"My sister and I traveled to Porto from 15th to 22nd of June 2026. We booked our trip through Travelmax in Ballymena. From the onset the staff listened to our requests and planned our location to our specific needs. They helped us with our itinerary and checking in online and were available if we needed further help.
The hotel Mercure Porto Central Santa Catarina that was identified for us could not have been more perfect. Not only was the hotel amazing, the location was fantastic but more importantly the staff at the hotel from start to finish were exemplary.!!!!!
When we arrived ( we took a Bolt from the airport - great service), we were greeted and looked after by Bruno (#1). He welcomed us with a huge smile that did not leave him our whole trip, and he was on hand when I, in particular had trouble charging my phone. Bruno was so approachable and patient and we had good banter with him also! ( In fact we had good banter with all the staff!!)
Bruno #2, Filipa, Mariana, Monika, Selma, Susanna, Fabio, Ribi, Gonsalo & Manuel.
Our room was upgraded upon arrival and we couldn't believe that it overlooked Sao Bento train station. We could also see Porto cathedral from our room and Clerigos.
The in-house restaurant A Bicicleta served excellent Portuguese food and offered a daily 3 course menu of the day for 17€. There were also plenty of choices outside the hotel to eat which we took advantage of also.
When my Portuguese friend and her partner came to stay one night at the hotel the staff upgraded their room so that it was close to us and they welcomed them wholeheartedly as well.
The hotel was walking distance to Dom Luis1 bridge , Ribiera, Porto cathedral , Sao Bento train station ,many churches , Majestic cafe, Mercado do Bolhào to name but a few.
During our stay we took a few excursions including the red open top bus tour, the six Douro river bridges boat trip, Fado, and Clerigos light show, Spiritus.
On our last evening the entire staff including the kitchen staff sang happy birthday (parabens) to us in Portuguese.
They presented us with the most amazing birthday cakes slices and a card from the staff. We were blown away with their thoughtfulness and kindness. Tu és Fantástico!!!!
What an amazing bunch of people !!!!. This includes the cleaning staff and the kitchen staff also. Muito Obrigada!!!!
The management should be very very proud of their amazing staff!!
The entire trip / experience was so memorable , we were treated like Queens.
Upon leaving in the early am Manuel stayed with us until our Bolt arrived to take us back to the airport.
PORTO ,WE LOVE YOU!!!"
