Cats Porto Hostel

Not only is the 16-room Tattva Design Hostel good value for money, it quickly becomes more than just a place to sleep for many guests. Its colorful, stylish decor, clean facilities, and extra comfort features make this hostel stand out in quality, even in style-packed Porto. The hostel is housed in a restored historical building with original features, including pretty azulejo tiles on the front facade. Despite its overall worn exterior, the interior has a fun, modern vibe and is clean and well maintained. All spaces including the shared dorms -- and even the bathrooms -- are sleek and modern, with bright splashes of color and creative touches including artsy pendant lighting. There are also large wall murals with playful themes on nature, emphasizing the hostel’s eco-friendly practices and outlook. Although the hostel gets occasional party guests, noise does not seem to be an issue for most of those staying here, who tend to be younger budget travelers. 

Tattva Design Hostel is located on a quiet, hilly, cobblestone road lined with historical buildings. It’s just a three-minute walk to Sao Bento Station, and within easy walking distance to many tourist hotspots. Rua De Santa Catarina, the main shopping artery in downtown Porto, is just a four-minute walk from the hostel. Local nightlife is accessible on foot in eight minutes, at the Rua Galerias de Paris and Rua de Candido dos Reis, where old shops have been transformed into local bars and restaurants. Clerigos Tower is nine minutes away on foot, while the UNESCO-heritage sites, Ribeira Square and Bolsa Palace, are a 10-minute walk away. The historic port wine cellars are across the Douro River and best reached by car or taxi (a 15-minute drive). Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport is a 25-minute drive or a 50-minute metro journey. The hostel has an airport shuttle for a reasonable fee.

Tattva Design Hostel has a good variety of room types, ranging from standard bunk-bed dorms to private double rooms, Family Rooms, and even a stylish suite with elegant muted turquoise hues and peacock wallpaper. The high ceilings make them feel roomy, even if floor plans in some are tight. We also really liked the exposed wooden beams in rooms like the Family Room that we visited. All rooms are modern and have private bathrooms, balconies, air-conditioning, soundproofed windows, and clean comfortable beds. Bathrooms are clean, sleek, and modern, with different color schemes (some include electric hand dryers). Keep in mind that towels aren't provided for free.

The dorms are called ‘camaratas’ and feature wooden floors and bunks, neutral gray tones, and colorful bed curtains that are helpful for maintaining privacy. Each bunk bed also has thoughtful comfort features including a fan, reading light, and electric socket. Secure locker space also comes with every bed, and a second bathroom in high-occupancy dorm rooms will help save waiting time in the morning. All rooms come with free Wi-Fi.

The most unique aspect of this hostel is its tasteful design sensibility, a feature that’s rarely seen in hostels. There are also plenty of common spaces to encourage socializing, including a sleek aquarium lounge with a large saltwater aquarium, a sunny barbecue terrace with plenty of tables and chairs for lounging, and a modern communal kitchen for guest use. The stylish restaurant has industrial design accents, serves various types of cuisine including local Portuguese fare, and hosts dinners with staff for those traveling solo who would like some company. There’s also a bar, a public guitar for guest use, and various organized group tours for exploring Porto. The meeting room is sleek and stylish, with distinguished gray tones and minimalistic furniture -- it also doubles as a free book exchange. The breakfast buffet is free and a fantastic value, with fresh fruit and hot options including pancakes, sausages, and eggs. Wi-Fi is free throughout, but towels must be rented for a fee.