Best hotels in Portugal

Santiago de Alfama - Boutique Hotel is a beacon of authenticity in this lovely city of light, Lisboa, with beautiful whimsical views of old Alfama that glide towards the sea, whilst the swallows nest along the nearby rooftops.

Torel Saboaria offers a journey steeped in tradition and craftsmanship. A tribute to the legacy of soap-making, this luxury 5-star boutique hotel honors its rich history, transforming each stay into an immersive experience where scents, textures, and cultural techniques intertwine. Torel Saboaria invites guests into a realm of sensory delight, where every detail tells a story and each stay becomes an unforgettable encounter with the essence of craftsmanship. More than just a place to stay, it is a living story – capturing Portugal’s artisanal heritage through thoughtfully curated details.

Octant Hotels Douro is a northern retreat, nestled on the unique banks of the Douro River. An architectural masterpiece nestled in the terraced hills of Castelo de Paiva, where the purity of the people and the great river mingle with the view of a place steeped in history. Where modernity exalts details and creates experiences to cherish for a lifetime.

Each Octant is a tribute to its location. They are places to find care, peace, and freedom, without schedules. And also, rare emotion, profound knowledge, encounters, and unique experiences you will never forget.

Opened in 2015 following a loving restoration of an 18th-century building, this four-pearl boutique beauty from Spanish group H10 Hotels strikes that sweet spot between historic charm and modern polish. Designed by Spanish designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán, the interiors are a masterclass in contemporary Portuguese style – think blue-and-white azulejo tiles depicting historic scenes, whitewashed wooden ceilings, glossy parquet floors and creative lighting. With 89 elegant rooms, Restaurant Azul e Branco serving Mediterranean-Portuguese fusion, the intimate Equestre library bar, and the stunning Limão Rooftop Bar on the 10th floor with panoramic views over Lisbon and the Tagus Estuary, it's sophisticated city living done properly. The location on leafy Avenida Duque de Loulé puts you metres from Praça Marquês de Pombal and that grand boulevard Avenida da Liberdade.

Tucked into an 18th-century building on one of Porto's oldest and most photographed pedestrian streets, Pousada Porto brings together heritage architecture and contemporary design in a setting that feels distinctly modern. Part of the Pestana group's portfolio of historic conversions, this boutique property sits right where the action happens – artisan shops, street performers and riverside views are all moments away on foot. Vaulted ceilings and original stonework provide character, whilst floral motifs pay homage to the street's name. With a tranquil indoor pool for unwinding after city exploration, a breakfast spread showcasing northern Portuguese flavours, and that oh-so-central location, it's a polished base for discovering the Douro city.