“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.”

Hotel review

The steep banks of the Douro in the coastal town of Porto are always a sight to behold, and luckily the eight rooms at 1872 River House have the best seats in the house. After a fire destroyed much of the inside of this wonderful pink waterfront mansion, a renovation in 2014 saw it restored to its former glory. Under owner Teresa's management, the remodelling has left each of the hotel's rooms with unique and charming details from the original design, including bold stone and brick work tastefully framing the Egyptian-cotton-sheeted beds. Other room features include a pop-up TV cabinet and exquisite marble-covered bathrooms with waterfall showers. The hotel's superbly presented breakfast is a highlight, with an array of local cheeses and meats to go with your cinnamon-topped cappuccino. In the evenings, guests can take stock of the day with a glass of the unlimited free beer in the hotel's dining room, as the sun sets over the city's famous port cellars on the Douro's southern bank. A beacon of sublime serenity in Porto's most beautiful district.

Gabriel Power
Gabriel Power Review published: 01/11/2018

Recommended for

  • 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
  • Sights nearby

    • Explore the World Heritage sight of Ribeira with its baroque churches and pretty townhouses
  • Wine tasting

    • Experience a tour and a tasting at one of the port lodges of Vila Nova de Gaia
  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

    • A few of the River View Rooms have small balconies overlooking the river
  • Sailing

    • Take a boat ride along the Douro
  • No restaurant

    • Breakfast served
  • Views

  • Romantic

  • Luxury

  • Charming

  • Traditional

  • Child friendly

  • Historic

  • Riverside

  • Townhouse

Facilities

  • Rooms

    8 rooms in this hotel
  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

    A few of the River View Rooms have small balconies overlooking the river
  • No restaurant

    Breakfast served
  • Wifi

  • Bicycle hire

  • No pets

  • Bar

  • Parking

  • Views

  • Child friendly

Activities

  • Local markets

    • Get lost in the famed Mercado do Bolhão (market) between the barnacles and the pigs hooves
  • Sights nearby

    • Explore the World Heritage sight of Ribeira with its baroque churches and pretty townhouses
  • Wine tasting

    • Experience a tour and a tasting at one of the port lodges of Vila Nova de Gaia
  • Sailing

    • Take a boat ride along the Douro

Map & Location

Other reviews

1872 River House Porto, Portugal

A small and welcoming river-front hotel at the heart of Porto’s old town. The interiors are cosy, there's a lounge with river views, and a lovely little terrace bar in summer. Rooms have appealing touches, like chandeliers and inglenook fireplaces. The generous all-day continental breakfast is a serious plus.

Originally published by The Telegraph

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