Best Historical Hotels in Portugal

With views of the city’s historic centre from its spacious rooms, this 18th-century palace offers luxury in the heart of Porto. The rooms have high ceilings, flat-screen TV’s, and lush marble bathrooms with walk-in showers and stand-alone bathtubs. Several rooms have separate sitting areas and WiFi is available throughout the whole property. The hotel has a Fitness Centre with the latest equipment that is open any hour of the day as well as a sauna, and spa with several treatment rooms. The onsite Restaurant Astoria offers guests a wonderful range of Portuguese cuisine served alongside local wines, while the Cardosas Bar is perfect for enjoying a glass of Port or a cocktail before heading out to enjoy the nearby sights and nightlife.

The recently opened Torel Palace occupies a prime city-centre location in Porto with a fascinating history dating back to 1861.  The original palace, which is now home to the stunning hotel underwent significant restoration in 2020 and the grandeur of the building has been masterfully restored; from its grand winding staircase, ornate cornicing and beautiful library – every corner is filled with charm and character – which extends to the outdoor pool and restaurant too. Foodies will revel in the dining experience presented at the hotel’s restaurant, Blind, a tribute to Portuguese writer José Saramago. The 10-course tasting-menu is inspired by chef Vítor Matos’ childhood memories and will stimulate your taste-buds and your senses. With attentive service and the perfect level of privacy, the Torel Palace Porto truly is a haven of luxury in the heart of Porto. 

Discover an unparalleled experience at Casa da Companhia, a 5-star luxury hotel located in the heart of Porto. Just 5 minutes away from São Bento Station and within walking distance of the city’s main attractions, the property offers 40 rooms & suites, a spa, a fitness suite, heated indoor & outdoor pools, and an outdoor terrace. Embodying timeless design and modern facilities, it provides guests with a high-end boutique feel and an opportunity to enjoy the city’s tranquil atmosphere and historical roots. Immerse yourself in the picturesque Clérigos district and experience true luxury at Casa da Companhia.

A 16th-century manor house, set in expansive manicured gardens with riverside views, is the home to this five-star boutique hotel. Its en vogue and eye-catching interior design flows throughout the public spaces of the hotel and extends to its 38 rooms. With various room categories available, guests can choose from the fashionista-inspired signature to the classic petit or the grand and sophisticated master suites – to name a few. A State-of-the-art Sisley Paris SPA is the place to be pampered whilst the lush grounds and river views create a natural sense of calm. The dining experience is headed by Portuguese Two-Michelin starred Chef Henrique Sá Pessoa who presents a fine-dining experience with an international influence at the Vinha Restaurant whilst the bar and brassiere offer a more informal affair. Benefiting from a private pier hotel guests can take a complimentary boat ride to the nearby UNESCO–recognised neighbourhood of Ribeira. Guests who stay at the Vinha Boutique Hotel will enjoy a welcomed and distinguished experience.

Torel Avantgarde is a beautiful hotel which is nestled on a hillside, away from the hustle and bustle of the vibrant Porto city centre (which is only 10-minutes’ walk away). Stunning views of the Douro River and the city can be enjoyed from almost every angle; from the outdoor pool and hot tub to the terrace restaurant ‘Tenro by Digby’, and not to forget the stylish front-facing rooms. But it’s not just the natural beauty that is a sight to behold here, the 49-room boutique hotel is known as the “artists’ hotel” with its design and concept inspired by the Avante-Garde era of the 1930’s and 1940’s. Each room and suite is dedicated to important historical-artistic global figures reflecting their individuality and creativity. The Frida Kahlo room, one of the most famous in the hotel, offers an incredible twin bathtub with views out to the city – check-in here and you won’t be disappointed! The hotel’s dining experience offers a contemporary twist on traditional Portuguese cuisine and presents guests with a relaxed yet stylish vibe. Unwind or rejuvenate with a treatment at the hotel’s Calla Wellness & Spa, where natural and organic products from Phyt’s and Oliófora are the order of the day.

The five star hotel, PortoBay Flores is conveniently located in the historic centre of the city of Porto and within easy access of the city’s main attarctions. The hotel is steeped in history and fuses its 500 years heritage with a contemporary style. Comprising 66 rooms and suites – with 55 modern rooms in the new building and 11 in the stately home with decor to reflect the building’s classic character. Guests can also enjoy use of the relaxing spa with with three treatment rooms, a sauna, a steam bath, a gym and an indoor pool. The landscaped garden and patio is a serene outdoor and an ideal spot to enjoy pre-dinner drinks before dining at the hotel’s restaurant in the former noble halls of the palace. This is an ideal base for a charming and relaxed break in Porto.

Located near many of the city’s main attractions including Plaza da Batalha, São Vento Station and the Clerics Tower, the five-star Hotel G.A. Palace offers guests a unique and luxurious atmosphere in what was once a neoclassical palace. The hotel presents 65 rooms stylishly appointed rooms, across a range of categories – catering for couples, families and suite options for the ultimate in luxury stays. The garden and spa area is the place to relax the body and mind and indulge in a treatment, or sip on a cocktail and freshly prepared snacks. Guests can work up a sweat in the fitness centre before enjoying dinner at the Acqua restaurant which serves dishes that perfectly pair Italian flair with local traditions. This is a truly elegant addition to ​​Porto’s premier hospitality scene.

Boasting more than a hundred years of history and a décor that is reminiscent of the British colonial style, guests who appreciate classic elegance are sure to love staying at this luxurious hotel. Rooms and suites feature huge balconies where guests can stand and gaze out at the ocean, while the beautiful gardens are the perfect place to unwind after taking a dip in one of the swimming pools. Guests who want to try something a bit different can sign up for traditional tango or foxtrot dancing classes or lessons with a professional tennis coach – both of these activities are perfect ways to work up an appetite for the award winning dishes that are served in one of the hotels many excellent restaurants.

With just 81 spacious rooms and suites for guests to choose from, the Castanheiro Boutique Hotel combines traditional style with modern convenience and finesse. Set right next to the Palace of the Jesuits and just a short stroll along winding cobbled streets to dozens of attractions and entertainment options, the hotel also features plenty of onsite amenities for guests to enjoy such as the Til Spa with its hydrotherapy circuit, Turkish bath, sauna and indoor swimming pool. Guests can also make their way up to the rooftop to enjoy stunning panoramic views while splashing around in the heated outdoor swimming pool.

Blending in with its Neo-classical surroundings, the Valverde Sintra Palácio de Seteais was an 18th-century palace, the grand retreat of Portuguese royalty. Come the mid 20th century it was transformed into a 30 bedroom hotel, making use of the frescoes, heavy silk drapes, chandeliers, tapestries and antiques, as opulent decor. Wander outside to the manicured grounds and you’ll find resident peacocks, tennis courts, a pool and the Anantara Spa. The Palácio’s dining room serves local delicacies with an aristocratic approach to the menu options that’ll suit more sophisticated palates.

Angra do Heroísmo is the location for this four-star establishment, an area especially popular with cyclists. This is one for those who like creative decor — many of the public areas’ flooring and lift interiors depict vintage maps of the Azores, polished concrete is used throughout the venue to create an earthy, urban vibe, while mid-century furnishings, statement gilt lighting and mosaic tiling add to the decorative artistry. Zenite Boutique Hotel & Spa has a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, a bar, a shared lounge and a garden. And it’s just a few minutes walk to the port, sea and UNESCO centre.

Also on São Miguel, but further afield in the Furnas Valley, an area known for its hot springs, is the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel. It features a natural outdoor thermal pool within the grounds and is a part of the same group as the Grand Hotel — Bensaude Hotels Collection. Dating back to the 1930s, the building itself has become an icon. TN Restaurant serves local specialities, while bartenders at The Gardener Bar & Terrace mix delicious cocktails with a charming view. 86 guest rooms and a spa have received an art deco-meets garden-themed makeover, reflecting its elegant heritage and leafy setting.