InterContinental Porto Palacio das Cardosas
"Grand" is an appropriate descriptor for InterContinental Porto Palacio das Cardosas. Spanning an entire city block, the restored 18th-century palace retains all of its Belle Époque grandeur, from the stately façade to the marble-clad lobby that gleams in the light of Swarovski crystal chandeliers and sconces.
The luxury hotel may exude old-world charm but there’s nothing stuffy about the historically inspired interiors. Wing-backed armchairs in the English library-themed bar enjoy a contemporary facelift with black, white and pink upholstery while crisp white walls sport brilliantly colored works of modern art framed by classic molding. All the while, a sun-dappled courtyard provides a private retreat for tapas and vino away from the bustle of the city center.
For all of InterContinental Porto Palacio das Cardosas’ stylish virtues, its location is reason enough to book a stay. Perched just steps from the Old City’s famed Avenida dos Aliados, the hotel makes a sumptuous home base from which to explore the best of Porto.- In keeping with the splendor of its past, InterContinental Porto Palacio das Cardosas boasts some of the city’s most spacious accommodations. Classic rooms are as large as 500 square feet while suites can span two floors and typically come with private furnished terraces.
- The Cardosas Bar is a cozy yet elegant spot to sip on an afternoon tea or post-dinner port. Curl up in a wing-backed chair or in a deep leather couch with one of the volumes lining the heavy oak bookshelves for a relaxing moment away from the crowds.
- Indulge in a little souvenir shopping without leaving your stylish home base, thanks to the hotel’s posh shopping arcade. Among the offerings are boutiques from high-end watchmakers Rolex and Marcolino.
- Savor an elevated taste of Portugal at Astoria, the Porto hotel’s signature restaurant. Dine on specialties such as rich oxtail risotto or delicate black bass in the elegant dining room or snag a seat on the terrace to enjoy the sunshine.
- The hotel’s intimate spa provides serenity after a long day of sightseeing. Decompress in the sauna before a muscle-melting massage or exfoliating body treatment rejuvenates your tired legs.
- InterContinental Porto Palacio das Cardosas abuts one side of Praca da Liberdade, Porto’s main square. Take advantage of the property’s prime location and explore the historic square before the crowds have even had their morning coffee.
- Some of Porto’s best shopping and most famous monuments line the beautiful Avenida dos Aliados, just a five-minute stroll from the stately stay.
- For a scenic stroll, head roughly seven minutes south to Se do Porto (Porto Cathedral) to take in spectacular architecture before continuing down to the riverfront and the iconic Dom Luis I Bridge.
- Start your day with a visit to Porto’s popular Bolhão market, less than a 10-minute walk from your hotel room. Along with fresh produce and flowers, the two-story throng of stalls is a prime spot to grab an authentic lunch and a few non-edible souvenirs.
