Best Design Hotels in Portugal

Forte De Gaia, Autograph Collection, a stylish retreat along the River Douro, just across from Porto’s historic centre. Located in the charming Vila Nova de Gaia neighbourhood, famed for its world-renowned Port wine cellars, the hotel is deeply inspired by Portuguese wine culture. Designed by acclaimed Portuguese designer Nini Andrade Silva, its interiors pay homage to the Douro Valley wine region, featuring wood, cork, & curved lines that reflect the vast Port wine barrels, harvest baskets, & rolling vineyard landscapes. Guests can immerse themselves in the region’s heritage through exclusive wine tastings & masterclasses led by local sommeliers. The on-site restaurant, Dona Maria, helmed by Chef João Vieira, celebrates northern Portuguese cuisine with traditional dishes crafted from local ingredients. Offering a heated outdoor swimming pool & a prime location moments from Porto’s top attractions.

Located on the southern bank of the Douro River in Vila Nova de Gaia, The five-star Rebello Hotel & Spa combines Porto’s industrial heritage with contemporary design. The hotel occupies a series of 19th-century warehouses, which have been meticulously transformed into 103 loft-style suites, each featuring expansive windows and modern finishes. Guests can enjoy a range of facilities, including a destination spa with an indoor pool inspired by ancient Roman baths, a rooftop bar offering panoramic views of Porto’s historic centre, and multiple dining options serving local cuisine. Its prime location provides easy access to the city’s UNESCO-listed Ribeira district and renowned port wine cellars, making it an ideal choice for travellers seeking both luxury and cultural immersion.

Set right on the bank of the Tagus River, this hotel features striking black and white décor throughout from the plush white leather sofas set on highly polished black marble floors to sparkling white marble bathrooms supplied with black toilet paper. However, the real highlight here is the rooftop swimming pool where guests can gaze out at the river, while the onsite spa comes complete with a hammam and a large Turkish bath.

Set on a quiet cobbled side street just below St. George’s Castle and opposite one of the most enchanting viewpoints in the city, this impressive hotel occupies one of Lisbon’s most desirable locations. This impressive 15th-century hotel has been given a new lease of life and combines authentic style with plenty of luxurious touches. The hotel’s 19 rooms are set right into the medieval walls and boast luxurious Portuguese beds, huge freestanding tubs,1 and breathtaking views of this charming neighbourhood.

Named after the 19th-century king D, this stylish hotel is located in one of Lisbon’s most prestigious neighbourhoods. The forty-one spacious rooms reflect the modern style of the rest of the hotel, while guests are treated to a large indoor swimming pool to splash around in. The view from the restaurant terrace is simply stunning and this is a great place to unwind in the early evening while sampling a number of traditional dishes that are given a new lease of life by the resident chef.

Offering guests all of the creature comforts and style that you would expect from a leading boutique hotel combined with the convenience of being situated right on Avenida da Liberdade, this hotel boasts a playful and vibrant design that makes it popular with younger travellers. Guests have a choice of view as the 72 guest rooms face different sections of the city, while the backyard patio is the perfect place to meet new people and unwind with a drink or two from the chic Bar Small and Delicious.

This 5-star boutique hotel is located in the bohemian and vibrant area of Bairro Alto. What was once a former 18th century palace has now been converted into spacious apartment suites – all of which have been created in collaboration with local brands, makers and artists. The vibe is authentic Portugal. The Lumi Rooftop bar and restaurant boasts stunning panoramic views across the city and serves contemporary dishes sourced from local ingredients. The small but perfectly formed spa is a haven for guests in which to retreat, relax and rejuvenate. This is a hidden gem worth seeking out.

Offering an especially unique experience as part of the stay, the Lumen Hotel presents a daily evening immersive light and colour video mapping show, taking place in the internal garden. This as well as an outdoor pool rooftop pool, sundeck and bar with incredible views over the city make it particularly appealing for those looking to turn a city break into a mini holiday. Bedrooms are contemporarily decorated and soothing with pops of vibrant colour via the soft furnishing accessories, while suites in the executive floor over plenty of space with separate living and sleeping areas. The minimalist modern style, with a touch of a mid-century influence, is found throughout the hotel.

Adães Bermudes first designed this building as apartments and indeed it served this purpose from 1908 to 2017, winning awards for the architecture. Now, the listed Art Nouveau property offers 36 guest rooms with interiors by Atelier Maldonado. Street art and installations have been incorporated into the contemporary-chic decor, with technology embedded into the guest experience (the concierge is accessed via WhatsApp). Infame is the lifestyle hotel’s destination restaurant offering incredible seafood, with mixologists creating cocktails in the bar. But if you’d rather venture beyond the front door for food and drink, the local district of the Intendente has much to offer.

Conveniently set in the centre of Lisbon The Ivens Autograph Collection is the perfect base for a city adventurer. Housed in an iconic building that encapsulates the spirit and culture of Lisbon, the hotel presents 87 unique rooms, of which ten are spacious suites including two signature top floor suites. Guests can choose to dine at the hotel’s three restaurants; Rocco Restaurant is an Italian-inspired restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Crudo Bar offers a gastronomic seafood journey and Gastro Bar presents light meals and an exquisite drinks menu. Guests can also make use of the gym which includes a range of cardio equipment and free-weights.

Somewhat of a celebrity magnet, this boutique hotel in a period townhouse offers enhanced privacy in a central location. The bedrooms and suites have stellar designer credentials, Zenology bath products, heavy fabrics and Portuguese flair, creating an inviting and cosy feel. Guests can make use of a first-floor terrace, a film-room snug, a mini gym, a treatment room where you can book massages and Sítio Valverde, the restaurant by chef Carla Sousa. Outside, you can hang out on the Pateo (where you’ll find a heated marble outdoor pool) and at a lushly planted courtyard bar.

This member of Leading Hotels of the World has five stars and sits in a charming spot on Praça de Camões at the heart of the cultural quarter – Barrio Alto. The building is a product of the 18th century, accommodating 87 bedrooms each drawing on Portuguese crafts from artisanal rugs to Costa Nova ceramics, a restaurant, spa and a beautiful rooftop terrace with sea views. It celebrates all things Portuguese throughout, from the on-point decor to the food, the artwork, and the furnishings. On the fifth floor is BAHR & Terrace serves the best of Portuguese cuisine in a contemporary setting and on the ground indulge in delicious baked goods at the in-house patisserie.