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Summary of reviewsCasa Melo Alvim – by Unlock Hotels receives widespread praise for various aspects of its offerings, making it a well-regarded destination in Viana do Castelo. The hotel's exceptional location is notably highlighted, nestled in the heart of the city, close to major attractions, shops, restaurants and conveniently near the train station. The historical charm of the beautifully renovated building adds to the appeal, making it an ideal stop for tourists and pilgrims trekking the Camino de Santiago. Additionally, the staff's friendliness and welcoming nature enhance the overall experience, providing a tranquil retreat after a day of exploration.
The breakfast at Casa Melo Alvim garners substantial commendation for its high quality and diverse offerings with guests enjoying a varied and delicious buffet in a cozy and calm setting. Friendly and attentive staff contribute to the positive dining experience. However, occasional minor issues like cold coffee or unfilled trays are mentioned but do not overshadow the overall satisfaction with the breakfast.
Reviews about dinner are mixed; while some guests appreciate the Michelin-quality food and ambiance, others find the dinner service lacking in quality and variety. Nevertheless, the helpful staff often redeem the experience by providing excellent local restaurant recommendations.
Rooms are generally described as clean, spacious and tastefully decorated with many retaining historical elements like carved ceilings and antique furniture. Despite some comments about outdated furniture, small sizes and occasional maintenance issues like non-functioning mini-fridges, most guests find the rooms comfortable and charming.
Cleanliness throughout the hotel is praised with most guests noting spotless accommodations and well-maintained common areas. Although a few reviews mention areas needing more thorough cleaning, the overall impression is positive with the historical setting enhancing the appeal.
The hotel staff consistently receive excellent feedback for their friendliness and professional service, ensuring guests feel valued and comfortable. The team is often commended for going out of their way to assist guests and provide valuable local insights, further enhancing the guest experience.
WiFi service, however, is an area needing improvement with many guests reporting intermittent or weak connections in their rooms. Despite this, the hotel's overall charm and comfort largely compensate for the connectivity issues.
The pool area, though small, is a delightful feature appreciated for its relaxing atmosphere in a charming courtyard. Some guests note the need for more regular cleaning and additional sun loungers, but the overall sentiment remains positive.
Parking is convenient with arrangements for nearby underground garage use at a reasonable price. Although some guests mentioned occasional difficulties with parking availability, staff assistance and the proximity of various options ensure a satisfactory experience.
Families find Casa Melo Alvim exceptionally accommodating with friendly staff and a welcoming environment for children and pets alike. The family-friendly atmosphere makes it an ideal choice for those traveling with children, despite occasional complaints about noise in the pool area.
Bed comfort receives mixed feedback with some guests finding the beds spacious and comfortable, while others mention issues like hardness or noise. Despite these varying experiences, the historical setting and overall hotel ambiance continue to draw guests.
Overall, while Casa Melo Alvim excels in many areas, such as location, service and historical charm, it faces some challenges in meeting four-star expectations, particularly regarding room quality and amenities. However, the positives, including friendly staff, cleanliness and the beautiful setting, significantly contribute to a memorable stay. Show more
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Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
This hotel is deeply committed to sustainability, holding Green Key, Biosphere, and ESG Committed certifications. It prioritizes local suppliers and recruitment, implements energy and water efficiency measures, uses eco-friendly materials, and has responsible waste management practices.
Hotel for Honeymoon
A historic hotel with elegant décor, providing a charming and intimate setting. Its central location allows easy exploration of Viana do Castelo. The personalized service and refined atmosphere make it a top choice for a romantic escape.
Family Friendly Hotel
This hotel offers family rooms, kids' meals, and a playground. It also provides child care services and is pet-friendly. The hotel has an indoor pool and offers non-motorized water sports activities.
Dog Friendly Hotel
This hotel welcomes pets of all sizes, offering dedicated spaces for their comfort and ensuring a worry-free stay. Both dogs and cats are allowed (up to 20 kg), and the staff is known for providing a warm welcome and pampering the animals.
Romantic Hotel
Located in the historic center of Viana do Castelo, Casa Melo Alvim offers uniquely decorated rooms ranging from neoclassical to baroque styles. The luxurious fabrics and central location make it perfect for a romantic stay.
Hotel with Swimming Pool
This hotel features an outdoor pool and sun loungers in a charming courtyard. The pool area offers a relaxing and inviting atmosphere, perfect for unwinding.
Outdoor Pool
Business Hotel
This 16th-century manor house offers spaces for personalized events, including business meetings, tasting dinners and coffee breaks. It is located in the historic center of Viana do Castelo.
Hotel with Parking
The hotel offers public parking and is centrally located in Viana do Castelo. The parking lot is right next to the property. The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool.
4-Star Hotel
This beautifully restored 16th-century manor offers individually styled rooms with minibars. Located in the historic Viana do Castelo, it combines historical charm with modern comfort. The unique style and central location make it a desirable choice.
Hotel with Outdoor Pool
Casa Melo Alvim offers a charming outdoor pool in a historic setting. The hotel combines traditional architecture with modern comforts, providing a unique and relaxing experience for guests.
Boutique-style Hotel
Hotel where Extra Health & Safety Measures Have Been Taken
Arrival
Do visitors need a health certificate (i.e. a test) prior to arrival? No
Do you perform temperature checks upon guests' arrivals? Yes, to all guests
Do you ensure contactless check-in/check-out? No In a near future we will use an app for the check-in online
Do the hotel's main entrance doors open automatically? Yes
Can guests access their room entrance directly from outside the hotel without entering the lobby? No
Cleaning
Are the rooms left vacant for a minimum period of time after a guest checks out? Yes, for 4 hours.
Is there an option for no in-room housekeeping during a guest's stay? Yes
Do you allow fresh air to enter the rooms by leaving the windows open between departures and arrivals? Yes
Does the cleaning crew wear appropriate personal protective equipment? Yes
Do you sanitize the common areas? Yes, multiple times per day
Are guests' luggage and belongings disinfected upon arrival? No
Are luggage trolleys sanitized after each use? Yes
Do you sanitize guests' keys/cards? Yes
Do you provide thorough cleaning of the rooms? Yes
Are all employees trained and monitored to follow a cleaning protocol? Yes
Do you use disinfectants approved by regulatory authorities that kill the COVID-19 virus? Yes
Do you use electrostatic sprayers with hospital-grade disinfectant to sanitize surfaces? No
Do you disinfect high touch areas in guest rooms including light switches and door handles? Yes
Limitations
Are elevator rides limited? Yes, to one guest/family per car.
Is furniture in public areas arranged to allow more space for distancing? Yes
Are guest rooms allowed to be accessed until check-in after they were cleaned? Yes
Does the hotel operate at a limited capacity? No
Does the hotel accept domestic bookings only? No
Do you allow people who don't stay or work at the hotel to enter its premises? Yes
Do you allow people who don't stay at the hotel to enter the rooms? No
Have you altered check-in / check-out hours to allow more time between departures and arrivals? No
Accessories
Do you provide medical kits (masks, gloves and sanitizer) to the staff? Yes
Do you provide medical kits (masks, gloves and sanitizer) to the guests? Yes
Do you provide disinfecting wipes in each room? Yes
Are there hand sanitizing stations throughout the hotel? Yes
Is there a sanitizing sprayer for shoes outside each room? No
Do you have any signage in lobbies to remind guests to maintain social distancing protocols? Yes
Do you use physical distancing markers? Yes
Do you use delivery robots to get stuff to guests' rooms? No
Is there an individual air-conditioning/heating unit in each room (no central air-conditioning/heating system)? Yes
If there are central air-conditioning/heating/ventilation systems, is air recirculation prevented? Yes
Are rugs removed from guest rooms? No
Are unnecessary items removed from guest rooms, such as decorative pillows, bed scarves/throws , paper notepads and pens? No
Are air purification and sanitization devices installed? Yes, in public areas
Are linens, towels and laundry washed in accordance with the official guidelines? Yes
Is dirty linen bagged in the guest room to eliminate excess contact while being transported to the laundry facility? Yes
Food & Beverage Service
Do you offer pre-made boxed meals to guests? No
Do you offer single-serve options instead of buffets for breakfast? Yes
Do you offer contactless delivery for in-room dining? No
Protocols & Certifications
Do you follow any of these protocols or have you obtained any of these certifications?
CleanandSafe Seal by Turismo de Portugal
Has there been a person appointed to supervise the correct implementation of the measures? Yes
Do you check temperature for all onsite staff on a scheduled basis? Yes
Do your staff practice social distancing guidelines? Yes
Are there dedicated isolation zones on property? Yes
Do you have clear guidelines on how to handle suspected or confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19)? Yes
Is there a doctor available either on-site or on-call? Yes
Has the hotel closed during the pandemic? No
Answers last updated by Casa Melo Alvim - by Unlock Hotels
Classic RoomThis spacious room is individually decorated in traditional Portuguese style. It features original furniture using noble woods and materials.
The air-conditioned Double Room has a sitting area, a work desk, and a large marble bathroom.
Rooms with two single beds are available only on request.
Deluxe RoomThis spacious and stylish room is equipped with a seating area, a working desk, and a large marble bathroom with a hairdryer.
Each of the air-conditioned rooms is individually decorated in traditional Portuguese style. It features original furniture using noble woods and materials.
SuiteThis luxuriously decorated suite features a living room and a bedroom.
The living room has a flat-screen cable TV and a sofa bed for a 3rd person (only on request and subject to an extra charge).
Each of the air-conditioned suites is Individually decorated in traditional Portuguese style, with original furniture using noble woods and materials.
Double Room with Easter PackageThis package includes:
- 1 night in a standard double room;
- Breakfast included;
- 1 VIP treatment in the room;
- 1 Valentine's Dinner (drinks included).
Family SuiteThis apartment comprises 1 living room, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a bath or a shower and free toiletries. Meals can be prepared in the well-fitted kitchenette, which is equipped with a stovetop, a refrigerator, kitchenware and a microwave. The apartment features parquet floors, a seating area with a flat-screen TV with cable channels, air conditioning, a dining area, as well as a wardrobe. The unit offers 2 beds.
Junior Family SuiteThis apartment includes 1 living room, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a bath or a shower and free toiletries. In the kitchenette, guests will find a stovetop, a refrigerator, kitchenware and a microwave. This apartment is air-conditioned and has a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a wardrobe, parquet floors and heating. The unit has 1 bed.
Double Room with New Year's PackageThe New Year's Package includes:
- Breakfast Included;
- VIP upon arrival;
- New Year's Dinner with drinks included
- Entertainment until 2 a.m.
Twin SuiteThis suite comprises 1 living room, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a bath and free toiletries. The suite features parquet floors, a seating area with a flat-screen TV with cable channels, air conditioning, a minibar, as well as a coffee machine. The unit offers 3 beds.
Family Room with TerraceIn the well-equipped kitchenette, guests will find a stovetop, a refrigerator, kitchenware and a microwave. This air-conditioned family room is comprised of a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a private bathroom as well as a terrace. The unit has 2 beds.
Casa Melo Alvim – by Unlock Hotels is heralded for its exceptional location in the heart of Viana do Castelo. Nestled in a beautifully renovated and historic building, the hotel is perfectly situated near the train station, making it convenient for travelers. The central position of Casa Melo Alvim allows guests to easily explore Viana do Castelo on foot with all major attractions, shops, restaurants and the picturesque riverside just steps away. Its strategic placement also makes it an ideal stop for those trekking the Camino de Santiago. The charm of its architectural restoration and historic elegance is complemented by the friendly and welcoming staff. With everything within close proximity, including convenient and reasonably priced parking options, guests can enjoy the rich cultural heritage of this beautiful town without the hassle of extensive travel. The hotel’s tranquil ambiance amidst a bustling city center provides a perfect retreat after a day of sightseeing.
Breakfast
Breakfast at Casa Melo Alvim - by Unlock Hotels receives substantial praise from guests, emphasizing its high quality and diverse offerings. Many guests describe the breakfast as excellent, delicious and very good, noting the abundant and varied selection available at the buffet. The presentation of the food is often highlighted with fresh fruit, a variety of eggs, fresh bread and different jams being some of the standout items.
The atmosphere of the breakfast area also adds to the positive experience with some guests enjoying their meals by the pool in a cozy and calm setting. The friendly and attentive staff contribute to the overall enjoyment, despite occasional comments about the need for more staff and better organization.
While the majority of reviews are glowing, there are some mentions of minor issues such as cold coffee, unfilled trays or a less extensive variety compared to other 4-star hotels. However, these issues seem to be the exception rather than the rule, as most guests leave feeling satisfied with their morning meal.
Overall, the breakfast at Casa Melo Alvim consistently receives high marks for its quality, variety and pleasant environment, making it a standout feature of the hotel stay.
Dinner
Casa Melo Alvim - by Unlock Hotels receives mixed reviews for its dinner offerings. On the positive side, guests praise the Michelin-star quality of the food and appreciate the ambiance of the comfortable public spaces within the hotel. Joel from reception is frequently highlighted for providing excellent tips on amazing dining experiences outside the hotel. Many guests commend the front desk staff for their spot-on restaurant recommendations and for assisting with dinner reservations, ensuring they find good dining places nearby.
However, some reviews mention that dinner at the hotel did not meet expectations, describing it as a poor experience with limited options. Criticisms include cold meals, unseasoned rice and a mousse that tasted like just condensed milk and biscuits. Despite these shortcomings, the proactive staff guidance in finding exceptional local restaurants often salvages the overall dining experience for many visitors.
Rooms
Casa Melo Alvim - by Unlock Hotels offers a range of rooms that blend historical charm with modern comforts. Reviews highlight that many rooms are spacious, clean and beautifully decorated with comfortable beds and fine decorative touches. Guests particularly appreciated rooms upgraded to deluxe or suite options, often noting these were spacious, well-furnished and provided a cozy ambiance. Several rooms feature modern amenities and well-equipped bathrooms, contributing to a comfortable stay.
Some of the standout features include large rooms with historical or beautifully carved ceilings and antique furniture, comfortable beds and modern fittings. Guests enjoyed the charming and well-located historic property with spacious and inviting quarters that often included additional sitting areas or balconies.
However, reviews also pointed out some areas needing improvement. Issues such as worn-out mattresses, outdated furniture and occasional maintenance problems like non-functioning mini-fridges and air conditioning were noted. Noise from the street or hallway due to creaky floors and insufficient soundproofing was sometimes an issue. Additionally, some rooms were considered quite small and dated, albeit still very clean and functional.
Overall, while some areas could benefit from updates and renovations, Casa Melo Alvim generally provides a quaint and comfortable lodging experience with spacious, well-decorated rooms that maintain a classic and historic ambiance.
Beds
The reviews for Casa Melo Alvim - by Unlock Hotels show a mixed reception regarding the comfort of the beds. On the positive side, many guests appreciated the quality, size and comfort of some beds, describing them as big, very comfortable and good quality. However, these positive remarks are countered by numerous complaints about the beds being too hard, uncomfortable, old or cheap. Some guests found the beds to be noisy or creaky and the pillows too small or lumpy. While a few guests managed a good night’s sleep despite the hard mattresses, there were several mentions of twin or small double beds that didn't meet their comfort expectations. Overall, while the historical setting enhances the charm of the stay, the varied experiences with bed comfort suggest a need for improvement in this area.
Cleanliness
Casa Melo Alvim by Unlock Hotels receives generally positive feedback regarding its cleanliness. Guests frequently commented on the overall cleanliness as being very good with numerous mentions of spotless accommodations and meticulously cleaned rooms. Several reviews highlighted the impeccable cleanliness of both the hotel’s common areas and guest rooms. Individual guests noted that their rooms were cleaned as per their requests and that the entire facility was well-maintained and tidy.
However, some reviewers did point out occasional lapses. A few rooms were described as not being up to standard with mentions of dust in certain corners, dirty carpets and dated fixtures. Specific complaints included instances of sand and grass on the carpeting, bathrooms not being as clean as expected and a lack of attention to detail in room cleaning on some occasions.
Despite these few negative remarks, the majority of the guest reviews praise the cleanliness and upkeep of the hotel, highlighting it as a strong point of Casa Melo Alvim. Guests also appreciated the overall historical setting and charm of the building, which adds to the positive atmosphere even though some areas could benefit from modernization. Overall, the cleanliness at the hotel contributes to a satisfying stay for most visitors.
Staff
Casa Melo Alvim - by Unlock Hotels in Viana do Castelo boasts a consistently excellent reputation for its exceptional staff. Guests frequently highlight the extreme friendliness and attentiveness of the hotel's personnel. From the reception area to general staff members, the recurring sentiment is one of warm welcomes and professional service. Visitors commend the helpfulness and accommodating nature of the staff, often noting that their needs were perfectly handled, including special mentions of employees like Rui and Joel for their outstanding service.
The front desk team receives particular praise for their courteous and efficient manner, ensuring guests feel valued and well taken care of. The hotel staff appears not only highly professional but also genuinely kind and considerate, often going out of their way to assist guests and provide valuable local recommendations.
Overall, the atmosphere created by Casa Melo Alvim's staff is one of friendly hospitality, making stays memorable and comfortable. The dedication to exceptional service seems to extend through all levels of the establishment, from reception to dining, further enhancing the charm and appeal of this well-located hotel.
Wi-Fi
Casa Melo Alvim offers a charming and authentic stay with its unique historical architecture and superb hospitality; however, the WiFi service has received less favorable reviews. Many guests found the internet connection to be intermittent with some noting that the WiFi was weak or even unavailable in their rooms. The connectivity issues ranged from inconsistent and spotty service to a very bad connection, making it difficult for some to stay connected during their visit. While the character and comfort of the hotel stand out, the WiFi seems to be an area in need of improvement for a smoother guest experience.
Pool
Casa Melo Alvim offers a delightful pool experience that guests frequently highlight in their reviews. Situated in a charming courtyard, the pool area exudes a relaxing and enticing atmosphere, making it a perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploration. Many guests describe the pool as beautiful and cozy, contributing to the hotel's wonderful atmosphere. Despite its smaller size, the pool remains a cherished feature with its layout and surrounding garden space adding to the overall appeal.
However, some reviews note that the pool could benefit from more regular cleaning and maintenance with a few mentioning incidents when it was not usable or as clean as expected. The limited availability of sun loungers and the pool's small size are also mentioned as minor drawbacks.
Nevertheless, the overall sentiment remains positive with the wind-sheltered terrace and the inviting nature of the pool often making it a highlight of guests' stays.
Parking
Casa Melo Alvim - by Unlock Hotels offers a convenient parking solution despite the absence of a dedicated on-site facility. Guests can initially park directly in front of the hotel to unload their luggage, after which they can use an adjacent underground garage, thanks to an arrangement allowing parking for €10 per day. The hotel’s location ensures multiple nearby parking options, making it easy for visitors to find a spot. Although some reviewers mentioned limited parking availability and occasional difficulty, many found the parking arrangements well-resolved and satisfactory. Attendees highlighted that the parking area was sufficiently spacious and convenient with hotel staff providing helpful assistance in navigating parking challenges. Overall, there is an ample supply of convenient parking options within close proximity to the hotel, ensuring a hassle-free experience for most visitors.
Family
Casa Melo Alvim – by Unlock Hotels, stands out for its exceptionally family-friendly atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for those traveling with children. The staff are particularly attentive and helpful, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for families. Whether it’s a family vacation with multiple people or just two adults and a child, the hotel accommodates groups with ease. This, coupled with the friendly service towards babies, guarantees that families receive all the assistance they need during their stay.
The hotel is also dog-friendly, welcoming pets warmly and making them feel at home, akin to the overall hospitable environment. However, it's worth noting that children's noise can sometimes dominate the pool area. Despite this, Casa Melo Alvim creates a cozy and pleasant stay for families and their pets, reaffirming its status as a top choice for a family getaway.
4 Star
Casa Melo Alvim - by Unlock Hotels delivers a mixed experience when it comes to its four-star rating. On the positive side, the hotel excels with its exceptional service and is well-regarded for offering great value for money. Guests appreciate the hotel's historic setting and excellent location, which is both very comfortable and peaceful. The historic building adds a unique charm that many find attractive.
However, the hotel falls short in several areas that are crucial to a four-star experience. Some guests mention that it simply does not live up to four-star standards, especially regarding room quality, beds and pillows. Additionally, amenities like air conditioning are lacking, which is unusual for a hotel in this category. The breakfast service also does not meet the expectations of a 4-star hotel and overall, some services and facilities do not fully correspond to what one would expect from a four-star accommodation. Despite these shortcomings, the positives such as the location and historical ambiance continue to draw guests.
Outdoor Pool
The outdoor pool at Casa Melo Alvim - by Unlock Hotels offers a charming and entrancing ambiance in a quaint courtyard setting. Despite its small size, guests appreciate the pool's nice appearance and find it to be well-maintained at all times. The wind-sheltered location and excellent shade provided by the surrounding patio contribute to a comfortable and enjoyable swimming experience. The pool is noted for its exquisite charm, reflecting the overall attractive and relaxing atmosphere of the hotel.
Boutique-Style
Casa Melo Alvim - by Unlock Hotels offers a beautiful blend of historic charm and contemporary elegance. The hotel occupies a wonderfully restored 500-year-old mansion that exudes the enchantment of a grand manor house. Located centrally, this boutique establishment provides realistic value for money, catering to those who appreciate a top-tier, boutique-style experience. Guests frequently compliment the excellent service and the overall quality of accommodations. While the breakfast is generally good, some reviews suggest there is room for improvement in this area. Despite the minor critique, the historical allure and meticulous restoration work of the mansion, combined with its stylish decor, make it a standout destination for travelers seeking both comfort and character.
Romantic
Nestled in an enchanting historic mansion, 'Casa Melo Alvim - by Unlock Hotels' radiates a romantic vibe perfect for a memorable stay. The charm of this old building, paired with its intimate rooms, sets the stage for an ideal romantic date. Guests often remark on the cozy and charming garden that adds to the overall romantic atmosphere. The warmth of the staff and general ambiance enhance the old-fashioned romantic style of the hotel, making it a very special place. With a delightful and charming character, this manor house captures the essence of romance, creating an unforgettable experience in a city that leaves a lasting impression.
Dog Friendly
Casa Melo Alvim - by Unlock Hotels offers excellent facilities and services for guests traveling with pets. Both large and small pets are warmly welcomed by the staff and often by other guests as well. Dogs can stay in the rooms with their owners, ensuring convenience and comfort. Many visitors have noted that their dogs received a very warm welcome and were well-received, often feeling pampered and calm during their stay. The hotel is noted for being particularly accommodating to those with pets, making it a recommended choice for travelers with dogs. While there have been instances of frequent barking, overall, the positive experience for pets and their owners stands out.
Yes, Casa Melo Alvim - by Unlock Hotels has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Outdoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Casa Melo Alvim - by Unlock Hotels.
Yes, Casa Melo Alvim - by Unlock Hotels welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Casa Melo Alvim - by Unlock Hotels.
No, Casa Melo Alvim - by Unlock Hotels doesn't have a gym.