This 19th-century iron warehouse has been lovingly converted into Armazém Luxury Housing, a boutique hotel in the heart of Porto.
Lovely View
Historic Centre
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We thoroughly enjoyed breakfast at Vermelho. Highlights included the array of Portuguese and French pastries that were brought to your table and the perfectly cooked a-la-carte eggs. Breakfast was delicious but also beautifully arranged, featuring tableware from Vida Dura.
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Elisabeth Lincot's installation, Lagrima de Loros, graces an exterior hearth at Vermelho with glazed and colourful ceramic bird heads.
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Armazém Luxury Housing is a boutique hotel located in the heart of Porto, set in an old iron warehouse from the 19th century. It offers both industrial warehouse vibes and cosiness without compromising on either.
The striking building has kept the stone walls and iron from its original life as a warehouse, with the use of concrete and wood being introduced during its restoration.
There are nine bedrooms and three apartments, all individually decorated with a mix of bespoke-designed furniture by the hotel’s architect, Luis Sobral, in addition to the many exquisite pieces found in local stores. Some objects that belonged to the old warehouse, have been given a new lease of life – such as the beautiful huge safe that now sits proudly as a bar in the communal living room.
Awesomeness
Style and substance.
Excellent restaurants as well as some of Porto’s most iconic sites are a stone’s throw away.
The staff are exceptional.
A generous and delicious breakfast.
We loved our yoga class.
Some rooms overlook the charming square, great for people-watching.
Bear in Mind
The hotel lacks natural light due to how the centre of the Porto was built in the past and the fact this was a warehouse – which is, of course, at the heart of what gives the hotel its charm.
The nearby stylish apartments are unsuitable for people with reduced mobility, so we recommend the hotel rooms instead if that's an issue.
To get into the hotel, you must ring the bell and wait for the concierge.
Armazém Luxury Housing is a boutique hotel located in the heart of Porto, set in an old iron warehouse from the 19th century. It offers both industrial warehouse vibes and cosiness without compromising on either.
The striking building has kept the stone walls and iron from its original life as a warehouse, with the use of concrete and wood being introduced during its restoration.
There are nine bedrooms and three apartments, all individually decorated with a mix of bespoke-designed furniture by the hotel’s architect, Luis Sobral, in addition to the many exquisite pieces found in local stores. Some objects that belonged to the old warehouse, have been given a new lease of life – such as the beautiful huge safe that now sits proudly as a bar in the communal living room.
Interview
A Conversation with Fernanda Gramaxo about Armazém Luxury Housing
“I wanted to create a magical place, different from others already open in the city.”
– FERNANDA, OWNER
You have been a nursery school teacher for many years. How did the idea of starting a hotel come about?
The idea was to create the same magical ambience that I had with the children, but this time with adults. I wanted a magical place, different from others already open in the city.
Did you always know that you wanted the hotel to be based in this neighbourhood?
Yes. The historic part reminds me of my childhood. When I was a child I used to come to this street with my grandmother. We used to visit antique shops. The smells, the colours, the narrow streets have always been etched in my mind. Also, I think this is the best area to explore the “real” Porto, as everything is within walking distance.
“The historic part of Porto reminds me of my childhood.”
– FERNANDA, OWNER
How did you find this building and what drew you to it?
I knew that I wanted a building in this area and after a lot of research, I found this striking ruin that was once an iron warehouse from the 19th century. I immediately felt the desire to bring some 'light' to the space. It needed it to come alive again.
The hotel's facade, before and after the renovation works.
The ruin inside.
How do you describe the architecture and interior?
Armazém (which translates to Warehouse) is a daring project. It tells you a story. We kept the original stone walls and the ironwork and we introduced the concrete and wood that contrasts with the delicacy of the fabrics. The majority of the furniture was designed by our architect Luís Sobral and we also found many unique pieces in local stores. We restored some items that were already here like the safe that became our bar.
This stunning antique safe has been given a new lease of life as a bar.
What inspires you?
The inspiration came with the features of the building. The challenge was to create a cosy ambience with its own soul in a luxury industrial context.
What part of running a hotel do you most enjoy?
Receiving and getting to know the guests.
What distinguishes you from other places to stay in Porto?
We are a private hotel. To enter the door, you must ring the bell. The guests feel at home but with a high-quality service. We tell a story which makes us unique.
What’s your favourite object in the hotel?
The letters AMOR [which translates to LOVE], because of its meaning. Everything we do is with love and passion. These letters belonged to the factory MABOR, we removed the B and changed the order of the letters.
AMOR – 'Love'“. These letters used to belong to tyre factory MABOR.
What are the things to do or see in Porto that a first time visitor shouldn’t miss?
A tram tour through the Douro River promenade until Foz, feel the magic of Livraria Lello and have a cup of tea at Café Majestic.
Describe your perfect day off in Porto.
My perfect day off involves starting the day jogging in Afurada's promenade and enjoying the amazing view to Porto. Afterwards I'd likely have brunch with my daughters at Foz. During the afternoon I'd visit the latest art show at Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art. I would then end the day having dinner at Casa de Chá da Boa Nova. They have the best vegetarian degustation menu.
Armazém Luxury Housing is located in Largos de São Domingos, one of Porto’s most illustrious squares right in the historic centre of the city.
Some of our favourite restaurants as well as some of Porto’s most iconic sites and the Douro River, are just a short walk away.
The seaside neighbourhood of ‘Foz do Douro’ (6km) is a bit further away, and if you enjoy walking or cycling you’ll be in for a treat – follow the riverfront until it meets the Atlantic.
Another 4km and you’ll reach ‘Matosinhos beach’ which is popular among surfers, with a few surf schools and restaurants/cafes with outdoor seating.
If you’re looking for some post-dinner action, head to the nearby Rua da Galeria de Paris (800m), where bars and partygoers fill the streets until the early hours.
Watch the video above which we did with Condé Nast Traveller. In it we talk about Foz do Douro - the seaside neighbourhood in Porto where we grew up. check out the Full article on their website.
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Our room overlooked the charming Largo de São Domingos square, great for people-watching.
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Salão Árabe in Palácio da Bolsa is a great hall in the neoclassical former stock exchange palace that is an exquisite sight to behold.
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Nearby are two restaurants that we really like. Cantina 32 serves Portuguese classics, such as Bacalhau à Bráz (salted cod with fried potatoes and egg), as well as some creative dishes. Around the corner is also Mistu, one of Porto’s coolest restaurants. It serves tasty fusion cuisine with a Portuguese touch. The dulce de leche fondant is divine.
The river fronted neighbourhood of Ribeira is a must-do in Porto. Enjoy one of its many riverside bars and restaurants and take a 'Six Bridges Cruise' along the River Douro. Cross the Dom Luís bridge and go wine tasting at one of the Port lodges. From this side of the river, you have an awesome view of Ribeira.
Wander around the historic centre and be mesmerised by the glorious sights. Enjoy some of the best views of Porto at the viewpoint Miradouro da Vitória and from the top deck of the Dom Luís I Bridge.
Visit Serralves Museum, featuring a collection of Portuguese and international contemporary art, interesting sculptures and a delightful park. Its gardens are home to more than 8,000 specimens of exotic plants and an awesome Treetop Walk.
Grab a bicycle or go for a walk along the seafront in Foz do Douro, and then relax in Parque da Cidade (Porto’s city park).
Watch the sunset at one of the beach bars in Foz, such as Praia da Luz.
Take the boat Flor do Gás across the river, to Afurada. Enjoy some delicious grilled fresh fish at the Taberna de São Pedro in Afurada, an unassuming and authentic tavern where locally sourced fish and seafood are charcoal-grilled by the roadside.
Matosinhos is a key seaport and another go-to place for seafood lovers. The streets are packed with traditional restaurants. Salta-Ó-Muro and Marisqueira de Matosinhos are two of our favourites.
You are in Porto so you shouldn't leave without trying a francesinha. Porto's craziest food invention is like a sandwich similar to an elaborate Croque Monsieur. It’s filled with various meats, topped with melted cheese and the chef’s secret spicy sauce. Cufra, Café Santiago, Bufete Fase and Cervejaria Brasão are some of the best places in town to try it, with the latter offering one of the best vegetarian francesinhas in Porto.
Armazém Luxury Housing Largo São Domingos 74 4050-545 Porto Portugal
Location
Armazém Luxury Housing is a boutique hotel located in the historic centre of Porto.
By Air
The closest airport is Porto Francisco Sá Carneiro airport. From there you can take a taxi, metro, bus or hire a car. The hotel can arrange a transfer.
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