Palacete Severo

The palace has been renovated with great taste and luxury, and it also works as an art gallery. It brings together French elegance and refinement with Portuguese warmth and hospitality. Staff were exceptionally friendly, the spa was of rare quality, and breakfast was generous and abundant. One of the loveliest hotels I’ve experienced in Portugal, highly recommended.

We didn’t get to try the Éon restaurant. As vegans, we weren’t sure it was yet set up for plant-based fine dining, though they did their best to accommodate us at the Severo bistro and breakfast. Porto has plenty of wonderful vegan-friendly places, including Antiqvvm, Em Carne Viva, Seiva, and Nem Carne Nem Peixe. Of the three hotels we stayed at during our two weeks in the Porto/Douro region, Palacete Severo felt most like home. The staff were welcoming and attentive, and our restored room in the original house had character, comfort, elegance, and a little desk for working. I loved the thoughtful restoration, the art around the property, and the garden. Rain kept us indoors a lot, but that was fine. I enjoyed a massage and steam room in the spa, and even swam in the heated pool in early November. The cosy bar was perfect for a nightcap. We’ll definitely be back.

We loved breakfast, with fresh fruit, breads and pastries, cheese, ham, plus warm dishes you could choose from the menu. The staff were kind and helpful, and there’s a nice gym too. The location is great for exploring on foot. Our room was lovely, and there’s an outdoor heated pool, though we didn’t use it because of the rain. I’d happily recommend this as a place to stay in Porto.

Room 1 on the ground floor was cosy and lovely, with its own outdoor area. Just note that there are three steps down to the bathroom. Breakfast was excellent, and our first meal at the bistro was the best we had in Porto, a creamy fish and seafood rice with tomato and cilantro. The hotel is stylish, the staff across reception, restaurant, bar, and rooms were wonderful, and we had a great time. It’s outside the centre, which means it’s quiet and spacious, with a pool and garden. The centre is an easy Uber ride away, about €4.