포르투 데 가이아, 오토그래프 컬렉션

완벽한 위치

I don’t enjoy leaving unflattering reviews, but our experience was so different than what I had expected (based on others’ reviews and the price point) that I’m sharing here. Issues: (1) By booking on *******, we were not only given the worst room (limited view, next to elevators, etc.) but were scolded by the reception staff for not booking directly with Marriott. We were also rudely dismissed when having inquired about a room change. (2) The bathrooms are not actually a separate (bath)room and are just a separate space in the bedroom. If you are traveling with someone, be prepared for no privacy regarding lights, sound, etc. (3) Dinner in the restaurant was just okay and way over-priced for what it was (though the service was pleasant). (4) Multiple times a day, there are huge tourist buses that drop off and pick up right outside the hotel, which means every time you come and go, you need to wade through dozens of tourists standing around the entrance. (5) Most of the attractions (churches, restaurants, cafes, shopping, tours, etc.) are on the other (city) side of the river, which means there’s a 25-35 minute walk each way, and even if you’re fit and healthy, there really is only one way across the river, so it’s the same trinket stands and tourist traps you pass by each time (and not a good use of time). Moreover, a taxi or Uber also takes 20+ minutes due to the traffic (congested by the tour buses and the limited number of bridges in/out of the city).