Hotel Dom Henrique Downtown

Renovated in March 2016, this 18-story hotel opened in 1973 and has been owned by the same family since it was built. It is named after Dom Henrique, a Portuguese navigator who was born in Porto in 1394. The hotel doesn't make the most stylish impression from the outside, with its quasi-Brutalist look, but things inside are softer and more pleasant. The look is generic, but modern and fresh, with lots of natural light throughout most major common spaces. The lobby is equipped with a number of seating groups with sofas and chairs where guests can hang out or have small, informal meetings. However, it's the rooftop restaurant -- with its stunning city views -- that's the better place to kick back. The hotel draws business guests as well as couples and families on vacation. It's also popular with tour groups, which can overwhelm the facilities at times.  

This hotel is on the corner of Rua Guedes de Azevedo and Rua do Bolhao in downtown Porto. Guests can walk to Rua de Santa Catarina, the city's main street, in just four minutes, and there are many restaurants, shops, and bars in the area. The Bolhao Market is a seven-minute walk away. Rua da Galeria de Paris -- a popular nightlife area -- is 15 minutes away on foot, while the Porto Cathedral is just under a 20-minute walk from the property. Ribeira Square, Porto's famous UNESCO World Heritage site by the river, can be reached in 25 minutes on foot, or 15 minutes by car. Soccer fans can be at the Estadio do Dragao in 12 minutes by car, and music fans can drive to Casa da Musica in 12 minutes. For using public transportation, the Trindade Metro station is a five-minute walk from the hotel, and there's a bus stop in front of the hotel. Plan on about 30 minutes to reach Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport by car, or about 40 minutes by public transportation. 

The hotel's rooms and suites are modern and simple, with a mid-range chain-like style that includes patterned carpeting, neutral color schemes, and flat-box furniture. Most rooms are a bit small, but even some of the suites -- which have multiple rooms -- feel compact due to their layouts. Amenities in all rooms include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, desks, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Upgraded rooms include kettles for tea and coffee. Modern bathrooms are bright, with hairdryers and toiletries. Some have showers only, and others feature shower/tub combos. Hairdryers and basic toiletries come standard, and certain bathrooms include bidets. The best rooms arguably have furnished balconies overlooking the city. Suites include separate living areas with a sofa and chairs, and the extra-spacious Panoramic Suite has especially nice views of the city. Family Rooms include two separate bedrooms. 

Guests can start their day with a breakfast buffet served in the Alem-Mar Restaurant on the first floor. It's a modern space with polished wood floors and walls, colorful contemporary art, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Alfresco dining is an option on the sunny terrace. Breakfast selections include hot and cold items. The 17º Restaurant on the 18th floor serves Mediterranean and Portuguese fare for lunch and dinner. The modern space features bright decor and large windows looking out to gorgeous views of the city. There's also a terrace providing even better views. The 17º Bar hosts DJs on select nights. Room service is available. The small fitness center has a few cardio machines and free weights with a bench. It's open 24/7 but it's only sufficient for a basic workout. It's open 24/7. A bright, spacious business center has a couple of tables and chairs for meetings, plus a desk set up with a computer. Five function rooms accommodate gatherings of various sizes, with space for up to 70 guests, or rooms can be combined for larger groups. Parking is available nearby for a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.