PILOT Design Hostel & Bar

Porto 41.15012400, -8.61480300 , Largo Alberto Pimentel N.º11 (Show on Map)
8.3
Very Good


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1 room2 guests 1 room, 2 guests
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Summary of reviewsPILOT Design Hostel & Bar in Porto is highly regarded for its prime location in a lively yet peaceful neighborhood, offering easy access to the city's main attractions, nightlife, restaurants and transportation links. Its central yet serene setting ensures guests can enjoy vibrant city life while also having a tranquil place to rest.

The hostel's breakfast is frequently praised for its excellent value, wide variety and delicious quality, making it a great start to the day for travelers. Guests appreciate the abundant and fresh options available within a reasonable price range.

The staff at PILOT Design Hostel & Bar are consistently commended for their friendliness, helpfulness and welcoming nature. Their engaging and energetic demeanor greatly enhances the hostel's vibrant atmosphere, making guests feel well cared for and providing valuable tips on local attractions.

The comfortable beds at the hostel are noted for their stability and some feature privacy curtains, personal outlets and reading lights, catering to individual needs. Despite minor issues with bunk bed access and occasional outdated mattresses, the overall bedding experience is positive.

PILOT Design Hostel & Bar is an excellent choice for social and young travelers, particularly those seeking to immerse themselves in Porto's vibrant nightlife. The hostel offers a range of social activities, including highly recommended pub crawls and nightly events that foster camaraderie among guests.

However, the hostel's mixed reviews on room comfort and cleanliness highlight some areas for improvement. While many find the beds comfortable and the spaces clean, others report issues with room size, ventilation, noise and insufficient bathroom facilities. Consistency in cleanliness, especially in high-traffic areas, could also be improved.

The free wifi is another area that requires enhancement, as guests frequently report weak or unstable signals, particularly in rooms and upper floors.

Overall, PILOT Design Hostel & Bar offers a vibrant and engaging environment with excellent staff, location and amenities, making it an ideal spot for young and social travelers looking to explore Porto and form new connections.
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Categories
Hostel near Nightlife Spots

Hostel for Adults Only

Small Hostel

Room Types
Bed in 12-Bed Dormitory Room Overlooking a traditional Portuguese street, this bright, minimalist room offers more privacy.

Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory Room Overlooking a traditional Portuguese street, this bright room has LED lighting. There is a large personal locker for each guest. The shared bathroom is modern and has glass fittings.

Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory Room Overlooking the hostel terrace, this bright room has LED lighting. There is a large personal locker for each guest. The shared bathroom is modern and has glass fittings.

Bed in 8-Bed Dormitory Room Overlooking the hostel terrace, this bright room has LED lighting. There is a large personal locker for each guest. The shared bathroom is modern and has glass fittings.

Bed in 8-Bed Female Dormitory Room This bright room includes individual lockers and access to a shared bathroom.

Triple Room with City View Featuring free toiletries, this triple room includes a shared bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. Among the room amenities are a private entrance, a dining area, a safe deposit box as well as an outdoor dining area and city views. The unit has 3 beds.

About PILOT Design Hostel & Bar
License: 6312/AL
Guest Reviews
8.3
Very Good
Location
Situated in a lively and charming neighborhood, PILOT Design Hostel & Bar in Porto boasts an excellent, central location that makes it a prime spot for travelers. Its prime positioning, right in the heart of Porto, offers easy access to the city’s main tourist attractions, popular nightlife spots, restaurants and cafes. Key landmarks are just a short walk away, including the bustling Avenida dos Aliados and Liberty Square. The hostel’s closeness to Trindade train station and the metro ensures convenient transportation links, including a budget-friendly connection to the airport.

The hostel's superb location allows guests to explore the vibrant and trendy streets of Porto on foot, making it an ideal base for sightseeing. With everything within walking distance, visitors appreciate the ease of access to public transportation and the town's main hotspots.

In addition to its unbeatable location, the hostel is situated in a peaceful neighborhood, providing a balanced experience of vibrant city life and a tranquil place to rest. This central yet serene setting, combined with friendly staff, modern amenities and a welcoming atmosphere, makes PILOT Design Hostel & Bar a top choice for both short stays and extended visits to Porto.

Breakfast
The breakfast experience at PILOT Design Hostel & Bar consistently receives positive feedback from guests. Priced between 3 to 5 euros, it is praised for being a great value with a wide variety of options. Guests frequently describe the breakfast as delicious, abundant and very tasty with many noting its excellent quality and freshness. The buffet boasts diverse selections, including waffles, eggs, juices, omelettes, mushrooms, cold cuts, pastries and more, providing a plentiful and satisfying start to the day. The breakfast hours are convenient, running from 8 AM to 11 AM and the service is generally appreciated for its organization and quality.

While a few guests felt that the breakfast was only adequate or not worth the additional cost, the majority found it to be more than satisfactory, especially given the price. In summary, the breakfast at PILOT Design Hostel & Bar offers excellent value for money and a fulfilling culinary start for travelers.

Rooms
PILOT Design Hostel & Bar offers guests a mixed experience when it comes to the rooms. While many commend the hostel for its comfortable and clean beds with some rooms being spacious and well-arranged, there are numerous drawbacks that potential visitors should be aware of. The hostel's excellent location is often praised and the atmosphere is generally noted as good.

However, the comfort of rooms varies significantly. Many reviews highlight that rooms tend to be small, sometimes to the point of feeling cramped and stuffy. Humidity and poor ventilation are recurring issues, particularly in attic rooms, which are also noted for being cold in March and overly warm during summer. The lack of air conditioning exacerbates this discomfort with some rooms becoming quite hot. Noise is another concern with some rooms facing busy streets or being situated near laundry rooms and party areas within the hostel, leading to disturbed sleep.

Another downside is the limited bathroom facilities with shared restrooms often being insufficient for the number of guests, leading to wait times. Cleanliness is generally good, though there are isolated complaints about unclean and smelly bathrooms. Additionally, privacy can be an issue as some upper beds lack curtains, although the provided lockers and bedding are appreciated by guests.

While the large dorm rooms are economical, they come with their own set of problems such as noise, poor air quality and inconvenient access to bathrooms without an elevator. Overall, while PILOT Design Hostel & Bar can be a comfortable and enjoyable stay for some, others might find the rooms less accommodating due to their size, ventilation and noise issues.

Beds
PILOT Design Hostel & Bar boasts an array of comfortable bedding options with most guests finding the beds very comfortable and commending the comfort of the mattresses. The bunk beds are noted for their stability and many come with the added privacy of curtains. Each bed is equipped with personal outlets and reading lights, catering to individual needs for convenience and privacy. However, some guests found the lower bunk beds a little difficult to access due to high wood sides and ladders and a few mentioned the beds being in low areas. While the overall feedback highlights the comfort and stability of the beds, there were a few remarks about outdated mattresses, small beds and the need for improved bedding quality. Despite these minor issues, the hostel offers a warm atmosphere and comfortable sleeping arrangements in a prime location.

Cleanliness
PILOT Design Hostel & Bar receives mixed reviews regarding its cleanliness. Many guests commend the hostel for being super clean and maintaining clean and pleasant common areas. The bathrooms, showers and rooms are often noted to be very clean with several patrons highlighting the regular cleaning efforts. The sheets are clean and the environment feels well-organized and hygienic. Guests appreciate the cleanliness and friendliness of the staff, which enhances the overall experience.

On the downside, there are notable exceptions. Some areas, particularly the downstairs bathroom and locker spots in the rooms, have been criticized for not being clean enough with instances of mold and musty smells. The communal bathroom floors are often wet and some found the bathrooms and kitchen could use more frequent cleanings, especially given the high volume of guests. Ants around the bed and occasional stinky rooms were also mentioned. Despite the effort to keep the spaces clean, the hostel could benefit from more frequent and thorough cleanings, especially in high-traffic areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Overall, while the hostel does maintain a generally clean atmosphere, there is room for improvement in maintaining consistency across all areas.

Staff
At PILOT Design Hostel & Bar, the staff stands out for their remarkable friendliness, helpfulness and welcoming nature, significantly contributing to the hostel's vibrant atmosphere. Guests consistently praise the staff for their warm and genuine approach with many reviews highlighting how the team excels in creating an engaging and interactive environment for visitors. The hostels' receptionists, in particular, receive accolades for their attentiveness and ability to offer valuable tips on local attractions.

Despite a few isolated instances of less-than-friendly interactions, the overall sentiment towards the staff remains highly positive. Notable mentions include standout employees like Barbara and Margarita, whose exceptional service and personal touch have left lasting impressions on guests. From offering assistance in multiple languages to maintaining a cheerful and sociable demeanor, the team at PILOT Design Hostel & Bar proves to be both professional and engaging.

The energetic and lively atmosphere, bolstered by the staff's enthusiasm, adds to the hostel's appeal with the crew often joining in on the fun alongside residents. Many guests have found the staff's support invaluable, whether it be through light chats, local recommendations or simply their presence enhancing the overall experience. The hostel's dedication to providing a welcoming and supportive environment ensures that guests feel comfortable and well-taken care of from the moment they arrive.

Wi-Fi
The wifi at PILOT Design Hostel & Bar is a mixed experience for guests, featuring both positive and negative aspects. On the plus side, the signal is strong enough in some areas, particularly around the staff desk area and reception. However, this connectivity does not extend to most of the rooms and upper floors with guests consistently reporting issues like weak or non-existent signals, unstable networks and slow speeds.

While some guests have had a functional wifi experience on the ground and first floors, many have found the service unsatisfactory, indicating that it often cuts out, is very slow or doesn't work at all from their rooms or the bar area. Overall, while the wifi might meet basic needs in certain parts of the hostel, it requires significant improvement to ensure consistent, reliable internet access throughout the property.

Nightlife
Located near some of the main bar and club areas, PILOT Design Hostel & Bar is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the vibrant nightlife. The hostel is renowned for its lively atmosphere and high-energy vibe, making it a great destination for social travelers and party enthusiasts.

One of the standout features is the pub crawl, which is highly recommended by many guests. Led by enthusiastic hosts like Jonathas, these pub crawls are energetic and charismatic, making them an excellent way to meet new people and explore the local bar scene. While some find the price of the pub crawl a bit steep, this organized bar tour remains a must-do activity that enhances the overall experience.

The hostel also offers a range of social activities each night, including quiz nights and nights filled with shots, which foster camaraderie among guests. The bar area, complete with a terrace, is a central hub for these activities. It offers fantastic drinks at good prices throughout the day and night, creating a convivial environment where travelers can easily mingle and form new friendships.

For those who prefer quieter moments, there are communal areas both inside and outside to relax and have a more subdued chat. However, guests should be aware that the hostel often hosts parties and loud music can be heard, especially on the terrace in the evenings. This can lead to disturbances late into the night with some reports of noise until the early hours of the morning and occasional interruptions from inebriated patrons.

Overall, PILOT Design Hostel & Bar is an excellent choice for young travelers and solo adventurers seeking an unforgettable social experience in a dynamic setting. While it may not be the best option for light sleepers or those looking for tranquility, its energetic nightlife and friendly atmosphere make it a top pick for party-goers and those looking to make new connections.

Adult Only
PILOT Design Hostel & Bar offers an engaging experience tailored mainly for young, sociable travelers who enjoy a lively atmosphere. The hostel's shared rooms and vibrant bar create an excellent environment for solo travelers to meet and connect with others. While the atmosphere is super organized and caters well to those in their twenties seeking a party vibe, it may not be the best fit for guests over 30 or those desiring privacy and quiet. The outdoor courtyard is a popular gathering spot, but the noise can continue late into the night, which might be a consideration for light sleepers. Overall, PILOT Design Hostel & Bar is ideal for those who thrive in a communal, energetic setting and are looking to make new friends on their journey.


No, PILOT Design Hostel & Bar doesn't have any pool.

No, a spa isn't available at PILOT Design Hostel & Bar.

No, PILOT Design Hostel & Bar doesn't allow dogs.

No, parking facilities aren't available at PILOT Design Hostel & Bar.

No, PILOT Design Hostel & Bar doesn't have a gym.

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