Our stay at the Melia was pleasant and exactly as expected. The rooms are tight as is to be expected throughout Europe; a quad/family room is simply a double occupancy room with 2 cots added - this made for a slightly claustrophobic 10 day stay. The rooms are strangely laid out with an open concept bathroom which left very little privacy for a family with teenagers. The only place to change clothes in privacy is in the toilet stall (which is frosted glass). The shower stall is also frosted glass - very awkward as one must walk by the shower when coming into the room. The bathroom is also very dimly lit which did become frustrating after a few days. The rooms are well air conditioned and also have windows that open if you prefer nighttime air. Rooms offer good quality shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion through dispensers in the shower and sink area.
The hotel has great spa services which are reasonably priced with same day available appointments. The gym is a nice size with treadmills, weight machines and plenty of free weights. The cost is a little steep at 9 EUR/day - this does include fitness classes and the use of the indoor pool, though.
The outdoor pool area is fantastic - plenty of seating in both sun and shade and a convenient poolside bar. There is also a water bottle refill station located just inside the pool area by the spa.
The lobby is fresh, clean and has plenty of space to gather before/after dinner with cocktails, beer, wine from the lobby bar.
Another great feature of the Melia Braga is the breakfast and dinner buffet. Breakfast offered an abundance of bread, cheese, meat, cereal, yogurt, nuts, fruit, oatmeal, pastries, jams, jellies, fresh squeezed orange juice and smoothies (both green and detox!) as well as champagne. Also offered are hot menu items such as scrambled eggs, bacon, baked beans among other items. There is a pod dispenser espresso machine which is far preferable to the brewed coffee.
The main feature of the dinner buffet changes daily, but the appetizers, salads and antipastos are plenty and delicious. I could have had only these and I would have been satisfied. There are tables available outside on the balcony overlooking the pool and greens.
Although the front desk staff were always friendly and attentive, I was surprised at how little they knew about the area in which they work; many times we were left to do our own research on public transit and local hotspots. There is a business centre, but there are no printers - the front desk can print an email, but cannot print a document (such as a transportation voucher). There are times when a screenshot sent in an email will not suffice...
The hotel is a quick taxi/uber ride to the city centre for dinner, shopping or to reach the train station. Check out my other reviews for recommended dining, shopping and amenities around the hotel and in Braga city centre.
There are some good dining choices within walking distance of the hotel on R.Nova de Santa Cruz. There are a few groceries in the same area and a "surplus" store that carries just about anything you forgot at home. Also see my review on Braga Parque, a shopping centre which is a 20 min walk from the hotel.
