For a stay that puts you almost on the Ribeira without the Ribeira prices, Hotel Carris Porto Ribeira is one of the more sensible picks. It sits in the Centro / Baixa area on the street that runs down toward the river, and its listed walking distances tell the story: one minute to the Historic Centre and to the Infante metro stop, three minutes to Ribeira Square, six minutes to the Luís I Bridge, seven to the cathedral, eight to Avenida dos Aliados and nine to São Bento Station. The airport is about thirty-five minutes by car. The hotel is classed at four and has ninety rooms. The booking page counts twenty-five room types, from Standard and Superior doubles to junior suites, suites and a Premier Suite, with river-view options among them. All rooms have air conditioning, free WiFi and safes, along with 32-inch televisions and bathrooms with showers and bidets. Forno Velho serves Portuguese cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and there is a bar, a gym, a business centre and three meeting rooms. The hotel is not pet-friendly and has no parking. Breakfast is a buffet at an extra charge, and the front desk is open around the clock. Guests rate it 8.6 out of 10, described as excellent, from more than a thousand reviews.
Why choose it
The position. You can leave in the morning, wander down to the quay, cross the Luís I Bridge for a port lodge and be back for lunch, all without a taxi. The metro stop beside the hotel gives you a quick link to other districts and to the airport line. With so many room types, you can match your budget to your needs, from a simple standard room to a suite with river views.
Living in it
Ask for a river-view room if the view matters to you, and confirm the category when you book, since the range is wide. The area around the Ribeira is lively in the evening, so ask for a quieter room if you want an early night.
With no parking on site, arrive by metro or taxi rather than driving into the old streets. Forno Velho is useful for a simple dinner after a long day, although the Ribeira is full of restaurants if you prefer to explore. The gym and business centre are useful for longer stays.
Who it suits
First-time visitors, couples and small groups who want to be in the historic heart at a moderate price. It is a practical base for those who enjoy walking and want to be close to the sights, the quay and the cruises. Remember that the streets around the Ribeira are steep and cobbled, so wheeled luggage can be awkward. Book early for São João in June and for summer weekends. The hotel is also listed under another trading name on some sites, so check you have the right property when comparing rates.
Why stay here
- ✓Forno Velho Portuguese restaurant
- ✓Bar and lounge
- ✓25 room types incl. river-view options
- ✓Free WiFi and air conditioning
- ✓Gym and business centre
- ✓24-hour front desk
- ✓Metro stop one minute away
- ✓Walk to Ribeira Square
Good questions
How far is the hotel from Ribeira Square?+
The hotel lists a walk of about three minutes to Ribeira Square, six minutes to the Luís I Bridge and seven to the cathedral.
Is there a restaurant?+
Yes. Forno Velho serves Portuguese cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and the hotel also has a bar.
Does it have parking?+
No. The hotel lists no parking, and it is not pet-friendly. The Infante metro stop is one minute away.
