Exploring Portugal’s Best Places to Stay

Portugal is a country with a wealth of natural beauty, vibrant cities and quaint villages that all beg to be explored. From the gorgeous Atlantic coast to the rolling hills of the interior, there is something for everyone in Portugal. Of course, the best part of any visit to Portugal is the opportunity to stay in one of the country’s many amazing hotels and guesthouses. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious resort, a cozy boutique hotel or an authentic guesthouse in a more rural setting, Portugal has plenty of options to choose from.

Luxury Hotels

If you’re looking for a luxurious stay in Portugal, you’ll find plenty of options. The country is home to some of the best five-star resorts in the world, from the iconic Beloura Golf & Country Club to the luxurious Vila Vita Parc on the Algarve coast. These resorts offer all the amenities you’d expect, from world-class spas to gourmet restaurants. Many of these resorts are also set in stunning natural settings, offering a perfect combination of luxury and natural beauty.

If you’re looking for something a bit more intimate, there are plenty of smaller luxury hotels in Portugal. For example, Casa do Lago is a charming boutique hotel in the Algarve, with just 11 rooms, a tranquil garden and a beautiful pool. Or the Hotel Penha Longa Resort, tucked away in the rolling hills of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. These luxury hotels offer all the amenities of a large resort, but with a more intimate, home-like atmosphere.

Smaller Boutique Hotels

If you’re looking for a more unique experience, Portugal has plenty of smaller boutique hotels to choose from. These hotels are usually family-owned and offer a more intimate atmosphere, often with just a handful of rooms and a restaurant or bar. For example, the Hotel Rato in Porto offers just four rooms, each individually decorated with antiques and artworks. Or the Hotel Vila Galé Cascais, a boutique hotel near Lisbon with a pool, spa and restaurant.

These smaller boutique hotels are perfect for those looking for a more unique and personal experience. Many of them are set in beautiful natural settings, such as the Quinta da Casa Branca in the Douro Valley or the Hotel Montes Claros in the Minho region. So if you’re looking for a more intimate stay in Portugal, these smaller boutique hotels are definitely worth considering.

Historic Hotels

Portugal is a country full of history, and there are plenty of historic hotels to explore. These hotels are often located in former palaces, castles or manor houses, offering guests a unique experience. For example, the Pousada de Viseu is a former 16th century palace set in the heart of the city. Or the Pousada de Guimarães, a former 15th century monastery set in the hills of the Minho region. These historic hotels offer a unique glimpse into Portugal’s past, with stunning architecture, period furnishings and a wealth of history.

Of course, Portugal is also home to some of the oldest hotels in the world. The Hotel do Parque in Lisbon has been in operation since 1709, and the Hotel do Carmo in Porto has been welcoming guests since 1720. These hotels offer a unique chance to stay in one of the oldest hotels in the world, with plenty of history and character.

Guesthouses

For those looking for a more authentic experience in Portugal, guesthouses offer a great option. These guesthouses are usually run by local families, offering an intimate and unique experience. Many of them are located in rural areas, such as the Casa de Campo in the Alentejo region or the Casa do Barreiro in the Minho region. These guesthouses offer a great chance to stay in the heart of the Portuguese countryside, with breathtaking views, delicious local cuisine and a chance to get to know the locals.

For those looking for a more urban experience, there are also plenty of guesthouses in Portugal’s cities. For example, the Casa da Música in Lisbon is a charming guesthouse located in the heart of the city. Or the Casa do Chá in Porto, a cozy guesthouse located in the city’s historic center.

Beachfront Hotels

Portugal is a country blessed with stunning beaches, so it’s no surprise that there are plenty of beachfront hotels to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a luxury resort on the Algarve coast, such as the Vila Vita Parc, or a smaller beachfront hotel, such as the Casa do Mar in Ericeira, there are plenty of options to choose from. These hotels offer the perfect combination of beachfront relaxation and stunning views, and many of them also offer a range of activities, such as surfing, swimming and sailing.

Country Retreats

If you’re looking for a more rural experience in Portugal, there are plenty of country retreats to choose from. These retreats are usually set in stunning natural settings, such as the Quinta da Corga in the Douro Valley or the Hotel Rural Quinta das Videiras in the Alentejo region. These retreats offer a chance to get away from it all and enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside, as well as the chance to explore local villages, vineyards and wineries.

Urban Hotels

Portugal’s cities are also home to plenty of great hotels, from luxury resorts to boutique hotels. In Lisbon, the city is home to some of the best four- and five-star hotels in the country, from the iconic Hotel Ritz to the luxurious Altis Grand Hotel. Or in Porto, the city is home to some of the best boutique hotels in the country, such as the Hotel do Parque or the Hotel Teatro.

These urban hotels offer a great chance to explore Portugal’s cities, as well as all the amenities of a luxurious hotel. Many of these hotels are also set in stunning historic buildings, offering a unique chance to stay in a piece of Portugal’s past.

Villa Rentals

If you’re looking for a more independent experience in Portugal, villa rentals are a great option. These villas are usually set in stunning natural settings, from the rolling hills of the Alentejo region to the stunning beaches of the Algarve. Many of these villas are also set in historic buildings, offering a unique chance to stay in a piece of Portugal’s past.

Villa rentals offer a great chance to explore Portugal at your own pace, in the comfort and privacy of your own home. Plus, they are often more affordable than hotels, making them a great option for budget-conscious travelers.

Camping & Glamping

Portugal is also home to plenty of camping and glamping options. If you’re looking for a more adventurous experience, there are plenty of campsites to choose from, from the stunning beaches of the Algarve to the rolling hills of the Minho region. Or for a more luxurious experience, there are plenty of glamping sites, such as the EcoCamp in the Douro Valley or the Yurt Village in the Alentejo region.

These camping and glamping sites offer a great chance to explore the country in a more rustic and adventurous way. Plus, they are usually more affordable than hotels, making them a great option for budget-conscious travelers.

Conclusion

No matter what type of experience you’re looking for in Portugal, you’ll find plenty of options to choose from. From luxury resorts to cozy guesthouses, Portugal has something for everyone. So if you’re planning a trip to Portugal, be sure to explore the country’s many amazing hotels and guesthouses, each offering a unique and unforgettable experience.