Hotel Porto Santo & Spa

I can’t help but have mixed feelings about this hotel, but mostly in a fond way. On one hand, I absolutely loved the nostalgia. It really does feel like stepping back into the 1960s, with its stunning retro design, original features and wonderful sense of history. There’s something quite special about seeing a hotel of this era still standing so proudly, and it really shows how well things were made back then. Even some of the furniture has clearly lasted 50-plus years, which is impressive in itself. I loved the decor, the faded artwork, the architecture, and that feeling of the “good old days”. For me, that was a huge part of the charm. That said, if you’re looking for somewhere modern, polished and fully up to date, this may not be the right place for you. I do worry that unless some areas are gently modernised, the hotel could start to fall too far behind the times, which would be a real shame because it has so much character and potential. There are some real highlights. The service was lovely throughout, the pool area is stunning and actually feels very modern, with its infinity edge. The beach bar is great, the hotel has its own access to a beautiful sandy beach, and the town centre is only around a 20-minute walk away. Breakfast was a little basic, and it would be nice if they mixed things up from day to day, but there was enough there if you’re happy to be a bit creative. I do wish they provided a kettle in the room though, as that would make a big difference. For me, I loved stepping back in time. The nostalgia, the architecture, the beach access and the overall charm made it feel really memorable. Others may feel a little short-changed if they’re expecting a more contemporary hotel experience, but personally, I really enjoyed it.

A quiet and peaceful place to stay... it's an old charming hotel with friendly people around, great staff from reception to restaurant and especially the nice guys cleaning and watering the garden...stayed here the second time and are happy for our decision...Thank you all for this wonderful relaxing and great holidays❤️

2* hotel at best. We arrived at 11 and room not ready til 3. Went back at 3 to be told “it’s from 3 - we will phone you” - they never did! We visited in May 26 and after a night left as everything in the hotel run down and poorly kept. Dining room not as shown in photos - now like a school dining hall. No lifts for cases and corridors like youth hostel. The rooms overlooking car park have best view! The ones at back dark due to evergreen trees 4’ from balcony. Can’t really sit on balcony as half partitioned off by blinds and concrete wall high making looking out unpleasant - chairs uncomfortable too . Pool area sad looking and communal rooms look like an old people’s home. Spa tired and closed up most of time ? We lost our money and paid additionally to stay Hotel Torre Praia on edge of small town which was fantastic! One positive note. Hotel inside is spotlessly clean .

We had a lovely 3 nights at this hotel and spa. Hotel guests get a good discount off spa services so we took advantage and had a massage. The spa is large but facilities are very dated, as is the hotel in general. The rooms have a tv, fridge and safe, but ugly tired balconies. The gardens are well tended, but not particularly pretty, but lead directly to the beach. There is table tennis and crazy golf, both freely available via the beach bar opening hours, but the golf is in a sad condition and almost impossible to use. The lovely outside pool is marble, a nice size, with incorporated shallow area and the temperature was good even though the air temperature was cool. The reception staff are gold standard, helpful and smiley, quoting 'this is your home'. Our inclusive breakfast was great, and though the same every day, there was lots of choice at the hot and cold buffets, there was different breads, cakes, yoghurts, and a variety of nuts and fruits. The coffee and fruit juice were from a machine, but OK, drinkable. Everything was replenished immediately all the way through the breakfast session. The set evening meal was advertised on a board each day, but we felt it was expensive and very limited choice compared with local restaurants, so we dined outside the hotel. We used the beach bar one afternoon, it was pleasant, quick service, and nice music, and the food was simple but tasty. We only found the hotel bar on our last evening, the barman was helpful, friendly and courteous, even making me a special cocktail. There is a big room with card tables and comfy chairs which we didn't use. The hotel is situated about 20 minutes walk from the main town near the ferry, but a bus stops right outside. Overall the hotel is very welcoming and comfortable and we would return.