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Summary of reviewsPortobello By The Sea offers guests an exceptional and convenient stay, primarily praised for its outstanding location and amenities. The hotel is strategically situated right on the main strip of Dicky Beach, providing effortless access to shops, cafes and restaurants, all within walking distance. The beach, a brief stroll across the road, adds to its allure, making it a perfect haven for beach enthusiasts. Despite being centrally located, the surroundings remain private and quiet, enhancing the overall appeal.
The accommodations are another highlight, featuring spacious and modern apartments that are ideal for both families and couples. The rooms are well-appointed with contemporary furnishings, fully equipped kitchens and ample storage. Guests frequently commend the cleanliness and comfort of the apartments, although there are occasional mentions of areas needing deeper cleaning and updating. The pool area further enhances the experience, described as beautiful and child-friendly, complemented by well-kept tropical gardens.
The staff at Portobello By The Sea are generally noted for their friendliness and helpfulness, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. The management team, particularly individuals like Pia, receive special recognition for their exceptional service. While there are sporadic mentions of unhelpful interactions, most guests find the staff to be professional and approachable.
Parking is both free and secure with ample space for larger vehicles and convenient lift access. This adds to the hassle-free stay experience. However, the free WiFi service receives mixed reviews with many guests pointing out issues related to intermittent connectivity and slow speeds. This could be an area for improvement, especially for guests who need reliable internet access.
The beds at Portobello By The Sea elicit varied responses. While some guests find them extremely comfortable, others report issues with outdated and uncomfortable mattresses. This mixed feedback suggests that bed quality may need addressing to ensure consistent guest satisfaction.
Overall, Portobello By The Sea stands out as a superbly located retreat with spacious, well-appointed accommodations and a welcoming atmosphere, making it a favored choice for many travelers. Show more
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Categories
Boutique-style Aparthotel
Aparthotel with Swimming Pool
Heated Pool Private Pool Outdoor Pool
Aparthotel with Parking
4-Star Aparthotel
Aparthotel with Outdoor Pool
Aparthotel with Private Pool Rooms
Aparthotel with Heated Pool
Room Types
One-Bedroom Apartment with BalconyAir-conditioned apartment with large sunny balcony or patio overlooking the heated lagoon-style swimming pool or tropical gardens.
Please note that this room will not be serviced for the duration of your stay.
Two-Bedroom Apartment with BalconyThe main bedroom has a queen-size bed, en suite bathroom and TV. The second bedroom has 2 single beds and a separate bathroom.
Please note that this room will not be serviced for the duration of your stay.
Please note this apartment does not have lift access. Apartments on the lower floors can be requested at time of booking using the special requests box.
Three-Bedroom Apartment with BalconyVery spacious open-plan apartment featuring 2 balconies and 2 bathrooms. The main bedroom has a large corner spa bath.
Please note that this room will not be serviced for the duration of your stay.
Guest Reviews
7.9
Good
Location
Portobello By The Sea boasts an enviable location that consistently receives praise from guests. Positioned right on the main strip of Dicky Beach, the hotel provides easy access to an array of amenities including shops, cafes and restaurants—all within walking distance. Most notably, the beach is just a short stroll across the road, making it an ideal spot for beach lovers. The convenience of having everything close by means many guests find no need to use their car during their stay.
The surroundings are described as both private and quiet despite the hotel’s central location. Many reviews highlight the proximity to local attractions, from the Surf Club to a variety of dining options. The accessibility is complemented by spacious and well-equipped apartments, making it a comfortable base for both relaxation and exploration.
Whether visitors seek the tranquility of the beach or the convenience of nearby shops and restaurants, Portobello By The Sea provides a superbly located retreat that offers both.
Rooms
Portobello By The Sea offers spacious and comfortable accommodations ideal for families and couples alike. The rooms are well-appointed and modern, having been refurbished for a contemporary feel. Guests consistently praise the cleanliness and comfort of the apartments, which are equipped with all necessary amenities, including a well-functioning kitchen, ample storage and washing facilities.
A standout feature of this location is its prime positioning directly across from a beautiful beach, making it easy for guests to enjoy the sand and sea without needing a car. The convenience extends to nearby shops and restaurants, enhancing the overall guest experience. The proximity to Dickie Beach and other local attractions means everything is within walking distance, which guests find particularly appealing.
Despite occasional comments about the need for some updates in certain units, the overall sentiment is that of satisfaction with the spaciousness and presentation of the rooms. The lovely view of the pool area adds to the charm and the quiet environment ensures a restful stay. Whether for a family vacation or a couple's retreat, the large, private and well-located units at Portobello By The Sea make it a favored choice for many travelers.
Beds
Many guests at Portobello By The Sea have mixed opinions about the comfort of the beds. Some visitors found the beds to be extremely soft and comfortable, describing them as offering the best night’s sleep in ages, akin to sleeping on a bed of clouds. Others appreciated that the beds were fresh, well-made and firm but comfortable. Positive remarks often highlighted the comfy and well-prepared beds with a few reviews mentioning that the beds contributed to a great overall stay in the roomy and well-equipped apartments.
However, not all experiences were favorable. Multiple reviews mentioned that some beds were old, lumpy and in desperate need of replacement, causing discomfort. There were complaints about beds being too hard, particularly affecting those with back issues. A few guests noted that while the rooms were spacious, the bedding fell short of expectations, sometimes even being covered in sand.
In summary, while there are emphatic praises for the soft and cloud-like beds, management might need to address recurring issues about outdated and uncomfortable mattresses to ensure a consistently pleasant experience for all guests.
Cleanliness
Portobello By The Sea enjoys a mix of opinions from guests regarding its cleanliness, reflecting a balance of positive and negative experiences. Many visitors appreciate the spacious and clean nature of the units, mentioning a welcoming atmosphere combined with comfort and optimal amenities. Guests also often highlight how thoroughly clean and well-organized their rooms are, which contributes significantly to an enjoyable stay.
However, some reviews pointed to areas that could benefit from deeper cleaning and better maintenance. Specific complaints include dirt and dust, poorly cleaned bathrooms and the need for mold treatment in shower areas. Floors and balconies sometimes fail to meet cleanliness standards, resulting in instances of dirty feet. These mixed experiences suggest that while many guests find the accommodations clean and comfortable, there is room for improvement to ensure a consistently high standard throughout the property.
In terms of location, Portobello By The Sea hits the mark with easy access to the beach and local restaurants, which adds to the overall convenience and appeal for visitors.
Staff
At Portobello By The Sea, the guest reviews highlight the consistently friendly and helpful nature of the staff, making it a welcoming place to stay. The management team, in particular, receives accolades for their fantastic customer service and accommodating attitude with specific mentions of individuals like Pia who make guests feel especially welcome. The staff at check-in and reception are generally noted for their kindness and professionalism, contributing to positive first impressions.
However, there are occasional mentions of unhelpful interactions, notably with a staff member at the office and some reception staff who were perceived as rude and lacked proficiency in English. Despite these isolated incidents, most feedback points to a positive staff experience overall with the majority of guests finding them to be informative, incredibly friendly and eager to assist.
Guests appreciate the combination of professional, approachable management and staff dedication, creating a pleasant and comfortable stay.
Wi-Fi
Portobello By The Sea offers a place with a mixed experience when it comes to internet connectivity. Several guests have praised the WiFi connection as good and some even described it as excellent. However, there are notable issues reported by many visitors. The WiFi has been described as intermittent and slow with frequent dropouts making it unreliable for those needing consistent access. Complaints range from minor difficulties to severe criticisms with terms like very limited, a joke and terrible commonly used. The issues are particularly troublesome for guests requiring steady internet for work, as poor reception has hindered their productivity. Overall, while there are occasional positive remarks about the WiFi, many reviews highlight significant challenges, indicating that improvements are needed in this area.
Pool
Portobello By The Sea boasts an impressive pool area that has received numerous accolades from guests. Visitors frequently highlight the pool as a standout feature, describing it as lovely, beautiful and great for kids. The pool area is complemented by tidy tropical gardens, offering a serene and picturesque environment.
Guests appreciate that the pool is often heated, making it pleasant for swims even during cooler months, though there were occasional mentions of the water being unexpectedly cold. Families with small children found the pool particularly accommodating with its deep middle section and warm, clean water being major plus points.
The pool's location, coupled with the convenience of nearby amenities like a bottle shop and IGA, adds to its appeal. Overall, the pool at Portobello By The Sea is a fantastic feature that enhances the guest experience, making it a popular spot for relaxation and family fun.
Parking
Portobello By The Sea offers a range of convenient parking options for its guests. The facilities include on-site parking that is both free and secure, ensuring peace of mind for vehicle safety. There are ample spots available, providing sufficient space even for larger vehicles. The parking is conveniently located with good access and includes undercover and underground options. Additionally, there is lift access to ease the transition from car to accommodation. Overall, guests can enjoy hassle-free and secure parking without any extra cost.
Yes, Portobello By The Sea has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Heated Pool, Private Pool, Outdoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Portobello By The Sea.
No, Portobello By The Sea doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Portobello By The Sea.