I recently traveled to Porto and it was jaw-dropping gorgeous! I had the most incredible time there, which is why I’m so excited to be sharing this guide to the best boutique hotels in Porto.
Porto is known as a coastal city in the Northwest of Portugal. You’ll find lots of wine (especially the famous Port wine) and delicious restaurants to try.
You can also find lots of art, culture, stunning architecture, and a fun social scene. There’s so much to do and see in Porto which is why you need to book your next trip here at one of these boutique hotels.
Booking.comPssst, heading to Porto? Don’t miss these travel guides to help you plan your trip!
What to See in Porto: 4-day Travel Guide
Top 20 Things to Do in Porto Portugal
Azulejos in Porto: The Best Places to See Blue Tiles in Porto
The 14 Most Beautiful Places in Portugal
10 Best Boutique Hotels in Porto
1. Hotel Torel Avantgarde
Stay at Hotel Torel Avantgarde to be right in the center of Porto—you’ll be 10 minutes walking distance from the Douro riverside and 2,450 feet from the iconic Clérigos Church.
The design of this boutique hotel is stunning because they kept the Avantgarde style inspired by the 1930s and 1940s. All the rooms are decorated like a piece of art.
Each room is dedicated to an avant-garde artist and designed individually. You’ll find a lot of contemporary Portuguese art, design, and craftsmanship.
Throughout the hotel, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the river Douro. They have a super cute and quirky “Avant-Garden,” where you can sip on cocktails and socialize with your friends.
For dinner, be sure to make reservations at their on-site restaurant Digby for contemporary Portuguese cuisine and a large selection of wines.
2. Torel 1884 Suites & Apartments
The Torel 1884 Suites & Apartments are set right in the heart of Porto—you’ll be within walking distance of Ferreira Borges Market.
If you decide to stay here, you’ll get to stay in 1 of 2 buildings. The first building is an ancient and former palace dating back to 1884 in the Rua Mouzinho da Silveira—it’s so cool to stay in a place with so much history.
This building has 12 exclusive suites and rooms with each floor themed according to one of the continents reached by the explorers. You’ll find themes of Africa, America, and Asia.
The second building is located on the nearby street Rua das Flores and has 11 Apartments. Each room here compliments the rooms in the first building by being named after materials explorers brought back like coffee, sugarcane, tea, and many more.
I promise you won’t regret staying here at these gorgeous suites and apartments.
3. Torel Palace Porto
Torel Palace Porto is a stunning mansion that was transformed into a 5-star hotel. This house dates back to 1861 and was renovated to keep as many of its original features as possible.
You’ll find that a lot of the architecture and design incorporate romantic elements. Outside, you can find an outdoor swimming pool situated next to some relaxing chairs.
Everything here feels very charming and cozy. The rooms are beautifully decorated with lots of space luxurious bathrooms.
For dining, enjoy their Blind Restaurant and Bar, which brings a super unique experience of trying their food without knowing what it is. The chef wants you to take in the flavors for what they are and enjoy them without any expectations.
4. Armazém Luxury Housing
The Armazém Luxury Housing is so unique because it was designed in an old iron warehouse from the 19th century. It’s actually located in the historic center of Porto, which was declared a UNESCO world heritage site, and features a terrace overlooking the city.
The rooms are gorgeously designed with a contemporary industrial aesthetic. You’ll find lots of concrete and grays mixed with wooden details. It literally looks like a museum in here because it’s so modern.
During your stay here, definitely take advantage of the massage options they offer, a picnic in the city, yoga, golf, and special dates.
You will definitely get a one-of-a-kind experience here while also being a minute walk away from the heart of the city.
5. Maison Albar Hotels Le Monumental Palace
So the Maison Albar Hotels Le Monumental Palace isn’t a boutique hotel but I had to include it because it’s absolutely gorgeous—it’s actually one of many luxury hotels in Porto.
Staying here means you will be within walking distance to almost everything like Paris Galleries Street, the Porto City Market, and so much more.
The hotel is decorated with such a chic style, especially their famous restaurant Le Monument. At Le Monument, you can enjoy traditional Portuguese dishes mixed with some French flare made by Chef Julien Montbabut—the food is so good they were awarded a Michelin Plate.
For the days you want to unwind, they have an incredible Le Monumental Nuxe Spa that includes incredible facial and body treatments. After your treatment, take a dip in their indoor pool, relax in the sauna, and enjoy the hammam.
6. Vila Foz Hotel & Spa
The Vila Foz Hotel & Spa is located in Porto across the Atlantic Ocean—imagine waking up to the sound of waves crashing every morning.
The rooms here are decorated with a modern and sophisticated design. Every room is so aesthetic and Instagrammable you’ll wish your room at home looked like this.
If you happen to be traveling with your significant other, definitely book the Onice Sea View room for a very romantic stay and gorgeous sunsets.
For dinner and drinks, explore the Vila Foz Restaurant and the Vila Foz Bar. At the restaurant, you can enjoy a gastronomic experience and a taste of authentic Portuguese seafood dishes.
I love that they offer experiences here, my personal favorite is the foodie urban picnic experience where you can picnic in the local Parque de Cidade. Definitely check out all their other experiences here.
7. Porto A.S. 1829 Hotel
Porto A.S. 1829 Hotel is located in a fully-renovated historical building in the city historical center. You’ll be near some of Porto’s landmarks like the Clérigos Tower and São Bento Train Station.
This is a super cute and charming smaller boutique hotel with 41 rooms. The rooms have that Europen look to them with the terrace that overlooks the city.
If you’re lucky, you might book a room with a huge tub in your private bathroom to soak after a long day of exploring. Seriously nothing beats a nice bubble bath and a glass of wine to unwind.
Enjoy dining at their Galeria do Largo Restaurant that serves traditional Portuguese dishes with a slight contemporary twist. They like to update their menu accordingly based on which produce is in season.
8. Malmerendas Boutique Lodging
Stay at the Malmerendas Boutique Lodging set in a renovated historic building. You’ll be located only a short walk away from the iconic Bolhao Market and Bolhão Metro Station.
This boutique hotel is separated into 4 suites and 2 studios that have a contemporary touch of the original decor. It’s the perfect balance between vintage and modern.
I’m obsessed with all of the rooms, each one is decorated so beautifully it feels like staying in a luxurious home.
For breakfast, they serve a traditional Porto breakfast with only Portuguese products. For drinks, enjoy their on-site wine bar that offers an extensive range of Port wines.
They also offer spa services in their tranquility garden if you’re looking for some relaxation and self-care.
9. PortoBay Flores
PortoBay Flores is a 5-star boutique hotel located in the historic center of Porto. Since you’ll be in the heart of the city, you can easily walk to all the famous tourist destinations.
Since this hotel was renovated from two historic buildings, you’ll see a lot of historic design elements throughout. I’m obsessed with the very regal and elegant aesthetics.
The rooms are huge and decorated with so much luxe. Staying here means you’ll get access to all their amenities like a spa, a gym, an indoor pool, and access to Rua das Flores.
For dining, reserve a table at the Bistrô Flores restaurant where you can have traditional Portuguese cuisine. You can expect lots of seafood and delicious flavors.
10. Pestana Palácio do Freixo (Pousada do Porto)
The Pestana Palácio do Freixo is a 5-star hotel that overlooks the Douro River in Porto. The building itself is gorgeous because it’s in a restored 18th-century Baroque building.
It really feels like an urban resort staying here. The rooms are decorated beautifully with large windows overlooking the city.
This is the perfect hotel to stay at for a romantic getaway. Image walking through their gardens and exploring their romantic hideouts.
Enjoy eating at their famous Nasoni bar where they serve contemporary dishes inspired by Portuguese and Italian cuisine. Each meal is paired with their wine menu, cocktails, and views of the Douro River.
I hope this convinced you to plan your next trip to Porto! All of these boutique hotels in Porto are gorgeous—I can’t to visit again someday.
Definitely check out what prices all of these hotels offer per night since pricing is always changing.
If you decide to stay in any of these or vacation in Porto be sure to tag me on Insta @wtfab! I love seeing all of your pics and if you need some Porto recs, I’d be happy to share them!
Looking for more Porto content? Explore my other Porto travel guides here.
What to See in Porto: 4-day Travel Guide
Top 20 Things to Do in Porto Portugal
The 14 Most Beautiful Places in Portugal
Azulejos in Porto: The Best Places to See Blue Tiles in Porto
Livraria Lello Harry Potter Bookstore in Porto
Harry Potter Porto Spots Fans Will Love
Porto Food Guide: The Best Porto Restaurants
The Best Rooftop Bars Lisbon Has to Offer
FAQs
The best areas to stay in Porto are:
– Miragaia
– Ribeira
– Centro-Baixa
The difference between a hotel and a boutique hotel is that a boutique hotel will offer a more luxurious experience. Boutique hotels tend to look more stylish and offer more experiences.
Yes, Porto is definitely a walkable city. You can easily walk to all the famous tourist attractions by staying in the heart of Porto.
Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.