This was my first time to Porto and stayed at the InterContinental Porto – Palacio das Cardosas hotel. It was a birthday gift from my amazing husband!
Located right in front of the Liberdade Square and behind the São Bento station, the InterContinental Porto – Palacio das Cardosas hotel is literally a stone’s throw from all of the important sites of Porto. You can walk to the Dom Luís I Bridge, the Clérigos Tower and enjoy the fantastic night life without having to worry about transport.
The building itself was constructed in the early 20th century as the Monastry of the Brothers of Santo Elói. After changing hands several time, it was acquired by the Intercontinental Group in 2011.
What I liked about InterContinental Porto – Palacio das Cardosas hotel
Apart from its very central location, the hotel offers the epitome of Intercontinental’s signature luxury. The suite, which my husband offered me, was a two-storey apartment with a living room, a bedroom with an unrivaled view, a grande bathroom and a rainshower-room. When you first enter the space, it almost feels like you are going into a luxury apartment that you have been living all your life.
The facilities were all very well thought of. The multi-hole charger for any sort of device you may own, the smart air-conditioning system that switches off when you open the window or access your balcony and switches back on when you close it, and well-equipped living room area… Clearly, no detail was left to chance.
Likewise, the bed was very comfortable, so much that you wouldn’t want to get out of it in the morning.
The service was very Portuguese – good level of English, very attentive and polite. You are offered a plate of local pastries and specialties upon arrival, and the turn-down service in the evenings was very efficient and helpful.
The Cardosas Bar
What we really appreciate about this hotel, apart from the extremely luxurious room, was the bar. It was done up to look like an old English library, complete with thick velvet upholstery and bookshelves. The waitress at the bar was able to give us a good lesson in the history of port, the different brands and tastes of port, and of course, tasting of their fine port. It was a wonderful place to sit back and enjoy the drinks after a long day of exploring.
For such a good brand and a well-serviced hotel staff, I did miss other amenities like a sauna or an outdoor pool. Perhaps these will materialise one day.
Address:
InterContinental Porto – Palacio das Cardosas hotel
Praça da Liberdade, 25
Porto 4000-322, Portugal
+351-22-0035600
Website
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