Best Historical Hotels in Portugal

Part of the fabulous ‘Torel’ boutique chain, its newest edition is based in the centre of the Bolhão district (home to Portugal’s famous blue and white tiles). It used to be an old soap factory so expect the design to be inspired by this and to reflect its rich history. Compact and elegant but playful and joyous, Luffa, it’s bright and cheery restaurant, serves excellent breakfast and dinner and be sure to check out the Japanese rock garden exterior where guests will find a pool, a Jacuzzi and a spa.

Set on the south bank of the Douro River in Vila Nova de Gaia, Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia Hotel combines the storied legacy of Kopke—the world’s oldest Port wine house—with Tivoli’s signature Portuguese hospitality. This 149-room hotel occupies restored Kopke cellars and spans 20,000 sqm arranged across terraces inspired by the Douro Valley vineyards, offering sweeping views of Porto and the Luís I Bridge. Interiors blend contemporary industrial style with rich tones and historic photography, paying homage to Port wine heritage. Gastronomy is led by Michelin-starred Chef Nacho Manzano with two standout venues: 1638 Restaurant & Wine Bar, offering an 11-course tasting menu, and Boa Vista Terrace, ideal for Atlantic-inspired casual dining. A seasonal Sky Bar Kopke serves creative Port cocktails. Guests can enjoy a Tivoli Spa with wine-based treatments, an outdoor heated pool, and gardens with a Roman walking path. With 1,750 sqm of meeting space and a dedicated art collection, the hotel is a cultural and culinary destination in its own right.

IHG Hotels & Resorts has added Convent Square Lisbon, Vignette Collection, to its expanding Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio, making it the second-largest in the world. Located in the heart of Lisbon, this 121-room hotel is the second Vignette Collection property in Europe and the sixth to join IHG’s first collection brand. Convent Square Lisbon beautifully combines history and hospitality, transforming a 13th-century Dominican convent into a serene haven in the lively Baixa neighbourhood. The Vignette Collection emphasises individuality within a family of like-minded hotels, offering travellers a more authentic and sustainable luxury experience. Memorable Rituals unique to each property connect guests with local culture, and Means For Good initiatives promote a positive impact in the community. The hotel features modern amenities while preserving its historic charm, and it offers diverse dining options. Guests can easily explore Lisbon’s rich cultural offerings within walking distance.

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.

This hotel is located in Porto old town in a beautiful 16th-century building that has the charm and feel of a classic Parisian hotel. The whole hotel has an old-world luxurious feel to it and its rooms are decorated with one-off furnishings, stucco detailing, high ceilings and paintings hung on the walls. Facilities in the hotel include WiFi and a library to relax and soak up the atmosphere. A hearty breakfast is served in the morning to begin a day of exploring Porto where many sights are just a short walk away.

Palacete Chafariz d’el Rei is a historic, luxurious and exclusive hotel set in the heart of Lisbon. Its design is eclectic “Art Nouveau’ with strong elements of Neo-Baroque and Neoclassical throughout and original 18th and 19th century features well preserved. The 5-star boutique hotel comprises six charming suites that present views across the city or over the Tejo river and all are elegant and individual spaces. Dining is a refined affair with traditional Portuguese flavours served in a grand setting, and the popular Royal Brunch presents an array of distinct and diverse delicacies. Guests can expect a warm and welcoming atmosphere and a truly memorable experience.

Occupying a former 17th-century convent the Locke de Santa Joana seamlessly blends Lisbon’s rich past with the present. The hotel’s interior is light and historical, with intricate mosaics and preserved features from the original building giving the hotel a unique flair. The Locke’s 370 serviced apartments pay homage to traditional Portuguese design aspects and are bathed in natural light which makes them the perfect place for guests who wish to relax in the stunning Portuguese capital. The Locke is home to an outdoor swimming pool, private courtyard, meeting space and gym. The Locke boasts its own Café which serves exceptional coffees and pastries in a stunning and relaxing space. The hotel’s restaurant, Santa Maria, serves delicious Mediterranean dishes in its open and relaxed environment.

Tarabel Lisbon is a beautiful boutique property offering refined residential-style, personalised hospitality in an impeccably restored mansion in the chc city district of Lapa. Expect nine creatively designed and decorated rooms, an emerald-tiled heated pool, terraced gardens looking out towards the Tagus and elegant dining. French decorator and hotelier Rose Fournier has filled every room with antiques, and flea-market finds and the result feels less like a hotel and more like staying with someone who has exquisite taste. Adults only, gloriously personal, and surely one of the most charming small hotels in southern Europe.

Located close to the River Douro in the charming Miragaia district and in front of a magical but practically vertical park, Timbre Virtudes is very much its own hotel. Quiet, dignified, steeped in history, the renovation of three historic and aristocratic family homes has kept the granite bricks and many original features admirably in tact. Of particular note are the ‘flirting’ benches which feature in a handful of room – maids used to overlook the nearby passageway and engage with suitors below. Enjoy the excellent Través restaurant and bespoke cocktails made at the bar by mixologist, Bruno.

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.

Stay in a 16th-century building which had former purposes as a hospital, a hermitage devoted to São Marcos, a hostel and a Templar convent. Wrought-iron balconettes, a huge pillared courtyard and statues keeping watch over the rooftop are contrasted by a palm-flanked pool terrace to the rear. There is also an indoor pool, a kids’ play area, a spa, a gym and two restaurants, along with over 100 bedrooms. Although reincarnated as a hotel in 2018, the property retains a classical, almost medieval Portuguese style, that infuses every corner with a sense of history.

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.