![Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora Do Carmo](https://www.thehotelguru.com/_images/a7/80/a780424c1ee4e3d5fa9955b8e54c28c1/600x422.jpg)
The Douro Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its production of wine and olive oil. The scenery is beautiful: rolling hills aglow in the sun, terraced vineyards tumbling down the valley towards the river, and picturesque, unspoilt whitewashed, red-roofed villages perched on the hillsides. Gourmands love it; and families love it too because of the sheer enormity of wholesome things-to-do, from kayaking and hiking to boating and tours of the historic surroundings. We've selected the best hotels in The Douro Valley so you don't have to. These properties encompass a wide range from rustic-chic boutiques and renovated farmhouses to pampering spa hotels, and all boast spectacular views of the surrounding natural beauty. Serene, romantic and beautiful, check them out below!
For a Spa break
![Six Senses Douro Valley](https://www.thehotelguru.com/_images/fe/d8/fed8174d931b2966a8d9b625b67d56f1/600x422.jpg)
- Six Senses Douro Valley is a smart hotel offering contemporary and minimalist rooms where light pours through the high, wide windows, replete with views of hazy blue mountains, rolling forested hills, and vineyards tumbling down the valley. Everything is designed for relaxation: a tablet controls the curtains, in-room dining, TV and lighting. And the spa is extensive, with 10 treatment rooms, yoga, pilates, a gym, an indoor and outdoor pool. Finish off the day in the rustic-chic restaurant eating organic, locally-sourced produce. Perfect for a spa break!
- A mesmerising spa hotel on the banks of the River Douro, Rio Douro Hotel and Spa puts relaxation at the heart of all things. Within the traditional stone structure lie contemporary whitewashed rooms stripped of needless frills and scattered with chic splashes of colour; filled with light, with floor-to-ceiling windows affording wide-reaching views of the river and surrounding countryside. The spa is a particular highlight, and the swimming pool spills out over the river so that the waters seemingly become one. The restaurant continues on this theme: bright, stone-built, and using plenty of glass for maximum views while you dine on locally-sourced delights.
For Value chic
![Lamego Hotel](https://www.thehotelguru.com/_images/9c/80/9c80828e3ac6ab817c454d6815aa5451/600x422.jpg)
- Casa de Santo Antonio de Britiande is a spacious country house set amidst beautiful gardens, offering simple, chic rooms with exposed stonework, antique furniture, and French windows opening up to stunning views of the garden. Whether you're relaxing by the swimming pool, or tasting local wine on the terrace in the glow of the evening sun, it's a secluded and intimate boutique ideal for couples on a romantic getaway, or for those looking for a great on-a-budget deal.
- Lamego Hotel is set within a working vineyard. Offering contemporary rooms in muted hues, using plenty of wood, and flashes of rustic simplicity - like the faded, almost ancient embroidered wall hangings - it's a great, value-chic hideaway. Couples and families will love it because there's plenty to do: activities like wine tours and kayaking can be booked through the hotel, there's a spa, squash and tennis courts on-site, and the swimming pool - spacious and grand - lies at the bottom of an amphitheatre-like structure. An astounding stay!
For a Romantic break
![Vintage House Hotel](https://www.thehotelguru.com/_images/83/ab/83ab53696d008c2d394def6cf28cc1a1/600x422.jpg)
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Vintage House Hotel sits in an enviable location. A gleaming white terracotta-tiled 18th century mansion nestling on the banks of the River Douro, it's an elegant mixture of contemporary comforts and old-fashioned, Portuguese, rustic simplicity. While the rooms are elegant, the lounge has sink-into green leather chairs, original stone columns and timbered ceilings; the restaurant is vaulted, and the terrace is covered in greenery. Romantic and utterly charming, it's perfect for couples on a getaway.
On a budget
![Casa das Pipas](https://www.thehotelguru.com/_images/10/87/1087be1d85798c7a751ae9e552cee991/600x422.jpg)
- Casa das Pipas is a renovated farmhouse that isn't afraid of keeping up traditions. Surrounded by fields of vines, this authentic rustic hotel keeps things simple: gorgeous scenery, fine, locally-sourced wine, a spacious outdoor swimming pool in the garden, and a superb restaurant headed by Chef Milton Ferreira. The rooms continue on this theme of rustic tradition: creamwhite walls, floral fabrics, antique furniture and four-poster beds. This is ideal for couples, families and individuals alike - a great on-a-budget stay!
- A charming quinta set in gorgeous surroundings, Casa de Vilarinho de Sao Romao feels a lot like staying with an old friend. The cosy, traditional rooms boast whitewashed walls interspersed with exposed stone and old paintings, parquet flooring and colourful bedspreads. The views are really extraordinary, (they should charge extra), and you can enjoy them from the comfort of the glittering waters of the swimming pool or the leafy shade of the terrace.
Back to nature
![Casa Do Rio](https://www.thehotelguru.com/_images/f8/b6/f8b60b94ece7ff67aff527096ef0c151/600x422.jpg)
- Suspended over a small gorge, Casa Do Rio redefines the meaning of rustic-chic. The guestrooms are clad in white wooden clapboard, walls hanging with black-and-white photographs of the region; floor-to-ceiling windows open out onto private terraces from where you can see the river and the rising hills. The two suites are gems, with their log fires and bath tubs, while the infinity pool affords sublime views. It's great for those seeking adventure amidst Mother Nature: this intimate, secluded boutique has bikes, kayaks, canoes and their own boat in which you can float merrily down the river.
Countryside escape
![Quinta do Vallado](https://www.thehotelguru.com/_images/61/4c/614c9e8d5fc4930e705534b45db7bcc1/600x422.jpg)
- Quinta de la Rosa is a working vineyard, and one of the finest around, famed for its production of wine, port and olive oil. This elegant hotel wants to immerse guests in the daily rhythm of the vineyard itself, so expect simple comforts - no TVs, no needless frills. It's perfect for a rural getaway: terraced vineyards tumble down the surrounding hills, seen from the windows of the light-filled, contemporary rooms, with their floral furnishings and European antiques. The Cozinha da Clara restaurant is a speciality, serving up the best of local produce, the sumptous meals paired with the hotel's own wine. Charming, sophisticated and elegant - a real rustic hideaway.
- Quinta do Vallado is an 18th century country house perched in a working vineyard. It's simplicity is part of the charm: the chic interiors contrast with its rustic antiquity, while its excellent restaurant also offers cooking classes. But the activities on offer are extraordinary: boat trips, kayaking expeditions down the Douro River, picnics in the hills, birdwatching, yoga and fishing in the river. Of course, you can just kick back by pool or sip a crisp glass of local wine in the heat of the midday sun. Your move.
- In the valley where the hills rise and fall like waves, sits Casa Do Visconde de Chanceleiros. A traditional whitewashed farmhouse perched amidst terraced vineyards in an infinite sea of green pastures, this charming boutique makes for a wonderful escape-pad for anyone seeking good old fashioned simplicity. The swimming pool sits in a garden of poppies and pink roses, flanked by vineyards and the rising hills. The rooms are rustic-chic, think exposed stone walls and wooden beams, while the communal areas have beautiful original blue-and-white murals. Unbeatable location, amazing price.
For weddings
![Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo](https://www.thehotelguru.com/_images/09/e8/09e85b030132a6fab94c32cb6165be51/600x422.jpg)
- On a hill covered with vineyards falling down lush and green towards the river, Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo is steeped in romance and magic. Perched atop the hill like a Roman villa, whitewashed and red-roofed, couples and families and large groups will love its sheer size and amenities. The rooms are traditional and elegant, with splashes of colour and scattered with antiques, while the terrace lies in the shade of cypress trees; the Conceitus Winery Restaurant is charming, locally-sourced food at its best. But the picturesque 18th century whitewashed chapel is the real draw; amongst such intimate and beautiful surroundings, it's an ideal place to hold a wedding.
Still not sure?