Exe Almada Porto, Porto

Pros

• Nearly all of Porto's key attractions are within walking distance from the hotel, with the central Praça da Liberdade and São Bento station reachable in under 10 minutes.
• The hotel occupies a lovely 19th-century landmark building, with a classic Porto red facade, iron balconies, and stone details.  
• Rooms are contemporary and comfortable, featuring warm wood flooring, rich wallpapers, and hand-tiled bathrooms.
• The optional breakfast buffet offers a variety of hot and cold options, including pastries, cold cuts, and self-serve coffee.

Cons

• On-site facilities are somewhat limited, with no spa or restaurant, though there's a small fitness room available to guests. 
• The smallest Double room options can feel small—opt for a Superior on the higher floors for more space and a balcony.

Authenticity

Part of the Spanish Exe hotel group, the Exe Almada Porto occupies a landmark 19th-century building in Porto's UNESCO-listed historic center, complete with a classic red facade and original iron balconies. Inside, the contemporary interiors do a nice job of incorporating original elements like stone archways and patterned tiles into the modern design. Photos of the city and its neighborhoods dot the walls throughout the property and add to the sense of place.

Location

The hotel is located in Porto's central Baixa neighborhood, just steps from the central artery of Avenida dos Aliados and within easy walking distance to most of the historic center's most popular sites. A 10-minute stroll south takes you to landmarks like the Livraria Lello bookstore, Torre dos Clérigos, and the São Bento station, with medieval Ribeira and the riverside within another 5-10 minutes. The Avenida bus and tram stops are just around the corner. There's no parking on-site, but the staff can help direct you to local paid parking in the area. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

The 60+ rooms have an elegant, stripped-down feel, incorporating a neutral color palette with warm wood floors, raw stone walls, and rich wallpapers. The smallest Doubles are well laid-out but compact; Superior options add a little space and charming Juliet balconies on the upper floors. The hotel's lone Junior Suite includes a living area with a sofabed to sleep three. Bathrooms feel bright and new, with glossy white tiling and rain-style showers. 

Amenities

This is a small, boutique property that feels more like a townhouse hotel—you won't find much in the way of on-site amenities beyond a small fitness room. The cozy lounge off reception (complete with plush leather sofas and a gleaming light sculpture) is a nice spot to relax in the evenings, and an optional breakfast buffet of continental classics is offered each morning in a stylish space with velvet banquettes, herringbone floors, and statement lighting. Tucked in a cozy corner is a tiny bar, where you can grab an evening glass of port or a quick espresso throughout the day.

Family-Friendliness

The hotel welcomes families, though it doesn't specifically cater to children with its amenities, and the room choices are limited for larger groups. There's only one suite that sleeps up to three with an extra sofabed, and cribs are available upon request.