Breakfast and location excellent.

The only rude and arrogant person I’ve met in my 3.5 weeks in Portugal going from The Algarve to Porto, Douro Valley to Coimbra and Evora was Joao, the man at reception of By The Sea. He was so rude and frowned in absolutely every single interaction we had with him—which is sad considering we avoided seeing him if possible. His sour look and condescending, patronizing demeanour gave us the impression we were being reprimanded instead of being greeted or welcomed. Keep in mind we are a married couple in our 50’s from Canada, smiling ear to ear. Don’t know what his problem is but he is an awful representative for this amazing boutique hotel.

The location of the hotel, the comfort and modern style of the room, and the charm of the city all came together to make for a great stay for us. Also the housekeeping staff were EXCELLENT at keeping the room tidy and clean, which made the room feel just as good everyday as the first day. Also the breakfast offered by the local Cafe (Nata) was simple but quite nice.

The only regret I have is that my wife and I couldn't get the time to use the jacuzzi as it is unavailable after 8pm. Although it would be nice to have extended hours for the jacuzzi, it's a very minor thing in comparison to the exceptional place that By the Sea is.

The property is as close to the beach as you can get! The roof terrace with jacuzzi is a great way to spend a sunny day and there is comfy garden seats and loungers to use up there. There is also a washing line if you wanted to dry clothes on after washing them in the nearby laundrette. The room was spotless and there was an option for daily servicing if required. There is also a small communal kitchenette with a fridge, kettle, microwave and a couple of hobs which is useful. The lady behind reception was really friendly and helpful, and the breakfast that was served in a nearby cafe was good.

The room was very small. I was in it on my own and even I found it cramped, I can’t imagine having to share it with another person and their luggage too. I don’t know if this was just my room or if they are all like it but worth noting if you are a couple and have lots of luggage as there isn’t anywhere to put it other than the small amount of floor space. Weirdly, I bought some fruit one day and left it in the communal kitchen area to eat throughout my stay. It went missing the next day so I asked the lady on reception if the cleaner had moved it and she came back with my bag of fruit, with some missing, and gave me some strange half-explanation about the cleaner thinking it belonged to a different room…?? I didn’t push it but just be mindful about leaving things in the kitchen!

This property exceeded our expectations. I had a room facing (sideways, because the hotel is off to the side) the ocean. Everything was immaculate clean, there was a hot shower with strong stream. There was breakfast, but off site in a little restaurant. They gave us vouchers. When we arrived, the hostess was ready to give us directions to where we could park the car. Cool room decor. They have small saying and poetry throughout the hotel. Everything at your fingertips.

Nothing, really. Some people may want a fancier hotel, but for people like us who have been walking all day long, we wanted some place clean comfortable, and with a hot shower and it exceeded our expectations. Staff was helpful and friendly.

At first I thought is was a bit strange staying in another building, different from the picture in Booking.com. The staff explained and showed that I could use de facilities in the main buinding and that the breakfast is served in a cafeteria in the new building, so it was ok. The staff is very kind and willing. The room was very confortable. The only point was that there was no power plug near the headboard, but later I found a power plug extension cord, so I thought it was a nice touch. The bathroom was very nice, the slower as well. It was interesting to have kitchen facilities, although I haven't used. The location is perfect, near main tourist attractions. Breakfast was wonderful. Nice idea to work with a cafeteria (I don't know it belongs to the same owner). The fact that I could feel that I was not in a traditional hotel breakfast, but in a place that make you feel inserted in the context of the city was more than a surprise.

Lack of power plug near headboard.

Perfect and beautiful location. Very nice and helpful people at the reception. Great view, nice, small (but enough space) and clean room, simple but good bathroom, super balcony and roof top terrace with whirlpool. Breakfast was also super (selected food served at table- we loved it). We would stay in the hotel again any time.

Just two small things: My partner found the pillow uncomfortable (as we stayed only one night, we did not say anything). We didn’t know that there is a whirpool on the top: would have been good to know since the beginning.

Amazing location, right by the Sea as named!!! Our room located on 1st floor had the balcony on the seaside & great view as booked. The rooftop terrace with jacuzzi great, again view of sea 🌊 😍 Two night stay & went twice. Great surprise they have a small kitchen with fridge to leave your food & vino in a basket by room no. So happy we booked here & highly recommend!

Only small point : helpful to have more hooks to hang towels & swimsuits after use of jacuzzi to dry as not warm enough & raining to leave on chairs on balcony.

Great location across the street from the beach and lots of restaurants within walking distance. Breakfast was basic with good coffee, bread and croissants, scrambled eggs, orange juice and a pastel da nata. I had a very small balcony with a couple chairs and table that was nice to people watch and a partial view of the beach and cliffs that separates beaches. There was also a little kitchen off my room that came in handy. The gals at the reception desk was very nice and helpful.

Could be a bit noisy from street below, but with ear plugs at night I slept very well. Other than that, no complaints.

The rooftop view & hottub. The kitchen facilities to share. The location of the hotel was great. The hotel was very clean and neat and well run - we really enjoyed our stay in this town....

the breakfast place - the waitress was very unfriendly & unhelpful & took very long to get service & food/coffee etc & we didnt get all that was advertised on the breakfast voucher. Many unhappy customers. It was busy and seemed only 1 waitress. She bossed people around - made them move to different tables - couldnt sit where they wanted but where she made them sit. We didnt realise that we would have to park so far away & be on our own to find parking...

This small hotel is a gem. It is just a few steps from the beach and right next to some excellent restaurants, Breakfast is included, but is offered at a restaurant a few steps away. It was extremely inexpensive, but it was off season and this is probably a very busy tourist town in summer. There is a fishing heritage and many really good fish restaurants in the neighborhood. There is a staircase up to the old town, and a funicular is you don't want to make the long climb. That was fun, and we got to the old fort on the point and the overlook over where the surfing goes on north of town.

Nothing! The only thing better would have been to be able to stay longer.