MS Collection Aveiro - Palacete de Valdemouro, an SLH Hotel

Mastery of 'a arte de servir' What a beautiful experience it has been to stay in this mansion hotel, MS Collection Aveiro. With my first steps in the door I was greeted with kindness and a warm welcome by Hugo. I specifically asked to only be spoken to in Português, even though the entire concierge team is fluent in English, to help me learn the language. The concierge seemingly didn't mind slowing down for my brain to catch up to them, even helping me with translations and conjugations as I gained the confidence to communicate more each day. Special thank you to José who had the patience to wait for the punchline of my joke that I attempted in a 2nd language. While every interaction at the hotel was positive, José and Hugo stood out with their top notch helpful hospitality service. As for the physical building, the hotel is pristine with regal decor. Red velvet stairs are illuminated by sunflowers, leading you to the pockets of history in the 24 hour library. The mansion-turned-hotel celebrates the life and works of Eça de Queriós, famous novelist and diplomat. Each room is named for a character created by Eça. I stayed in the suite named for Artur Corvelo, the protagonist in "A Capital" by Eça de Queriós. I appreciated a gold framed mirror tv (though I never used the tv) that opened the space and reflected the art from above the headboard and the chandelier. The carved mahogany writing desk with a tufted red and gold chair inspired me to do my own writing. Every evening I enjoyed the sweets coupled with literary 'sweet nothings' at turn down service. Brenda would leave (translated) poetic quotes by Eça de Queirós on the nightstand, inviting reflection and introspection while winding down for the night. These details created a remarkable and unique experience. Not to be forgotten was the luxurious glass bottomed outdoor lap pool, sparkling above the Turkish spa 'Moments'. Admittedly the visual of the pools on the website is what drew me to stay with MS Collections Aveiro. Now having experienced it and used the spa amenities daily, I highly recommend receiving a Drenagem Lynfática massage to solve any jet lag issues. My massage therapist, Catarina, was professional, strong, and provided great communication, which led to an absolutely blissful spa experience. (This is saying something because as an athlete I am rather particular about massages.) Above the spa, by the pool I enjoyed a daily feast of a breakfast by the modern art celebrating Eça de Queirós. As an American nutritionist, it was an enlightened experience demonstrating how Portuguese culture prioritizes "the most important meal of the day." It was the best kind of culture shock. I look forward to experimenting with recreating these recipes to incorporate into nutrition planning. This was a meaningful stay for my first experience in Aveiro. Your attentive employees are the true stars of this experience. Espero ficar consigo outra vez. Muito obrigado. Até o próximo verão!

It’s been a month or two since my trip to Portugal, and I’m thoroughly missing this hotel. This hotel was located in a beautiful city, with amazing amenities and top class staff. The in-house restaurant also has amazing breakfasts, we didn’t really get to try the dinner menu, but I’m sure it’s just as delicous. I would strongly recommend staying here. I would be wary of one thing, the parking situation near this part of town is tricky, however, within walking distance is free overnight parking near the canal that we used. You can ask the concierge to direct you to it, it’s about a 8 minute walk. Which, to be honest, is a joy in a beautiful town like Aveiro.

I wish I could say better things about the hotel. Our room, one of the best in the hotel, was small. It is beautifully decorated, but not practical. There was only one chair and one stool. We missed not having a second comfortable chair. Lighting at the sink was very poor. The water closet was small, as was the shower. There were very few hangers in the closet and we had to ask for more.||The spa was poor. There were very few lounges by the pool and staff didn't remove towels when people left. The hot tub was not even luke warm. My masseuse didn't introduce herself, she just lunged in. After the treatment, there was no water or tea offered and there was no area to relax in.||The hotel is very proud of its restaurant. Apparently, the chef has a Michelin star restaurant in Porto. We found it very poor. Our dinner took two full hours, much of which was waiting for our order to be taken. Our main dishes were very disappointing. My husband's chicken was actually inedible.||The best part of the hotel is the front desk staff. They are extremely pleasant, informative, and helpful.

We found this on TA and, as it is 5*, centrally located to walk around the city, and stated 'valet parking' we were disappointed on arrival, to find that the parking is indeed a valet service but the car is taken to an underground public car park. This was a concern for us with our classic, convertible car. However, we had already booked a room so the valet went with my husband driving our car and reassured him that the car park was secure, and so it proved to be. | |Everything else at the hotel was as expected. ||The grand entrance, the decor, the history (the building is culturally significant), the rooms, the outdoor pool, the bar and the excellent restaurant were all top notch. |Above all, it's the staff throughout this small hotel who make the stay here memorable. They all seem to want you to have the best time, speak excellent English and are so attentive. |We didn't use the spa areas (not our thing) so cannot comment on them. |If we ever return to Aveiro we would not stay anywhere else. |Oh, and the restaurant is world class! Don't eat anywhere else!

During our two-week trip in Portugal, we had a one-night layover in Aveiro. We chose the MS Collection Aveiro, a Hilton-affiliated hotel, for our stay. It was the best accommodation we had during our entire trip. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. One of them, Daniel, shared local dining recommendations with us and was passionate about the building’s history. Our room was luxurious, spotlessly clean, and well-appointed. We also enjoyed breakfast at the hotel, which offered a diverse menu with made-to-order items and a buffet. Our stay far exceeded our expectations.

We came a little late. They parked the car for us and took care of the Bagage. Everyone was so friendly and Kind and helpful. I loved the room and the history behind. The Little outside Terrasse to smoke and the view to the Pool. Outdoor pool is a little cold but you see the inside pool underneath what has a warm temperature. SPA close early. sauna is only dressed but nice, also steambath is great. The location is Amazing. Everything is in Walking distance. We had a lovely breakfast and got all we need. This Place is a stunning Little Dream. Very well thought and cozy warm. Staff is so friendly and helpful. They even have a streaming machine

Lovely hotel, rooms superb-bed was very comfortable and the small touches in the room made us feel very welcome. Front of house service was excellent and very attentive and professional . ||For waiting staff (room service and at breakfast) more training is definitely needed, especially for the younger and more inexperienced members of the hotel team. The food for room service is not a great standard for a 5 star hotel either. 3 stars are adequate at this time, though I’m hoping the standards will improve for a future visit. My partner also gave adverse feedback to the front of house in-person before we left.

Amazing hospitality! Staff are super nice and very welcoming. The suite was super clean, very big, and luxurious. Valet parking is very helpful. Location is very central few minutes to most attractions.