InterContinental Porto-Palacio das Cardosas

The InterContinental Porto Palácio das Cardosas was exactly what you would expect an InterContinental hotel to be: luxurious, plush and polished, with all the bells and whistles. From arrival, the experience felt appropriately five star. The bellmen were welcoming and helpful, and the check in process was polished and well appointed, with all the pomp and circumstance you would expect from an InterContinental. The location is prime. You are right in the middle of Porto, within easy reach of many of the major tourist attractions, while also not far from the financial district. That makes the hotel equally well suited for business and leisure travelers. We stayed as a family of three and had a great experience. Our room was well appointed and immaculately clean, as was the hotel overall. On several occasions, I asked housekeeping staff for additional amenities while they were servicing other rooms. Even when there was a language barrier, Google Translate solved that within seconds, and voilà, I had exactly what I needed, always delivered with a smile. That level of service was consistent throughout the property. From housekeeping and the restaurant staff to the bar, bellmen and front desk, everyone we encountered was friendly, efficient, guest focused and genuinely service oriented. Breakfast was exactly what you would expect from a five star hotel. The buffet was extensive, with a wide assortment of just about everything you could want, and the quality and presentation matched the standard of the property. The one disappointment was dinner. The service was very good, but the food itself was underwhelming , particularly when compared with the standard set by every other aspect of the hotel. For an establishment of this caliber, the dinner offering needs to come up a level and meet the standard of the rooms, service, breakfast and overall experience. One additional touch that would make an already excellent property even better would be a designated smoking area for guests who enjoy an occasional cigar or other tobacco. The shared courtyard off the restaurant seems like a natural location, but access currently ends relatively early in the evening. A small, well ventilated glass enclosure or similar designated space could be an elegant solution that accommodates smokers without affecting other guests. Certainly not a deal breaker, but it would be a welcome addition for those of us who enjoy a cigar from time to time. That aside, we had an excellent stay. The InterContinental Porto delivers the luxury, location, cleanliness and level of service you expect from the brand, and I would happily recommend and stay here again.

Delay in room over 2 hours other guests travelling with got in immediately. Chased up twice ignored. Bathroom toilet not clean rang for cleaning two arrive didn't clean it missed it again had to show them. Dirty cup chased up myself. Noise is issue in room as other reviews

5 star because of the service staff. From the minute, I arrived in the middle of the night until months after the service staff has been outstanding after I stayed there a few nights I left forgetting things in my safe arrangements were made to have someone personally drive my passport and jewellery to me. Later it became a parent that I had also forgotten other things in my room and when I inquired on returning home, it was confirmed months after I had visited. They shipped everything to my home in Canada the staff were exceptionally polite, including the concierge and wait staff. Everyone went above and beyond to accommodate me make recommendations and ensure personal items were returned. If I go back to Porto I will definitely be staying at this hotel.

Very nice hotel. Very large and comfortable rooms. Fantastic location. Superb service. Nice breakfast! Highly recommended!

A wonderful stay that felt like being transported to another time. Everything in the hotel is beautiful and luxurious with historic architectural details everywhere that add to the atmosphere. The staff are all very helpful and friendly. Our Junior Suite was spacious with everything in perfect condition and nice views of the Praça da Liberdade. House keeping was lovely and every evening during turndown service they would place our 7-year-old son’s pyjama on the bed and stuffed animal on his pillow. Its little details like this that make a stay feel special. In fact our son had forgotten his stuffed animal in his bed and didn’t realise until that evening once we were hours away in Galicia. I immediately contacted the hotel and they held on to it for us for a week until we could pass through Porto again. Truly world class service and a wonderful experience in a palatial setting. The only thing missing is a swimming pool. Otherwise it’s absolute perfection.