Porto and Northern Portugal are ushering in a new era of hospitality in 2024, marked by an impressive wave of hotel openings.
These new establishments, from luxurious boutique hotels to five-star hotels, offer a unique blend of modern comfort and rich cultural heritage. With their doors opening throughout the year, these hotels are not just places to stay but destinations in their own right, promising to enhance the travel experience in one of Portugal’s most enchanting regions.
The Lince Santa Clara – Vila do Conde
Located in Vila do Conde, Portugal, The Lince Santa Clara hotel overlooks the River Ave, the Atlantic Ocean, and the beautiful city. The Lince Santa Clara is conveniently situated just 15 minutes from Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, Porto’s international airport, and 25 minutes from the Porto city center.
The Lince Santa Clara features elegant rooms and suites, a Neoclassical heritage building, and unique 16th-century Mansard-style accommodations. The hotel has two on-site restaurants, one led by a 2 Michelin Star Chef and the other serving authentic Portuguese cuisine.
Other amenities include the Sisley Paris Wellness Centre and outdoor garden, a 24-hour fitness center, two bars, an outdoor infinity pool, and cultural spaces showcasing the hotel’s rich historical heritage.
MS Collection Mosteiro de Arouca – Arouca
The MS Collection, Mosteiro de Arouca, is located in one of Portgual’s most symbolic monasteries. Dating back to the 10th century, this architectural beauty seamlessly blends modern-day comfort with rich cultural heritage.
Surrounded by the serene beauty of the village, MS Collection Mosteiro de Arouca offers on-site dining, a spa, outdoor and indoor pools, a kids club, gardens, and personalized experiences.
Arouca, Portugal, is a hidden gem nestled in the northern part of the country, known for its breathtaking natural landscapes. It’s famously home to the Arouca Geopark, a UNESCO-recognized site, which includes the stunning Paiva Walkways and the 516 Arouca, the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge.
Altis Porto Hotel – Porto
The Altis Porto Hotel, located in Porto, will be a luxurious 5-star hotel with rooms and suites overlooking the Douro River and the beautiful Jardins do Palácio de Cristal.
Porto, Portugal, offers a delightful mix of rich cultural history and contemporary urban charm, with its stunning riverside district, iconic LuÃs I Bridge, and colorful, tiled buildings. From tasting the famous Port wine in its historic cellars to exploring the vibrant Ribeira neighborhood, vacationers are treated to a unique and unforgettable experience in one of Europe’s most charismatic cities.
Azul Boutique Hotel – Vila Nova de GaiaÂ
Expected to open mid-year, the Azul Boutique Hotel in Vila Nova de Gaia is a 4-star hotel offering breathtaking views of Porto and Gaia. The hotel will feature a swimming pool, solarium, and onsite restaurant overlooking the Douro River and the colorful neighborhood of Ribeira.
Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal, sits directly across the Douro River from Porto, a mere 10-minute drive from the heart of Porto’s city center. Known for its world-renowned port wine cellars, Gaia offers a mix of historic charm and modern sophistication, with stunning riverfront views and terraces overlooking Porto’s picturesque city.
Light Human Hotel Porto – Porto
Light Human Hotel Porto will be a boutique hotel offering retail, restaurants, a fitness center, and a spa. Developed by Lucios Developer and Atelier Arcau, the hotel’s concept will be heavily inspired by nature.
Light Human Hotel Vila Real – Vila Real
Another nature-inspired boutique, the Light Human Hotel Vila Real, will feature retail, restaurants, a fitness center, and a spa.
Vila Real, Portugal, is a captivating northern city known for its baroque architecture and as the gateway to the scenic Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its wine production. The city is adorned with historical landmarks, such as the majestic Mateus Palace, and offers a charming blend of cultural richness and natural beauty.
JAM Porto – Vila Nova de Gaia
The JAM Porto hotel will sit adjacent to the majestic Monastery of Serra do Pilar and the famous LuÃs I Bridge, which connects Porto and Gaia. The hotel will feature a swimming pool and access to the rooftop for stunning views of the surrounding area. JAM Porto will also incorporate five artist studios where creators to take up residence.
The Riverview, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel – Vila Nova de Gaia
The Riverview, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, is a 4-star establishment offering stunning panoramic views over Porto and the Douro River. The hotel features rooms and suites, a pool, and a bar serving local cuisine.
Because of its great location, vacationers are only a few steps from attractions like the Port wine cellars and the new World of Wine complex.
The Vinea Collection Hotel – Monção
The Vinea Collection Hotel in Monção, Portugal, is in the historic Quinta da Porteleira, an 18th-century manor house in the Vinho Verde region. This 5-star hotel, part of the Piemonte Hotel group, offers an on-site restaurant, a Britich-inspired bar, a lounge, a spa, and gorgeous mountain views. The hotel will also have a retail shop where guests can purchase local delicacies.
Monção, Portugal, located in the northern Minho region near the Spanish border, is a town celebrated for its vineyards and the production of the distinctive Vinho Verde wine. Rich in history and tradition, Monção charms vacationers with its medieval fortifications, thermal springs, and the tranquil Minho River.
Holiday Inn Express Porto – Boavista and Holiday Inn Braga – Porto and Braga
IHG Hotels & Resorts will open the 91-room Holiday Inn Express Porto-Boavista and the 114-room Holiday Inn Braga in 2024 in partnership with Soliteight Hotel Projects, S.A.
Gat Porto – Porto
The Gat Rooms brand, mainly located in Lisbon, will be opening a location in Porto’s city center. The brand strives to open hotels only in city centers where guests can easily access cafes, museums, clubs, restaurants, galleries, and other attractions.
Hotel Plaza Central – Braga
Hotel Plaza Central in Braga, Portugal, is set to open on Easter. Part of the Hoti Hoteis group, this hotel will feature Portuguese architecture, an outdoor and indoor pool, an on-site restaurant, a bar, a cloister, and meeting rooms.
Braga, Portugal, one of the oldest cities in the country, radiates historical and religious significance and is known especially for its Baroque churches, including the famous Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary. As a vibrant university town, Braga blends its ancient roots with youthful energy, offering cultural events, a historic center, and green spaces, making it a captivating destination in the Minho region.
Fábrica and Arnaldo – Porto
The Fábrica and Arnaldo opening this summer are two new boutique hotels that will be in Porto. The Fábrica hotel will be near Avenida dos Aliados in Porto’s city center. The Arnaldo Hotel, named after a local novelist from the 19th century, will sit at the top of the Escadas dos Guindais, offering rooms, studios, a concert hall, a restaurant, and balconies with views of the Douro River.
Meliá Guimarães – Guimarães
Meliá Guimarães hotel, in Guimarães, Portugal, is a 4-star hotel by the Meliá Hotels Group. The new hotel will have 129 rooms and will be built by the Pitágoras Group.
Guimarães, Portugal, often known as the nation’s birthplace, is steeped in history and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved medieval architecture. This charming city is famous for its iconic Guimarães Castle and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, offering a journey back in time through its cobbled streets and historic squares.
Feature Photo Credit: The Lince Santa Clara
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alexandrea Sumuel is a nationally syndicated travel writer and founder of the Wander With Alex travel blog. Her work has appeared on MSN, YAHOO!, Euronews, and FOX, ABC, and NBC affiliates across the United States.Â
Alex travels to experience, eat, explore, and occasionally escape! She collaborates with destinations, vacation property management companies, and hospitality technology firms to provide her readers with exclusive insights and information.