1872 River House

For those who want to spend days wandering through historic streets, sampling outstanding Portuguese cuisine, and sipping on the local delicacy (Port) — Porto is an idyllic city break option. Alongside the thriving food scene, there are also some exceptional hotels. Some of the best hotels across the city are small independent stays (mostly located in the city's historic centre). While these independent hotels are not always easy to find, our hotel experts have eased the search by compiling a collection of the best small hotels in Porto selected on their design, amenities, and location. From family-friendly stays to romantic hideaways, there is something to suit most trips here. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next break?

For luxury

Torel 1884

  • Torel 1884 is an elegant palace situated in the heart of Porto. Interiors have been painstakingly renovated keeping all the building's original grandeur yet with a chic contemporary feel. Rooms of epic proportions boast large works of art, antiques, and seriously indulgent bathrooms. A very fine stay.
  • M Maison Particuliere is a 16th-century Portuguese townhouse turned 5-star boutique hotel. The hotel's ten suites are luxuriously designed, some with Picasso hangings, some with private patios. All come with a private butler. This is intimate luxury defined.

For a boutique

Cocorico Luxury Guesthouse

  • Casa Dos Loios is a boutique hotel housed in a beautifully renovated 16th-century residence nestled in Porto's historic centre. The interior design pairs period touches and modern furnishings. A charming heritage hotel in a great location.
  • Gran Cruz House is a beautifully restored heritage hotel is in Porto's old town. Sitting on a UNESCO World Heritage site, the warm, individually styled rooms feature unique artworks and boast views over either the Douro River or Ribeira Square. Complete with an extensive wine cellar, this is a charming stay.
  • If France and Portugal had a lovechild it would be Cocorico Luxury Guesthouse. Rooms are named after famous unions made between the nations and offer cosy, romantic beds and period accents. With a fusion restaurant and a central location — this is a chic boutique stay.

For the location

Inpatio Guesthouse

  • Inpatio Guesthouse is a 19th-century townhouse turned into a chic guesthouse. Rooms feature exposed stone walls, earthy tones and azulejo tiles, yet the feel is fresh and contemporary. Although the hotel is located in the heart of Porto's old town, the ambience is quiet. Perfect for urban exploration.
  • 1872 River House is a cosy blue-tinted utopia with gorgeous views over the Douro river. Wonderfully designed and decorated following extensive renovations and accessed via a dazzling stained-glass hallway. Conveniently placed and very chic.

For city style

Rosa et al Townhouse

  • Rosa et Al Townhouse beautifully converted townhouse in Porto's arty quarter. Light and airy rooms have period features, sleek mid-century furniture, and simple whitewashed walls. With an innovative restaurant and a rotating collection of modern art, this is a hip choice.
  • Armazem Luxury Housing occupies a converted 19th-century warehouse in downtown Porto. The bold interior design nods to the building's history with exposed stone walls and iron and wood accents. Self-contained apartments offer a stylish living space, great for groups. A unique, avant-garde hotel.

For couples

Charm Palace Porto

  • Charm Palace Porto is a small but opulent heritage hotel set in a restored 1900s bourgeois residence in the heart of Porto's historic centre. Intricate tiles line the hallway leading to the bright, expansive suites. With luxurious beds and free-standing bathtubs — this is a romantic base for couples.

For families

Casa Carolina Porto

  • Casa Carolina, Porto is a Portuguese townhouse turned into an owner-managed eight-roomed boutique hotel. Elegant rooms have a fresh take on traditional style. The top-floor suite is very spacious and has a fully-equipped kitchenette — perfect for families seeking an affordable yet stylish base.
  • Malmerendas Boutique Lodging is a modern boutique hotel housed in a restored, late 19th-century building in Porto's city centre. The best of the bright suites overlook the charming terrace garden. The garden studio is perfect for families, with self-catering facilities and a lounge area.

For a design hotel

Casa do Conto

  • Casa do Conto is a unique concept hotel in Cedofeita, central Porto. The unique architecture of the six individually designed rooms has won the hotel a number of awards; bold, exposed stone engravings adorn the ceilings of the suites, exploring the concept of a 'house'. A stand-out city hotel for design lovers.

Still not sure where to book?

The 13 Best Small Hotels in Porto

Rosa et Al Townhouse

Porto

A beautifully converted townhouse in Porto's arty quarter. Light and airy rooms have period features, sleek mid-century furniture, and simple whitewashed walls. Wonderful three-course brunches and innovative multi-course dinners are offered. A hip base for a city break.

  • Local exploring - With a prime location in the arty quarter, there are restaurants & boutiques abound while the historic front is a 15 minute walk
  • City Style - A beautifully converted townhouse with an innovative restaurant and rotating collection of modern art making it a hip stay
  • Restaurant - Delicious brunches are served and multi-course dinners are offered if ordered in advance
  • Sights nearby - Take a stroll through Ribeira (the Old Town) - a World Heritage Site
from $210 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
1872 River House

Porto

A cosy blue-tinted utopia with gorgeous views over the Douro river. Wonderfully designed and decorated following extensive renovation in 2014, and accessed via a dazzling stained-glass hallway. An enormous range of breakfast options includes fresh local produce. Conveniently placed and very chic.

  • Hideaway - Tucked down a narrow sidestreet, 1872 River House is an ideal hidey hole for those looking for a blissful retreat
  • Boutique - An intimate B&B with that perfect mix of the old and the new make this a very desirable boutique stay
  • Local exploring - Boasting a prime riverside position, walking distance from the UNESCO historic centre
  • Local markets - Get lost in the famed Mercado do Bolhão (market) between the barnacles and the pigs hooves
from $184 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Casa do Conto

Porto (703)

A unique concept hotel in Cedofeita, central Porto. The unique architecture of the six individually designed rooms has won the hotel a number of awards; bold, exposed stone engravings adorn the ceilings of the suites, exploring the concept of a 'house'. A stand-out city hotel for design lovers.

  • City Style - Interiors perfectly merge the building's historic features with minimalist modern style creating a chic design hotel
  • Local exploring - Located in the up-and-coming Cedofeita area, there is lots of local exploring to do from this hotel
  • Local markets - Take a trip to Mercado Do Bom Sucesso, a food market rich in history with lots of great restaurants to sample local delicacies
  • Sights nearby - Visit the historical centre to views its many monuments and antique facades
from $167 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
M Maison Particuliere

Porto (4050-545 Porto)

A 16th-century Portuguese townhouse turned 5-star boutique hotel. The hotel's ten suites are luxuriously designed, some with Picasso hangings, some with private patios. All come with a private butler. An intimate, romantically lit haven, in the midst of Porto's bustling Old Town.

  • City Style - A revamped 16th-century townhouse stylishly combines soft lighting with ancient tapestries and international artwork
  • Romantic Break - This exclusive hotel provides an intimate setting with dim lighting, chandeliers, grand suites and private butlers
  • Local exploring - Located in heart of Porto's Historical centre which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Sights nearby - Visit bustling Ribeira Square or Porto Cathedral - both can be seen from the hotel's suites!
from $188 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Casa Carolina, Porto

Porto (4050-174 Porto)

This Portuguese townhouse is now an owner-managed eight-roomed boutique hotel. Rooms are spacious; some with Juliet balconies, some with kitchenettes. Vintage furniture stylishly merges with the whitewashed style. Terraces overlook Porto's bustling street life which is right on the doorstep.

  • Families - The top-floor suite is spacious & has a fully-equipped kitchenette - perfect for families seeking an affordable yet stylish base
  • Value chic - Portuguese architecture, juliet balconies, wood-panelled floors, and white walls make for stylish rooms at a reasonable price
  • Local exploring - Located on buzzing pedestrian street Rua de Cedofeita - bars, restaurants and attractions are within walking distance
  • Great walks - Walk through Porto's iconic cobbled black and white streets to admire traditional architecture and views of the Duoro river!
from $109 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
InPatio Guesthouse

Porto (4050-567 Porto)

A 19th-century townhouse turned into a chic guesthouse. Rooms feature exposed stonewalls, earthy tones and azulejo tiles, yet the feel is fresh and contemporary. Although the hotel is located in the heart of Porto's old town, the ambience is quiet. Perfect for urban exploration.

  • Families - A family-friendly hotel in a great location - a perfect base for families looking to jampack their day with urban exploration
  • Local exploring - Located in the heart of Porto's old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its medieval architecture
  • Foodies - Explore Portugal's food capital from a central location! Think local coffee, fresh fish, smoked meats and wine...
  • Great walks - In under a ten-minute stroll, you will reach the iconic attractions of São Bento Train Station and Clérigos Tower
from $100 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Gran Cruz House

Porto (Northern Portugal )

This beautifully restored heritage hotel is in Porto's old town. Sitting on a UNESCO World Heritage site, the warm, individually styled rooms feature unique artworks; choose from views over the Douro River or Ribeira Square. Be sure to sample the rich wine cellar at this intimate Porto guesthouse.

  • Romantic Break - Enjoy a glass of wine on your private terrace overlooking the Douro River; an ideal romantic getaway
  • Foodies - Foodies will love the seasonal Portugese food on offer at the hotel's gourmet restaurant
  • City Style - The bright, summery tones of the riverside rooms are perfect for a stylish city break
  • Great walks - Take a walk through Ribeira, the historic old town, or stroll along the sunny beaches in Foz
from $131 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Armazém Luxury Housing

Porto (União de Freguesias do Centro)

This luxury accommodation occupies a converted 19th-century warehouse in downtown Porto. The bold interior design nods to the building's history with exposed stone walls and iron and wood accents. Self-contained apartments offer a stylish living space, great for groups. A unique, avant-garde hotel.

  • Romantic Break - This design hotel makes for a unique romantic getaway; book a room with a four-poster bed for added luxury
  • Groups - The self-catering apartments are perfect for groups and offer ample living space
  • Sights nearby - Take a tour of the local churches in this historic part of Porto; enquire with the hotel to arrange your trip
  • Great walks - Take a walk along the Douro River; ask the hotel for a delicious prepared picnic basket
from $210 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Charm Palace Porto

Porto (Porto)

An opulent heritage hotel occupying a restored 1900s bourgeois residence in the heart of Porto's historic centre. Intricate tiles line the hallway leading to the bright, expansive suites; the best of which boast balconies. Original features abound, updated with modern design details. A stylish stay.

  • Local exploring - Located in the heart of historic Porto, this is a decadent base is ideal for exploring Porto's pretty historic streets
  • Honeymoons - Make yours a honeymoon with a difference and stay in a superior suite in this palatial hotel
  • Romantic Break - The luxurious beds and free-standing bathtubs make these suites a favourite with couples
  • Local markets - A trip to Porto would not be complete without visiting Bolhão Market, a traditional farmer's market
from $100 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Malmerendas Boutique Lodging

Porto (Porto )

This modern boutique hotel is housed in a restored, late 19th-century building in Porto's city centre. The best of the bright suites overlook the charming terrace garden. The garden studio is perfect for families, with self-catering facilities and a lounge area. Stylish accommodation downtown.

  • Families - The spacious suites and self-catering apartments are great for those travelling with children
  • Boutique - A beautiful Portuguese house redesigned with modern features, a stylish boutique stay
  • Hideaway - Book a suite with a private terrace to make this the perfect hideaway holiday
  • Great walks - On a sunny day, take a walk through the beautiful Serralves gardens, a perfectly romantic Porto landmark
from $160 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Casa dos Lóios

Porto (União de Freguesias do Centro)

This boutique hotel is housed in a beautiful renovated 16th-century residence nestled in Porto's historic centre. The interior design pairs period touches and modern furnishings; the best rooms boast original features like magnificent painted ceilings. A charming heritage hotel in a great location.

  • Value chic - Despite the luxury offered (think grand historic rooms with modern touches) room rates start as low at 58 Euros
  • Families - The deluxe family suites with three double beds and two bathrooms are ideal for families
  • Boutique - Stunning interiors where traditional features sit comfortably alongside smart modern design touches
  • Sights nearby - Close to the Sao Bento Station, Clerigos Church and the Ribeira river zone
from $61 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Cocorico Luxury Guesthouse

Porto (União de Freguesias do Centro, )

If France and Portugal had a lovechild it would be this hotel. Rooms are named after famous unions made between the nations and offer cosy, romantic beds and period accents; the best have balconies overlooking the historic city. The restaurant is also a fusion affair. A charming Porto hotel.

  • Romantic Break - The warm accents in the rooms and the charming terrace restaurant make this hotel a favourite with couples
  • City Style - This is one of the most stylish of Porto's heritage hotels; enjoy the city's sights from your balcony
  • Families - Family rooms with bunk beds are great for travelling with younger children
  • Local markets - Visit the Mercado do Bolhão, a traditional farmer's market with cafés and restaurants
from $143 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Torel 1884 Suites and Apartments

Porto

An elegant palace situated in the heart of Porto. Interiors have been painstakingly renovated keeping all the building's original grandeur yet with a chic contemporary feel. Rooms of epic proportions boast large works of art, antiques, and seriously indulgent bathrooms. A very fine stay.

  • Local exploring - Set in the heart of the city near pedestrianised streets filled with shops and eateries
  • City Style - An elegant converted palace offering all the granduer of days gone by
  • Restaurant - Bartolomeu Bistro & Wine serves typical Portuguese dishes with a French twist
  • Sights nearby - Within walking distance of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ribeira
from $147 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Written by Katie Harris

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