I already wrote about the top romantic things to do in Porto and the most romantic restaurants, but it was definitely missing a list of the best boutique hotels in Porto to go along.
There are plenty of good options in the city, so to help you out, I am going to divide the best boutique hotels in Porto according to neighborhoods, and explain you in detail why you should consider staying in each specific neighborhood (and in which cases to avoid it).
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Best boutique hotels in Porto: Ribeira neighborhood
Why stay in Ribeira?
Ribeira, located by the riverside next to the Luiz I bridge, is the most picturesque neighborhood in Porto, with its tiny colorful houses and rabelo boats.
In Ribeira you can find the very famous Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace) as well as the stunning St Francis church. In Ribeira you are also within waking distance from the best Port wine lodges.
It is also the place to get the pleasant 6 Bridges cruise in the Douro river, or the famous tram ride #1 in Porto, that goes all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.
The only downside is that as Ribeira is by the riverside, to get to Downtown Porto (Baixa) you have to go up the hill (quite ironic, uh?!).
Ribeira is the perfect neighborhood in Porto for those who want to enjoy the most photogenic views of the Douro river and take advantage of all the activities taking place by the riverside.
1872 River House
The devil is in the details, and that is precisely why 1872 River House is one of the most beautiful boutique hotels in Porto.
At 1872 River House the breakfast is available the entire morning (sometimes it’s so annoying to get up before 10h just to get breakfast!). Also, on the beautiful living room facing the Douro river, you can have a glass of Port wine or a beer without paying extra.
The bedrooms have a vintage style combined with the ancient granite walls of Porto that every woman finds irresistible, so this hotel is definitely the perfect spot for a romantic getaway in Porto.
1872 River House is located in Ribeira, next to the Stock Exchange Palace. It’s 20 minutes walking distance from the nearest subway station, Aliados. On the other hand, it’s the perfect place to rent a bike or to go on a tram ride.
How to get there: São Bento train station is a 10 minutes walking distance.
Descobertas Boutique Hotel
Descobertas Boutique Hotel has a lot of character, which is one of the reasons why I consider it one of the best boutique hotels in Porto. Its discrete entrance hides a modern hotel where each floor is dedicated to a place that Portugal found during the Discoveries.
The bedrooms are not huge but the bathrooms are amazing, covered in marble, with a lot of space and light.
The common areas are also very cozy, as you can see on the pictures, and breakfast is definitely one of the highlights of Descobertas Boutique Hotel.
How to get there: São Bento train station is a 9 minutes walking distance.
Exmo. Porto
Exmo. Porto is on this list of the best boutique hotels in Porto due to its amazing common areas (I don’t know about you, but I don’t fancy to spend much time inside a bedroom when I travel!). This hotel beautiful merges the old granite walls of Porto with English leather sofas and vintage desks.
Another positive aspect of Exmo. Porto is the variety of its continental breakfast and how accommodating they are to food allergies.
This boutique hotel in Porto has an amazing location, practically in front of the Stock Exchange Palace.
How to get there: São Bento subway station is a 10 minutes walking distance.
Mo House
By now you probably already noticed that I have a thing for bright, white bedrooms with a vintage touch and in that regard, Mo House is a dream come true. This lovely boutique hotel in Porto combines the timeless elegance of white furniture with the exoticism of fantastic textiles. Most rooms have comfortable armchairs by the window, with an incredible view of the Douro river, providing a relaxing and introspective moment 🙂
How to get there: São Bento subway station is an 8 minutes walking distance.
Porto A.S. 1829 Hotel
Welcome to Porto A.S. 1829 Hotel, one of the best boutique hotels in Porto and also what once was a stationery store in 1829.
The hotel has more than 41 rooms that are moderate in size, adding to the element of coziness. What makes this hotel so charming is not only its historical significance but the simplicity of its units.
Porto A.S. 1829 Hotel has a Portuguese-cuisine restaurant located on the first floor which used to be an art gallery.
How to get there: São Bento subway station is a 7 minutes walking distance.
Best boutique hotels in Porto: Cedofeita neighborhood
Why stay in Cedofeita?
Cedofeita is the artsy neighborhood in Porto as it has an art district at Rua Miguel Bombarda, full of interesting art galleries and concept stores. It is also one of the most romantic neighborhoods to stay in Porto.
It is also home to some great international restaurants and a lovely shopping mall with cute stores called Miguel Bombarda. You can also go for a relaxed walk at the Crystal Palace Gardens, or enjoy a Fado show at Casa da Guitarra.
Cedofeita is just 5 / 10 minutes walking distance from Baixa (downtown Porto), where the most famous monuments in the city are located, but in a quieter (and still very central) location.
Cedofeita is perfect for romantic vacations, families with young kids or simply for people who want to be close to Downtown Porto, but in a quieter neighborhood.
Casa Antiga
Casa Antiga is the new sweetheart when it comes to the best places to stay in Cedofeita. It is a lovely boutique guesthouse where every bedroom is decorated in a different style, using mostly vintage furniture. Moreover, the bedrooms are full of natural light, creating a really romantic atmosphere. Honestly, if I had to pick a hotel for a romantic getaway in Porto, this would be it 🙂
Another thing that I love about Casa Antiga is its location, in a quiet street full of cute little concept stores, just 10 minutes walking distance from Downtown Porto.
How to get there: Aliados subway station is a 10 minutes walking distance.
Oporto Collection Rosário
I know I included waaaaaaay too many photos but Oporto Collection Rosário is truly a charming hotel and it was impossible not to include pictures of a) its lovely garden, where you can have an incredible breakfast on sunny days (hello pancakes!), b) the large, comfortable bedrooms and c) the stylish living room, in forest – green. Oh, and the Crystal Palace gardens are just 8 minutes walking distance.
Given all that, Oporto Collection Rosário is a lovely boutique hotel in Porto that is usually sold out, so I recommend you to book your room at your earliest convenience (aka – Now!).
How to get there: Aliados subway station is 15 minutes walking distance.
Casa do Conto & Tipografia
Casa do Conto & Tipografia one of the best hotel boutique in Porto thanks to its monochromatic and minimalist style. No one could guess that behind a very traditional façade lies something innovative.
The rooms are all equipped, with a huge white bed and a ceiling decorated with quotes carved in concrete. There are wooden pieces and golden details that break the monochromatic vibe beautifully. Yes, this is not for everybody, but it’s a very unique place to stay in Porto.
How to get there: Carolina Michaelis subway station is a 4 minutes walking distance and Lapa subway station is a 7 minutes walking distance.
República Hostel & Suites
República Hostel & Suites is in between a hostel and a guesthouse and, for me, one of the best boutique hotels in Porto.
It is located at a renovated building facing a large public garden. It’s sunny and quiet, and you can see the attention to details of the owners on each piece of furniture and decor.
Something that I love about República Hostel & Suites is the immense backyard, where you can have a drink after a day walking in Porto. Moreover, it has a shared kitchen where you can have breakfast if you’d like to.
This hotel in Porto is just 5 minutes walking distance from Lapa subway station. If you have a car, this hotel has a deal with a nearby garage – ask for it at the entrance.
How to get there: Trindade subway station is a 6 minutes walking distance.
Best boutique hotels in Downtown Porto
Why Stay in Downtown Porto – Baixa?
Baixa, the word we use to describe Downtown Porto, is basically the neighborhood between the artsy Cedofeita neighborhood and Bonfim neighborhood, the hipster area of town.
It is basically the place where you will find the most important monuments of Porto, including São Bento train station, Lello bookstore and the Clérigos tower. In our main avenue, Avenida dos Aliados, you will find best luxury hotels in Porto.
Downtown Porto is always bustling with life, with plenty of restaurants and bars, and many events taking place during the weekends.
Therefore, Baixa is the perfect neighborhood to stay in Porto if you want to be where the action takes place… and that you should avoid if you do not!
Hotel One Shot Aliados Goldsmith
There are several things I really enjoy about Hotel One Shot Aliados Goldsmith, most notably its fantastic location in Avenida dos Alidos (Allies’ Avenue), at the heart of Downtown Porto and only a few minutes away from most city attractions. Moreover, it has a fan-tas-tic rooftop from where you can enjoy the views of the aforementioned avenue. It is quite a treat 🙂
Another detail that I personally adore is that all the doors and windows are painted in pale dark green, a color that I particularly like.
Hotel One Shot Aliados Goldsmith also has single bedrooms that are perfect for solo travellers in Porto, and that are not easy to find elsewhere in the city.
How to get there: 24 Agosto subway station is literally a few steps away!
Charm Palace
I found one of the best boutique hotels in Porto where you get to stay walking distance from the most famous monuments, but you’ll still be far away from all the crowds.
You can’t help but fall in love with Charm Palace, a romantic blue-tiled bourgeois residence from the early 1900s. The building has 5 suites, all with stunning wooden floors, high ceilings and beautiful plasterwork that is original to the building.
There is also a large living room where you can relax by the fireplace while enjoying a glass of wine – but the cherry on top in the minimalist garden in the backyard, with lovely Italian Cypresses.
How to get there: 24 de Agosto subway station is a 4 minutes walking distance and Bolhão subway station is a 6 minutes walking distance.
Hotel Torel Avantgarde
Hotel Torel Avantgarde opened its doors a few years ago and it went all the way to the top of the best boutique hotels in Porto. After all, it has already several international awards, such as the Best Luxury Art Hotel in Europe by the World Luxury Hotel Awards.
It is, indeed, an exceptional hotel that stands out not only for its exquisite decoration (each bedroom is inspired by a famous Avantgarde artists) but also for its amazing outdoors swimming pool and panoramic garden with a beautiful view over the Douro river.
Torel Avantgarde has one of my favorite locations in Porto, located close enough to the city attractions that you can get there walking, but sufficiently away so that you can enjoy a noise – free neighbourhood and a stunning view of Ribeira’s neighbourhood.
It also has a bar, a restaurant and a spa (one of the best spas in Porto!).
How to get there: São Bento train station is a 16 minutes walking distance. You can use the hotel’s transport service for an additional fee.
PortoBay Teatro
PortoBay Teatro is not only one of the best boutique hotels in Porto, but also a rather unique one. The theme of PortoBay Teatro is precisely “theater”, therefore every room is decorated in dramatic yet elegant tones, with dark curtains and glass doors. The cherry on top is the freestanding tub on the bedroom, I loved it!
Before staying at PortoBay Teatro I was a bit afraid that it would be too dark for me, but once I there, I didn’t have that feeling; it felt as if I were at a jazz bar 🙂
How to get there: Aliados subway station is a 5 minutes walking distance.
M Maison Particulière Porto
When you walk into M Maison Particulière Porto, don’t worry if you think you’ve mistaken the hotel for an art gallery, you’re not the only one.
The hotel has amazing suites. For example, one unit has woodcarving on the ceiling from the 17th century and another has the original stucco. Truly, every room is like a masterpiece with original art, material and furniture collected from all around the world.
How to get there: São Bento train station is a 7 minutes walking distance.
Casa dos Lóios by Shiadu
A great breakfast, cozy units with a lot of natural sunlight and a very central location are some of the reasons why Casa dos Lóios by Shiadu is one of the best boutique hotels in Porto.
The characteristics of this 16th century building can mostly be seen on the stunning ceilings. The view off the balconies to the Clérigos tower is incredible here. The hotel also has a lovely deck area outside.
How to get there: São Bento train station is a 2 minutes walking distance.
Malmerendas Boutique Lodging
On my hunt for the best boutique hotels in Porto I stumbled upon Malmerendas Boutique Lodging, a boutique lodging that will make you feel right at home. It located in a 19th century building that showcases the traditional construction of the bourgeoisie class of Porto.
The units are huge and they all come with a stunning bathtub, except for the lofts, they have stand up showers. Outside, there is a lovely garden which you can sit down, have a glass of wine and relax.
How to get there: Bolhão subway station is a 4 minutes walking distance.
Menina Colina Guesthouse
Menina Colina guesthouse has a strategic location, at the convergence of the neighborhoods of Cedofeita, Baixa do Porto and Ribeira, being, therefore, close to everything you might possibly need during your stay in Porto.
Each room is designed and executed to perfection, and completely different from one another. Personally, I loved the high ceilings and the spacious layout, quite unusual for hotels in Downtown Porto.
A major plus at Menina Colina guesthouse is its excellent breakfast, with fresh, local products. Fresh fruit juice, fresh eggs with delicious homemade cakes… quite a morning temptation! 🙂
How to get there: São Bento train station is a 15 minutes walking distance.
Editory Artist Hotel
I used to dismiss Editory Artist Hotel because, judging by the photos, it seemed a little bit too corporate for my taste. However, after having so many clients of our private tours in Porto raving about it, I had to pay a visit to check it it was one of the best boutique hotels in Porto.
I was very impressed, I must say! The bedrooms are large and bright, decorated in warm Autumn colours.
As the Editory Artist Hotel functions as a school – hotel for the students of the School of Tourism in Porto, the staff is very attentive and eager to help you. It also has a nice restaurant where you can try dishes prepared by the students.
The location of this boutique hotel in Porto is also great, just a couple of minutes away from the famous Bolhão’s market.
How to get there: 24 Agosto subway station is a 5 minutes walking distant.
Best boutique hotels in Porto: Bonfim neighborhood
Why Stay in Bonfim?
And finaaaaally I get to talk about my childhood neighborhood, which is considered one of the best neighborhoods in Europe by The Guardian (true story).
Bonfim is the hipster neighborhood of Porto, as it is home to both the Faculty of Arts AND most of the expat community. Therefore, there you will find plenty of craft beer pubs, specialty coffee shops, second hand shops and everything else that good hipsters need 😛
It is also the Mecca of Francesinhas, the famous sandwich from Porto, and it recently became a popular nightlife spot.
But generally speaking, as Bonfim does not have any popular monument, it is a more quiet, local neighborhood, and still within 15 / 20 minutes walking distance from Downtown Porto.
Bonfim is definitely the place for artsy, cool people looking for an under the radar neighborhood in Porto.
Mouco Hotel
Mouco Hotel opened very recently and it has a concept that is difficult to remain indifferent to: music!
The rooms, full of natural light and with a minimalist, industrial look with a musical touch, are perfect for relaxing. You can borrow a record player, records and also music instruments for free to listen and play in your room. In addition they’re also having a music venue in the near future. Just imagine: from bed to concert in a minute! Do I need to say more?
Maybe I will say two more words: swimming pool. Oh yeah, Mouco is definitely one of the best boutique hotels in Porto!
How to get there: Heroísmo subway station is a 5 minutes walking distance.
Cocorico Luxury Guest House
Some years ago I had the most memorable night in Cocorico Luxury Guest House, an elegant boutique hotel in Porto. It was the inauguration night and I was already quite impressed with the lovely patio, worthy of the One Thousand and One Nights’ tale. Then they took us to the bedrooms and oh my – they are so delicately decorated, so full of natural light, that it is impossible not to fall in love with them.
If you decide to book a room at Cocorico Luxury Guest House, take my advice and go down the street: you will find one of the best viewpoints in Porto.
How to get there: 24 de Agosto subway station is a 10 minutes walking distance.
Jardim da Batalha Boutique Hotel by Shiadu
In urban centers it is increasingly difficult to find a hotel where we truly feel at home, which is why I decided to include Jardim da Batalha by Shiadu in this list of the best boutique hotels in Porto.
The rooms are small but very cozy, with balconies overlooking a small garden at the back of the hotel. In the main room, an inviting leather sofa beckons you for a long read. For breakfast, generous slices of chocolate salami to start the day with a smile.
All these subtle gestures made me feel very comfortable and relaxed during my stay at Jardim da Batalha Boutique Hotel.
Métier Boutique Hotel
I have one word for you: rooftop. Some people like to complain about how far away Métier Boutique Hotel in Porto is but honestly who cares when you can enjoy an elegant, sophisticated bar with a fantastic rooftop overlooking the city. No one!
Besides, you can easily overcome the distance (30 minutes walking) simply by taking a subway at Marquês subway station and getting out in Trindade, in Downtown Porto. It literally takes 5 minutes (I do this everyday), so stop whining and book a room at the gorgeous Métier Boutique Hotel.
How to get there: take the subway to Marquês, which is less than 5 minutes walking distant from the hotel.
Catalonia Porto
I had already walked past Catalonia Porto about fifty times before deciding to enter – a shame, because it is a beautiful hotel, with very comfortable rooms and spacious and well-organized common areas, perfect for relaxing or doing some work for a couple of hours.
The location is fantastic: between Jardim de São Lázaro and the Batalha area; meaning it is a 10 / 15 minutes walk from the main monuments of the city, while being in a much calmer and quieter area.
Furthermore, I would like to highlight the quality of the breakfast: we have already picked up several clients from our private tours in the Douro, and they all mentioned the variety of delights (especially natural fruit juices!) and eggs made to order. A luxury!
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