Fishtail Sea House
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Summary of reviewsFishtail Sea House, centrally located in Matosinhos, offers an exceptional stay for various types of travelers, especially those walking the Camino de Santiago. Its prime position near a beautiful beach and some of Portugal’s best fish restaurants, combined with close proximity to essential amenities like supermarkets and cafes, delivers a convenient and serene retreat. The accessible metro and bus stops further enhance its appeal, providing easy transit for exploring Porto and its surroundings. The location is perfect for surfing and swimming enthusiasts as well.
Guests frequently praise the cleanliness of Fishtail Sea House, highlighting spotless bathrooms, immaculate rooms and well-maintained common areas. The property boasts a beautiful and modern decor, creating a warm and welcoming environment that many find charming and homey. Daily cleaning services and thoughtful amenities, such as provided shower gel and shampoo, contribute to an overall sense of comfort and hygiene.
The staff, notably Paula and Bruno, are described as friendly, helpful and accommodating, often going above and beyond to meet guests’ needs. Despite occasional logistical challenges with check-in, the positive interactions with the staff significantly enhance the guest experience, making them feel supported and welcome.
Room reviews are mixed but generally favorable with private rooms and family suites receiving praise for their spaciousness, cleanliness and comfort. The common areas are cozy and inviting, though some dormitory spaces are noted to be cramped. Nonetheless, the modern design and functional aspects of the hostel, such as privacy curtains in dormitories and reliable Wi-Fi in common areas, add to the overall positive impression.
The shared kitchen and dining facilities are well-equipped, accommodating self-catering needs and providing a convenient option for preparing meals. Guests also appreciate the hostel’s location amidst excellent local dining options, particularly enjoying the superb seafood available in nearby restaurants.
Breakfast experiences vary with some guests enjoying a delicious and varied selection, while others find the breakfast service limited or non-existent. However, the abundance of nearby cafes and bakeries offers ample alternatives for those seeking a good start to their day.
Wi-Fi service at the hostel generally receives positive feedback, though signal strength can vary, particularly in attic rooms. The hostel’s immediate vicinity to a well-maintained beach and essential urban conveniences makes it an ideal choice for beach vacations.
Parking can be challenging with limited and expensive options nearby, but accessible public transport mitigates this issue for many guests. The beds garner high praise for their comfort, privacy features and clean, fresh-smelling linens, contributing to a restful stay despite some minor critiques about bunk bed spacing and the firmness of certain mattresses.
Overall, Fishtail Sea House combines a clean, comfortable environment with welcoming staff and a fantastic location, making it a top pick for travelers visiting Matosinhos.
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Guests frequently praise the cleanliness of Fishtail Sea House, highlighting spotless bathrooms, immaculate rooms and well-maintained common areas. The property boasts a beautiful and modern decor, creating a warm and welcoming environment that many find charming and homey. Daily cleaning services and thoughtful amenities, such as provided shower gel and shampoo, contribute to an overall sense of comfort and hygiene.
The staff, notably Paula and Bruno, are described as friendly, helpful and accommodating, often going above and beyond to meet guests’ needs. Despite occasional logistical challenges with check-in, the positive interactions with the staff significantly enhance the guest experience, making them feel supported and welcome.
Room reviews are mixed but generally favorable with private rooms and family suites receiving praise for their spaciousness, cleanliness and comfort. The common areas are cozy and inviting, though some dormitory spaces are noted to be cramped. Nonetheless, the modern design and functional aspects of the hostel, such as privacy curtains in dormitories and reliable Wi-Fi in common areas, add to the overall positive impression.
The shared kitchen and dining facilities are well-equipped, accommodating self-catering needs and providing a convenient option for preparing meals. Guests also appreciate the hostel’s location amidst excellent local dining options, particularly enjoying the superb seafood available in nearby restaurants.
Breakfast experiences vary with some guests enjoying a delicious and varied selection, while others find the breakfast service limited or non-existent. However, the abundance of nearby cafes and bakeries offers ample alternatives for those seeking a good start to their day.
Wi-Fi service at the hostel generally receives positive feedback, though signal strength can vary, particularly in attic rooms. The hostel’s immediate vicinity to a well-maintained beach and essential urban conveniences makes it an ideal choice for beach vacations.
Parking can be challenging with limited and expensive options nearby, but accessible public transport mitigates this issue for many guests. The beds garner high praise for their comfort, privacy features and clean, fresh-smelling linens, contributing to a restful stay despite some minor critiques about bunk bed spacing and the firmness of certain mattresses.
Overall, Fishtail Sea House combines a clean, comfortable environment with welcoming staff and a fantastic location, making it a top pick for travelers visiting Matosinhos.
Hostel with Parking
This hostel property is listed as having parking facilities available for guests.
Hostel near The Beach
Hostel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Cheap Hostel
About Fishtail Sea House
License: 20206/AL
Guest Reviews
Location
Guests appreciate the short walking distance to essential amenities such as supermarkets, fruit shops and various cafes. Accessibility is further enhanced by its closeness to metro and bus stops, providing straightforward transit options to explore Porto and its surroundings. The establishment is also perfect for surfing and swimming enthusiasts looking to enjoy the nearby ocean.
In addition to its prime position, the hostel is in a tranquil yet central area, offering a peaceful retreat amidst the bustling town. This combination of convenience, centrality and serenity makes Fishtail Sea House a top pick for various types of travelers, including those attending local events or training sessions. With a clean and well-maintained environment, it presents an ideal setting for both short and extended stays.
Breakfast
Guests who did have breakfast mentioned specifics like a nice breakfast box and tasty offerings, particularly praising the orange juice. However, some found the breakfast to be basic and reliant on processed products with portions sometimes described as small. Additionally, the timing of breakfast starting at 8:30 am was inconvenient for some.
For those seeking alternative options, there are nearby cafes and an excellent bakery within a short walking distance. Overall, it seems that while the Fishtail Sea House may not always deliver on its breakfast promises, there are several convenient alternatives for guests looking to start their day with a good meal.
Dinner
For those preferring to relish local cuisine, an extensive selection of restaurants caters to various tastes, including a vegan option and places loved by locals. Diners particularly laud the superb seafood available in the vicinity. Suggestions from the hotel staff about where to eat dinner are well-received, adding to the enjoyment of the stay.
Additional amenities such as provided shower gel and shampoo add a touch of convenience, enhancing overall guest satisfaction. Visitors also benefit from proximity to a gorgeous beach and a nearby Lidl supermarket, making their stay both comfortable and enjoyable. The dining experience, combined with practical kitchen facilities and excellent local food options, makes Fishtail Sea House a compelling choice for travelers.
Rooms
However, a recurring theme in the reviews is the small size of many rooms, particularly the dormitory spaces. These are often described as cramped, tight or too small for the number of beds they contain, which may pose challenges for guests with a lot of luggage or those expecting more space. Some specific rooms, like those in the attic or underground, have low ceilings or inadequate ventilation, which can be uncomfortable for taller individuals or those sensitive to air quality.
Despite the size limitations, the overall cleanliness and organization of the rooms were noted positively with several guests highlighting the modern design and functional aspects of the accommodations. The environment of the hostel, including its location and atmosphere, contributed positively to guests' experiences. In summary, while some rooms might fall short in terms of space, Fishtail Sea House compensates with its cleanliness, thoughtful amenities and inviting common areas.
Beds
A standout feature is the privacy curtains on each bed, providing a sense of seclusion in shared dormitories. This small but significant detail has been well-received by many guests, noting that it enhances the overall sleeping experience. Despite the positive feedback, some guests have mentioned that the bunk beds can feel somewhat close to each other and the upper bunks are especially difficult to reach, posing a challenge for some.
In addition to the comfort of the beds, the overall cleanliness of the sleeping areas adds to a positive experience with immaculate sheets and fresh-smelling spaces frequently cited in reviews. While a few guests found the beds a bit too firm, this was overshadowed by numerous comments on the cozy and spacious feel of the beds. One minor critique is that some beds, particularly sofa beds for additional guests, were found to be uncomfortable.
Overall, the Fishtail Sea House provides a comfortable sleeping environment with ample privacy, making it an excellent choice for travelers looking for both rest and convenience.
Cleanliness
The property is noted for its beautiful and modern decor, which perfectly complements its cleanliness. Guests appreciate the meticulous daily cleaning service, ensuring that all spaces remain tidy and organized. The hostel's attention to detail in maintaining a hygienic environment is evident with many reviewers mentioning the pleasant scent of cleanliness throughout the property.
Despite being over 100 years old, the building is well-preserved and exudes charm, offering a homey feel to its visitors. The shared spaces, including the dining and living rooms, are kept in pristine condition, providing a cozy and inviting ambiance. The reviews also commend the helpful and friendly staff, contributing to the pleasant and comfortable stay.
While the majority of feedback favors the hotel's spotless nature, a few guests noted minor issues like a strange smell upon entering the house or inadequate cleaning in some shared bathroom areas. However, these comments are rare and do not overshadow the general consensus of outstanding cleanliness.
Overall, the Fishtail Sea House successfully combines a clean and well-maintained environment with modern and tasteful decor, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking a comfortable and hygienic accommodation by the beach.
Staff
Guests consistently noted the warmth and assistance provided by the reception team, especially Paula and Bruno who run the hostel. Paula, in particular, was highlighted for her flexibility, attentiveness and willingness to go above and beyond to help with transportation and other needs. Furthermore, the male staff and the reception team received commendation for their friendliness and professional service, often speaking multiple languages to better assist guests.
The absence of a 24/7 staffed reception with check-in often conducted via code and limited hours of operation, was cited multiple times. This setup sometimes caused delays or inconveniences for guests arriving outside of staffed hours. Nonetheless, when staff were available, guests described their interactions as positive, noting the supportive and respectful environment.
Common areas and facilities left a good impression with their cleanliness and welcoming atmosphere, though it’s noted that staff presence in these areas was limited to certain hours. Despite the occasional difficulty in reaching staff, the overall impression of the team's hospitality remains highly favorable, enhancing the stay at Fishtail Sea House.
Wi-Fi
Beach
Parking
No, Fishtail Sea House doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Fishtail Sea House.
No, Fishtail Sea House doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Fishtail Sea House.
No, Fishtail Sea House doesn't have a gym.
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