Best Historical Hotels in Portugal

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.

Ultra-boutique hotel, Gran Cruz House, is set right beside the Douro River and is at the heart of the vibrant city of Porto. Dating back to the 17th century, the building which houses the beautiful hotel oozes with history with many original features that have been retained and are complimented by a flawless contemporary design. The seven stylish guest bedrooms present their own individual design and character with each given their own Wine Port category along with a special work of art.  Casario is Gran Cruz House’s fine dining establishment, a cosy restaurant on the second floor with a riverside terrace. Guests can enjoy breakfast here along with a choice of tasting menus, a la carte menus, beautiful local wines and ports – a truly divine Portuguese gastronomy experience. This intimate hotel is one not to be missed.

The Bela Vista Hotel in Portimao is located in three buildings, including the historic and imposing Palacete, on top of the cliffs overlooking the beach at Praia da Rocha. It is an adults-only hotel with a broad range of activities on offer, including tennis and various watersports. There is a fitness centre and a swimming pool, and many spa treatments are available. Several fine golf courses are in the vicinity. Guests speak highly of the fine location, the service offered by the hotel staff, and the excellent food in the beautifully located Vista restaurant.

A culinary destination set within the magnificent Sintra Cascais Natural Park. With seven restaurants – including Michelin-starred LAB by Sergi Arola and Michelin-starred Midori for Japanese gourmet cuisine – plus a destination spa, 27-hole championship golf course, multiple pools, extensive gardens, and a 14th-century monastery with chapel now serving as a sought-after events venue, the Ritz Carlton Penha Longa Resort offers a comprehensive luxury experience that feeds the soul.

This boutique hotel is minutes from all of Cascais’ main attractions via pedestrianised streets, yet it feels surprisingly off the beaten track. Originally erected in the 19th century, intended as a palace residence, it has been extended and an extra Italian annexe added. Its cliffside setting provides dramatic views – Albatroz, the fine dining restaurant sits right beside the ocean, with a stunning outlook and a bar/lounge area perfect for watching the sunset, drink in hand. The hotel has 51 individually designed nautical-style bedrooms, a pool with wooden loungers, a yoga deck, a small fitness suite and cookery classes.

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.

Combining pure luxury with cultural heritage, this iconic hotel offers guests a selection of rooms to choose from with the biggest and best providing stunning views over the Praҁa do Comércio square to the Tagus River. Huge rain showers in the marble decorated bathrooms help to complete the feeling of pure decadence. Stunning city views can be enjoyed with splashing around in the swimming pool that is situated at the very top of the building, while guests are also treated to a large fitness room, sauna and spa to make unwinding in style effortless.

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.

People who want the chance to feel like royalty are sure to love staying in this luxurious hotel, which is set on a hillside to provide guests with stunning views. While each guest room is decorated in uncompromising style with marble floors, picture windows, large private balconies and antique furniture, the suites are particularly enchanting as they boast private turrets and huge four-poster beds. Taking afternoon tea in the Rio Tejo Bar is a decadent experience that should not be missed as guests can take their pick from more than forty varieties of tea as well as a selection of tasty treats.

Conveniently located close to many of Lisbon’s most popular attractions, this luxurious hotel provides a stylish retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. Guests are treated to their own private terrace so that they can gaze out over the city, while the blue and cream décor comes with 18th-century furniture for a truly decadent feel. Spending time in the spa is the perfect way to unwind after spending the day exploring the city while taking a dip in the 18-metre lap pool is the perfect way to work up an appetite before enjoying a meal at Varanda Restaurant, which is a popular spot among Lisbon’s elite.

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.

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.