The Palacio das Cardosas Hotel is Where You Should Stay in Porto and Here’s Why

If you’re looking for the perfect place to stay while you’re visiting Porto, you won’t find any better hotel than the Palacio das Cardosas Hotel. It is centrally located right in Liberdade Square and makes for a great starting point for whatever you want to do. It’s also steps away from the São Bento train station for where ever your next adventure takes you.

Even though the rooms aren’t cheap, I worked around that to book two nights for $80. I snagged them at a reduced rate with some credit card points from being an InterContinental Hotel Group member.

I am so used to staying in cheap hostels or subpar hotels while traveling. This place was a much needed glimpse into a more comfortable and luxurious way to travel. I do think it’s important to treat myself every once in awhile. Traveling doesn’t always have to mean roughing it right? And I have a list of reasons you should book your stay at this hotel whenever you take a trip to Porto.

Location, Location, Location

I think the most important thing to consider when traveling anywhere is location. You don’t want to waste time traveling from outside the city center everyday. I also know that dealing with public transportation can be frustrating and keep your time limited. Although hiring cars is popular and an easy way to get around, it can start to eat away at your budget quickly.

Having a hotel centrally located to major attractions, especially one that is walking distance to everything you want to see is invaluable. Time is money, and the cost of buses, cars, and trains will start to add up before you know it. It’s smarter to put that money towards the right hotel, and you won’t find one better located than this one.

sunset at liberdade square — *Sunset over Liberdade Square taken from my hotel room balcony*

coffee on hotel room balcony — *When you can have coffee with this view would you even bother leaving the hotel?*

Stunning Decor

Everywhere you look in this five star hotel is completely stunning. You cannot turn a corner without a sparkling chandelier or plush chair in view. The staff is always around to attend to your needs and is quick to follow up. There is no way to not have a great experience here.

Even if you don’t need the royal treatment, staying in a beautiful place with such attentive service can help start each day off perfectly. I’ve had my fair share of loud dorm mates and stiff mattresses. Now that I’ve stayed at this beautiful hotel, I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to go back to that.

Oh, and the turndown service each night was just another wonderfully added treat.

the palacio das cardosas hotel lobby — *This beautiful lobby is just the start*

main entrance of the Palacio das cardosas hotel porto — *The main hotel entrance of the Palacio das Cardosas*

Cozy, Intimate Bar

For decompressing after a day of site seeing or just having a cocktail before dinner, the laid back Cardosas Bar is the perfect place to do it. Being a hotel group member, I was even given drink vouchers for the bar to enjoy a couple complimentary beverages.

In true European style, they serve delicious bite size snacks with your drink. You can sit at a window seat with a full view of the square and have drinks, chat, or just people watch for the evening.The oversized chairs and couches make for a comfortable and relaxing environment to unwind in. You can also catch some live entertainment on certain nights.

hotel bar at the palacio das cardosas — *The Library is one of my favorite hotel bars*

drinks at the library hotel bar — *Drinks and snacks before the live music starts!*

library bar at the palacio das cardosas — *Don’t you want to hang out here for awhile and listen to live Fado music?*

Incredible Restaurant

The Astoria Restaurant attached to lobby is one of the best place to eat in the city. Although it’s a little pricey, it’s well worth the splurge. The service is incredible, but the food is even better. At 45 Euros a person for the tasting menu, it’s not nearly as expensive as it should be for what you get.

Ridiculously good food, wine and service.

This is also where being a hotel guest can help out. Because although I didn’t have a reservation, they were able to squeeze me in because I was staying in the hotel. Of course I recommend having a reservation, but hope is not lost if you just show up. Just make sure you have a room number too!

astoria restaurant patio — *Enjoy lunch or dinner on the patio at the hotels restaurant*

interior of palacio das cardosas — *At the end of this little bar is some of the most delicious food you’ll ever have.*

table top at astoria restaurant — *Treat yourself to a fancy dinner at the Astoria restaurant*

Live Entertainment

I mentioned in my post about how to spend three days in Porto that you should catch a live performance of Fado music. It’s definitely worth planning your visit to catch the live Fado music playing in the Cardosas Bar on Mondays and Thursdays.

If you can make it one of their shows, it’s the perfect time to enjoy great music and a stunning bar. There’s no cover so even if you aren’t a hotel guest you can appreciate this beautifully haunting music in a truly relaxing environment.

live fado music in the library bar — *Having live Fado music in my hotel the night I arrived was a nice surprise.*

fado band at the library bar — *What an amazing experience hearing live Fado music for the first time.*

Cozy and Comfortable Rooms with Stunning Views

The rooms are the best part, and of course that’s what you would want in a hotel right? There’s everything you could possibly wish for including plush robes, complimentary water and an in room coffee and tea maker. If you can snag a room facing the square, you’ll have a completely uninterrupted view of the whole avenue.

It’s a great place to sit and have a cup of coffee while wearing your robe and enjoying the view. Don’t get so busy with your itinerary that you forget to sit back and enjoy the room. Depending on your travel company, make sure to schedule at least one night in with a bottle of wine and some room service.

Porto will still be there in the morning.