Porto’s Legendary Grande Dame: Infante Sagres

A mere two-and-a-half-hour flight away from London, Porto is the perfect short hop destination for a weekend break. And if you’re planning on exploring the land of port wine, stunning architecture and elegant shops in style, you’ll want a prestigious city centre address to match. Cue Infante Sagres, an ornate, five-star hotel that’s been a meeting place for the city’s elite for more than six decades…

The location

Perfectly placed for reaching some of Porto’s key attractions, the Infante Sagres is in the oldest, most historic part of the city, so is super close to some of the city’s key attractions.

Guests can tick off their Porto hit-list with ease, with the art nouveau Livraria Lello library and the Clerigos Tower both just a four-minute walk away. Close by is the Sao Bento train station, famous for its beautiful Portuguese tiles, and a little further afield, though still within distance, are Porto Cathedral and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bolsa Palace.

A lovely downhill stroll will take you to the Cais da Ribeira waterfront, a road along the northern riverbank of the River Douro, where tourists and locals grab a chilled glass of port wine or enjoy a meal with the striking Luís I Bridge providing a dramatic backdrop.

The hotel experience

Head to the prestigious address of Praça D. Filipa de Lencastre 62 and seek out the Wes Anderson-pink building with ornate balconies. You’ve arrived at the Infante Sagres. Inside, the hotel’s heritage style pairs perfectly with its historic location.

Originally opened in 1951 by the philanthropist Delfim Ferreira, who wanted the city to have a luxury hotel that rivalled the finest in Europe, the interiors are full-on new world glamour – think intricate ironwork, carved wooden details, opulent chandeliers and stunning stained glass windows alongside a sweeping staircase.

The hotel’s stylish ambience and personalised service made it a meeting place for the city’s elite, as well as international celebrities and royalty.

The hotel was renovated in 2018 but still retains all its wonderful heritage features, including an ornate door that opens to a lift with a leather seat in it. Breakfast is served in a stunning downstairs room, with everything from fresh fruit juice and pastel de natas to made-to-order eggs Benedict and waffles on offer.

Though you may not have time for much sunbathing when there’s so much to do in Porto, if you do want to catch some rays, there’s a lovely sundeck with a plunge pool in a secluded courtyard. On arrival you may even be treated to a lovely glass of rosé port wine – delicious and dangerously moreish.

The rooms

Each of the 75 rooms and ten suites are individually decorated – but the common theme among them is that they are lovely and bright, with natural wood and marble touches, crisp white sheets and statement floral cushions.

Beds are queen or king size as standard and have either city or patio views, plus there’s free wifi and 24-hour room service. Bathrooms are bedecked with marble tiles and rainfall showers.

Eating and drinking

You don’t have to stray far to get a great meal at the Infante Sagres, just downstairs is the Vogue Café – the first of its kind in Europe. This chic rendez-vous point is the hotels’ main restaurant and bar, has a regular roster of live DJ sets, and something for everyone on the menu.

Dishes like scallops in sparkling wine sauce, shredded bbq spare rib sandwiches and Portuguese octopus with roasted sweet potato puree and mussels are served to diners unwinding in vibrant red velvet booths.

Grab a seat at the bar or out on the sun-soaked patio for a pre-dinner cocktail, and don’t forget to browse the Vogue Cafe Shop for a tote bag and other fun souvenirs.

The verdict

Expertly pairing old school glamour with modern chic, Infante Sagres is an oasis in the heart of the city, and ideally placed for walking Porto’s most storied streets.

Rooms start from £170 per night including breakfast. Find out more about Infante Sagres.