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Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal, is a hip and vibrant destination that blends its rich cultural heritage with modern appeal. The city’s iconic colorful buildings, stunning riverside vistas, and world-famous wine culture make it an alluring destination for travelers. The eclectic city is also full of unique lodging experiences, including one-of-a-kind hotels in Porto that indulge its enticing fusions.
From a hilltop retreat where you can slumber in a wine barrel bed to a historic castle dripped in ornate decor, the lodging options in this sensational city surely impress. Here are the most unique hotels in Porto to book for your next trip:
For design enthusiasts: Armazem Luxury Housing
Price: Nightly rates start around $179
The vibe: A one-of-a-kind architectural and design experience
The rundown: Housed in an old iron warehouse from the 19th century, Armazem Luxury Housing is one of the most cutting-edge hotels in Porto. The property has been transformed into a stunning contemporary space with an industrial-chic style that combines exposed concrete walls, polished cement floors, and steel accents. The hotel is located in the historic center of Porto and has been declared a world heritage site by UNESCO.
The mother-daughter-run property consists of nine distinct rooms, each with its own unique design that leans heavily on industrial architecture, including exposed piping, large industrial-style windows, and unique light fixtures. Additionally, there are three self-catering apartments located in a nearby building.
For a royal experience: Castelo de Santa Catarina
Price: Nightly rates start around $130
The vibe: Charming and historic castle hotel near the Douro River
The rundown: Located in the heart of Porto, the castle dates back to the 16th century and was once a private residence before being transformed into a hotel. Each of the 15 guest rooms is uniquely decorated with a blend of traditional and modern elements. Some rooms have original stone walls and antique furnishings, while others have a more contemporary design with clean lines. In true castle-like style, the grounds are adorned with beautiful gardens—which many of the hotel’s guest rooms overlook.
For bookworms: Torel Palace
Price: Nightly rates start around $230
The vibe: Glamorous 19th-century town palace with a literary theme
The rundown: Among the most unique hotels in Porto, Torel Palace is located on a hilltop overlooking the Douro River, where it resides in a 19th-century palace erected by the prosperous Campos Navarro family. Beautifully restored to its former grandeur, the hotel features 26 guest rooms and suites that blend vintage and modern furnishings, art, and design elements.
At the crown of the four-story palace is a striking skylight with eight panels that are embellished with floral motifs and depictions of the sources of the Campos Navarro family’s wealth, including Mercury, the Roman God of merchants. Torel Palace’s literary theme is evident throughout the hotel, with a book-filled library, literary-inspired decor, and literary quotes and references scattered throughout the property.
For futuristic minimalists: Zero Box Lodge
Price: Nightly rates start around $55
The vibe: Futuristic hotel with capsule-like rooms
The rundown: Spread throughout a former bank and shirt factory, this innovative hotel experience consists of rooms designed to look and feel like futuristic capsules. These purpose-built wooden compartments were created in response to the building’s narrow façades and lack of natural light that made inhabiting the space challenging. The concept is inspired by Japanese capsule hotels which emphasize the sole purpose of sleep but take a more Western approach by implementing larger spaces with built-in bathrooms, and comfortable bedding for two people. Each of the capsules is soundproofed to provide ultimate privacy and tranquility for guests.
For those with a flair for the dramatic: Hotel Teatro
Price: Nightly rates start around $100
Vibe: Theatrical-themed luxury hotel
The rundown: For lovers of the arts, look no further for unique hotels in Porto than Hotel Teatro. It’s situated on the former site of Porto’s Baquet Theater, and maintains a strong theater theme. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by staff dressed in costumes inspired by the theater world, such as ushers or ticket sellers. The check-in area is designed to resemble a theater box office, complete with a marquee-style sign and a ticket booth. Instead of a traditional front desk, guests check in at the ticket booth, where they receive a “ticket” to their room. The hotel’s interior design is also heavily influenced by the theatrical theme, with rich colors, dramatic lighting, and ornate details throughout. The guest rooms are designed to resemble private backstage dressing rooms, with plush velvet curtains, vintage theater posters, and oversized mirrors.
For the winos: The Yeatman
Price: Nightly rates start around $300
Vibe: Hilltop wine-themed hotel with breathtaking views
The rundown: In Old Town Porto, this luxurious and unique hotel is situated on a high ridge overlooking the Douro River and the city of Porto, providing stunning panoramic views of the historic city center, the river, and the surrounding hills. Winos will love the decanter-shaped outdoor swimming pool, the unique wine cellar built into the hillside that boasts over 25,000 bottles, and a collection of rooms that have beds inside of a wine barrel. These rooms, located in the hotel’s wine wing, which is dedicated to the history and culture of wine in the Douro Valley, also feature unique touches such as wine-inspired artwork, barrel-shaped bedside tables, and wooden wine crate storage.
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