Before
The hotel’s facade before the renovation works.
Armazém Luxury Housing
Boutique Hotel in Porto
From €170 per night
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'The 500 Hidden Secrets of Porto'
A 19th-century iron warehouse lovingly converted into a boutique hotel in the heart of Porto.
Set in an old iron warehouse from the 19th century, Armazém Luxury Housing is one of the coolest boutique hotels in Porto. They have managed to pull off the trick of offering 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
There is a lack of natural light in the hotel 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 not suitable for people with reduced mobility, so if that’s an issue we recommend the hotel rooms instead.
To get into the hotel you have to ring the bell and wait for the concierge.
In addition to the hotel's nine-bedrooms, there are also three gorgeous apartments just a few meters away from the main building.
The coolest boutique hotel in the heart of Porto.
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Local Action
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.
Our room overlooked the charming square, great for people-watching.
Enjoy one of our favourite views of the city at the nearby view point of Miradouro da Vitória (4min walk).
Sisters in town.
The nearby Mistu restaurant serves tasty fusion cuisine with a Portuguese touch. The dulce de leche fondant with berry sorbet is divine.
In Foz, we love 'Cafeina' (6km), a fancy restaurant in a beautiful old townhouse serving European food with a Portuguese touch. Booking is highly recommended.
Climb up the arch of Arrábida Bridge and enjoy the views. The awesome guys at 'Porto Bridge Climb' organize the tours.
Visit Serralves Museum, featuring a collection of Portuguese and international contemporary art, beautiful gardens and interesting sculptures.
Within walking-distance you'll find the river fronted neighbourhood of 'Ribeira' - a must-do in Porto. Enjoy one of its many riverside bars and restaurants and take a '6-bridges cruise' along the River Douro. Cross Dom Luís bridge and go wine tasting at one of the Port-wine cellars.
You are in Porto so you shouldn't miss the famous Francesinha. We like to eat them at Marisqueira Cufra (6km). Their chocolate "cake" is heavenly.
We interviewed Fernanda Gramaxo, the founder and creative mind of Armazém Luxury Housing.
Fernanda Gramaxo, founder of Armazém Luxury Housing
"I wanted to create a magical place, different from others already open in the city."
– Fernanda, Owner
And the ruin inside…
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.
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 challenge was to create a cosy ambience with its own soul in a luxury industrial context."
– Fernanda, Owner
A restored safe that now sits proudly as a bar
One of the stunning objects that belonged to the old warehouse, which has been given a new lease of life.
AMOR – “Love”
“These letters belonged to the factory MABOR. We removed the B and changed the order of the letters”.
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 Luis 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.
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 and where did you get it?
The letters AMOR, 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.
"The historic part of Porto reminds me of my childhood."
– Fernanda, Owner
Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art
For Fernanda the perfect day off in Porto involves a visit to Porto’s famous museum.
(photo licenced from stock.adobe.com)
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.
Start the day jogging in Afurada promenade with the amazing view to Porto. Have brunch with my daughters at Foz. During the afternoon visit the new art exhibitions at Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art. End the day having dinner at Casa de Chá da Boa Nova. They have the best vegetarian degustation menu.
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.
Porto (OPO) – 21km
Lisbon (LIS) – 308km
Faro (FAO) – 554km
By Train
São Bento Train Station is a 5-minute walk from the hotel.