Astoria- Coimbra

Since I wanted to get to know Coimbra well, I booked a three-week package tour with TUI. Requirement: high standard, double room for single use, balcony or terrace, breakfast. Upon my arrival, it was denied that a balcony or terrace had been booked. The room I was led to was a tiny, stuffy lumber room furnished with junk (see pictures); the completely filthy window offered a view of a noisy alley and the trash cans of a restaurant. My complaint to TUI then led to a room change the next day – better, but still not good. The hotel has a significant backlog of renovations; apart from the installation of a (loud) air conditioning system and a (useless) television, nothing seems to have been done there for decades. Nowadays, at such a price (over 126€ per night), in addition to a very good condition, at least a refrigerator, coffee maker, and other amenities are standard, even at hotels that cost half as much. Unfortunately, the hotel is absolutely noisy, presumably due to its structural condition: all noises from the street, the hallway, and the surrounding rooms penetrate unfiltered. So, anyone who values a quiet night or a siesta, be warned. Even basics like enough power outlets are sought in vain here: either use the reading lamp or charge your phone – you have the choice. In other reports, the charm of the 1920s is praised; that may be, but I can only confirm that regarding the lobby and the breakfast room. The breakfast is lower middle class; after two days at the latest, it gets boring. Overall, the hotel is (if at all) for the above-mentioned reasons... ...recommended for a max. of... 1 – 2 days, provided you are not arriving by car (there are no parking spaces at the hotel). Conclusion: one star for the location, one star for the friendly and helpful staff. The hotel should be closed for an extended period and completely gutted and renovated to bring the standard in line with the prices.

Hotel in a special old vintage atmosphere. Prime location, in the middle of the city center.

Nice staff, especially the service at breakfast. One person is not enough to clear everything and replenish items. Nevertheless, very eager and friendly. The quality of the breakfast is poor, only cheap goods. Better to charge a higher breakfast price and serve decent Portuguese coffee. The hotel offers no quiet rooms; it is very loud in the front and the back due to the surroundings. Renovation urgently needed. Similar experience to the nights before at the Palastotel Busacco. The owners must invest, otherwise the fun will be over soon.