The Catolica Porto Business School is a five-minute drive or 10-minute walk from the Boa Vista. It's a five-minute drive or a 15-minute walk to Pergola of Foz promenade overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The Porto Aquarium and Fort Sao Francisco Xavier are a 10-minute drive, and the Casa da Musica concert hall is a 15-minute drive from the hotel. There's a bus stop outside the hotel, and a tram is within a few minutes' walk -- it's a 30- to 45-minute trip along the scenic waterfront to the city center. The hotel is about a 20-minute drive to Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport.

The 71 rooms and suites at Hotel Boa Vista feature light-wood floors and tufted headboards, with a color palette of brown, red, or blue against light-gray walls. Some have balconies and sea views. Rooms, while well-maintained, have a somewhat dated look that includes brightly colored bedspreads and lots of oak details. The black-and-white etchings of historic sights on the walls do add a nice bit of local flair. Some of the twin rooms are a bit small, and have double beds that are two single beds pushed together. Additionally, we spotted a bit of water damage on walls in some rooms, like the Twin Room with Land View that we visited. Rooms all come with air-conditioning, desks, safes, minibars (with room to refrigerate items), free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs with English-language and satellite channels. Some suites, with separate living spaces, have small tube TVs as the second TV. A few rooms include trouser presses and hot water kettles for instant coffee and tea. Bathrooms include granite counters, shower/tub combos, bidets, magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, and toiletries. Suite bathrooms add scales, bathrobes, and slippers. Some bathrooms have jetted tubs. 

The standout feature at this hotel is the rooftop pool and deck. The pool, open year-round, is open-air in the summer months and enclosed in glass at other times of the year. The adjacent deck offers superb views of the Atlantic Ocean. The fitness center has free weights, plyometric balls, and a good range of cardio equipment, but there are no weight machines. The hotel serves a hearty breakfast buffet (for a fee), which includes eggs, bacon, pastries, breads, cereals, fruits, coffee, and juice. The on-site Portuguese restaurant serves lunch and dinner, and has an outdoor terrace and a bar with a selection of cocktails, beers, wines, and ports. The Hotel Boa Vista also has a guest living room, meeting rooms, a business center, and 24-hour front desk. On-site parking is available for a fee, and there is also plenty of free street parking near the hotel. Wi-Fi is free throughout.