To the point
Here is our review of the Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa, a good option for visiting Porto and affordable with Marriott Bonvoy points.
Location
The Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa is located in the northwest quarter of the city, near the Francos metro station. From the Porto Airport (OPO), it takes about 15 minutes by cab. Or 40 minutes by metro.
To get around downtown, take public transportation or Uber.
Booking
At the time of my stay, a night at the Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa cost 30,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
The best way to earn Marriott Bonvoy points for free stays at more than 7,000 hotels around the world is with the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card (and/or the Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express®* Card).
In addition to the exceptional welcome bonus of each of these two cards, you’ll earn 2 points per dollar on all your purchases and 5 points per dollar at any of the Marriott establishments. On top of that, every year, you’ll receive a free hotel night certificate (worth 35,000 points) and 15 Elite Night Credits toward your Marriott Bonvoy status.
Hotel Presentation
The Sheraton brand is part of Marriott’s Full Service Hotels. For a few years, The Sheraton has been trying to regain its status, once seen as obsolete. And I must say that after staying at the Sheraton Mexico City Maria Isabel Hotel and the Sheraton Grand Hotel Dubai, I was pleasantly surprised. The Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa continues this trend.
Upon entering the hotel lobby, one can spot glass elevators. On the right large comfortable spaces surround a pool table.
We are in a grand hotel and it shows.
After checking in at the front desk, my reservation for a king bed was upgraded to a suite on the tenth floor (Club level).
The suite is composed of two rooms. First up is a vast living room.
A large sofa and comfortable armchairs face a connected TV. On the wall is a stereo system. There is also a Nespresso coffee machine.
I particularly appreciated the office space, ideal for working.
The bedroom is separated from the bathroom by a large window with blinds. This is something that I noticed in another hotel in Portugal, the Sheraton Lisbon Hotel & Spa.
The bed is very comfortable the double curtains block the light from outside. There are bathrobes and slippers in the closet, practical for going to the spa.
Let’s move on to the bathroom.
This one is composed of a large bathtub, a double wash basin, separate toilets, as well as a large Italian shower.
Hotel services
Club Lounge
With my Marriott Bonvoy status, I have access to the hotel’s Club Lounge. This one serves food throughout the day.
You can also access the Club Lounge without status by booking a room at the Club level.
Having arrived at the Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa around 5 pm, I decided to head up to the Lounge at 6 pm to enjoy the hot meal, accompanied by a glass of wine.
All this while enjoying the view in this part of the city and the sunset.
Breakfast
Breakfast is served in the hotel’s restaurant, located to the right of reception.
It is a large room where several tourist groups have already been seated.
There is a wide variety of food choices, including many local options which I appreciated. Note there is also a machine to make your own orange juice.
Something healthy eating before visiting Porto.
Pool and Spa
The hotel’s spa and swimming pool are the highlights of the Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa.
It is a nice place to spend 2 hours after visiting the city. You will find:
- a large heated pool
- a hot tub with different types of massage jets
- several hammams and saunas
- an interior relaxation room
- an outdoor rest area
- changing rooms with shower
It’s got everything!
Gym
On the same level as the spa is the gym.
Many facilities are available here and are suitable for all activities. The only drawback is the lack of outside light.
My general impression of the hotel
The Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa will appeal to those who are looking for a hotel that offers many services, including a spa. However, note that it is a bit far from the tourist center of Porto (plan for 10-15 minutes by cab or Uber).
However, this is still the best option in the city for using your Marriott Bonvoy points as the AC Hotel Porto is further away from both the airport and the tourist center, in the northeast end of the city.
Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!
