Preserved history of Portugal: long-standing and ancient hotels

“The hallmark” of exclusive places is accommodation in rural mansions or houses with the possibility of enjoying the family atmosphere and thoughtful individual service. Staying in such places provides a unique opportunity to personally explore the local traditions and customs. “Luxury” hotels have exquisite rooms with excellent views, quality service and special dishes. The minimum price per night starts from 260 dollars. “Casas do Coro” bears a resemblance to a medieval village located in the town of Marialva. The hotel is included in the list of top 10 places of historical significance of the state. The complex offers spacious family rooms, as well as cozy rooms for newly wed couples on a honeymoon. The five-star hotel “Parador de Casa da Insua” occupies a bright and spacious estate of the 18th century created in the Baroque style. The building belonged to the governor of two Portuguese cities, Luiz de Melo. The place honors its own heritage. The living rooms are saturated with a unique atmosphere of the events that took place here. The institution also has a personal cellar full of fine wines. Hunting Palace is a striking example of architecture of the “neo-manuelino” era. It is owned by local rulers, and surrounded by the Bussaco forest. The interior is complemented by exquisite panels and paintings by famous painters. To date, the owners of the hotel sustain the luxurious furnishings with all their strength, and gourmets are sure to enjoy the contents of its rich wine cellar.

Convento de São Francisco, Azores Convento de São Francisco , which is also of great interest from a historical perspective, is situated on the island of San Miguel. The lodge is set in the building of the Franciscan monastery dating back to the 17th century. It has a luxurious courtyard with a fountain survived after reconstruction. The hotel has a unique collection of antique furniture; wooden and stone furnishing has been preserved in the hallways and rooms. It’s worth noting an abundance of amazing paintings and wall panels, carpets with colorful patterns and decorative items made of wood. The hotel is surrounded by the picturesque orchard that also features a lot of old trees and landscape decorations.

Portuguez Inn, Braga Travelers who prefer staying in private villas will surely appreciate Portuguez Inn . They will have a chance to spend a few days in a house built in the 18th century with the use of accessories belonging to different time periods, In the picturesque villa you can also see beautiful antique furniture as well as antique tableware and unique paintings. Decor items also include quite unusual ones - an old bicycle fixed to the wall, old telephones and miniature black and white TVs.
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Grande Hotel do Porto, Porto Grande Hotel do Porto is open in a beautiful building in the central part of Porto. The design of the hotel is full of the historical charm, but it’s not deprived of modern features. There are old marble columns in the hall of the building. The area is decorated with beautiful carpets and charming crimson ottomans. The atmosphere of aristocratism reigns in guest rooms. Some rooms have walls covered with retro wallpapers in historical style, and in some rooms, guests will find interesting collections of antique furniture. The hotel features a rich collection of paintings; old chandeliers and torches attached to the walls can be seen everywhere.

Hotel da Penha, Guimaraes In one of the most picturesque areas of the city is located the Hotel da Penha . The lodge has a setting that surpasses that of many historical museums in the world. In an attractive historical building, it was possible to restore the old finish made from noble wood, which by the way forms the basis of its aristocratic interior. The rooms of the hotel, as well as its public areas, present a rich collection of antique furniture, paintings, and sculptures. In the living room, you can see a huge medieval-style chandelier. It should also be pointed out that during the warm season guests have the opportunity to relax in the hotel’s picturesque garden.

Castelo Santa Catarina, Porto The high class Castelo Santa Catarina is also open in a strikingly beautiful old castle. All guest rooms are made in the style of the beginning of the 20th century and feature charming wooden beds with high hand carved headboards, small mahogany coffee tables, and many other antique furniture pieces. The design looks complete with skillful draping and textiles of pastel colors, and old paintings in the rooms only add luxury and authenticity to the look. In public areas, it is also possible to see many interesting decorations – fragments of old mosaics on the floor, wonderful frescos and tiles with the national motifs on the walls. The historic hotel is surrounded by a large landscaped garden with numerous exotic flowers and plants.

Apartamentos Monte da Vinha I, Albufeira Apartamentos Monte da Vinha I hotel is set in a unique historical building with a facade of white and pink. Its interior is characterized by an amazing combination of yesteryear traditions, modern style and national flavor. All furniture and decoration in the rooms is made entirely of wood; some premises have original pieces of old-style furniture. Each apartment has a small balcony with wrought iron railings. The hotel can boast spacious stone terraces with unusual benches made of stone. Everywhere you can see large stone vases with flowers.

Hotel Do Colegio, Azores The island of San Miguel can boast Hotel Do Colegio occupying a notable 19th-century building. A lot of unique items, including archways and high ceilings, tall narrow windows and natural stone finishing, have survived there. Despite the fact that design of the hotel was developed by contemporary designers, it corresponds with traditions of the past years. Rooms and public areas feature elegant wooden furniture and upholstery of pastel shades. The restaurant is decorated with chic chandeliers and lamps in the style of yesteryear. One of the main advantages of this historic hotel is a great wine bar that regularly hosts wine tastings and other amazing gastronomic events.

Hotel Dona Sofia, Braga Hotel Dona Sofia located near the Cathedral of Braga is not deprived by the historical charm as well. The hotel occupies another spectacular historic building with a well-preserved finish, its interior is based on the most beautiful national traditions. On the floor and walls, you can see luxurious handmade carpets, in the rooms and public areas, there are paintings by outstanding contemporary artists. Special attention should be paid to a solemnly decorated restaurant with its hall featuring luxurious antique furniture, light fabrics and, fresh flowers.

Hotel Infante De Sagres, Porto The luxurious Hotel Infante De Sagres is no less attractive from a historical point of view. The old building, in which the hotel is open, has many original elements of décor. Travelers, who visit Infante De Sagres, will see beautiful marble stairs with carved wooden banisters, massive wooden beams in both public areas and guest rooms, and ceilings with amazing fretworks. Modern design elements only skillfully underline the refined style of the past. Furniture and table lamps in retro style, elegant marble elements, and posh chandeliers look very authentic. However, visitors will see many genuine antique items in the design – fancy vases, old paintings, and massive crystal chandeliers.

Apartamentos Turisticos Soldoiro, Albufeira The great old building in traditional style is occupied by Apartamentos Turisticos Soldoiro . Like many years ago, walls of the building are painted white and interior features lots of primeval elements. Some rooms have a small fireplace, while others have preserved stone niches in the walls and windows of unusual shapes. Although this apartment hotel is decorated in modern style, it’s full of historic charm. The adjacent area boasts carefully preserved stone terraces with high curbs, which are now buried in lush greenery.