Solar Antigo Luxury Coimbra

One of the most memorable hotels we have had the pleasure to stay in. The staff were friendly and attentive; took care of our every want. The room was fully modern, yet it felt like something from a fairytale. The hotel is steps from great dining and from the University. It was an unexpected delight.

We arrived on a busy holiday afternoon and had to wait more than 20 minutes to check in, as only one receptionist, Catarina, was on duty—personally walking each guest to their rooms and loudly explaining hotel details. When I asked if we were in the right place to check in, she responded coldly and gave us rushed, confusing directions to our room. We got lost and had to find her again for help, unlike other guests who were escorted. To top it off, we weren’t offered the welcome drinks or treats that others seemed to receive. It felt like we were being punished for our frustration. Is this is nice hospitality service ?! It’s spoiled my experience… Her colleagues later apologized, which suggests this isn’t the first complaint. A disappointing start to our stay. ⸻ Style Over Substance – Disappointing Stay The room was spacious with a nice view, but the jacuzzi was very loud. The bathroom had no space to place personal items, and while the gold decor looked appealing in photos, it felt bulky and tacky in person. I didn’t mind climbing the stairs, but breakfast in the room was a letdown—nowhere comfortable to eat, with cheap cheese, cold eggs, and salami. Only instant coffee! I would never stay again .

Jacuzzi was the highlight! After days of walking up and down the hills, I couldn't get out of the jacuzzi because it was so relaxing. We had to check out early in the morning so the lady at the front desk prepared some sandwiches, water and drinks for us to take on our early morning hike. Lots of restaurants and bars just down the hotel. They had good recommendations too. Room was cool and clean. Parking was very easy too!

We recently stayed at the Solar Antigo and were very pleased with the overall experience. Although we encountered a few issues during our stay—matters that were outside the hotel’s control—the management handled them with professionalism and great care. The service throughout was exceptional; the front desk team, in particular, went above and beyond to ensure our comfort and satisfaction. The hotel itself is beautiful, with well-appointed rooms offering lovely views and exceptionally comfortable bedding. All staff members were courteous, attentive, and highly trained, bringing a personable approach that reflects very well on the establishment. Breakfast was light yet sufficient, and the atmosphere remained pleasant and welcoming. Overall, a truly enjoyable stay, made memorable by outstanding customer service. We extend our sincere thanks to the entire team.

My stay at Solar Antigo Luxury Coimbra from July 5th to July 6th was, unfortunately, the most disappointing of my trip to Portugal—and ironically, the one I was looking forward to the most. It was also the most expensive, which made the experience even more frustrating. We were drawn to the hotel by the promise of a luxurious and romantic stay, complete with modern furnishings, a city view, and an in-room jacuzzi, as shown in the pictures on the booking website. However, upon arrival, we were given Room 66, which bore no resemblance to what had been advertised. While the check-in experience was pleasant—thanks to a kind receptionist named Catalina—things quickly fell apart the moment we entered the room. There was no city view, the furnishings were dated and tacky, and most frustratingly, the jacuzzi was located on a completely different floor from the bedroom, facing the street instead of the skyline. To make matters worse, we found insects on the bed, calling into question the cleanliness and hygiene standards of the hotel. When we raised our concerns, Catalina was apologetic but unable to help, saying that all rooms were fully booked and that the manager (who handles bookings) was unavailable. We were advised to email, which we did, but as of now have received no resolution. If Room 66 had been accurately represented online, we never would have booked it. None of the photos on the hotel’s website or booking platforms show this room—likely because management is aware of how subpar it is compared to the rest. At nearly $200 per night, this was not just a poor value—it felt like a clear case of false advertising. What should have been a memorable, romantic evening turned into a frustrating and uncomfortable experience. I was apologized to by several staff, in a manner that suggests this isn’t the first complaint. A disappointing end to our Portugal stay. It is worth noting that I have also posted the above on booking.com and was offered a refund from the property, which has not materialized.