We spent Christmas Eve (our anniversary) and Christmas Day at this hotel. What an experience! Check-in was quick and we were given a quick tour of the palace before taken to our room. This is definitely a 5 star hotel. Breakfast was excellent with lots of choices. However, I could not say the same for the Christmas Eve dinner (set menu) or Christmas Day buffet. It is a 40 minute walk to the Ribeira area or a 5 Euro taxi ride. I would definitely recommend this establishment to others just for the experience.

Stayed in this hotel for a couple of nights on our honeymoon and felt like royalty. What a grand setting and a small taste of what it must of been like in its hay day. Beautiful dining rooms with big windows overlooking the river Douro. The bedrooms where modern, well appointed and spacious with amazing views of the river and gardens. As it was November we didn't use the outside pool but instead found retreat at the very relaxed subdued spa facility down stairs with its indoor pool, sauna and steam room all of which open onto the beautiful gardens. We were greeted with a warm fire burning and a glass of port at a unconventional check in desk and the friendly staff took us to our room after a short tour of the Palace. Highly recommend this for a romantic location as a way to impress a loved one, a Chill out break or as a base to explore Porto without being in the centre. It is a pleasant half hour walk along the river to the centre and a cheap return by taxi! Conveniently the Yellow tour bus stops outside so you can start your sightseeing from there. Hope to make it back again if we are lucky!

The Palacio do Freixo is a big bucket of Wows by a number of factors. Let’s start with entering. You’ll be greeted by the friendliest and most professional employees (our greeter was named Joao) as they hand you a glass of port. Next you’ll be shown through the “castle” part of the hotel: where the reception, meeting rooms and restaurant are situated. The views are spectacular and just outside the back is a beautifully manicured grass lawn, infinity pool, wooden chase lounges, a bar and a dock leading you out and over the river. Sunset was divine!

Next to the “castle” is a salmon-colored building that used to be a cereal factory that now houses the hotel rooms. Two in our group had the king suite which was absolutely beautiful and roomy while we had a standard room. The beds were firm and comfortable and the room itself was very modern and spacious with plenty of room to unpack and feel at home. Our view was breathtaking, just the perfect way to wake up on a warm fall Porto morning. About the location: there's nothing much to do around where it is as it's along the river but not near the bustling riverfront. A 5 Euro cab fare takes you to town or bustling riverfront where you can explore from there.

The buffet breakfast was beyond impressive. Conjure it up in your head and it’s probably served: mimosas, fruit juices, eggs, meats, salads, cheeses, breads, pastries, muffins, cereals, yogurts, etc. All very fresh and good quality. It was one of my favorite perks of the experience here. If you’re going to splurge somewhere in Portugal, consider splurging in Porto at this hotel (or perhaps find a deal for it online). You won’t be disappointed.

We spent a lovely five days at this splendid hotel. The main hotel building is outstanding - elegant, beautiful and a blast of the past. The service was very good/excellent with all the staff friendly and helpful. The bedrooms in a separate building are well appointed. We loved our third floor river room.The pools are very clean and welcoming. We had asked for a quiet room.... only to find that the first night was disturbed by an all night party - put on by the hotel to celebrate its second birthday. Not a good start from our point of view as we were in need of rest and relaxation. But the following nights were quiet. As the hotel is on the outskirts of Porto clients would be advised to hire a car or be prepared for taxi transfers. A memorable stay.