Family-run Posada / Guest house
HOPO1, Porto, Portugal
Delightful guesthouse with garden in the heart of Porto
Generous and delicious continental breakfasts are served in the dining room or on the terrace and snacks and drinks are available throughout most of the day.This elegant town house with a lovely enclosed garden is beautifully presented. Tucked down a side street known for its little art galleries, a short walk to the historic centre and all the sights of Porto, and with plenty of bars, restaurants and an excellent shopping street just nearby, you really couldn't be better placed.
Transformed by a local architect and French designer a few years ago, the furnishings and decor of this traditional townhouse are timeless, mixing modern with vintage pieces, to create an intimate and cosy atmosphere – a real oasis from the rush and bustle of the busy city. Just hearing an owl hoot at night in the quiet of the garden is a joy!
The comfortable rooms, each with its own character, are divided between the main house and a modern garden annex. The inviting sitting room, with a decanter of port to welcome guests, and the magical garden and terrace at the back, provide space and relaxation.
Added to its charm and in fact, what makes it more endearing, are its very friendly, helpful and welcoming staff who, taking care of the smallest details, ensure that everything runs smoothly.
Accommodation
There are twelve en-suite bedrooms in all.
In the main building there are three double bedrooms with dressing rooms, one junior suite with terrace and view over the city of Porto, two family suites which sleep 4 and one triple room on the attic floor. Apart from the attic floor room which has sloping ceilings, the rooms are light and spacious with high ceilings, and the furnishings and decor are timeless, yet contemporary, mixing modern with vintage pieces.
The ground floor rooms are smaller than in the main house, but cosy and comfortable with a desk and chair and it is great to have a private patio! All the garden rooms are furnished in contemporary style, but also with some nice vintage touches.
All rooms have Wifi and a desk and chair. Hairdryers are available on request.
Hotel Features
Shared, comfortable sitting/TV area. A decanter of port always available.
Lovely enclosed garden and terrace with tables and chairs.
Snacks and drinks available from 13.00 – 21.00. Menu of what is on offer in the rooms.
Central location in semi-pedestrianised area.
Staff can help with booking bike rental, boat trips etc.
Public parking at manned garage across the street.
Aliados Metro Station a 10-minute walk from the hotel.
Buses and trams nearby too.
Restaurant
Dining room on the ground floor of the main building – with access to the garden – where a generous and delicious buffet breakfast is served daily – variety of local breads, fruit, hams and cheese, cereals, yogurt and a different fresh fruit juice everyday.
Snack-bar – from 13:00 to 21:00 – that offers refreshing drinks and light snacks.
No other meals available.
A fair choice of bars and restaurants nearby. The staff will give advice about where to eat, depending on what you would like.
Porto, Portugal
Posed majestically on the rocky cliffs overlooking the grand River Douro, Porto, the birthplace of the world renowned port, is Portugal's second largest city.
Steeped in history and tradition, highly atmospheric, still nicely unspoilt and laid back, over the last twenty years it has seen a remarkable renaissance, with startling modern architecture blending in happily with the many ancient monuments and landmarks.
A fascinating journey back in time, over different centuries, from its medieval historic centre by the river, the Ribeira district, a Unesco World Heritage site, the 18th century port wine lodges across the waters and the monumental bridge, Ponte Dom Luis I, to the C12th century Sé (cathedral) and the fine Baroque churches São Francisco, São Lourenzo, Santa Clara, the neoclassical Palacio da Bolsa (stock exchange)…the list goes on!
Along with interesting museums including Casa do Infante, where Henry the Navigator was born, art galleries, romantic gardens, impressive plazas, amazing azulejos (hand painted tiles) at São Bento train station and Igreja do Carmo, there is excellent shopping too, especially on Rua Santa Catarina.
Great music from traditional Portuguese fado to classical concerts can be heard at Rem Koolhaas' Casa da Musica and with Porto's fastly developing gastronomic scene, there is great food too from traditional northern Portuguese fare to sushi. and for those who like a bit of nightlife, there is plenty of that too, be it out on the street or at an arty cafe.
Walk it, tram it, boat it or tuk tuk it – Porto's got something for everyone!The fascinating, medieval Ribeira district by the river Douro– Porto’s historic centre, a Unesco world heritage site. Stroll along the promenade, explore its tiny cobblestone alleys, dine at one of the tempting riverside restaurants ..
Cross the impressive iron arched Dom Luis I bridge, built in 1886 from the Ribeira district to the 18th century port wine lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia. Sample the tipple and soak in the grandstand view of Porto from the riverside promenade with beautiful “ barcos rabelos” –flat bottomed boats which transported the wine in the good old days!
- Take the Funicular from here up to the upper part of Porto town and the Romanesque cathedral.
- Take in the sights of Porto on foot – there are guided walks, but doing it independently is fun – from baroqueTorre de Clerigos, to the majestic Palacio de la Bolsa, the gothic church of San Francisco,to the famous bookshop “Livrana Lello” – an inspiration for J.K. Rowling to write Harry Potter, to the São Bento railway station with its immense and beautiful tile panels, to the Casa do Infante, birthplace of Henry the Navigator and so, so much more.
- Enjoy art at the Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis and Museu de Arte Contemporanea and on a smaller scale the little art galleries in Rua Miguel Bombarda and all types of music from classical to jazz at Porto’s music mecca, Casa da Musica – concerts every night! Or listen to traditional Fado at Casa de Mariquinhas.
- Take a leisurely river cruise on a barco rabelo, going under Porto’s six bridges to get a panoramic view of the entire city.
- Visit 19th century Mercado Bolhao– fantastic covered market with all sorts of gastronomic delights and local atmosphere.
- Catch a small ferry across the Douro to the picturesque, traditional fishing village of Afurada with its tile decked houses and hire a bike, walk or bus to lovely Praia de Estrela with soft, golden sand. Feast on hearty fish stew “calderaida” or freshly grilled fish and seafood back in Afurada on your way home.
- Take a scenic tram trip along the river towards Foz do Douro, west of Porto, with its very interesting transport museum and “romantic “ museum and park.
- Do something different and explore the city in a Tuk Tuk! Ask your hotel for details.
