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I’m giving up on Rome for this year’s Ambassador voucher and would like to try Porto instead. I’ve read Rob’s review from 2020, but I know there is knowledge in the forum too. Really I’m most interested in if there is a sweet spot for room choice since there isn’t a lounge. e.g. is the “outside living area” in the suite descriptions worth having? The only glimpse of patio furniture visible on the website suggests it doesn’t offer a view. What upgrades have people had on the AMB voucher? Are the 10k points Rob got instead of an upgrade a frequent experience here?
Many thanks as always for any insights.I walked past IC Rome last night and it looked open but the doorman told me they’re not opening for another month. Walked past again tonight and the luggage store room had bags in it, the bellhops were present and correct, ditto reception staff, and a lady with luggage was standing there. Perhaps it is some kind of soft launch with invited guests only. In any event I would not lose hope on having a stay after May 2023 stick.
I’ve stayed several times at IC Porto and it’s my favourite hotels. Each time, I was upgraded to a junior suite when booking a base room either on points or for cash incl. Amb voucher. They treat elites well. On the very first stay (and that was before introduction of Diamond and breakfadt benefit), as Spire Ambassador in addition to upgrade I got free breakfast, drinks voucher for each night of the stay. I also got a wine, chocolates and pastel de nata and on other occassions a champagne and some other local pastries. The staff are superb and very helpful.
I haven’t been back in a while though and I understand the hotel did some suite renovations. Junior Suites overlook the Praça de Liberdade, but currently there is a construction going outside, so you’d want the room to the back. I think until that is complete, the hotel might not be that suitable. I am not going back for that reason.
Be aware that Porto is currently building a new metro line and there are a LOT of works going on outside the front of the IC. I was in the city centre yesterday and it is still quite disruptive in that specific area, and I doubt it will improve much before the end of the year (for example).
I am sure the IC have a handle on their customer entrance and journey, but one to be aware of if it is the sort of thing that bothers people.
Thank you for taking the time to reply. It seems as if I might not get the hotel or city at its absolute best but I’ve decided it’s where I’d like to visit.
Just reporting back on this in case it’s helpful for anyone.
Lovely hotel, lovely city. Only problem is that I’ve come home with a daily habit of a bottle of port and 6 custard tarts.
The construction in front of the hotel is ongoing and apparently won’t be finished before 2025. It didn’t worry or disturb me but it does spoil the view and necessitate a small detour if wanting to turn left out of the hotel.
I booked one night with my last cc voucher (king classic), two nights on the ambassador weekend rate (expecting an upgrade I booked the slightly odd split level “suite” which now seems to have been rebranded as king classic historic centre view), one night on points (king classic, 57k). Comms with the hotel in advance were excellent and as expected I stayed all 4 nights in the junior suite I was allocated.
The room was very comfortable and well equipped, though the red marble in the bathroom felt a little oppressive and dated; but then again maybe opulent is the word.
Daily treat in addition to the mineral water top up: fruit bowl on arrival, pastel de nata (x4), half bottle of port (twice). The $15 F&B credit was good for 2 beers from the minibar.
Breakfast (free as diamond) was extensive and included IC branded fizz, just in case that’s your preferred way of preparing for a port tasting. Coffee not great, however: the in-room Nespresso was better.
Staff all friendly, efficient and very helpful.
Overall, I would definitely stay again. I felt the location (building works apart) was perfect.
Thanks to @meta and @redlilly for their input.
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