A well-kept secret for decades, Porto is the place to stay on a summer vacation in Portugal. Baroque Travel finds out about a luxurious boutique hotel in a palace in this idyllic location
The historic city of Porto has been discovered by those in the know, and is quickly becoming the ideal location for a summer vacation. And with the opening of its latest establishment, a luxurious boutique hotel located in an historic palace, Porto is soon to be the destination of choice for the rich and famous. The latest hotel in this scenic coastal city is Palácio Fenizia, an elegant guesthouse in the lively Bonfim area, close to a number of city landmarks, including the Baroque Porto Cathedral and the magnificent neo-classical Mercado do Bolhão, the city’s famous marketplace where farmers come to sell their fresh fruit and vegetables.
Palácio Fenizia opened its doors this past February 2017. This beautiful building, which was erected in the late 19th Century, has been exquisitely refurbished by Italian architect Gianfranco Fenizia, who also owns the hotel. The architect has retained the building’s eye-catching Portuguese-style façade, which is covered with exquisite blue and white ceramic tiles. The hotel’s interiors are extremely sumptuous. The structure’s main staircase, skylight and wooden floors have all been restored to their former glory and paired with bespoke furniture, precious fabrics, wallpaper, antiques and other glorious vintage pieces. The refurbishment highlights this romantic building’s many assets.
The hotel, which is located in Porto’s historic center, offers just five spacious suites for guests that are exquisitely furnished, full of light with very high ceilings. There’s also an art gallery, a comfortable living room with a charming fireplace, a courtyard where guests can enjoy sunset cocktails and a peaceful summer garden, an oasis from the bustle of this vibrant city.
Each of the suites have en suite bathrooms, they have been individually decorated to retain their personal character and charm. Suite Grey and Suite Black are both located on the ground floor at the back of the building. They offer a large French window with direct access to a small private terrace and tranquil inner courtyard garden. On the first floor there’s Suite Azul and Suite Verde, both of which have direct access to the hotel’s south-facing balcony and overlook the inner courtyard. Suite Amarelo is also on the first floor; it overlooks Rua Fernandes Tomas.