Arrival/Check-in: Navigating Porto’s network of one-way streets can be difficult, especially during late-afternoon traffic, and even the best online maps can struggle. Still, with the clear directions provided by the reception desk when I called from outside the city, we reached the hotel without taking a wrong turn. When we asked where to leave the car, the staff said, “Leave it right there — we’ll take care of it,” and they handled it until it reappeared two days later at our departure. The lobby, recently and fully restored, gleamed with polished surfaces. An English-speaking receptionist greeted us with glasses of Port while we registered, handed us city maps, circled the hotel’s location and suggested nearby attractions and restaurants. A bellman led us to a charming wood-paneled elevator with an upholstered bench and escorted us to our junior suite overlooking the tree-lined square below. (30/30)
Guest Quarters: The suite consisted of two rooms connected by a wide archway, decorated in tones of white, cocoa brown and bronze. A patterned band reminiscent of Moorish tile ran from the carpet up the wall beside the bed, creating a dramatic focal point. A long leather-upholstered bench provided ample space to open luggage. The furniture—two comfortable reading chairs, a wide desk with chair and a small table—was finished in white and well lit by elegant brass cylinder lamps on long curved stems. Tall bedside lamps illuminated the sleeping area. There were two marble bathrooms: one with a large tub/shower and the other with a separate shower; amenities from Plantation included useful extras like a sewing kit. Well-lit full mirrors, soft towels, plush terry robes and high-thread-count sheets on the king-sized bed added to the comfort. Two full closets supplied hangers, umbrellas, spare pillows and a safe. During the bellman’s room tour the only detail initially missed was how to adjust the air conditioning, which we managed to figure out ourselves. Each room featured a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, radio and an ADSL Internet connection. (28/30)
Services/Amenities: With 73 rooms, the hotel offers generous public spaces for relaxing or entertaining. The intimate Bar Ceuta serves both original and classic cocktails and a selection of fine wines, making it a pleasant spot to sample local Ports. The high-ceilinged Dona Filipa Restaurant presents a sumptuous breakfast and offers lunch and dinner featuring Portuguese specialties as well as Continental dishes. In summer, dining extends into O Patio, an outdoor area ideal for lunches and candlelit dinners. The hotel also provides a solarium and a spa whose exotic décor evokes Portugal’s centuries under Moorish influence. Public areas display striking handmade cabinet pieces by contemporary designers, many of which are available for purchase. (39/40)
The Experience: The hotel’s décor harmoniously blends Portuguese Baroque opulence, the flowing lines of Art Nouveau and the clean geometry of Mid-century Moderne, all enhanced by bold contemporary artworks. The result is an elegant, comfortable retreat. Located in the heart of the business district, the hotel is within easy walking distance of the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Porto’s historic center. I would certainly stay here again.
Total Score: 97/100
Hotel Infante Sagres
Praça Dona Filipa de Lencastre 62
Porto 4050-259, Portugal
tel 351 223 398 500
www.hotelinfantesagres.pt