Moov Hotel Porto Centro

Moov Hotel Porto Centro is housed in the emblematic Cinema Aguia D'Ouro, which was built in 1839, and the hotel has preserved the Art Deco exterior that was added later. The hotel showcases a movie theme in its decor, with black-and-white photos of movie stars from the old classics displayed in the lobby, guest lounge, hallways, and rooms. Interiors have a modern, streamlined aesthetic and a monochromatic black, white, beige, and brown color palette. Guests gather in the breakfast room, which has an outdoor terrace set in an attractive courtyard with lawns, trees, and a stone wall. The lounge offers sofas, tables, free Wi-Fi, and a flat-screen TV. Overall, though, the hotel is used primarily as a base for exploring central Porto and doesn't have the most social vibe. Its guests skew a bit young, drawing mainly couples and groups of friends, but families and solo travelers check in here too.

Moov Hotel Porto Centro is in central Porto next to the Church of Saint Ildefonso on historic Batalha Square, home to the Batalha Palace and Sao Joao National Theater. Numerous shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs are within walking distance of the hotel. The Sao Bento Metro and train station is about a five-minute walk away, but it's an uphill climb from the station, so guests with luggage might want to opt for a two-minute taxi ride. Bolhao Metro station is also five minutes away from the hotel, and is a much flatter walk. Bolhao Market, with fruit and vegetable stands, meat shops, souvenir stands, and cafes, is next to Bolhao station. Boutique shopping on the Rua do Almada is about a 10-minute walk from the Moov. Clerigos Tower and Porto Cathedral, with its view over the city, are a seven-minute walk from the hotel. The area that includes Infante D. Henrique Square, Bolsa Palace, and Monument Church of St. Francis is a 15-minute walk from the Moov. The oldest part of the city, the UNESCO World Heritage-protected Ribeira Square, is 15 minutes away on foot. The square is situated next to the River Douro and Dom Luis I Bridge. The hotel is about a 25-minute drive to Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport, or about 40 minutes away by metro from Bolhao station. It's worth noting that while the area is safe enough, some guests have noted that it can feel a bit dodgy at night, and transient people are frequently found just outside the hotel. 

The 125 rooms at Moov Hotel Porto Centro have a contemporary utilitarian look, with a white, beige, light green, and brown color palette and all-white bedding with brown throws. Walls are mostly bare except for black-and-white photos of iconic movie stars. Rooms range from 161 to 312 square feet (15 to 29 square meters), so some are small, though not that small by European city standards. All come with built-in desks, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs with some English channels. Some rooms have balconies and Batalha Square views. While Wi-Fi is free, it's restricted to one user per room, and there are occasional problems with speed and the connection. At 22 inches, the TVs in most rooms are small when viewed from the beds, and rooms lack mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and safes (safe-deposit boxes are available at reception). Closet space can be limited. Bathrooms are well-lighted and well-maintained, although some are compact, with limited counter space around the sinks. Most have only showers. Bathrooms have a combination shampoo and body wash, rather than separate shampoo and bar soap. Hairdryers are available from the front desk but require a deposit.

As a budget hotel, Moov Hotel Porto Centro's features are few, but it does have a breakfast room with a pleasant courtyard terrace, and a guest lounge with a flat-screen TV and coffee machine. The hotel serves a continental breakfast of cereal, breads, pastries, cheeses, coffee, tea, and juice for a small fee, which guests can take on the terrace. Front-desk and tour assistance is available 24-hours a day. Limited parking is available for a fee -- be aware that the garage is small, and it's difficult to enter with big cars. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.