Best hotel in Porto for Douro meets industrial chic
The Rebello is Bomporto Hotels’ third project in Portugal. Many hotels in Porto offer views of the Douro and the city, but The Rebello offers the most unique view. The hotel is located on a bend of the Vila Nova de Gia riverfront, near the Rabelo portboats that inspired its name. It stands alone in four industrial buildings, reimagined and designed by Nat M. Waterman, brand designer, and interior designer Daniela Francischini. Each of its 103 apartment style suites is clad in concrete with a kitchen that varies in size and art items by Portuguese artisans. Open the curtains if you have a view of a river. You will feel as if you are floating.
The kitchens are convenient, but visitors would be amiss not to visit the Pot & Pan restaurant on the ground floor, which hints at a part of the hotel’s past as a kitchen utensils factory and serves traditional Portuguese dishes with a modern twist. Bello is the rooftop bar located upstairs. It offers sweeping views of the city and an extensive food and drink menu.
When it’s time to relax and reconnect, walk—seemingly—through a wheat field to a wellness center and spa with several treatment rooms, a gym, a sauna, and an indoor pool inspired by Roman baths—with lamps that mimic the phases of the sun and moon. Little Rebels, the charming kids club in the hotel, will ensure that you spend as much time there as possible.
It’s very easy to go on day trips. The Rebello is located just across the pedestrianized area of the port cellar. The team arranged a Douro valley tour with North Senses, a professional team. We were whisked away in a luxury car before boarding a wooden riverboat at Pinhão and disembarking at the lush Quinta do Ventozelo.
Address: Cais de Gaia 380, 4400-245 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
