Forrester Essence Douro Hotel

“Convenient central town hotel”

Check in was quick and efficient. we were only staying on a bed and breakfast booking. However we were offered the use of the hotel restaurant for evening meal, if we required it. The rooms were very spacious but tired. There was tea, coffee making facilities and bottled water available free as … lisää

Check in was quick and efficient. we were only staying on a bed and breakfast booking. However we were offered the use of the hotel restaurant for evening meal, if we required it. The rooms were very spacious but tired. There was tea, coffee making facilities and bottled water available free as well as toiletries. The hotel swimming pool looked very clean and inviting. The buffet breakfast was excellent with plenty of choices for continental and cooked. Our pre-arranged packed lunch was also very good

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“Fawkty Towers”

The hotel interior was tired and dated. The rooms were clean but the bathroom was shabby. The coffee machine did not work and neither did the heating. The worst part was the service at dinner. We were booked in at 8.15 but on arrival (although two tables were free) we were asked to wait in the … lisää

The hotel interior was tired and dated. The rooms were clean but the bathroom was shabby. The coffee machine did not work and neither did the heating. The worst part was the service at dinner. We were booked in at 8.15 but on arrival (although two tables were free) we were asked to wait in the bar for 5 minutes. We waited 45 minutes before we were invited to our table. During this time we were not offered anything to drink. We sat at our table for 35 minutes without a menu or offer of drink before a tray of olives, cheeses, bread etc arrived. Our complimentary glasses of wine were eventually brought to our table by the maitre D. Every drink ordered by the customers had to be brought from the bar 30 metres away by the maitre D. The meal was mediocre with melon and prosciutto to start, a rice and prawn dish ( which was very tasty) and a piece of cheese cake which appeared to be heated in a microwave. The buffet style breakfast was really good. The receptionist doubled as one of 3 waitresses. Many people including a Portuguese couple, who were celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary and were declined a glass of champagne, thought the service was very unprofessional. I have complained to Douro cruises who organised the night’s accommodation.

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“Surprise concert!”

We were quite happy here - nice rooms although rather dated bathrooms good restaurant, pleasant personnel. But, in the afternoon, we heard some musical warming up and that evening, there was a very loud public concert which lasted well after midnight. It was impossible to sleep, even with windows c… lisää

We were quite happy here - nice rooms although rather dated bathrooms good restaurant, pleasant personnel. But, in the afternoon, we heard some musical warming up and that evening, there was a very loud public concert which lasted well after midnight. It was impossible to sleep, even with windows closed and ear plugs in. What a pity! And the same thing seems to be happening tonight. We chose this hotel for it's promised quiet. I'm afraid we won't come back.

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“Adequate and confortable.”

Firstly, this hotel is no longer owned by the Pousada (Portuguese Government) and is now operated by a private company. I am told the same staff remain under the new ownership. We stayed two nights at this hotel. First impressions are the interior is a little dated in places. That said, it did have… lisää

Firstly, this hotel is no longer owned by the Pousada (Portuguese Government) and is now operated by a private company. I am told the same staff remain under the new ownership. We stayed two nights at this hotel. First impressions are the interior is a little dated in places. That said, it did have the best [powerful] showers of or 10 night stay in Northern Portugal. The staff are friendly and helpful but the hotel does "close down" at midnight each evening and there is no front desk staff or any staff as I could determine in the property so if this is a concern for some travellers, be aware. I would say the hotel is a comfortable place to stay in a town with few options. The breakfast was again adequate but I found that to be the case in all the hotels we stayed in as opposed to in Spain where the breakfasts are sumptious especially in the Pardores. My comments about the restaurant are seperate.

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