Where to stay in Porto, Portugal for an elevated city escape

On By Littum

When you think of Porto, Portugal, your mind probably wanders to its charming streets, historic wine cellars, and breathtaking river views. For me, travel is about finding the special places that mix a city’s rich history with a little pampering – and Rebello Hotel & Spa nail it. Blending luxury with local charm, this five-star gem captures Porto’s true spirit and old soul. Set in a beautifully restored wine warehouse that once played a major role in the city’s port trade, it combines historic character with sleek, modern details. From the moment my boyfriend and I arrived at the chic, modern place, we knew we’d found the perfect home base to make the most of our quick visit and enjoy all that Porto has to offer.

The Rebello

Check in

Stepping into The Rebello, with the Douro River right behind us, felt effortlessly cool – like uncovering a hidden gem. The moment you walk through the doors, you are greeted by a stunning mix of rich colors, textures and carefully curated art and furniture made by Portuguese artists. Housed in a former port wine and kitchen equipment warehouse, the space seamlessly blends its industrial roots with modern sophistication, thanks to the thoughtful touch of Spanish designer Daniela Franceschini. To my left, cozy lounge spaces filled with art and plush textures invited me to sink in, while to my right, an elegant restaurant caught my eye and tempted me – and a smartly curved bar promised well-crafted cocktails. With our room keys, refreshing lemon water and The Rebello’s curated city map in hand, I couldn’t wait to explore our stylish retreat – and Porto itself.

The Rebello

The suite

Our Suite with 1 bedroom let us immediately say, wow. The room was incredible, but the real star of the scene? The oversized balcony with sweeping views of the Douro River and the city’s iconic Dom Luís I Bridge. It was the kind of view that instantly draws you in – or should I say invites you out.

Inside, the suite felt like a smart home away from home. The bedroom featured a sumptuous king size bed, ample closet space and an en-suite bathroom with a luxury rain shower and cozy robes that made it feel like our own mini spa. The fully equipped kitchen was a welcome surprise, complete with a coffee maker, oven, stove and refrigerator. And the complimentary “not-so-minibar” — stocked with local wines, craft beers, kombucha and more — was the perfect finishing touch.

As if that wasn’t enough, we were greeted with pastéis de nata – the one thing I was craving after our long day of travel from Denver. I had been telling my boyfriend all day how it was the first thing I wanted to eat in Portugal and here it was waiting for me, perfectly timed and perfectly delicious. Every detail felt carefully composed to ensure maximum comfort and ease.

Rebello’s suites are designed to feel both elegant and inviting, with spacious layouts ideal for solo travelers, couples or even families. With just 103 suites, the property offers a variety of accommodations, from studios to three-bedroom suites that sleep up to six guests. Each has apartment-style amenities, making it easy to settle in – whether for a weekend or a longer stay.

The Rebello

The spa

The hotel’s Roman bath-inspired spa with its timeless elegance, has become one TikTok sensation for its Wes Anderson design. Wellness enthusiasts will find their happiness here in the Tranquility Lounge, with a semi-heated pool and sauna experience unlike any other in Porto. Inspired by the Romans – lovers of good wine, good lifestyle and luxurious baths – the spa recreates ancient rituals for the modern traveller. The menu offers everything from deep tissue and aromatherapy massages to jet lag treatments, anti-aging facials and even “out of hours” treatments for those seeking privacy or extended pampering. For those with fitness in mind, The Rebello’s fitness facilities welcome everyone 24/7 – whether your goals are Olympic level or simply staying active during your travels. It’s about finding your balance, your way – and we’ve certainly found ours.

The Rebello

The roof top

In the morning we took our time to enjoy the gourmet breakfast at Pot and panthe hotel’s elegant dining area. Fresh pastries, local cheeses and perfectly brewed coffee gave us just the right amount of energy to kick-start the day. Described by the property as “hotel dining the way hotel restaurants should be” – I couldn’t agree more.

Upstairs, the Bello Rooftop offers a completely different perspective on Porto. One of the highlights of our stay was seeing the city from this vantage point – across the river, in a way we wouldn’t have experienced otherwise. The roof’s chic design with its hunter green and rust orange accents made it the perfect place to relax with small plates and delicious cocktails. The DJ set the mood with vibey music as we took the sparkling river below and enjoyed the atmosphere.

Signature cocktails, inspired by the Seven Wonders of the World, are a must-try. Each drink mixes iconic liqueurs and spirits from the respective countries with local fruits, herbs and spices – an invitation to travel through flavours. With a mix of indoor and outdoor seating, plenty of sofas for lounging and tables for dining, the rooftop quickly became a place we didn’t want to leave. My advice: book your place early!

The Rebello

Check out

Although I had yet to visit Lisbon on this trip, I left Porto knowing it was an eye-catching destination I couldn’t wait to share with friends and family. Seriously – why isn’t everyone going to Porto?! And much of that excitement was thanks to The Rebello. Now that I’ve been to Lisbon, I can confidently say that Porto has a more intimate feel, with its narrow cobbled streets, medieval architecture and a pace that feels wonderfully laid back.

The Rebello Hotel & Spa really enhances this experience, offering a luxurious base with stunning river views. It is the perfect place for anyone who wants to enjoy the culture and relax in one of Portugal’s most charming cities. Wine lovers will especially appreciate the hotel’s proximity to the famous harbor houses of Vila Nova de Gaia, making it a prime location for exploring Porto’s legendary wine scene. Rebello is the perfect launch pad to explore not only Porto but all of Portugal and I’m already dreaming of my next visit.

The Rebello

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