Hotel Universal

2.0 star property
Hotel with a bar, steps from Porto Historic Center

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Photo gallery for Hotel Universal

Standard Double Room, 1 Double Bed, City View | In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access
Family Room | In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access
Reception
Bar (on property)
Daily buffet breakfast (EUR 13.80 per person)

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Room service
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

View in a map
Avenida Aliados 38, 1st Floor, Porto, 4000-064
  • Place, Porto Cathedral
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, Porto Historic Center
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Ribeira Square
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Airport, Porto (OPO-Dr. Francisco de Sa Carneiro)
    ‪13 min drive‬

Room options

Standard Triple Room, 3 Twin Beds

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 215 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 3 Twin Beds

Standard Double Room, 1 Double Bed, City View

7.0 out of 10
Good
(4 reviews)
  • 118 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Superior Double or Twin Room, 1 Double or 2 Twin Beds

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(8 reviews)
  • 258 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

Family Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 237 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 2 Twin Beds

Twin Standard Handicap Facilities

  • 258 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 3 Twin Beds

Superior Triple Room, 3 Twin Beds

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • 215 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 3 Twin Beds

Standard Twin Room, 2 Twin Beds

  • 129 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

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About the neighborhood

Porto

Located in Centro / Baixa, Hotel Universal is adjacent to Porto Historic Center and within a 10-minute walk of other popular attractions like Livraria Lello. This 44-room hotel welcomes guests with conveniences like a bar/lounge, a coffee shop/cafe, and free in-room WiFi.

What's nearby

  • Porto City Hall - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Livraria Lello - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Porto Cathedral - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Porto Historic Center - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Ribeira Square - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles

Getting around

  • Av. Aliados Stop - 1 min walk
  • São Bento Station - 3 min walk
  • Porto Airport (OPO) - 32 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Hard Rock Café - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Astória Cafe - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Nola Kitchen - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Estambul Döner Kebap & Pizza - ‬1 min walk

About this property

Hotel Universal

Hotel with a bar, steps from Porto Historic Center
Dating back to 1930, Hotel Universal features free WiFi in public areas and coffee in a common area. Airport transportation is made easy with an airport shuttle (available 24 hours) for EUR 25 per vehicle roundtrip. Multilingual staff at the front desk are standing by 24/7 to help with luggage storage, concierge services, and securing valuables.
TVs come with cable channels, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries. Safes and phones are also standard.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 25+ Mbps
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Offsite parking within 1 mile (EUR 20 per night)
  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle on request for a surcharge

Food and drink

  • Buffet breakfast available for a fee 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM on weekdays and 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM on weekends; EUR 13.80 per person
  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Things to do

  • Billiards/pool table

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Accessible airport shuttle
  • Bathroom emergency pull cord
  • Elevator
  • Grab bar near toilet
  • Low-height counter and sink
  • Raised toilet seat
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel

More

  • 1 building
  • 6 floors
  • Built in 1930
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • Limited room service

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Mobile key entry
  • Phone
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in is available for a fee
Contactless check-in available
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:30 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: EUR 10

Special check-in instructions

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

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for EUR 20 per pet, per night
  • Dogs and cats only
  • 1 total (33 lbs is the maximum weight per pet)
  • Certain rooms only, restrictions apply
  • Guests can request a pet-friendly room by contacting the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • One child 4 years old or younger stays free when using existing bedding

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • 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.

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Fee for buffet breakfast: approximately EUR 13.80 per person
  • Airport shuttle fee: EUR 25 per vehicle (roundtrip, maximum occupancy 4)
  • Nearby parking fee: EUR 20 per night (3281 ft away)
  • Pet fee: EUR 20 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Early check-in is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out fee: EUR 10 (subject to availability)

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:30 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is open 24 hours a day. For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the airport shuttle (available 24 hours), which is offered for a fee.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A credit card for incidental charges and a government-issued photo ID may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions and guests can access their rooms with a mobile device.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • Some facilities may be restricted. For more details, contact the property. Contact information can be found on your booking confirmation.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.

Property is also known as

Hotel Universal Porto
Universal Hotel
Universal Porto
Hotel Universal Hotel
Hotel Universal Porto
Hotel Universal Hotel Porto

Frequently asked questions

Is free cancellation available at Hotel Universal?

Hotel Universal provides free cancellation on certain room rates. For specific requirements, review the cancellation policy on our site.

What can I see within easy reach of Hotel Universal?

This hotel is situated in Centro / Baixa, just steps from Porto Historic Center, and within a 10-minute walk of Livraria Lello and Porto Cathedral. You'll also find Ribeira Square and Norte Shopping within a short drive.

Will I be able to park at Hotel Universal?

No, this hotel doesn't offer parking.

Does Hotel Universal have a casino at the property?

No, Hotel Universal doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Hotel Universal?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

What amenities will couples enjoy at Hotel Universal?

Couples staying at this hotel will appreciate amenities like a bar plus some guestrooms include jetted bathtubs and minibars.

Does Hotel Universal have a hot tub?

No, but this hotel offers jetted bathtubs in some guestrooms.

Does Hotel Universal feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Yes, Hotel Universal serves buffet breakfast each morning for a surcharge from its cafe.

Will Hotel Universal allow pets to stay for free?

Although they can't stay for free, cats and dogs are welcome at Hotel Universal for a fee of EUR 20 per pet, per night.

Does Hotel Universal have connecting rooms?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hotel.

How close is the airport from Hotel Universal?

The closest major airport to Hotel Universal is Porto Airport (OPO), which is 11.6 mi away (32 minutes by car).

Can I book a room with a balcony at Hotel Universal?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at Hotel Universal.

Hotel Universal Reviews

Reviews

7.8

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 141 out of 533 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 226 out of 533 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 122 out of 533 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 32 out of 533 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 12 out of 533 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.2/10

Staff & service

7.8/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Helen

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ivonne

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Randy

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Bed was horrible
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Tara

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
A bit of building work in outside street. No plug in bath! View from room not nice but we didn’t select a room with a particular view so fair enough
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Evelyn

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It is with in walking distance to everything
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Gennadiy

Traveled with family
Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
Good hotel for the value
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

2/10 Terrible

Deborah

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
There were 20 steps to go up to the property. Cramped room Window at back over fire escapes etc. air conditioning only worked when light was on
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

4/10 Poor

Maria Marta

Traveled with family
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Muy mal para personas mayores en general no nos gustó mucho lo único fue su ubicación pero las habitaciones incómodas y viejas .
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

WAH FAI

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good service , safe and quiet .
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

james

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very good location most place i can walking within 10 minutes and most implo
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great location, amazing staff

Can’t say enough about the location of this place! Right where you need to be to walk to almost all the main sites and attractions. Very friendly service! Nice, clean rooms. Would definitely go back and recommend. One down side - very small elevator and lots of stairs. You need walk up a large flight of stairs to even reach the elevator.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Rona

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ye, Mississauga

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brian, Brevard

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very nicely renovated. A surprise after entering!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

James B

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

AUDIEL

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sonia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing location... friendly staff...clean. parking only a block away not bad at all!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Yau Wai Alan

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Overall is good
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Haochuan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Good stay but something needs to improve

The hotel is clean and staff is friendly, also close to the train station. However, no kettle, no USB charge connection and no sleepers are provided, it makes customers are inconvenient staying in a room.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great location near Sao Bento train station and other nearby attractions within walking distance. Note that there's about 27 steps up to check-in with a lift for handicap only and then a regular lift, albeit small, for floors above that. Porto is built on steep hills, so it requires some energy, with funiculars, etc. to make it easier in some places. Nevertheless, it's definitely a more than worthwhile place to visit for a few days, with side day trips to Guiermaes and/or Braga also worthwhile.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Did the job

Room was clean and tidy. Terrible balcony that opened up on to a flat roof with the air conditioners. Just used it as a pied a terre to enjoy the city
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Clean and as expected for a two star.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alejandro Eduardo

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

CARLOS, chula Vista

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Near shopping and restaurant
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024