Porto International Airport Hotel Bookings

The historic city of Porto in the northwest of Portugal lies less than half an hour's drive from Porto Airport. Port wine has been one of the city's most successful products for centuries and the money made with fortified wine production over that time is partly responsible for the beautiful architecture everywhere. Many of the mansions overlooking the Douro River have been converted into chic boutique hotels that offer travelers every conceivable luxury and comfort. Here is a small selection of Porto's hotels:

The 5-star Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa is part of the Marriott group of worldwide luxury hotels. Located in Rua do Tenente Valadim, (tel +351 22 040 4000), the hotel offers guests free WiFi and cable internet access throughout. Elegant rooms and suites with bathrobes and slippers, bath tubs and separate showers and safety lockers in every bedroom make the Sheraton a good place to stay within central Porto. The modern glass-sided tower is just a 12-minute walk from the nearest Metro station. The Sheraton has its own Spa, spacious meeting rooms and a restaurant offering Portuguese and international cuisine in a relaxed environment.

The 5-star Intercontinental Porto - Palacio das Cardosas is located at Praça da Liberdade 25 in Porto's Vitória district (tel +351 22 003 5600). It costs around 25.00 euros to travel there by private taxi from Porto Airport. The Intercontinental Porto could not be more different to the glass-tower of the Sheraton. The former 18th century palace overlooks the busy Avenida dos Aliados and Liberdade Square, and is adjacent to the Estação de São Bento train station, just 6 minutes' walking time from Porto's famous cathedral. It is also very close to the famous Lello's bookshop. The Intercontinental offers guests a spa, fine dining Astória restaurant and relaxed Cardosas bar. What makes the hotel special is the fact that it has been converted to a high standard that allows disabled people access to all parts of the hotel. There are also rooms with bathrooms specially designed for wheelchair access. Ramps allow guests with mobility issues to reach both the restaurant and bar.

Also 5-star, the Pestana Vintage Porto Hotel (tel +351 22 340 2300) overlooks Praça da Ribeira, just across from the Douro River and a 10-minute walk from São Bento railway station and just a 13-minute walk from the beautiful Clérigos Church with its Baroque bell tower. The hotel is located in the fashionable historic Ribeira district, brimming with chic cafes and gift shops. Cool style is what makes the suites and rooms of the Pestana Vintage Porto so memorable. Both vintage and modern, the Pestana Vintage Porto hotel offers guests free breakfast as part of the room deal. Chef Rui Martin's Rib Beef & Wine restaurant serves gourmet food centered on beef and wine. All of the hotel's rooms have free WiFi, and some even have spectacular views of the Douro River, the Dom Luis I Bridge and the famous Wine Cellars of Gaia. Relax in the Magic Spa and treat yourself to face and body pampering. The hotel bar serves cocktails, including some cocktails unique to Porto.

The 4-star Hotel Carrís Porto Ribeira in Rua do Infante Dom Henrique (tel +351 22 096 5786) boasts chic rooms and suites as well as apartments with views of the Douro River. The hotel is just an 8-minute walk from São Bento Metro station and a 9-minute walk from Porto's beautiful cathedral. Relax with a drink in the NomadikBar, or enjoy both Portuguese and international cuisine in the restaurant or Taperia. The Hotel Carris Porto Ribeira-Porto also has spacious, modern meeting rooms.

The House Ribeira Hotel at Rua do Infante Dom Henrique No. 26 (tel 351 22 011 9006) has a very different feel about it. Modern, cool and chic, the suites and rooms also offer guests a central location near the Douro River. The 56-room hotel is just an 8-minute walk from Dom Luis I Bridge and 11-minute walk from the Metro train station São Bento. Rooms and suites have free WiFi and flat-screen TVs. The hotel has a relaxed, casual bar and cafe, where guests can enjoy a drink before going out. As part of the amenities guests can expect a Guest U Smartphone that allows them calls and free internet access while they are in Porto. The House Bar offers more than 60 different kinds of port wine, not to mention the hotel's own Caipi Porto cocktail.

Also 4-star, the Hotel Vila Galé Porto is located in Av. de Fernão de Magalhães (tel +351 22 519 1800), a 2-minute walk from the 24 de Agosto metro station and a 1-km walk from the bustling Rua de Santa Catarina, Porto's famous shopping district. Spacious, modern rooms and suites offer guests total pampering in a central Porto location. Themed around world cinema, the hotel Vila Galé Porto also has multipurpose meeting rooms for events and conferences, a spa on the top floor that boasts an indoor swimming pool, a hot tub and gym, and there are also two bars and a restaurant for guests' use. Free WiFi, a 24-hour reception, parking in the hotel's own garage, as well as outdoor parking for buses and a laundry service make the Vila Galé Porto a great choice for travel groups.