Hotel Dom Henrique Downtown (Porto, Portugal)

They're very friendly and always helpful. Need a taxi? … No problem; they'll call one for you. They speak a number of languages, including French and English; so that helps things along, too.

It all looks sparkling new. Rooms are well decorated, clean and the beds are very comfortable. The higher up you go, floor wise, the more expensive it becomes. Depending on the budget, though, it is worth considering getting a balcony with some really stunning city views.

The bar is spectacular and the panoramic views from the restaurant are amazing. Dining here is impressive and augmented by an equally inspiring wine list. Breakfast isn't a disappointment either; very imaginative, substantial and appetising.

There's no choice of cheese at breakfast and no slippers supplied in the room. You don't expect these things in a run of the mill hotel, but you do in a highly rated place.

Step out of the elevator and the corridors leading to the rooms are not lit in a subtle and relaxing way … they're just plain dark … and slightly unnerving.

Car parking is an independent venture - nothing to do with the hotel - with you as the ‘cash cow'. There's no ironing service here and they'll try to charge you for delivering an iron and board to your room! Obviously they'll be ‘hard pressed' to squeeze any more money out of you. Stand your ground + eventually they'll deliver it as ‘part of the service'… and so they should!