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National Geographic
29-05-2025
- National Geographic
Where to stay in Porto
This article was adapted from National Geographic Traveller (UK) In a city dominated by independent hotels, Porto offers a plethora of unique and interesting boutique places to stay. From converted warehouses and 19th-century palaces to properties in and around the famous wine district, you're never far from a sense of history and occasion in Portugal's second city. And with visitor statistics on the up, Porto is seeing a growing number of new openings and renovations to keep up with its newfound popularity. Baixa, in the heart of the city, and Ribeira, by the River Douro, are two of the most obvious places to stay but, across the river, Vila Nova de Gaia is the centre of the historic wine trade, while neighbourhoods such as Bonfim are on the up. A former warehouse that has been transformed into a thriving boutique hotel, combines cutting-edge cool with a laid-back atmosphere. Photograph by Luis Ferraz Discreetly tucked away on a quiet road in the trendy Bonfim neighbourhood, a brisk 20-minute walk east of the centre of Porto, occupies a former warehouse reimagined as a casually cool boutique hotel. Bonfim is perhaps the obvious place for such a venture; it was dubbed one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world by Time Out, with the creative crowds drawn to the area's elegant townhouses and charming, old-school spots to eat and drink. ticks all the necessary design boxes for the resurgent neighbourhood. Concrete, dark wood, glass and natural light feature highly and, alongside vintage, mid-century furniture, there's a distinctly analogue feel to the place. The music area has more than 600 vinyl records to play, with turntables in the rooms, and guitars are even available to practice on. The 62 rooms are minimal and stylish, their stripped-back nature reflecting the understated vibe of the hotel. The room rates are very reasonable, too. The ground-floor bar is distinctly retro-cool and casual — with DJs in the evenings — while the basement restaurant offers an impressive breakfast buffet as well as modern and traditional dishes such as brás-style cod. And complementing the music theme, there's a 300-capacity live venue that hosts concerts, exhibitions and discussions. There's also a small outdoor pool and terrace, both of which are ideal for the warmer months. From €111 (£93). The Rebello's lobby blends mid-century curves with industrial cool, setting the tone for this stylish Gaia riverside stay. Photograph by The Rebello The Rebello Housed in restored industrial buildings, The Rebello brings cool to the Vila Nova de Gaia riverbank overlooking the city centre. The 103-suite hotel offers uninterrupted views across the Douro River to the historic heart of Porto and the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge. Mornings at the hotel begin with an abundant breakfast spread — made-to-order hot plates, pour-your-own mimosas and bite-sized pastéis de nata. Come evening, head to the rooftop bar, Bello, for inventive cocktails and sweeping views of the city. But the best part of the hotel is the serene, dimly lit pool and spa area clad in peachy terracotta walls, offering a tranquil escape after a day of urban exploring. From €220 (£185), B&B. (Related: How to spend an active weekend in Porto, Portugal's riverside city) The Yeatman In the heart of the city's historic wine district, this 10-storey hotel is set within seven acres of land, has 109 rooms and boasts one of the best views across the Douro. Add to that Relais & Châteaux membership, a two Michelin-starred restaurant and two infinity pools, and it's undoubtedly one of Porto's best hotels. From €305 (£256). Torel Palace It's easy to spot the theme at Torel Palace, the 19th-century mansion hotel near central Batalha Square, with its book-filled library, well-thumbed coffee table tomes and 24 lavish rooms named after famous Portuguese authors. Its restaurant pays homage to José Saramago, with a multi-sensory menu. From €183 (£154). Enjoy a wine-themed stay at the House of Sandeman. Photograph by Luis Ferraz The House of Sandeman Wine-themed House of Sandeman is in Vila Nova de Gaia and has affordable dorms with bed frames inspired by port barrels as well as private rooms. Artwork from the Sandeman wine brand features throughout, and the cellars are close for tastings. From €26 (£22) in a dorm and €118 (£99) in a private room. (Related: 10 of the best new hotels in Lisbon.) Originally published in the March 2023 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK), updated in May 2025. To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
The Independent
28-04-2025
- The Independent
The Rebello, Porto, Portugal hotel review
This industrial-chic hotel on the banks of the Douro river offers luxurious apartment-style lodgings in Portugal's second city, with proximity to the city's port lodges, a plush spa and a rooftop bar with unrivalled panoramic views Location The Rebello sits on the bank of the river Douro, looking back towards central Porto from the Vila Nova de Gaia district. The hotel 's position affords it panoramic views of the city and the Dom Luis I Bridge (something a hotel in the city centre could never offer), and the area is full of nods to the city's past as an industrial hub. Former wine cargo Rabelo boats – from which the hotel takes its name – are drydocked outside, and the area's most famous port lodges (Grahams, Taylor's and Cockburns) are all within walking distance. Boat tours also depart from docks close to the hotel. Walk across the postcard-worthy Don Luis I bridge and you'll land in the Unesco world heritage site Riberia – famed for its colourful buildings, riverside promenade and charming atmosphere. The São Bento railway station with its famous storytelling azulejo tiles, the ornate Livraria Lello bookshop (said to have inspired Hogwarts), and numerous manicured gardens like the peacock-inhabited Jardins do Palacio de Cristal are all among Porto's crown jewels. Moreover, The Rebello's location in the Vila Nova de Gaia district also means you can explore the city's lesser-known spots. Turn left out of the hotel and you'll pass the quaint fishing village of Afurada before ending up at the Praia Cabedelo do Douro. The half-moon-shaped beach is beautifully untouched thanks to the Douro Estuary's protected dunes. The vibe Once a pot and pan factory and warehouse, The Rebello's tasteful renovation pays homage to the building's industrial roots and portside location. The lobby boasts exposed piping on the ceiling, and the artwork above reception is made using reclaimed materials from traditional Rabelo boats. Chain lights dangle over polished concrete floors, made brighter by large plants. Soft seating, vibrant upholstery and colourful paintings lift the industrial-style interiors of the communal spaces. An invitation to relax, the lounge and reception aren't just where you check in and out – there are chess boards, magazines and coffee table books, and a small late-night bar with a view onto the riverside. The apartment-style rooms appeal just as much to digital nomads as the communal areas; ideal as they are for socialising or working in. The Bella Rooftop bar is the perfect sundowner cocktail spot, with tasteful design details such as striped parasols and custom bench seating that don't distract from the panoramic views. Testament to the hotel's blend of history and modernity, The Rebello attracts guests of all ages. You'll spot families splashing around in the indoor pool, older couples enjoying the rooftop views, a stag-do eating at the restaurant and young partners playing chess in the lobby. The atmosphere is buzzy at all times of the day. Service From check-in until check-out, the service is attentive, warm, and speedy. There's a round-the-clock WhatsApp service to message any questions, book spa appointments and city restaurants and attractions. During breakfast and dinner, service is quick and efficient, with information about the food, the hotel's history and suggested places to visit all offered. Service was a little slower on the rooftop – possibly because it was a busy Friday evening – but the drinks were served fast once ordered. Bed and bath The Rebello's 103 suites vary in size, but all boast fully equipped kitchens for a more independent stay. There's an apartment for every kind of traveller. Two-bedroom and three-bedroom suites are ideal for families or groups, featuring en suite bathrooms, spacious living areas and kitchens. One-bedroom duplex suites are perfect for couples or solo travellers in Porto for a longer stay (a receptionist told me one couple had been remote working in the hotel for three months now). The smallest rooms – the studio and one-bedroom suites – are still generously sized with king-size beds and living areas. Like the communal areas, the bedrooms benefit from the high ceilings and large windows that befit a former warehouse, flooding the space with light. Meanwhile, many of the rooms in the new building that connect the former warehouses boast balconies and outdoor patios. The interiors contrast the industrial feel with Scandi-inspired wooden kitchen cabinets, playful artwork, plush rugs, vibrant soft furnishings like mustard sofas and navy chaise lounges. Equipped for longer stays, the kitchenettes are luxurious, with appliances from Smeg, an electric oven, fridge and freezer, a coffee machine, a hob and sink. The mini bar – which includes Porto snacks (tinned sardines, paté and crackers), two bottles of The Rebello's wine (white and red), beer, Coca-Cola, bottled water, tea and coffee pods – is fully complimentary (yes, really). Most suites have two bathrooms and are fitted with handcrafted, locally made toiletries. Food and drink The Bella Rooftop bar serves simple, crowd-pleasing fare – think crispy tofu burger or tuna melt, rotisserie chicken, and surf and turf steak along with classic cocktails and the hotel's signatures – try the Colosseum, a gin-based twist on an old fashioned with a curiously good parmesan top, or the Machu Picchu, a bold blend of Peruvian pisco, bitter rhubarb and sweet red fruits. Of course, there's port on the menu and a Portuguese wine list organised by region, from the Atlantic to the south and the valleys. A continental breakfast of meats and cheeses, granola and yoghurt, muesli and more is served in the Pot and Pan restaurant, and the pastry section is particularly stellar, with pasteis de natas, flaky croissants, bread stuffed with meat (an indulgent delight) and pão de ló (Portuguese sponge cake). As well as a hot food station (sausages, bacon, grilled vegetables and tomatoes), there's an à la carte menu with eggs Benedict, spinach omelette with a chilli kick, or pancakes and eggs served however you like. Dinner at the Pot and Pan is an elevated affair, with high-end takes on classic Portuguese dishes. The octopus and chorizo with rice is a must, as is the tender lamb with pak choy and chestnut puree. Even the bread feels decadent – one serving comes complete with olive oil from the Douro Valley and walnut butter, while the other is stuffed with cured meats. The sommelier's wine pairings are pitch perfect, too. Facilities Hidden away at the centre of the hotel is the hotel's beautiful spa, a space seemingly plucked from a Wes Anderson movie, with gorgeous terracotta walls, clay pots, and orb pendant lights that cast a warm glow over the indoor swimming pool. The pool area is designed in the ancient Roman style, a nice nod to the artefacts excavated on the site when it was renovated. There are just seven tastefully designed sunbeds, so pre-booking is required. Note that there are time slots for adults and children to use the pool area. There's also a steam room and a Jacuzzi. Upstairs are the treatment rooms (the lymphatic drainage massage is particularly rejuvenating), and a high-tech equipped gym, open 24 hours a day. Electric bikes can be hired for €7 (£6) an hour (on a first-come, first-served basis), and the staff are happy to suggest routes to explore. The hotel also has conference rooms for corporate hire. Accessibility There are parking spaces for those with reduced mobility and a disabled toilet in the restaurant. Lifts allow wheelchair users to access the rooftop, spa and treatment rooms. Pet policy The hotel welcomes pets with a non-refundable fee of €30 (£26) per night, with a maximum weight of 15kg and a medium size limit. Check in/check out? Check in from 3pm; check out by midday. Family friendly? Two-bedroom apartments have twin beds or family-friendly penthouse rooms. The dining spaces have kids' menus, and there are specific children's hours at the pool and spa. At a glance Best thing: Panoramic view of Porto Perfect for: Laidback travellers and digital nomads
