I stayed here (as the conference hotel was full) and decided that if I was going to pay 20-30EUR each day for the taxi that I should at least pick a cool location. The location (outside of down, next to the coast) is cool but the view from the rooms isn't that fantastic - but it's a least quiet. I was here during the week, apparently week-ends are much more busy in the neighborhood. The rooms are large, and mostly clean (some old stuff was lying under my bed which I had moved to get to the power socket for my laptop) and the carpets need to be seriously refreshed. The rest of the room is clean but becoming kinda old. Most of the things are probably at least 10-15 years old. Breakfast is quite OK (but no special), and service was quite good overall. During my stay I only saw elderly people stay here. Remembered me of Nice post-holiday season...

Spectacular find - Made selection of this hotel initially because it was outside the downtown Porto area. Upon arrival we were greeted by the hotel staff who presented us with a glass of Port and warmly welcomed us to Casa Branca. Outside of town about 7km or 4.5miles approximately, the hotel is situated on the oceanfront in a residential neighborhood. Very quiet, free parking for car, and the rooms were nicely decorated in a traditional style and large. Each room has a balcony that provides a view of the Atlantic ocean - spectacular sunsets and very peaceful. There is a paved boardwalk which continues for approximately 3/4 miles - and thereafter a wooden boardwalk for approximately 1/2 a mile thereafter - provided for a great place to run and take those slow romantic walks on the beach in the evening. The hotel is initally a little bit of a challenge to find if you are driving in from the airport it is about 15km and takes about 20minutes. We had a GPS and needed it! there are many tiny streets, narrow and lack of road signs, an updated GPS is the way to go! we had one and had mininmal troubles finding where we needed to go. The hotel dining is very good - the free american/european breakfast would meet any hungry man's needs with meats, eggs, sausages, cereals and a wide variety of fruits, cheeses, breads and the fixings. The breakfast room also over looks the tennis court and the ocean, gets your day off to a great start. we spent each morning with our breakfast writing in our journals of our previous day's adventures. For Dinner - the hotel dining is excellent and a value for the money spent, large portions of food and a wide variety of selections, pasta, chicken, beef and vegitarian dishes. Prompt service, and nice staff. Don't be surprised if you see the same staff working the bell stations, front desk and the dining room - its one big happy family at Casa Branca and they all chip in to help. The staff is easy to communicate with and offered several options on sites to see and places to visit. even provided maps and such for our outings. If we ever return to Porto we will definitely visit Casa Branca - you should too you wont be disappointed it is delightful!

Nous sommes si heureux d’avoir découvert cet hôtel ! Nous avions réglé notre suite à l’avance, mais en arrivant, en voyant que la vue n’était pas des meilleures, nous y avons renoncé pour une chambre à lits jumeaux de l’autre côté du couloir, avec une vue absolument superbe sur l’océan. L’hôtel se présente comme un trois ou quatre étoiles, ce qui est tout à fait juste. Les chambres sont très confortables et propres, bien que les sièges soient un peu usés. Les salles de bains sont petites, mais cela suffit amplement. L’accueil est excellent, le service en chambre est mieux que ce qu’on a l’habitude de trouver dans un hôtel de cette catégorie. Ce qui nous a épatés, c’est le restaurant, qui est fantastique !! Il est rare que je mange plus d’une fois dans la semaine au restaurant de l’hôtel, mais à celui-là, j’y suis retourné 3 fois tellement c’était bon ! Nous n’avons pas testé les équipements de loisirs de l’hôtel, étant trop occupés à découvrir les beautés de la côte sauvage. Au point de vue emplacement, il y a mieux mais c’est très bien desservi, et de plus il y a toujours beaucoup de place pour se garer. Et pour finir, ils ne font aucun problème pour vous rembourser le cas échéant. Un hôtel où nous retournerons certainement à l’occasion.

So pleased we went to this hotel. We pre-paid a suite but on arrival, found the views not the best and downgraded to a twin room on the other side of the corridor which had absolutely stunning views of the ocean. The hotel is pitched as a 3 or 4 star, and this is appropriate. The rooms were very comfortable and clean although perhaps the soft furnishings were a little tired. Bathrooms were small although perfectly adequate. The service from staff was excellent, with room service above the level expected for this catergory of hotel. The restaurant was the surprise. It was fabulous!! Rarely would I eat in a hotel dining room more than once during a week, so good I went there 3 times! Did not use the leisure facilities as so busy enjoying the natural coastline. Location is not the best but public transport very good. Also plenty of car parking.Last thing, no problems with refund on pre-paid accommodation. Would definitely go back.

So pleased we went to this hotel. We pre-paid a suite but on arrival, found the views not the best and downgraded to a twin room on the other side of the corridor which had absolutely stunning views of the ocean. The hotel is pitched as a 3 or 4 star, and this is appropriate. The rooms were very comfortable and clean although perhaps the soft furnishings were a little tired. Bathrooms were small although perfectly adequate. The service from staff was excellent, with room service above the level expected for this catergory of hotel. The restaurant was the surprise. It was fabulous!! Rarely would I eat in a hotel dining room more than once during a week, so good I went there 3 times! Did not use the leisure facilities as so busy enjoying the natural coastline. Location is not the best but public transport very good. Also plenty of car parking.Last thing, no problems with refund on pre-paid accommodation. Would definitely go back.