We recently visited The Yeatman hotel in Porto and its sister hotel in the Douro Valley, The Vintage House Hotel.
We recently visited The Yeatman hotel in Porto and its sister hotel in the Douro Valley, The Vintage House hotel.
The Yeatman’s biggest asset is its location and the view this offers its guests.
Situated a 15 minute walk from the old town of Porto on the other side of the river Douro, the views of Porto’s historic buildings are resplendent, particularly on a sunny day with the river glistening in front of you.
The hotel is designed in terraced layers imitating the vineyards of the Douro Valley from which The Yeatman takes inspiration; the wine-making history of Porto and the surrounding area is reflected throughout the hotel.
Wine artefacts and memorabilia decorate the hotel; the outdoor swimming pool is shaped like a wine decanter; and all of the 83 rooms and suites are named after particular Douro valley wines. Charming without quite being gimmicky.
Rooms could be descried as classic: somewhat understated in style with accents of colours or patterns.
Every room has a terrace, often large, designed to take advantage of the views. The sun setting over Porto from your private terrace is a beautiful sight.
While all rooms are large, for true luxury try the 150 square metre Bacchus Suite with its own Jacuzzi and conservatory with fireplace leading to a private terrace complete with sunbeds and a fountain.
True to its Relais & Châteaux roots, the food at The Yeatman is a strong focus. The Michelin starred Orangerie Restaurant is elegant but rather relaxed, serving modern Portuguese cuisine with regional wines from the vast cellar of over 25,000 bottles.
The restaurant received its second Michelin star in this year’s guide – a well-deserved accolade!
The Yeatman hotel is an excellent base from which to explore the city of Porto or to combine with a visit to the Douro Valle and its vineyards, which is an hour an a half away by car.
The Vintage House, Douro Valley
Many guests at The Yeatman combine a stay with sister hotel The Vintage House in Douro.
The Vintage House Hotel is set against a tranquil riverside location in Pinhao in the Douro Valley.
The hotel is part of an 19th century estate which has been restored into a 5 star hotel with modern facilities while retaining the traditional charm and character of the historic building.
There are 43 rooms and suites, all with balconies overlooking the Douro River.
The design of the rooms is a little too old-fashioned for my tastes, and despite a recent renovation, could benefit from being updated in my view.
The traditional style, however, does complement the history and charm of the building and would appeal to fans of a classic hotel style.
The Vintage House is a hotel for serious wine fans who intend to use the hotel as a base from which to explore the area and its vineyards, before coming back to sit in the library bar next to the large fire place to try one of the wine finds of the day.
For dinner, book a table on the terrace of the Rabelo Restaurant and enjoy classic Portuguese fusion cuisine in a relaxed, elegant setting.
I was impressed with the city of Porto, with its beauty, history, buzz and restaurant and bar scene. It comes highly commended as a quick weekend getaway or for a longer break combining a visit to the Douro Valley.
Book Porto or Douro Valley With Bon Vivant Travel
For help with planning your next trip to Portugal, contact Bon Vivant’s luxury travel team here.
Thanks to our Virtuoso affiliation, we can offer our clients complimentary upgrade, complimentary breakfast, $100 to spend on spa services or food and drink at the hotel, late check-out and early check-in, and VIP status.
Bon Vivant Travel Guides
Read some of our other travel guides, including the best hotels in the Amalfi Coast, the best hotels in the Riviera Maya, our guide to Mallorca’s luxury hotels or our Ibiza travel guide.
Wine lovers might also like to read our guide to the best wine bars in London.
Note: I was invited to stay at The Yeatman and The Vintage House, but, as ever, I only ever say what I truly think. Click here for our editorial policy.