A hand-picked collection of places to stay: Authentic, Small-scale, One of a kind!
Porto is ‘booming’ and more and more new hotels are popping up in the city. Like this ‘new kid in town’, a fantastic Hideaway in the middle of the old town and situated in an old soap factory. 28 rooms in different classes but all very spacious and stylishly decorated. You live like a local here as all rooms have a kitchenette. Garden with a swimming pool and spa completes this boutique city hotel. And then there are several weekly activities organised, befitting the hotel and free for hotel guests. What a nice addition! Here, a lot of thought has gone into what the contemporary city traveller considers important when staying. A wonderful Hideaway!
I’ve been a fan of these Portuguese luxury hotels for a while now. They’ve got Hideaways in both Lisbon and Porto, in some of the most beautiful locations, and the service is top-notch. Once more, I was pleased to find that my expectations were met when I visited this distinctive location in Porto. The big surprise awaits after entering because from the street side, this hotel doesn’t seem much special… until you see the phenomenal view over the Douro at the back, spectacular! The rooms are very different and themed by Avantgarde artists (between 1930 and 1940). They all have lots of space, are hugely comfortable (fantastic beds!) and some have a large bath for two with Douro view… perfect for a honeymoon or a romantic city break!
Looking for a different perspective on Porto? Then this Local Hideaway is a must! After all, here you won’t be staying in the old centre but across town on the banks of the Douro River. You’ll find the old port cellars here in Gaia, and you’ll be in the authentic fishing village of Afurada in no time. The beaches of the Atlantic Ocean are just around the corner. This trendy design hotel is a lovely place with very spacious rooms (with kitchenette!) and flats.
The surrounding area of Granada is a fairytale of pretty villages and stunning countryside, a true paradise for walkers and nature lovers. A perfect base for both visiting the city (half an hour’s drive) and enjoying the natural beauty of the Sierra Nevada is this charming boutique eco-hotel. Beautiful, comfortable rooms, a lovely garden with a refreshing pool and a delicious, super-sized breakfast.