InfoSummary of reviewsThe Open Village Sports Hotel & Spa Club is widely praised for its serene and tranquil location, offering picturesque views and a clean, modern environment. Strategically situated just outside the urban center of Guimarães, it provides easy access to Northern Portugal and Galicia while remaining a peaceful retreat for guests. Free parking enhances its convenience, making it an excellent choice for car travelers.
The dining experience at the hotel is a highlight, particularly the dinner service which is consistently lauded for its delicious offerings, beautiful presentation and exceptional value. Breakfast receives mixed reviews with some guests praising the variety and staff helpfulness, while others call for more diversity and higher quality in the selections.
Rooms are appreciated for their spaciousness, brightness and cleanliness. Comfortable large beds and modern bathrooms add to the positive experience, despite occasional complaints about harder mattresses and minor maintenance issues. Cleanliness is generally satisfactory with efforts evident in room upkeep, although some areas like hallways and carpets need attention.
One of the standout features of the hotel is its staff, who are repeatedly commended for their friendliness, professionalism and attentiveness, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
The spa is another major draw, boasting well-equipped thermal areas and diverse pools that cater to various preferences, despite some maintenance concerns. Guests also enjoy the excellent gym facilities, which include a variety of sports amenities and professional trainers. The pool area, described as spacious and well-maintained, further adds to the overall recreational appeal, though it could benefit from extended hours and more consistent upkeep.
Overall, the Open Village Sports Hotel & Spa Club offers a well-rounded stay with a few areas for improvement, particularly in breakfast quality, bed comfort and certain maintenance aspects. The excellent location, dining, staff and recreational facilities make it a strong choice for travelers seeking both relaxation and convenience. Show more
InfoSummary of reviewsQuinta Do Rio offers a harmonious blend of tranquility and accessibility in northern Portugal, nestled in a serene countryside yet conveniently close to the historic cities of Guimarães and Braga. The picturesque setting, surrounded by lush greenery and near a charming small river, allows guests to experience both rural peace and nearby urban attractions. Visitors frequently praise the calming atmosphere, enhanced by the natural beauty of the surroundings.
The hotel excels in providing a satisfying breakfast experience, featuring fresh, high-quality regional products. Guests enjoy delightful offerings including fresh bread, croissants, pains au chocolat, and pasteis de nata, complemented by serene views from the dining area. Despite minor remarks about variety, the breakfast consistently receives high praise for its freshness and quality.
Accommodations at Quinta Do Rio are spacious, modern, and impeccably clean, with comfortable furnishings and thoughtful details that provide a cozy environment. The impressive bathrooms and hot tub facilities add a touch of luxury, while cleanliness throughout the property enhances the overall experience. Guests appreciate the attention to detail, including staff efforts to preheat rooms for ultimate comfort.
The hotel's commitment to cleanliness is evident in the well-maintained spaces and beautiful gardens, contributing to a serene atmosphere. Guests consistently commend the extreme cleanliness and organization, while friendly staff enhance the welcoming environment. Though one review suggested room cleanliness could be improved, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive.
Exceptional service is a hallmark of Quinta Do Rio, where staff are renowned for their warmth, professionalism, and attentiveness. Standout team members Ana and Raquel epitomize the genuine hospitality that sets the property apart, ensuring guests feel valued and cared for throughout their stay.
The impressive swimming facilities offer another layer of relaxation, with both indoor and outdoor pools praised for their cleanliness and ideal temperatures. The indoor pool’s 24/7 availability and the scenic outdoor pool next to the river provide guests with a delightful, luxurious retreat, perfect for both families and individuals seeking a relaxing getaway.
Overall, Quinta Do Rio stands out as an excellent choice for travelers seeking a blend of relaxation, exploration, and exemplary service in northern Portugal. Show more
InfoSummary of reviewsFonte Velha offers a serene and charming retreat nestled in a tranquil, verdant area, making it an excellent base for exploring northern Portugal. Its strategic location near Porto, notable sites like Amarante, Guimarães and Braga and local attractions such as water parks, makes it highly accessible, particularly for those traveling by car. Guests appreciate the peaceful village ambiance, ease of access to the train station and highways and the charm of the recently restored old granite house with clean, well-equipped rooms.
Breakfast at Fonte Velha receives mixed feedback. Many guests enjoy the generous portions and variety, especially the inclusion of delicious Portuguese specialties. However, some feel the options are basic with limited pastry, cold cut and fresh fruit selections. Despite occasional criticisms regarding variety and safety protocol adherence, the general consensus is positive regarding the quality of the food.
Dinner experiences at Fonte Velha are overwhelmingly positive with guests praising the traditional Portuguese dishes for their quality, flavor and authenticity. Reviews emphasize the dedication and love put into the meals, notably by Mrs. Rosa and appreciate the generous portions and affordable prices. Nearby dining options, such as the recommended Quinta da Lama Restaurant, also enhance the culinary appeal.
Guests often commend the rooms for their comfort, cleanliness and thoughtful decoration. The essential amenities provided add to the convenience. However, some criticism arises due to the small room sizes and the integrated, minimally-separated bathroom layouts, which might not suit everyone's preferences. The blend of consistent cleanliness and a warm atmosphere remains a significant positive.
Fonte Velha is lauded for its high standards of cleanliness. Guests frequently highlight the spotless rooms and well-maintained property, noting the beautiful, comfortable and pleasant designs. The attention to detail and overall freshness contribute to a positive perception. However, the lack of daily room cleaning and towel changes unless requested is a minor drawback for extended stays.
The exceptionally friendly and helpful staff at Fonte Velha receive consistent praise from guests. The owners and staff's hospitality and attentiveness significantly enhance the experience with personalized service and welcoming interactions contributing to a memorable stay.
The variety of pools at Fonte Velha adds to its appeal with many guests enjoying the natural, spacious and beautifully maintained outdoor pool areas. The tranquil and relaxing ambiance is a highlight, though some concerns about pool cleanliness indicate room for improvement.
Fonte Velha is ideal for family vacations, offering a quiet, family-friendly environment. The fully-equipped holiday home allows for meal preparation, adding convenience for families. While some room configurations may not suit all family needs, the overall ambiance remains peaceful and accommodating for family-friendly getaways.
Guests generally find the beds at Fonte Velha comfortable and clean with positive remarks about the good bedding. However, some guests note that the mattresses can be too hard and the pillows unpleasant, reflecting varied preferences. Overall, the beds meet guests' needs well, contributing to a comfortable stay. Show more