Infantes Sagres, Porto - hotel review

The first five-star hotel in Porto certainly lives up to its rating, says Laura Hampson
Infante Sagres

Infante Sagres was Porto's first five star hotel. First built in 1951, it recently underwent extensive renovations in 2018 and was restored to its original glory.

Named after the 14th century explorer, Prince Henry the Navigator, the hotel was initially conceived by entrepreneur Delfim Ferreira who wanted to create a hotel on par with the finest in Europe.

A quiet haven in the middle of a busy city, we recently checked into Porto’s most elegant hotel.

Where is it?

Just off a cobbled lane on a quiet street and within walking distance to all of Porto's star attractions, this hotel puts you in the thick of it.

The beautiful São Bento train station is just a five minute walk away, as is the Livraria Lello library (but be sure to get here early as queues stretch down the street).

You'll also find the Luís I Bridge bridge a 10 minute walk away - the perfect place to watch the sunset.

Style

Infante Sagres

Old world elegance is what you'll find behind the dusty pink facade. Let the beige-coated doorman show you the way inside before using the (sometimes faulty) lift to take your bags up to your room - if the lift isn’t working, the grand staircase makes a pretty alternative.

Tiled floors and oak beams line the lobby, and there's a small reception area where guests can lounge and watch a spot of TV. The grand staircase steals the show with its dark wooden rails and two-story stained glass window.

The rooms are lovely and bright, with pale yellow walls, crisp white sheets and statement floral pillows. The ensuite is covered with marble tiles and has a rainfall shower. On arrival expect fresh Portuguese custard tarts to be waiting for you - a lovely touch.

Facilities

While there isn't a gym or spa, there is a quaint plunge pool in the elevated courtyard outside with a number of day beds to lounge on. The midday sun hits this area just right making it the ideal spot to lounge when you need a rest from walking up and down the Porto hills.

Infante Sagres

Food & drink

Infante Sagres is home to the only Vogue Cafe in Europe. It recently partnered with publishing house Conde Nast to curate the restaurant and the result is a chic restaurant-cum-bar. The white walls are lined with framed images from the iconic magazine and you'll find copies strewn around the restaurant. You can choose to sit inside, with the instagrammable Vogue Cafe sign on the mirror and the lush red velvet books, or outside in the tiled courtyard under the balmy Portuguese sun.

The menu has something to please everyone. The cured meats and cheese starter is a large portion and perfect for two while, for the main, you can choose from salads, soups, sandwiches and larger plates like pork belly, lamb chops, salmon risotto and cured cod. The restaurant feels like fine dining but at a reasonable price.

Lights are low and romantic so be sure to order a glass or two of port, you are in Porto after all. The nutty caramel port wine is rich and will be a perfect accompaniment for your dinner.

If you have room, dessert is a must. The lemon cheesecake with raspberry sorbet is decadent and punchy with flavour. The chocolate verrine mixes meringues, brownies and chocolate mousse with hot chocolate sauce to create a tasty dessert that also feels light.

Breakfast is served buffet style in the grand room, with floral fabric on the walls and a number of stunning chandeliers. Hot breakfast staples can be found here, along with a number of pastries (be sure to pick up a couple of the freshly made custard tarts), cured meats, cheeses, salmon, granolas, pots of yoghurt, and plenty of fresh fruit. The detox juice, with hints of ginger and turmeric, is a nice way to start the day.

Which room?

Each of the 85 rooms and suites are lovely and homely - but opt for the premium or royal suite for the extra touch of comfort.

Infante Sagres

Best for?

Couples and parents travelling with older children.

Details

Hotel Infante Sagres is part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, slh.com

Rooms start from £170 per night including breakfast.

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