Massarelos riverfront

Vincci Porto

★★★★★

The Vincci Porto suits travellers who want the river without the crowds. It sits on the Alameda de Basílio Teles, on the riverfront west of the historic centre in the Massarelos area, in a converted riverside building that the Spanish Vincci group runs as a contemporary four-star hotel. The interiors are sleek and modern, with a calm palette that lets the light from the river do the work. Rooms are comfortable and well designed, and those facing the river look out across the Douro to Gaia, with the Arrábida Bridge close by downstream. The hotel has a restaurant and bar, and its riverside setting is pleasant for an evening drink. The location is the key decision. You are about a ten- to fifteen-minute ride from the Ribeira and around twenty-five minutes' walk along the river, and the historic tram line 1, which runs along the Douro between the centre and Foz, passes right by, which turns getting around into a pleasure. The Crystal Palace Gardens are just up the hill, and the Foz seafront, Serralves and the Parque da Cidade are a short trip west. In exchange for being slightly out of the centre, you get quieter nights, easier parking and usually better rates than comparable hotels in the old town. The trade-offs: you will rely on the tram, buses or taxis more often, and the immediate surroundings are residential rather than buzzing with bars and restaurants. For couples, repeat visitors and travellers with a car who want a stylish, peaceful base by the river, it is a sound choice.

Getting around from here: the historic tram line 1 along the river is the star connection, delivering you to near the Ribeira in one direction and to Foz in the other, with river views all the way. Buses run along the riverside road, and taxis and ride shares are quick and inexpensive. Walkers can follow the riverside path into the Ribeira, a flat and scenic stroll, and take the funicular or a taxi back up if needed. Massarelos also has a few good local restaurants, and the Crystal Palace Gardens make a lovely morning walk.

Choosing a room: book a river-view room; the view across the Douro to Gaia and the Arrábida Bridge is the reason to stay here rather than further inland. Higher floors have the best outlook. Rooms facing the back are quieter but lose the view.

Base math: rates are typically mid-range and often lower than equivalent four-stars in the historic centre. It suits couples, design lovers, travellers on a second visit, and those combining the city with Foz, Serralves and the coast. First-time visitors who want to step straight out into the old town should choose a central hotel instead.