PortoBay Teatro, Porto

Pros

• A prime location in Porto's historic center puts you within easy walking distance of the city's landmarks and riverfront.
• The hotel was fully renovated in 2021 to bring a more modern, light-filled feel to the common areas and rooms.
• The largest top-floor Suite features a rolltop bath and a large terrace that overlooks the neighboring Teatro Sá da Bandeira.
• Italian comfort food like wood-fired pizzas are served under a glass ceiling at the on-site Il Basilico, and the neighboring bar serves cocktails (and a popular homemade limoncello).

Cons

• There's no spa or gym on-site, but you'll have access to the fitness center at a nearby partner property.
• Parking in the center can be challenging, but the staff can help direct you to paid lots nearby.

Authenticity

Occupying the historic site of the Teatro Baquet, PortoBay Teatro lies within the city's culturally rich theater district, slightly tucked away on a cobbled street home to cafés, restaurants, and the 19th-century Teatro Sá da Bandeira. The hotel underwent an extensive refurbishment in 2021 to retain its distinctive theatrical touches (like doors inscribed with the lines of Portuguese poet Almeida Garrett in glowing gold) while bringing a brighter, more modern vibe to the interiors. When the weather is fine, the on-site bar spills out onto the sidewalk and is a popular neighborhood spot for locals and guests alike.

Location

Nestled within Porto's central theater district, the hotel is perfectly placed for guests looking to explore the historic center on foot. It's a 3-minute walk from Avenida dos Aliados and the São Bento train station, and popular sites like the Mercado do Bolhão and Sé Cathedral are both reachable in under 10 minutes. A 15-minute stroll south will take you to the riverfront and the Dom Luís I bridge. There's no parking on-site, but paid parking is available nearby.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The 70+ rooms and suites have a calm, modern feel, with a neutral palette accented by soft statement lighting, oversized mirrors, and light woods. Windows overlook either the sunny interior patio or the Rua Sá da Bandeira, and you'll find bathrooms with rain-style showers or rolltop baths tucked behind walls of smoked glass, complete with privacy blinds and Rituals toiletries. Room categories range from compact Gallery options to the spacious Junior Suite, with options for adjoining rooms and those adapted for reduced mobility. The top-floor Suite offers an enormous terrace with views of the neighboring theater.

Amenities

This is a smaller boutique hotel, and you won't find amenities like a spa or pool, though guests have access to a fitness center at a nearby partner property. One of the Teatro's standout features is its restaurant, Il Basilico, which offers Italian-inspired dishes under a glass ceiling, with a large wood-fired pizza oven in the corner. A complimentary breakfast buffet is laid out in this space each morning before the kitchen transitions to lunch and dinner. The adjoining bar's glass walls open in the warmer weather and spill out on the street, making it a popular buzzy spot for cocktails and people-watching. 

Family-Friendliness

PortoBay Teatro welcomes families, and you'll have the option of adjoining rooms or larger suites that sleep up to three with an additional sofabed. The on-site restaurant offers a kids' menu, and cribs are available upon request.