When you think of Porto, Portugal, your mind probably wanders to its charming streets, historic wine cellars and breathtaking river views. For me, traveling is all about finding those special places that combine a city’s rich history with a bit of pampering – and The Rebello Hotel & Spa is at the heart of that. This five-star gem combines luxury with local charm, capturing the true spirit and ancient soul of Porto. Housed in a beautifully restored wine warehouse that once played a major role in the city’s port wine trade, it combines historic character with sleek, modern touches. From the moment my friend and I arrived at the chic, contemporary venue, we knew we had found the perfect home base to make the most of our short visit and enjoy all that Porto has to offer.
Check-in
Stepping into The Rebello, with the Douro River right behind us, felt effortlessly cool, like uncovering a hidden gem. The moment you walk through the doors you are greeted by a stunning mix of rich colours, textures and carefully curated art and furniture, crafted by Portuguese artists. Housed in a former port wine and kitchenware warehouse, the space seamlessly blends its industrial roots with modern sophistication, thanks to the thoughtful touch of Spanish designer Daniela Franceschini. To my left, cozy lounge areas full of art and soft textures invited me to sink in, while to my right a sleek restaurant caught my eye, seducing me – and a chic curved bar promising well-crafted cocktails. With our room keys, refreshing lemon water and The Rebello’s curated city map in hand, I couldn’t wait to explore our stylish retreat – and Porto itself.
The suite
Our one bedroom suite immediately had us saying: Wow. The space was incredible, but the real star of the scene? The extra large balcony with stunning views of the Douro River and the city’s iconic Dom Luís I Bridge. It was the kind of view that immediately draws you in, or rather, invites you in.
Inside, the suite felt like a chic home away from home. The bedroom had a plush king size bed, ample closet space and an en suite bathroom with a luxurious rain shower and cozy robes that made it feel like our own mini spa. The fully equipped kitchen was a welcome surprise, complete with a coffee maker, oven, stove and refrigerator. And the complimentary ‘not-so-minibar’, stocked with local wines, craft beers, kombucha and more, was the perfect finishing touch.
As if that wasn’t enough, we were greeted with pastéis de nata, the only thing I was craving after our long day of travel from Denver. I had been telling my friend all day that this was the first thing I wanted to eat in Portugal, and here it was waiting for me, perfectly timed and perfectly delicious. Every detail felt carefully curated to ensure maximum comfort and convenience.
Rebello’s suites are designed to feel both elegant and welcoming, with spacious layouts ideal for solo travelers, couples or even families. With just 103 suites, the property offers a range of accommodations from studios to three-bedroom suites that can accommodate up to six guests. They all have the comfort of an apartment, making it easy to settle in, whether you have a weekend or a longer stay.
The spa
The hotel’s Roman bath-inspired spa has become a TikTok sensation with its timeless elegance due to its Wes Anderson-style design. Wellness enthusiasts will find their happiness here in the Tranquility Lounge, with a semi-heated pool and a sauna experience that cannot be found anywhere else in Porto. Inspired by the Romans – lovers of good wine, good living and luxurious baths – the spa reinterprets ancient rituals for the modern traveler. The menu offers everything from deep tissue and aromatherapy massages to jet lag treatments, anti-aging facials and even after-hours treatments for those looking for privacy or extensive pampering. For those with fitness in mind, The Rebello’s fitness facilities welcome everyone 24/7, whether your goals are Olympic level or simply staying active during your travels. It’s all about finding your balance, your path – and we have certainly found it.
The roof
In the morning we took time to enjoy the gourmet breakfast in Pot and Pan, the hotel’s sleek dining room. Fresh pastries, local cheeses and perfectly brewed coffee gave us just the right amount of energy to kickstart the day. Described by the property as “hotel dining, how hotel dining should be” – I completely agree.
Upstairs, the Bello Rooftop offers a completely different perspective of Porto. One of the highlights of our stay was seeing the city from this vantage point – just across the river, in a way we wouldn’t have experienced otherwise. The chic design of the roof, with its hunter green and rust orange accents, made it the perfect place to relax with small plates and delicious cocktails. The DJ set the mood with lively music as we took in the sparkling river below and enjoyed the atmosphere.
The signature cocktails, inspired by the Seven Wonders of the World, are a must-try. Each drink combines iconic liqueurs and spirits from the respective countries with local fruits, herbs and spices – an invitation to journey through taste. With a mix of indoor and outdoor seating, plenty of sofas for lounging and tables for dining, the rooftop terrace quickly became a place we didn’t want to leave. My advice: reserve your spot in time!
Check out
Although I had not yet visited Lisbon on this trip, I left Porto knowing that it was a special destination that I couldn’t wait to share with friends and family. Seriously: why doesn’t everyone go to Porto?! And a lot of that excitement was thanks to The Rebello. Having been to Lisbon, I can confidently say that Porto has a more intimate atmosphere, with its narrow cobbled streets, medieval architecture and a pace that feels wonderfully relaxed.
The Rebello Hotel & Spa really enhances this experience, providing a luxurious base with stunning river views. It is the perfect place for anyone who wants to experience culture and relax in one of Portugal’s most charming cities. Wine lovers will especially appreciate the hotel’s proximity to the famous port houses of Vila Nova de Gaia, making it an excellent location from which to explore Porto’s legendary wine scene. The Rebello is the perfect launching pad to explore not just Porto, but all of Portugal, and I’m already dreaming of my next visit.