Hotel Universal, near Porto Historic Center, is where warm hospitality and modern comforts blend. Unwind with a coffee from the on-site cafe or explore nearby Livraria Lello. Previous guests rave about the helpful staff who are happy to assist with tour tickets or car rentals.
Hotel Universal puts you in a great location, within just a 10-minute walk of Bolhao Market and Livraria Lello. You can unwind with a drink at the bar/lounge, and the coffee shop/cafe is the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat. Also, Porto Cathedral and Dom Luis I Bridge are within just a 10-minute walk. Fellow travelers love the helpful staff. Public transportation is only a short walk: Av. Aliados Stop and Aliados Station are just steps away.
At a glance
DONE
Hotel size
44 rooms
Arranged over 6 floors
DONE
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Contactless check-in available
Early check-in subject to availability
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out time is 11:30 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
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Special check-in instructions
This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 72 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
If you are planning to arrive after midnight please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
DONE
Required at check-in
Credit card required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
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Children
One child (4 years old and younger) stays free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding
No cribs (infant beds)
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Pets
Pets allowed (dogs and cats only, 1 total, up to 33 lbs per pet)*
Service animals welcome
Specific rooms only, restrictions apply*
WIFI
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms (speed: 25+ Mbps)
LOCAL_PARKING
Parking
Offsite parking within 3281 ft (EUR 20 per night)
DONE
Transfers
Airport shuttle on request (available 24 hours)*
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Other information
Smoke-free property
Property amenities
Food and drink
Buffet breakfast (surcharge) 7:30 AM–10:30 AM on weekdays and 8:00 AM–10:30 AM on weekends
Bar/lounge
Coffee shop
Coffee/tea in a common area
Room service (limited hours)
Traveling with children
Children stay free (see details)
What to do
Pool table
Services
24-hour front desk
Concierge services
Tour/ticket assistance
Luggage storage
Multilingual staff
Facilities
1 building/tower
Built in 1930
Safe-deposit box at front desk
Accessibility
Elevator
Wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
Accessible airport shuttle
Raised toilet seat
Low-height counter/sink
Grab bar near toilet
Bathroom emergency pull cord
Room amenities
Be entertained
Television
Cable TV channels
Home comfort
Air conditioning and heating
Sleep well
Bed sheets provided
Freshen up
Private bathroom
Free toiletries
Hair dryer
Towels
Stay connected
Free WiFi (speed of 25+ Mbps)
Phone
More
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
Mobile key entry
Fees & policies
Mandatory fees
You'll be asked to pay the following charges by the property at check-in or check-out. Fees may include applicable taxes:
A tax is imposed by the city: EUR 3.00 per person, per night, up to 7 nights. This tax does not apply to children under 13 years of age.
Optional extras
Buffet breakfast is offered for an extra charge of approximately EUR 15 for adults and EUR 15 for children
Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge of EUR 40 per vehicle (roundtrip, maximum occupancy 4)
Early check-in can be arranged for an extra charge (subject to availability)
Late check-out can be arranged for an extra charge of EUR 10 (subject to availability)
Pets
Service animals exempt from fees
Pets are allowed for an extra charge of EUR 20 per pet, per night
Parking
Parking is available nearby and costs EUR 20 per night (3281 ft away)
Policies
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
Some facilities may have restricted access. Guests can contact the property for details using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit on site.
This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express
Cashless transactions are available.
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property. The policies listed are provided by the property.
Guests who may encounter issues with stairs should contact this property in advance to request a room on a floor with elevator service.
Also known as
Hotel Universal Porto
Universal Hotel
Universal Porto
Hotel Universal Hotel
Hotel Universal Porto
Hotel Universal Hotel Porto
Frequently asked questions
Does Hotel Universal offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, Hotel Universal does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Are pets allowed at Hotel Universal?
Yes, cats and dogs are welcome, with a limit of 1 total and maximum weight of 33 lbs per pet. There's a charge of EUR 20 per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from fees. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
Is airport shuttle service offered by Hotel Universal?
Yes, an airport shuttle is available. The charge is EUR 40 per vehicle roundtrip.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Hotel Universal?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight. There's a charge for early check-in (subject to availability). Check-out time is 11:30 AM. Late check-out is available for a charge of EUR 10 (subject to availability). Contactless check-in and check-out are available.
Is there an onsite casino at Hotel Universal?
No, this hotel doesn't have a casino, but Casino Espinho (18-min drive) is nearby.
What's the area around Hotel Universal like?
Hotel Universal is in Centro / Baixa, a short 1-minute walk from Av. Aliados Stop and 13 minutes' walk from Porto Historic Center.
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Reviews
Hotel Universal Reviews
7.8
Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
8.2
Cleanliness
9.2
Location
8.2
Staff & service
7.2
Property conditions & facilities
Popular mentions
Location
Room
Cities
Restaurant
Reviews
Verified
8/10 Very good
Apr 22, 2026
There are plenty of eateries around the hotel.
Desmond
Desmond, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 31, 2025
Wonderful staff convenient location great city view
Sierra
Sierra, 4-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Sep 13, 2025
cute older hôtel in a great central location
very nice staff
Jennifer
Jennifer, 5-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Jan 1, 2026
Basic but clean, safe and comfortable. Excellent value for money with very helpful staff
Latitia
Latitia, 3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 18, 2025
Definitely much better than a 2 star hotel. Loved the location and lovely interior
Marc
Marc, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 29, 2025
Breakfast good
Location for shopping some distance away
Brian
Brian, 3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 12, 2025
Clean room. Great locations. Great staff
Virginia
Virginia, 3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 6, 2024
Friendly staff, nice rooms, great location. Enjoyed our stay!
Daniel
Daniel, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 4, 2025
Clean place and very friendly staff, breakfast was fair (you get what you paid) very walkable to main attractions and lot of restaurants around there. Definitely recommend this place.
AUDIEL
AUDIEL, 3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 4, 2025
Amazing location... friendly staff...clean. parking only a block away not bad at all!
Sonia
Sonia, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 30, 2024
Near shopping and restaurant
CARLOS
CARLOS, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 23, 2025
The hotel is very clean, the staff very attentive, and the breakfast is standard. My only observation is that you have to climb one floor of stairs to reach reception, and then there's an elevator to get to the rooms.
Marleny De
Marleny De, 3-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Oct 30, 2025
Pros: centrally located, close to lots of dining options, shopping and walking to monuments and must sees. Staff were friendly.
Cons: Still need to go up a flight of stairs to get to front desk, had to leave room key/tv remote every time you left premise, was not a deluxe superior room for 3 people, no water/ice for refills.
Maria Salome
Maria Salome, 3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
May 26, 2025
Good service , safe and quiet .
WAH FAI
WAH FAI, 3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 28, 2025
this hotel deserves more stars than 5. super accessible to downtown porto. the staff was super great! we only stay 3.5 days and we wished we stayed longer. everything that you want to see is just as you step outside the hotel. we included the breakfast and it was great. if we go back to port, we for sure will stay here again
claire
claire, 3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 12, 2024
Friendly staff, clean and comfortable room! Would definitely recommend!
Katherine
Katherine, 1-night trip
Verified
6/10 Good
Sep 24, 2025
I like the area, just 3 minutes to walk to the City Hall and other travel spots.
The hotel was clean, but there were no trash cans or a kettle.
Rei
Rei, 5-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 20, 2024
Central location close to the train.
Mr. Francis J
Mr. Francis J, 5-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
May 15, 2024
Wonderful staff, convenient location, clean room and the rest of the property. The lady at the reception was very nice and helped us with our requests.
Maria
Maria, 1-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Apr 22, 2024
Easy access to eating, shopping and transportation.
Patricia
Patricia, 1-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
May 2, 2025
Great location!
Great location. Close to the city centre. Note that there is stairs to walk up to the reception and they take your keys to leave at reception when you leave the hotel for the day. Concierge is 24/7 and very helpful.
Rona
Rona, 4-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 29, 2025
Very nice staff, helped my family a lot during the Portugal power outrage time. The hotel location is beside the Imperial McDonald. Lots of food options around the area. After 2 nights, my family took the Bus 601 to the airport.
Ye
Ye, 2-night trip
Verified
6/10 Good
Feb 21, 2025
Clean and as expected for a two star.
Verified traveler
2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 14, 2025
Perfect Porto Visit
The Hotel Universal is conveniently located in the heart of downtown and close to Metro, grocery stores and laundry services. Also close to restaurants and beautiful sites. Breakfast quality and value was definitely value for money spent. Staff were friendly and helpful. Only draw back was that the stairs might be difficult for some people as there was no elevator beyond the access to reception.
James B
James B, 3-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Mar 11, 2024
The hotel’s location is great, next to the San Bento Train Station and 2 subway stations. Further, the City Hall and the Cathedral are with several minutes walking distance.