Our Watchlist
Hotels in Portugal
We often receive emails from people asking us for more hotel recommendations in Portugal. Here’s the list of the hotels that we are planning to visit. We call it our “Watchlist” but whether they will make the JO&SO cut is yet to be seen.
Lisbon
Casa C’Alma – A 5-bedroom boutique guesthouse with minimalist Scando-style decor. Located in Misericordia (near Bairro Alto), a great choice for travellers interested in a more authentic local experience.
Casa Oliver – Located in the charming Praça do Príncipe Real Square, this 1895 building offers 26 stylish and individually designed rooms.
Hotel 1908 – A new boutique hotel in Intendente, the most up and coming, multicultural and hip part of town.
The Lisboans Apartments – Stylish apartments set in a stunning townhouse, right in the heart of historical Lisbon. Breakfast is included which is a lovely touch.
Palácio Belmonte – Housed in a stunning 15th-century palace at the foot of the Castelo de São Jorge with a view over the roofs of old Lisbon.
Palácio Ramalhete – Boutique hotel on an elegant 18th century estate, situated in the gently Bohemian district of Lapa.
Valverde Hotel – 5-star boutique hotel in upscale Avenida da Liberdade, decorated in lovely warm colours. There is an inviting patio and small swimming pool.
Santa Clara 1728 – Serene small boutique hotel set in a refurbished 18th century building offering 6 spacious rooms in charming Alfama.
Porto
A Bela Aurora – A spacious, light-filled guesthouse with a peaceful garden. There five suites decorated with handcrafted furniture and class design pieces. Located in the residential art district, a ten-minute walk from the heart of the city.
Armazém Luxury Housing – Located in an old iron warehouse from the 19th century, in the historic centre of Porto. We haven’t seen it in the flesh yet but this 9-bedroom guesthouse certainly looks like our cup of tea.
Baumhaus Serviced Apartments – Designer apartments set in a beautiful 4-storey building with a huge garden in the city centre.
Miss’Opo – Cool and quirky 7-studio flat guesthouse with a bar/cafe, just a few steps aways from the charming Ribeira neighbourhood.
My Home in Porto – A cosy 3-bedroom guesthouse hosted by owner Juan, who will serve you a brilliant locally-sourced breakfast (in the garden, weather allowing) and is always full of ideas of what to do in Porto.
Pensão Favorita – Boutique B&B’s with a low-key bohemian vibe in Porto’s trendy and arty neighbourhood of Miguel Bombarda. The 12 rooms offer a mix of modern and retro-style furnishings and each have a small lounge area.
Rosa Et Al Townhouse – Also located in the “street of the art galleries” (Miguel Bombarda), this 7 bedroom traditional townhouse offers original architecture alongside sleek mid-century furniture and a lovely garden.
The White Box House – Set in a restored early 20th century townhouse in Porto’s city centre, offering cozy modern rooms decorated mainly in white, and a garden with sun loungers.
Algarve
Aldeia da Pedralva – Located in Vila Do Bispo near Sagres, Aldeia Da Pedralva is a special resort built from the ruins of a traditional Portuguese village, with 50 houses once inhabited by over 100 people.
Farmhouse Of The Palms – A loving restored 200-year old farmhouse, featuring 5 unique and serene bedrooms, each with its private terrace. There are different corners to hangout and enjoy the surrounding bliss. Situated inland in the Algarve, away from the tourist crowds.
Vila Monte Farm House – A tranquil retreat with a garden and two swimming pools, set among an orange grove in sunny Algarve, a 10-minute drive away from the beautiful Fuseta beach.
Alentejo
Casa no Tempo – A dreamy four-bedroom old family farmhouse, with minimal beautiful decor set among wildflower fields, lakes and cork groves near the hilltop village of Montemor-o-Novo in the deep Alentejo.
Casas Caiadas – Old water mills have been turned into a gorgeous trio of whitewashed cottages in the heart of the Alentejo, near the small village of Sabugueiro and the historical town of Évora.
Casas da Lupa – Located in the Southwest Alentejo near the cute village of Zambujeira do Mar and its magnificent beaches, this small boutique hotel offers a fusion of minimalist and rustic style.
Casa da Ermida de Santa Catarina – Set right on top of the Caia Dam lakeside, with stunning lake views and scenic green surroundings. 7-bedroom house featuring nature-inspired décor and furnishings.
Cerca do Sul – Simple but lovely seven bedrooms (including one family room) all opening on to the terrace, with hammocks strung from the rafters, yoga classes and an inviting pool.
Monte West Coast – Tucked away in the valley of the river Seixe, Monte West Coast is a beautiful 50 hectare estate with independent houses of varying sizes. Swimming pool with amazing views and sun decks. The gorgeous Odeceixe beach is 5km away.
Muxima – Cute and colourful eco-guesthouse near the spectacular beaches of the Vicentine Coast Natural Park and the lovely village of Aljezur.
Monte Velho Equo Resort – Boutique hotel located 7 km from Arraiolos, with a strong focus on horse riding activities. Each room opens to a furnished balcony with an amazing view to the dam inserted in a piece of the typical landscape of Alentejo.
The Douro & North
Six Senses Douro Valley – Six Senses chose the Douro’s gorgeous hills and river for their European debut, and they sure have done it in style. They have renovated a 19th-century manor house and some of its features include a spa, villas, a wine library, swimming pools and an organic garden. Coming soon on JO&SO.
Lisbon Coast & Surroundings
Aldeia da Mata Pequena – Step back in time at this charming tiny Portuguese village. There are 13 fully equipped rural houses, a special place to relax within an hours drive from Lisbon.
Casas na Areia – Four fully equipped seaside cottages with a special twist: white sand instead of traditional floors. These stunning huts are integrated on the natural reserve of river Sado in Comporta, home to a great variety of wildlife.
Cabanas no Rio – From the creative minds behind Casas na Areia, these two minimalist wooden cabins (which were once used by local fisherman) are a truly wonderful gem. Only an hour south of Lisbon in fashionable Comporta. You’ll feel a world away.
Surfers Lodge – We have recently visited and we definitely want to come back to feature it on JO&SO. Expect laid back vibes, a rooftop pool and great rooms at this boutique surf lodge in Peniche’s little gem Baleal, just across from the Atlantic beach.
Central
Casa das Penhas Douradas Design Hotel & SPA – A 4-star boutique hotel surrounded by the crisp, clear air of the surrounding Serra da Estrela mountains. Inspired by local architecture and constructed using natural materials such as cork and wood.
Cavalo de Madeira – Relaxed eco-guesthouse located in Arelho near the charming town of Óbidos. Rooms offer lagoon and sea views and there are plenty of outdoor activities for nature lovers.
Hotel Quinta das Lagrimas – The first 5-star in Coimbra is set in a grand 14th-century building, former home to Prince Pedro and his lover Inês de Castro.
Lovin Book Guesthouse – Artsy guesthouse set in the heart of the beautiful medieval town of Óbidos, within its historic fortified city walls.
Luz Charming Houses – A tranquil boutique hotel in Fátima, featuring pretty studios, rooms, a wellness area and a swimming pool.
Rio do Prado – Nestled amongst tranquil surroundings, the eco-design Rio do Prado near Óbidos offers energy efficient suites featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with garden views. There are 2 outdoor pools, spa facilities, a sun terrace and 5 lakes.
The Luggage Hostel & Suites – This recently opened small hotel provides dorms as well as beautiful private suites, set in an early 20th century building in the heart of Coimbra.
Madeira
Belmond Reid’s Palace – Set in subtropical gardens overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this luxury hideaway in Funchal features an oceanfront spa, 3 swimming pools and direct access to the beautiful deep blue sea.
Azores
Pico do Refúgio – Casas de Campo – Located on the north coast of the island of São Miguel, Pico do Refúgio is a mansion that dates to the beginning of the 17th century. Offering traditional-style houses with contemporary design, sea views and an outdoor swimming pool.
Santa Barbara Eco-Beach Resort – Modern and exotic eco-villas in Ribeira Grande, north coast of São Miguel Island, with direct access to the beach, a beach bar, a swimming pool and a wellness centre.