Porto Royal Bridges Hotel, Porto

Pros

• You'll be in a prime location at the intersection of Sá da Bandeira and Sampaio Bruno, within easy walking distance of Ribeira and the riverfront.
• Designed by renowned interior designer Nini Andrade Silva, the hotel uses Portuguese cork, iron, and glass to evoke the city's industrial heritage. 
• City View and Deluxe rooms offer floor-to-ceiling windows that look out over Porto's streets and rooftops.
• The on-site Eiffel Bar provides a stylish setting for drinks and informal meals, anchored by an oval bar set under a dramatic cork lighting art piece.

Cons

• Some rooms are very compact, especially if you have a lot of luggage, but they make efficient use of space.
• The industrial-chic decor throughout the hotel isn't for everyone—rooms and hallways can feel dark.
• The air-conditioning in some rooms can be temperamental.

Authenticity

Porto Royal Bridges Hotel opened in 2018, and the bold redesign of the 1970s building incorporates nods to Porto's skyline and its industrial heritage. Renowned designer Nini Andrade Silva used local materials like Portuguese cork, reclaimed iron, and vintage Viana green marble throughout to create interiors that tell a story of the city while feeling contemporary and cutting-edge. The hotel's standout feature is its bar, where the natural textures of a giant cork lighting sculpture illuminate comfy seating areas that draw locals and travelers alike.

Location

The hotel is perfectly placed to explore the city on foot. You're steps from the vibrant bars and medieval alleys of Ribeira and a 2-minute walk from the São Bento station. The Sé do Porto cathedral and the tiled chapel of Santa Catarina are within a relaxed 10-minute stroll, as are the riverfront and the Ponte Dom Luís I. Cross the bridge and you'll be in Gaia, home to Porto's famous port wine cellars and some of the best views in the city. Note that Porto's recent initiative to relieve car congestion means that it might not be possible to drive or take a taxi directly to the hotel's doorstep, but a set drop-off location is nearby.

Rooms & Bathrooms

Rooms at Porto Royal Bridges Hotel continue the industrial-chic theme, decorated in a palette of deep charcoals and beiges offset by gleaming black iron accents. This color scheme can feel dark, particularly in the smallest Interior rooms, so consider upgrading to the City View option for a little more space and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the street. The Deluxe and Premium Deluxe rooms on higher floors offer more light and rooftop views. Bathrooms are creatively laid out to optimize the limited square footage and include rainfall showerheads, stone sinks, and complimentary toiletries.

Amenities

The on-site Eiffel Bar is a real highlight, offering a stylish space for drinks and light bites throughout the day. The contemporary space is anchored by a dramatic cork lighting art piece, with accents of gleaming metal and emerald marble and plenty of plush leather seating areas. A buffet breakfast is available daily in the lobby (not included in the standard room rate), though you'll also have plenty of excellent restaurants and cafés on your doorstep in this neighborhood.