Six Senses Douro Valley

Amazing place!! I loved everything about this place. Perfect hotel, peaceful, amazing pool and the best service.

Not only a hotel, this is a destination. We went only for dinner at their main restaurant, and did not expect what we saw. Such a beautiful property with lovely gardens and spectacular views. Our dining experience was Michelin grade from taste to service. High marks all around.

Let’s start with the good . The food was amazing . The view was amazing (we went during autumn time) . The valet parking gentlemen and the lady at the breakfast reception gave us a very good impression. They were attentive and you can feel their sincerity . We were originally allocated to a room next to a flight of stairs - very noisy - and requested to change room. They offered us an upgrade and This was handled very efficiently . The gardeners were truly impressive and professional for maintaining such a beautiful place . Ok then on to the bad : I am honestly very disappointed with the hospitality standard at six senses Douro valley . First of all, we were early and the check in staff said would call us on our mobile when the room is ready, but never received the call. One of the staff , in particular at the restaurant was rather rude , flung the napkin off from a plate onto the table like a frisbee . - Also making little mistakes here and there with order . Mixed up almond milk and oat milk, duplicated orders, mixed up order with another table . Other requests - we requested for two items to be delivered to our room, again they messed up and had to come back second time. For our upgraded room, the shower and the toilet is separated with a full length glass. The water was leaking from the shower unit to the toilet unit . A little messy . I mean, each one of them is no big deal , we were in no rush, but when many little mistakes happen , it starts to get to you a bit - and wonder if this is really a luxury hotel I’m staying at . you just won’t expect so many mistakes in a hotel that you spend so much per night . We wouldn’t be coming back again.

The hotel itself is amazing. Rooms, pools, scenery. The service is worst ever. I will only write few thing, but there were way more. First of all, we had two nights, my mom got sick so both mornings we ordered room service for breakfast. Ordinary, basic on the menu. Not once we got the order right. As well the reason why I’ve chosen the hotel was their lively wooden boat. I hoped we could book it to travel around river and get to the winery, but it was (2 weeks in advance) occupied. Though the hotel administrator reassured me that the winery they collaborate with has absolutely the same bote (I specifically asked if it is wooden). We booked it. Once we came to the pierce, no one was there. 40 degrees, no tent. The boat of the winery was there, but we couldn’t get there because there was chain in front and the man from six Seneca went to smoke apparently. Every one called every one, we melted 20 min on the heat. The boat was obviously plastic, no wood. When I asked if the winery had other boats, they reassured me that they have only one. So the lady on reception other lied to me or just didn’t bother to check even though I specifically asked about the kind of the boat. When we just arrived it was the time between lunch and dinner, and as it happens in many European countries it is difficult to get a decent meal at 4 pm. But we were paying €2000 per night and hoped we could eat at any time. Nope. When we were wondering around hotel, a bit lost, got to the winery bar and asked the American lady if we could eat there, she didn’t answer. She started asking us if we have a wine key, where do we stay etc.. when we realised she wouldn’t help us we sad thank you and turned away in search of food. Once my dad made one step ahead she angrily shouted to his back “whatever” ( I remind, stuff of the hotel for some rooms €3000 per night). I can go on and on. Better spend your money on a nice small hotel where owners are aware of their staff skills and attitude.

My wife and I, along with another couple, just spent three amazing nights in your beautiful resort in the Douro Valley. What an amazing stay! The perfect way to relax after having been traveling for two weeks. The resort is stunning! The sitting areas, the garden, the outdoor pool are so beautiful. The spa and work out facilities are top notch! The room was perfectly appointed. As nice as all the facilities are, the staff is the real star of this property! In particular - Dina - who served us our breakfast - was so bright and full of cheer. You can’t help but feel good when you see her! We did the Port Knox hike and port tasting. Simon did a great job of taking us there and was full of knowledge of the property. The port tasting with Johanna from Port Knox was perfect. But the best of all was the Portuguese Kitchen tales!. The guided tour of the kitchen gardens by Fernando was great! He was so knowledgable about all the varied herbs and plants. He was so passionate about organic gardening and reducing environmental impact. A wonderful ambassador! And then the cooking demonstration! Our group has several allergies but the team did a marvelous job working around them. Chef Gustavo was the best! If ever a meal was prepared with the heart and soul, as much as with the hands and head, this was it! The best meal we had in out three weeks of traveling. A gifted culinary master! And the pastry chef as well (name?) also did a fantastic job and produced many amazing dishes that were vegan and or dairy free. Worth every penny! Can’t wait to return some day!