What a wonderful experience... I stayed at this hotel while on a business trip a…

What a wonderful experience... I stayed at this hotel while on a business trip and couldn't have been any more happy. The owner, her parents & team really made me feel at home straight away. I loved the room, the comfort, the atmosphere... the warmth and cheerful attitude not to mention the food... which was great... breakfast was really a surprise... besides bread, cheese etc they serve super healthy homemade smoothies (fruit and veggies!), cereals, "super foods" such as goji berries, a mixture of nuts and seeds! A feast for a health conscious girl like me. On top of that they offer, besides the lovely local cuisine, delicious vegetarian dishes as well. What more can you want... "Today is a good day" reads the sign when you walk in... it put a smile on my face! I'll definitely stay in this hotel again on my next trip.

We spent a wonderful weekend at this estate! Beautiful decoration, rustic atmosp…

We spent a wonderful weekend at this estate! Beautiful decoration, rustic atmosphere, great variety of wines, delicious breakfast and tasty chocolate cake always at disposal! It is all in the details: fresh flowers everywhere, quotes that make you smile at every corner, treats when you enter your room, a charming map in each room with attractions in the area,… Highlight of our stay was definitely the warm welcome we got from the family. I feel that we came as strangers and left as friends. The owner and her parents couldn't have made us feel more welcome and at home. Being a travel agent, I have traveled a lot and seen many hotels, but this one gained a special place in my heart and I recommend it highly. One thing is for sure: we will be back for many more romantic weekends to come!

Stop looking for a hotel near Porto, you have found the perfect place!! The whol…

Stop looking for a hotel near Porto, you have found the perfect place!! The whole team (family) is so very helpful and genuine, aiming to please every minute of our stay, they were the best part of our visit. Rooms are very clean and comfortable. Amenities include an inviting pool; delicious dinner and breakfast on property by the talented cook; a GPS loaned with all the addresses thoughtfully programmed in, to get you to the right places; and "no brand" Port wine at the ready made by the owner's Dad. Really it couldn't have been ANY better! It's nicely situated, close enough to Porto and the Douro Valley. Quinta da Aveleda was our favorite visit, recommended by the owner of the beautiful hotel and the most perfect hostess for our, way too short, two night stay. We plan to return with more family and friends in tow. I envy those reviewers who stayed longer. Every praise you have read is true and I couldn't imagine someone giving less than a perfect review to this estate! Best of luck with your new hotel.

Despite the nominal address, this mansion is not in Penafiel, but in Paco da Sou…

Despite the nominal address, this mansion is not in Penafiel, but in Paco da Sousa, a small town about 10 minutes west of Penafiel (and that much closer to Porto). A five minute walk into this small town takes you to one or two banks/cash machines, grocery, bars, and some small cafe/restaurants. First, you have to appreciate all the love and attention this exceptional family has put into the renovation of this fine 120-year-old estate, and into the equally fine modern wing (the so-called "Popular Art Rooms"). The materials and workmanship used throughout I would be proud to have in my own home. The family -- everyone on the staff, really -- has gone, and continues every day, to go out of their way to ensure that your visit is as good as it can possibly be. The grounds are lovely including a very inviting swimming pool and deck area and a children's play area. The "lounge/lobby" is more like a living room; and one corner is set aside with furniture and games for small children. The breakfast buffet is extensive and of high quality. If given sufficient notice, the family and their superb cook will prepare generous Portuguese home-style dinners (the food just keeps a-comin', folks); and the owner's father is typically available to provide guidance through their excellent selection of Douro-region wines. Unfortunately, and in keeping with Portuguese custom, their normal dinner time is 8:30, although they moved it up a bit when we commented on this. Since "the full Portuguese" might be too much for many travelers (or too much for every evening), they were kind enough to prepare (still substantial) "lighter" meals at our request. Similarly, they were willing to move their customary 9:30 a.m. breakfast time to 9:00 to accommodate us. However, this still leaves you beginning your day's touring about 10:30; and with many places in Portugal closed between 1 and 4 p.m., you lose a lot of your touring time. I hope that these fine people can find a way to offer breakfast to their guests even a bit earlier (perhaps 8:30?). The narrow stone gate to the property is a bit intimidating. However, after I observed mater familias Conceicao blast through this gate in a medium-huge Mercedes sedan without even pulling in the side mirrors, I suppressed any further whining. Right now, reservation deposits are required to be made in Euros by international bank transfer -- a major hassle for Americans (although if you have a brokerage account, your broker might be able to help you purchase Euros for you account and to transfer them via their correspondent banks). Final payments also currently must be in cash (in sums I am typically not comfortable carrying on me). The owner tells me they are currently exploring 'a better way,' probably using VISA or MasterCard. In sum, if you are seeking a base for your visit to Porto and your explorations of the Douro River wine region, this place offers you a memorable experience that you will carry with you for a long time.

Stayed in July. Photographs cannot do this place justice - the overall effect is…

Stayed in July. Photographs cannot do this place justice - the overall effect is stunning. Beautiful renovated building, full of charm, great design & attention to detail. Only 10/12 rooms, so relaxed, boutique atmosphere. The food is fantastic: a wonderful cook with the best chocolate fondant cake ever. What sets this place above others is the personalised service and attention you can expect from the host, her staff and family - all in the most sincere, friendly way (and excellent English). Oh, and the pool/pool area is lovely - and bigger than it looked in the photos. Had a small problem getting wifi to work for us, but it seemed to work fine for other guests.

We stayed 2 nights in this charming, perfect renovated and decorated hotel. The …

We stayed 2 nights in this charming, perfect renovated and decorated hotel. The welcoming from one of the team was very friendly and we enjoyed the free cake and limonade at the pool. The owner gave us the feeling of knowing here for many years. Sitting at the pool she adviced the nice things to visit in the region and 'Aveleda' was very worth to do!! The first evening (the cook wasn't working this evening) the owner prepared us a nice perfect meal and she recommended the family 'vinho verde'! Very well chosen by her dad!!! The second evening we enjoyed the meal of the head cook very well. Loved her chocolate cake!! The breakfast is complete, a nice buffet and a colorful, personal served plate with fresh fruit! We also enjoyed the garden with the swimming pool and a cold glass of wine (nice served!!). The rooms are very clean and we had a perfect view over the valley! So, thanks to the owner, her parents and her perfect team. We enjoyed our stay in your paradise very well, hope to see you again and wish you all the best in the future!!!!

The owner is the perfect host! At once you feel like home! The rooms are very co…

The owner is the perfect host! At once you feel like home! The rooms are very comfortable with lovely lyrics on the wall. The breakfast was delicious with fresh fruits and bread. When we left she told us to be happy every day. What more could you wish.... We will be back!

We staid one night on our trip to Douro Valley and were very well welcomed and h…

We staid one night on our trip to Douro Valley and were very well welcomed and hosted. The dinner and breakfast were very good and portions are very large. The guesthouse is quite charming and the hosts are very friendly. The pictures are very realistic of the property.

We stayed 5 nights in the lovely guesthouse. We got a warm welcome with a big hu…

We stayed 5 nights in the lovely guesthouse. We got a warm welcome with a big hug, an excellent cake and delicious limonada in the garden near the swimming pool. Wonderful! It felt like coming home! Our room was the in the new part of the guesthouse. This is a nice and quiet room, not too big, but very practical. The owner gave us a lot of suggestions what to do, where to eat something, how to take the train to Porto, where to go shopping, she knew exactly what we were looking for. We even could buy the tickets for the hop-on-hop-off-bus in Porto. The dinner and the breakfast were excellent too! The vinho verde proposed by the 'papa' was very nice. The cakes, especially the chocolatcake, were irresistable. In other words, we had a great stay and would certainly recommend this warm and hospital guesthouse to everybody. The host, her parents and the staff are doing a great job!!! Congratulations!!!

Glad we found this hidden gem just 20mins away from Porto! So warm and welcoming…

Glad we found this hidden gem just 20mins away from Porto! So warm and welcoming! We loved recommendations of Papa for food, and will never forget that porketta! Baby friendly, good brekkie, and warm atmosphere.

The owner, her father and the whole team is really friendly and orientated to th…

The owner, her father and the whole team is really friendly and orientated to the customers individual expectations. Nice scenic location and decent pool. The area is not spoilt from tourismn and their advantage catching biz-makers. We had with 4 lunch and wine for less than €50. Instead you find untouched rural Portugal. By car/train you have Porto less than 45 mins away.

We can truly recommend to everyone this nice place with a very friendly and fami…

We can truly recommend to everyone this nice place with a very friendly and familiar service and modern installation and decoration. We enjoyed to relax beside the swimming pool after visiting porto in the morning.

We stayed there 4 days with our grown up children. We recommend this place; very…

We stayed there 4 days with our grown up children. We recommend this place; very nice service, support and advice from the team. Good food and wine. Nice location (30 mins from Porto) to visit the Douro valley and the west of Porto.

What a wonderful place to visit in this nice part of northern Portugal. The owne…

What a wonderful place to visit in this nice part of northern Portugal. The owner made us feel at home from the first minute, welcome kiss included. She took her time to give us some tips on interesting places to visit in the neighbourhood. So much more personal than a small guide book! The room (historical room) was very comfortable with a big wardrobe. The bed was perfect. Breakfast was copious and cosy. You always have the opportunity to talk with other guests if you want. But you absolutely have to have dinner at this mansion. The service is impeccable and the food delicious! We hope to return in the near future.

I can be very short in this review. This location is a must be if you plan to vi…

I can be very short in this review. This location is a must be if you plan to visit Porto or the Porto region. Easy to reach by car (appr 25 minutes) or train (obvious a bit longer), you arrive in a most lovely mansion with interior design that some high level hotels can learn from. And above all, the service is perfect. Efficient yet friendly. We hope to see the owner and the staff again soon as Portugal has so much to offer. Muy obrigada!

What a nice and warm welcome in this hotel. We were a group of 4 couples and all…

What a nice and warm welcome in this hotel. We were a group of 4 couples and all of us have the same good feeling about this hotel. We had very tastfull diner at a reasonable price. Don't look for another restaurant when you stay in the hotel... it's a great place to eat. Our stay was just perfect.

A nice and small hotel. Very friendly. They try to help you as much as possible …

A nice and small hotel. Very friendly. They try to help you as much as possible with information about the surrounding area - museums, restaurants. The name of the rooms with the definition on the wall are a must. Not a very big room, and you only have the 4 portuguese TV channels, but if you are in these part of Portugal it is not for staying in the room but for doing some sightseeing.