If you want swank and style on your trip to Porto, you can’t go wrong with the InterContinental. The former monastery and palace is conveniently positioned at the end of Porto’s main square, Praça da Liberdade, meaning you couldn’t find a more central location if you tried. Step out the door and you’ll see Porto’s iconic Clérigos Tower on your left, then nip around the corner to your right and run straight into the equally iconic São Bento Train Station.
As well as having a top location, the hotel has five-star class with an opulent foyer adorned in marble and Swarovski chandeliers. There’s also a swish shopping arcade inside should you care to pick up a Rolex or gold necklace.
The elegance continues in the rooms upstairs, where you’ll find heavy curtains, studded ottomans and silky bedspreads. Take a relaxing bath in the marble bathroom before choosing from eight types of pillows at bedtime. For further relaxation, book a massage or facial in the hotel spa.
The InterContinental’s Astoria restaurant offers high-end dining and is a good choice if you want to splurge. Degustation menus with wine pairing are available and these are regularly updated to maximise the use of seasonal produce. On the hotel’s ground floor you’ll also find the glamorous Bar das Cardosas, where you can listen to live music while sipping cocktails.
A buffet breakfast with eggs and coffee made to order is offered in the restaurant from €22 per head.