30 years of The Cliff Bay

30 YEARS OF THE CLIFF BAY

It feels like yesterday, but in fact, The Cliff Bay hotel was born 30 years ago. The flagship hotel of the PortoBay group was recently renovated. Much has remained, but much has also evolved and improved.
At The Cliff Bay, the quality of service, the excellence of the team, and the beloved returning guests stand out—many of them have been with the hotel since the beginning.
If there’s something that makes The Cliff Bay and the PortoBay group so proud is the employees who have been with us since the start of this beautiful story. Seventeen colleagues chose to walk side by side with The Cliff Bay from day one and have dedicated themselves to improving it over the years.
We spoke with them.

What do you have to say about these 30 years?

“It’s amazing! Of course, staying in a company for 30 years is an accomplishment. It’s rewarding to be here in this group; it’s practically my whole life. I owe who I am today to this group, what I learned, what I do, and what I will still do!" – Betty Rosa, Reception

“It was beautiful to see the hotel being built, to see the company grow. Also, the pride you feel for the company, the family we created inside. Sometimes we even miss our colleagues when we go on vacation." – Raúl Correia, Doorman

“It’s wonderful. This is our second home. We are a family. We spend more time here at work than in our own homes. They treat us well, they give us some perks for our children, which is very important, and they give us little gifts throughout the year, which also motivates us." – Graça Espírito Santo, Housekeeping

“I like being here because it’s a place where we grew together, and we did a lot for this house. We created a life together, a family. I value the people I’ve been with all this time. I’ve never had any problems with anyone." – João Rodrigues, Kitchen

“PortoBay is a good company; they give us benefits, we have a bonus, which not all hotels give, and of course, we have a good work environment." – Nélia João, Housekeeping

“I feel proud to be in a good place. I feel fulfilled, I’ve met so many people, and they’ve always treated me well. We work together, and that makes a difference." – Maria João Costa, Kitchen

What are the most memorable moments?

“Definitely our clients! The returning guests bring us gifts, we take pictures with them, and they show us pictures of their families. It’s like a family bond. The Cliff Bay is like a second home for them. Many say they have to see someone familiar when walking through the hotel areas." – Betty Rosa, Reception

“An important milestone was the recognition of my work with a promotion to housekeeper. Being a housekeeper is a different job, with more responsibility, where we can see other aspects and have more contact with other departments." – Cesaltina Gonçalves, Housekeeper

“Something that really marked me was a baby who was born on this floor. I would like to see that baby again. I was there, I mean, we overheard the conversations, and then we went to clean up. Then the guests left, but I’d love to see them again!" – Ana Cristina Alves, Housekeeping

“I worked a lot in the laundry; we used to spend entire nights there laughing and joking. During Christmas and the holidays, we could celebrate and bring something to share... These were very special moments, especially in the early days." – Giselda Severiano, Housekeeping

“A few years ago, when I was the employee of the month! I know my value, but there are so many colleagues just as good or better. I also remember the Christmas and Summer parties. We joke around with both old and new colleagues! We’re in harmony and have a good vibe." – Graça Espírito Santo, Housekeeping

“The events! When there are events, I love them! These are things I’ll never forget. Even at my age, if the boss scheduled events once or twice a month, I’d go." – João Rodrigues, Kitchen

“I started as a room maid and was later invited to become a housekeeper. Then the opportunity arose for my son to work for PortoBay, which was amazing! I was so happy when they told me that thanks to my dedication over the years, they would give him a chance. He’s been working in the doorman’s role for four years now." – Lina Fernandes, Housekeeping

“I’ll always remember everything I did well here, the understanding with colleagues, and my dedication to work." – Sandra Nunes, Housekeeping

What professional advice would you give to your colleagues?

“Be a good professional, regardless of what you do. Learn because learning doesn’t take up space. Always do your best, be well, and work for our clients." – Betty Rosa, Reception

“Work hard, do your best because this company has always valued employees with the skills to take on other roles." – Cesaltina Gonçalves, Housekeeper

“Team spirit is the most important thing. Companionship, understanding, knowing that some days we feel down, and other days we’re doing great. And on those days, say, 'Yesterday I wasn’t okay, but today I’m back, and you will be too.'” – Graça Espírito Santo, Housekeeping

“Fight, do your best, and when you have something to learn, talk to the right people to teach you. Move forward; this is a profession where you should never say you know everything; we’re always learning." – João Rodrigues, Kitchen

“Don’t argue with each other; it’s not worth it because life is very fleeting. The most important thing is to leave with good memories of everyone when we go. I know I’ll take good memories with me when I leave." – Mariana Silva, Housekeeping

“PortoBay is a group where colleagues with ambition and passion can go far. You have to know how to work and love what you do. If you love your profession, this is a group that invests a lot in it." – Maria João Costa, Kitchen

“Know your client and make them come back. We recognize our clients year after year. New colleagues can also say the same in 20 years if they work toward it. We have many returning clients who have known us since 1994. This makes The Cliff Bay grow because we are the face of the hotel." – Luísa Maria Freitas, Room Service