The Yeatman

One of the most striking things about this hotel are its elegant interiors, reminiscent of classic period country houses in England. There are tall archways, sculpted ceilings and white sculpted columns, as well as centrally placed fireplaces and Chesterfield sofas that add to the Victorian feel. It’s no surprise then that the hotel is owned by an English port family, one of the many that settled in Porto during the 1800s to found the cellars that now produce the renowned Port wine of the region. The hotel identifies firmly as a wine hotel: every floor is themed after a local winery or Portuguese wine region, complete with historical photos and maps. There’s also an extensive wine cellar, and some beds are crafted from wine barrels.The hotel also incorporates some Portuguese elements including vibrant splashes of color and traditional Portuguese ceramic tiling in bathrooms. Its luxury spa, chic roof terrace, and luxury feel attract many business travelers. Other perks, including the gorgeous panoramic city views and romantic wine theme, draws in couples. Unsurprisingly, this is one of the more unique luxury hotels in the Porto area.

The Yeatman is located at the top of a hilly road lined with rustic stone walls, and is just down the street from several renowned historic port cellars which produce the port wine of the region. This hotel is in the town Vila Nova de Gaia, across the river from Porto proper. It’s an eight-minute walk to the south bank of the river where there are scenic views, local restaurants, and tourist shops. Unfortunately it’s quite awkward to reach Porto proper north of the river, due to the location of public transport stops (the nearest is General Torres, a 12-minute walk away) -- it would be more straightforward using a car or taking a taxi.  It’s a 10-minute drive or a 40-minute metro journey to historic Ribeira Square. Bolsa Palace and the Ferreira Borges market can be reached by car in 10 minutes as well, or via a circuitous public transport route in 33 minutes. The popular Clerigos Tower is a 12-minute drive away or a 28-minute public transport journey, and the high-end shopping district in Avis can be reached in 12 minutes by car or 17 minutes by public transport. Note that travel times don’t necessarily correspond with actual travel distances, due to roundabout public transport routes. Also, any public transport journey into Porto will involve at least 13 minutes of walking. Porto International Airport is around 20 minutes away by car, while Atlantic coast beaches are a 15-minute drive away.

Rooms are a sharp mix of classic English and Portuguese styles: most have wooden floors and classic English furniture, with vibrant colorful walls and individually curated bookcases in some. The balconies are major pluses in all rooms, and have lovely views of the river and Porto. Bathrooms have a more Portuguese flavor, with turmeric yellow walls and traditional Portuguese ceramic tiling in some showers. There are added touches of luxury, including marble sink tops in all rooms, and a separate bath and shower in higher-category rooms. The Caudalie bath products are a nice perk. Minibars are somewhat basic for a luxury hotel; Pringles are the single snacking option and only two different types of beer. All rooms come with flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi, as well as bathrobes and slippers. Not all rooms have coffeemakers.Suites are thoughtfully decorated, and there are creative touches like beds crafted authentic wine barrels -- even so, the look is refined, not kitschy. Luxury touches in these rooms include freestanding copper bathtubs, gas fireplaces, and four-poster beds. Every room in the hotel has been sponsored by a local winery and is decorated along this theme, giving an intimate insight into Portugal’s wine culture.

One of the best features of this feature-packed boutique hotel is its views: all rooms and spaces have gorgeous views overlooking Douro River and picturesque terra-cotta roofs. This is best enjoyed from the hotel's chic rooftop terrace, or the stunning indoor and outdoor pools. The Yeatman also has Porto’s only Michelin-star restaurant, which serves traditional Portuguese-inspired food using locally sourced fish and fresh produce. Breakfast is a buffet affair, but well worth the money according to guests.This is very much a wine hotel, and even the spa has grape- and vine-based treatments. There is also a wine cellar and wine shop; fittingly, the hotel hosts its own wine seminars and tastings. Avid soccer fans will be interested to know that this hotel hosts European soccer teams when they play Porto during the Champions League. This hotel also has all the basics, including a gym with a full list of modern equipment, fitness classes, a kids' club, and free Wi-Fi. Although there is a parking garage, parking is not free.