Visitors in search of five-star luxury during their travels in Portugal are spoilt for choice when it comes to Porto accommodation. With so many quality hotels to choose from, where do you start to ensure you find the right one for you?
Much depends on whether you prefer to be in the thick of things in Porto’s commercial centre, or away from it all for a taste of the “real” Portugal.
If a rural base with easy access to the many delights of Porto is what you are looking for, try the Hotel Casa da Calcada in Amarante, away from the city centre at the start of the Douro valley.
The Hotel Casa da Calcada is a member of Relais & Chateaux, the gold standard in high-quality boutique hotel accommodation, and it is easy to understand why. The hotel is situated in an idyllic spot, nestled in a majestic patchwork landscape of river, vines, terraces and deep blue skies.
The building itself is protected by Portugal’s government due to its architectural importance and cultural relevance. Some of its neoclassical and romantic styles date back as far as the 16th century when it was built for Count de Redondo.
It was used during the Napoleonic Wars by the allied British and Portuguese forces and during the 20th century welcomed some of Portugal’s leading intellectual, literary and political figures including Antonio do Lago Cerqueira.
These days the building’s delights are open for the world to enjoy, though it remains something of a well-kept secret amongst the lucky few in the know. The comfortable rooms are fitted with air conditioning, central heating, minibar and flat screen TV with satellite programming.
Guests at the Hotel Casa da Calcada can relax and enjoy a massage and Spa treatment during their stay – the perfect antidote to long days spent exploring the narrow streets of the historic city of Porto.
Meanwhile a wealth of rural activities await, from visits to the wine estates of the Douro valley to exploring the verdant hills and pathways on foot or by bike.
Other nearby attractions include the 18-hole Amarante golf course and riverboat trips on the waters of the Douro.
Hotel Casa da Calcada
Largo do Paço 6
4600-017 Cepelos
Amarante
Portugal
Tel: +351 255 410 830
Email: reservas@casadacalcada.com
www.casadacalcada.com
