Hotel Astoria

Hotel Astoria descritpion

Set in a baroque building that counts as one of Coimbra’s architectural landmarks, Hotel Astória overlooks the Mondego River in the historic Baixa district. It offers rooms with classic décor.
Each of Astória’s bright rooms features custom-made curtains and hardwood furnishings. Rooms offer charming views of the city or Mondego River. Bathrooms are decorated with Portuguese glazed tiles and marble.
Astória Hotel offers a breakfast buffet in its classic dining room each morning, or to the guests rooms upon request. Bar 21 serves a wide range of local and international beverages in a historic setting.
For guests’ convenience, the Astória offers front desk services 24 hours a day. The staff can also provide laundry services. Free Wi-Fi is available in the public areas of the hotel.
The Astória is just 650 feet from Coimbra-A Train station. Machado De Castro Museum, the largest Roman building on the Iberian Peninsula, is under a 10 minute walk away.

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Facilities of Hotel Astoria

Pets ：Pets are not allowed.

Activities ：Golf Course (within 2 miles) | Bicycle Rental

Internet ：No internet access available.

Parking ：No parking available.

Languages Spoken ：Portuguese | English

Reviews for Hotel Astoria

Review 1：I liked, indeed loved, nearly everything about this hotel and about Coimbra. The breakfast is also very good. The Internet is a bit iffy, but you're better off getting out and about and exploring anyway. The hotel is superb value overall, even by Portuguese standards.

Review 2：It's a beautiful characterful building and within an easy walk of everything.

Review 3：The hotel itself is run down with dirty carpets and furniture. It needs a total renovation superficially. The bed was cheap and of very low quality.

Review 4：Fantastic building with preserved original details and furniture like the old elevator, reception and salon. The building is listed/preserved by the state and should be of great interest for historians, architects and designers with its art-nouveau/art-deco details. I have never been in a building like this and got a feeling of entering the past. Great breakfast.

Review 5：My bed was not really comfortable It was ok for 1 night but.. Breakfast was just ok, nothing special

Review 6：I really enjoyed the design - it feels like you in 1970) You will understand when you see the lift) Staff was very helpful You should try it if you are looking for smth special

Review 7：Not good soundproofing. Needs some maintenance/renovation.

Review 8：The hotel is situated in the city center and there is a public parking just across the street. You feel like you enter in a past era when you step your foot inside. Almost like traveling back in time.Needs some maintenance though as many things are worn out. The view to the river from our room was fantastic. The breakfast was satisfying.

Review 9：As some have commented, this is a classic 100 year old hotel and it is showing some age. The one of a kind antiques in the room had a few scratches, the early Otis elevator groaned a little. There was a little wooden box on the night stand with two buttons and wires coming out of it. I asked at the desk what it did, amswer - "nothing." Everything worked, but if you like new and modern, this isn't your place.

Review 10：We loved the classic old hotel with the cage elevator. The location was ideal-one block from the train station and just a few feet from the walking street that was the center of old town. Our room had a beautiful view of the river and the bridge. The value was incredible. We paid 98€ for two nights including an excellent ham and egg breakfast in the classic old dining room.

Review 11：the only downside is that walls are not sound-proof. But excellent sound proofing from street noise (traffic, mostly)

Review 12：the Art Nouveau building and decoration - straight from when the hotel was built in the 1910s; total darkness at night in the room; the view of Mondego river and the opposite bank; excellent location, close to the train station and downtown (and also the famous Manel dos Ossos eatery); good breakfast (included).

Review 13：Carpets clearly hadn't been cleaned since the Thirties. A lick of paint and carpet shampoo would have made all the difference.

Review 14：Staff were unfailingly helpful and courteous. Excellent breakfast. Loved the original furniture and fittings. Honesty bar a nice touch.

Review 15：Could use some refurbishing

Review 16：If you're looking for a fascinating old European gem, try this one. It is a faded beauty but comfortable, with nice touches of a charming lift, colorful lobby area and a fine breakfast. The location cannot be beat.

Review 17：the bed was not al that comfortable, maybe we should have said something

Review 18：beautiful old building in the heart of Coimbra with very helpful, cheerful staff

Review 19：The location of the hotel is perfect - not far from the station, overlooking the river and close to all the sights one wants to visit. And yet, it is not noisy! The staff is dry friendly and helpful, the breakfast was good

Review 20：Like a grand old dame, there's a ton of character here, but her age does show in some of the rooms--a little dowdy and dim, with suspicious carpeting--but she puts on her powder and carries on with head high!

Review 21：Very nice breakfast, and the experience of staying in one of the grand old hotels. Pleasant location next to the river, and easy access to restaurants and the hike uphill to the university and old city.

Review 22：The owner of this hotel needs to do some serious maintenance work and upgrades. Although the common areas on the main floor were in great shape, the hallways and our room were very shabby and old. Carpet was filthy or stained badly. Woodwork and walls were worn and stained/dirty. None of this could be blamed on the cleaning staff. They did a good job cleaning the room, given the condition of the building. Shame on the building owner for letting this once-beautiful historic building fall into such disrepair. The price of the night's stay would have been considered reasonable if the hotel hadn't been in such bad shape.

Review 23：The main floor was beautiful and the staff was very helpful and friendly. The breakfast was wonderful!

Review 24：Bed condition are very very poor it make noise even when you slightly turn around on the bed.

Review 25：Very beautiful hotel looks from outside and inside public areas. Our room on the 4th floor with great view.

Review 26：The carpets were a bit worn, but its great charm made up for this one shortcoming.

Review 27：This hotel was an absolute delight. Our room overlooked the lovely historic town and was clean, comfortable and very spacious. The location of this hotel was excellent on the edge of the old town with many traditional restaurants on the doorstep. It was just across the river from a free car park and a five minute walk from Coimbra A station.

Review 28：Carpet in hotel was disgusting. Rooms smelt musty, luckily the windows open. Pillows lumpy. Not for the faint-hearted.

Review 29：Location was good. Near train station and close to cafes and old town. Breakfast was just ok. A beautiful historic hotel that should be restored.

Review 30：A bit worn around the edges. Noisy traffic at times.

Review 31：If you like period architecture, can't beat Hotel Astoria for 1920's authenticity. Large room, close to the station, clean bathroom, loads of hot water, decent breakfast, friendly staff. Loads of charm, great river view

Review 32：nothing really

Review 33：Short walk from Railway station and just outside old city- several restaurants nearby. Good buffet breakfast. Felt like being on an Edwardian liner and enjoyed the novelty of a lift with a bench.

Review 34：The Astoria is a turn of the 20th century place with charm that is slightly worn at the edges, but well located near the University and the old town of Coimbra. Our room was on the street side with a beautiful view of the river, not too noisy (except for a student concert across the river that went on a bit long (but this would not be a regular occurrence).

Review 35：The size of the rooms was great, and the view of the river was superb. Th e bathroom was lovely with a wonderful bathtub. The staff could have been a bit more informed with respect to local transportation.

Review 36：Although we understand that it is an older hotel, we find it a bit dated. The beds look tired, they need new mattresses and more comfortable linens.

Review 37：The location is good, very close to the walking areas of Coimbra. The furniture goes well with the historic era.

Review 38：Excellent location with a wonderful view from my room looking out at the river. Breakfast was ample and delicious. Very pleasant front desk staff. Enjoyed having a guest lounge where I could relax while enjoying a drink from the honour bar. Appreciate the environmentally-aware towel and linen program where they aren't changed every day unless requested.

Review 39：Rooms are a bit shabby. Beds pretty minimal.

Review 40：Great location. Fine old building with wonderful views and street ambiance. What a beautiful place it must have been.

Review 41：Some renovation is needed. Given the location, it is a bit noisy from the traffic.

Review 42：The hotel has very specific spirit. If you want something extraordinary with 1930's feeling, it is exactly the right place. The location is perfect.

Review 43：Great location but carpet looks like it was original from time hotel was built 400 years ago! The sad part is this hotel could be the crown jewel of the entire city and and yet it's just a really tired and neglected work of art!!!

Review 44：Dingy, worn, stained, uncared for, dilapidated, vile breakfast. Could be very cute with its historic deco touches but as it is it just feels depressing and thrown up on. Staff is indifferent. Noisy street.

Review 45：Good location if you want to be in the middle of things. Decor with connection to the past.

Review 46：However, the twin beds had also seen better times and were decidedly uncomfortable with small pillows that had lost any ability to puff up, chairs with springs failing. The apparent shabbiness was reinforced by an inadequate internet connection available only on the bottom floor, carpeting that looked like it hadn't been vacuumed in some time, a television of 1960s vintage.

Review 47：The Hotel Astoria is a faded beauty, showing signs of elegance from a former time. We had looked forward to our room with a view of the river which was delivered as promised.

Review 48：No wifi in rooms ...only in lobby Parts of the hotel were tired and a bit shabby

Review 49：Great location and fantastic breakfast. It was good value for the price.

Review 50：No bad experience, but slightly past its former glory - just adds to the fun!

Review 51：Good location by the river, with cafes, shops, restaurants nearby, as well as the minibus up to the cathedrals and university. Brilliant art deco wood-panelled public rooms and breakfast room. Nice breakfast, excellent staff . Ancient lift you can sit in! Good, firm bed

Review 52：No tea/coffee making facilities in room.

Review 53：Great view from the balcony. Polite and helpful staff. Breakfast was really good value for money. Cleaned room, good towels. The location is perfect.

Review 54：Place is looking dowdy! Need to upgrade a bit like new carpeting and linen. Elevator broke down twice but they did fix it quickly enough (it's ancient as well).

Review 55：Amazing location. Very helpful staff. Good breakfast.

Review 56：The hotel is in need of renovation, it is sad to see a piece of history in bad repair

Review 57：The hotel is a living museum, the entrance and the ground floor takes you back to the 30's.

Review 58：The welcome and the check-out at the reception were halfhearted.

Review 59：The Astoria is really centrally located. It's beautiful! We enjoyed a nice river view from a large room. Take a look at all the vintage details ... e.g. the cranks at the heating ... very interesting! The breakfast buffet is excellent!

Review 60：The shower was difficult to work

Review 61：Position excellent. A step back in time ..like Agatha Christie movie set. If only those walls could talk. Had back room so very quite, good breakfast, and right in old town.

Review 62：The 1920's style of the hotel. It was like going back in a time capsule ...... quite unique! My stay at this hotel was one of the best experiences of my trip. Don't expect all mod/cons, but do experience great value.

Review 63：It is terribly outdated. the tv in the room is really small and not a lot of channels to watch.

Review 64：Location is great and the hotel is clean with very spacious rooms.

Review 65：Breakfast could be better and the stuff could be a lot better.

Review 66：Everything (furniture, floor, decoration, elevator etc) in the hotel remained as it was many decades ago and this is very beautiful. It is like making a journey to the past.

Review 67：Staff could have sold/explained the decor/history of the hotel more and why to some it may appear tired and a bit worn. Wifi only available in the bar and really only B and B facilities.

Review 68：The original decor of the hotel was amazing. If you are interested in decor or history this is a good example. Breakfast very good also. Very well priced and I would stay again.

Review 69：The beds were super loud and the air in the rooms sticky / smelly due to the old furniture maybe - the whole hotel is old and might need renovation sooner or later

Review 70：Great Location, friendly staff, good value for money, historic building, charming

Review 71：The hotel has its own nostalgic charm. However, some items urgently require substitution, like the stair case carpet, which is completely worn out and give a poor impression in contradiction to the otherwise good facilities and renovated rooms.

Review 72：Patricia, the reception desk lady, does a great job. At some times it seems that she alone would run the complete hotel. Patricia deserves a great "Thank You".

Review 73：parking can be difficult opposite hotel but we managed to park 2 mins away and it was fine

Review 74：The Hotel is like being in an episode of Poirot, the decor is in its original 1920's style, rooms are massive and bathrooms are massive too

Review 75：Wifi only in public spaces, very thin walls, I could hear my neighbors conversations, there were connecting doors (that were locked) but that made the noises even louder, cigarette smoke from guests next door getting in to the room, bed was squeaky.

Review 76：The location was excellent and lovely view on the river from the room, staff were nice and friendly.

Review 77：Quite the contrary enjoyed the stay enormously.

Review 78：Hotel is a period house and has character. Its location is excellent for buses and trains and walking. The hotel does need investment to maximize its potential but it has to be carefully done to preserve its character strengths. More immediately more staff in the dining room would reduce the pressure on staff at very busy times.

Review 79：The hotel could benefit from some upgrade - the carpets should be changed, for example. But I'd insist that the old furniture and decorations be kept - they determine the character of this place. Wifi was only promised only in the lobby, but in fact it was available and reasonably reliable also in our 2nd floor rooms. This bit could be improved with very little effort.

Review 80：This hotel takes you to the 1920s, the rooms, the lobby and the breakfast hall are really stylish. The location - Portagem, the central square of Coimbra - is unbeatable. The breakfast is rich (eggs/bacon/sausage, croissant/toast, pastry, cheese/ham, cereals, yoghurt, coffee, milk, juice, fruit salad)

Review 81：Our room had a lovely view of the river which in part compensated for the fact that it was rather small. The double bed was narrow and noisy. The airco in the room was dripping water. Wifi only works in the lobby next to the reception.

Review 82：Location is ideal. Its close by the river (the rooms overlooking the river have a fantastic view), its only a few minutes walk from all the city's main attractions, and very close by from both train and bus stations. Breakfast was good and the room where it was served was lovely. The building itself is historical and very beautiful.

Review 83：We loved the old world charm of the Astoria. Although some carpets are a little threadbare, it can't be beaten for keeping it's original features. Also short walk to old town

Review 84：Sadly the carpets are in a poor state but will cost a fortune to replace. On the other hand it would cost nothing to train the rude and unprofessional reception staff. Most have little or no English. Please tell them that a smile on arrival makes the foreigner feel welcome. This goes a long way. We could then perhaps forgive the creaky beds, ancient televisions and lack of Wi Fi in the bedrooms.

Review 85：Astoria is so old fashioned it's cool. The old features are amazing. loved the lift and revolving door. The rooms are large and airy. The bathroom fittings although old are of very high quality and still work well. We loved the dining room, how wonderful would it be to eat dinner there in the evening as if time had stood still in 1930.

Review 86：The hotel is in need of a major upgrade. It was shabby and not what I was expecting for the money. When coming by car, the hotel was difficult to find and parking WAS NOT nearby. Wifi only available in lobby.

Review 87：The beds were comfortable and it had air conditioning.

Review 88：The Astoria Hotel is classic charm. We were given an upgraded room that was just delightful! It was on the triangle end of the building and had 270 degree views of the river and old city. The staff were very helpful and spoke good English Breakfast was excellent. The house maids did a great job of our room. The hotel is right beside the old city and there are plenty of restaurants Coimbra A rail station that links to the main Coimbra B station is just a 200 metres away.

Review 89：It would cost a fortune to bring this place up to scratch, but it really needs new paint, new upholstery on the furniture in the foyer and sitting room and the carpet throughout needs to be ripped out. But we love landmark/historical hotels so we were quite happy with the experience.

Review 90：The bench in the antique lift, all of the preserved Art Deco touches, the history, the breakfast, the terrace overlooking the river.

Review 91：Not a bad experience and loved the old furnishing but suggest maybe a newer modern type bed.

Review 92：It was stepping into a lovely decadent timewarp a la 1920s elegance. We loved it. Breakfast was brillisnt. Great sofas to lounge in. So convenient to bus. Great little squares to eat and watch the world. Coimbra is a great place to explore.

Review 93：There is carpet in all areas, all of which need cleaning and replacing or in my opinion - flat out removal. Furnature is from 3 centuries ago, where it should have stayed. There is mold behind the wallpaper in staircase is removing the wallpaper. Visible water stains on carpeting in public areas. Staff could have been nicer (one gentleman had an atitude like he was doing us a favour by letting us into the lobby)

Review 94：The proximity to "Portugal dos pequenitos" attraction, and to public transportation.

Review 95：The period style bed was not to my taste.

Review 96：The 1920s feel of the original hotel has been maintained and the beautiful public areas are a delight to use. The staff take pride in their roles as conservators.

Review 97：Credit card machine wasn't working at checkout, so had to pay for room in cash (which required special trip to an ATM). Also, no parking available.

Review 98：Great view of river.

Review 99：This was a good place for one night due to its location but we found the hotel kind of dirty. It seems the carpeting is as old as the hotel itself. When you see dirty and torn carpeting it makes you question the cleanliness of the rest of the hotel though we did not find the rooms to be dirty. The check in staff were pleasant enough though a smile would definitely go a long way to feeling more welcomed.

Review 100：This hotel is in a great location to discover the best of Coimbra. Our room overlooked the river and was within walking distance to shopping, the university, and lots of restaurants.

Review 101：This could be a palace, but it's very dilapidated and desperately in need of a facelift. stained & frayed carpet, dirty chipped walls needing paint everywhere. hard uncomfortable bed and pillows. stained upholstery. skimpy bathroom amenities. WiFi only in lobby, not in room.

Review 102：Location was prime, staff helpful & friendly. Tasty breakfast buffet in elegant art deco dining room. Beautiful deco lobby & common areas. clean bathroom, hot shower, good water pressure. Low price.

Review 103：WiFi didn't work in room (on 2nd floor), nor did the TV (4 or 5 channels only, all local).

Review 104：Short walk to pedestrian mall where event was taking place. Hotel (inc. Room furniture) was like traveling back in history!

Review 105：Shabbiness of some things - couches, etc.

Review 106：Old world atmosphere, art deco interior design, ancient elevator with a bench, view of Coimbra from the room, good breakfast, romantic choice - choco fondue & Portuguese sparkling wine

Review 107：Don't sell a suite and the connecting room separately, when a simple door is the only separation (noise, light, smaller suite, doesn't make sense). Get expresso coffee thus better breakfast and ups

Review 108：Beautiful historical building. Best location and view, original furniture, elevator, ground floor common areas.

Review 109：Place is certainly showing it's age. Beds were too short for my 6' 2" body. Wifi only in one section of the lobby.

Review 110：Location is great. Staff was helpful.

Review 111：You will have to go to the lobby for free wifi, but that is what it said on the box.

Review 112：Central location, ambiance, style. This hotel doesn't have to do much make belief art deco. It has it. Very good breakfast in on of those great groundfloor spaces. Room: spacious, a bathtub to swim in, nice view on the river (room on 4th floor). Friendly multilingual staff. The reviewers complaining about the carpet were not looking around much... take the elevator just for fun.

Review 113：The Double bed was quite small, Not Suitable for Tall people.

Review 114：Great location, near to the city center. Old but fascinating building. Very Good breakfast.

Review 115：I'm not sure the old-world charm of the hotel weighs up against the dusty atmosphere; it was at times quite stuffy.

Review 116：The look of the place; the spacious bedrooms, the old furniture and the elevator.

Review 117：Wifi was only accessible in the foyer and there was a plastic mattress protector which made a noise when you moved - reminiscent of hospital or bed-wetting children

Review 118：A lovely old hotel with lots of charm but in desperate need of renovation. Lots of features and nice breakfast

Review 119：Only wish that there were more guests taking advantage of the reading rooms off the lobby - it would add to the character!

Review 120：We love having the chance to imagine the hotel in early 20th-century days with its period furniture, elegant rooms etc. Breakfast has a good variety of food served in a grand and quiet room. Heating/air conditioning is efficient, beds are comfortable. Location excellent for exploring old Coimbra.

Review 121：would love wi fi in the room, but it was stated as being in just common areas. I can see where some people may find it a bit shabby, it is but still a great value on all fronts.

Review 122：Loved this old style hotel with great breakfast room , lounges, etc. Nice breakfast, comfortable big room and bathroom, wonderful view on the river. We adored this hotel and would stay there again in a heartbeat!

Review 123：We knew it, but we wish they would put wifi everywhere in the hotel; it works fine in the lobby

Review 124：Lovely grounds which remind us of how elegant it was at one time. Nice breakfast included; friendly staff; excellent location either for walking or taking the city bus right in front of it; superb view of the river, the university, etc

Review 125：Too bad you must go to the lobby for wifi.

Review 126：We love every detail of the decor of this hotel. It seems so unchanged, yet very clean and polished but still sort of a genteel tiredness( in a good way) by the way the breakfast is very good in the splendid breakfast room. The view of the river is lovely. Even the elevator is not to be missed.

Review 127：We can't think of anything we didn't like.

Review 128：We've read the other reviews and we really don't know what they are complaining about. This is the perfect hotel. The room, including the bathroom was spacious and comfortable. The view of the river was great. The art deco interior and furniture really is art deco. The location is perfect. The atmosphere is everything modern sterile hotels are not. This is a time capsule from an era when people knew how to run hotels and it needs to be preserved that way. Don't be put off by the other reviews.

Review 129：WiFi is mainly only in the common area - though once I finally got the correct code from the staff, I could also access it from our room.

Review 130：This hotel has real elegance in its architecture. Spacious rooms, long soaking tub, quality soaps! Many little shops, cafes and restaurants nearby, and very quick easy walk to downtown train station.

Review 131：Bedroom rather tired and worn.No soundproofing between rooms, hence some sleepless nights due to fellow guests.

Review 132：Friendly staff. Good breakfast. Excellent location for historical sites.

Review 133：The double bed is very small. If you are a couple, better choose a twin room and put the 2 beds together. It's better. The hotel clearly needs an investment to refresh the furniture and tapistry and have proper beds, pillows, curtains. If you understand the back in time effect, you can actually enjoy the experience.

Review 134：Loved the old aspect of the building. The elevator is really fantastic. It has a bench and makes a weird noise when it moves. A gem. Loved the library, the entrance door, the dinning room, but only if you are interested in going back in time and live a piece of history. Just look at it with an opened mind.

Review 135：Sound proofing of rooms none existent. Décor of rooms not to expectation. T.V. poor.

Review 136：Staff all very helpful. Good location. Breakfast and décor of public areas very nice.

Review 137：Everything was good. The old charm of the building was a plus. Excellent breakfast as well. I am surprised that this is only a three stars hotel. It could be easily rated more.

Review 138：Someone might not like the smell (smells like my grandmother's house).

Review 139：Great location (near the bus stop and train station), both sides have nice view. Original equipment, sensitively incorporated modern elements to the original interior with many details (lift) perfect atmosphere of a luxury hotel of the 20s!!!

Review 140：Outrageously noisy event belting out through the night, Not the hotel's fault, but apparently a regular feature of Coimbra,

Review 141：Classic hotel. Even the very unsatisfactory wifi fitted in with its air of declining grandeur. Good breakfast. Nice staff.