Hotel
The Yeatman
A luxury wine hotel on the hillside of Vila Nova de Gaia, with infinity pools, a wine spa and a two-Michelin-star restaurant facing Porto across the…
InterContinental Porto – Palácio das Cardosas
A luxury hotel in the Palácio das Cardosas, a 19th-century palace on the site of a 15th-century convent, overlooking Praça da Liberdade and Avenida dos Aliados.
At a glance
- Type
- Luxury hotel in a historic palace
- Area
- Aliados, Porto, Portugal
- Price
- $$$$ · Luxury
Good to know
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Spa
- Afternoon tea
- Central location
Why we recommend it
The InterContinental Porto occupies the Palácio das Cardosas, a long classical building that closes the southern end of Avenida dos Aliados at Praça da Liberdade. Its history goes back much further than the façade suggests. A convent of the Lóios, the Congregation of Secular Canons of St John the Evangelist, was founded here in 1490, and the building was rebuilt and enlarged in the late 16th century. Over the following centuries it served as a military hospital and, during the siege of Porto in 1832, as the mint.
After the religious orders were abolished in 1834, the building was sold at auction to the merchant Jesus Cardoso dos Santos, who was required to complete it according to the original design. It passed to his widow and daughters, which explains the name Palácio das Cardosas, the palace of the Cardoso women. The church and convent were demolished in the late 19th century, leaving the main façade, and the hotel opened behind it on 7 July 2011.
Inside, the hotel has Belle Époque-inspired interiors spread across an entire city block. Rooms are classic in style, and some suites span two floors and have private terraces. Astoria, the signature restaurant, serves dishes such as oxtail risotto and black bass, with indoor tables and a sunny terrace, while the Cardosas Bar, with the feel of an English library, is the place for afternoon tea, port or a cocktail. A small spa offers a sauna, massages and body treatments. An arcade of luxury boutiques runs along the ground floor.
The location is the hotel's biggest strength. São Bento station, the Clérigos Tower, Livraria Lello and the Aliados are all within a few minutes' walk, and the Ribeira is a ten-minute stroll downhill. It suits couples, business travellers and anyone who wants a luxury base in the heart of the city with easy access on foot to the main sights. Rooms facing the square have the best views but are closer to street life, so ask for a quieter room if you are a light sleeper.
Aliados and São Bento metro stations are both close by, and line D links the area directly with Vila Nova de Gaia across the Dom Luís I Bridge.
InterContinental Porto – Palácio das Cardosas FAQs
Where is the InterContinental Porto?
At Praça da Liberdade 25, at the southern end of Avenida dos Aliados.
What is the history of the building?
It stands on the site of a convent founded in 1490 and became the Palácio das Cardosas in the 19th century.
When did the hotel open?
On 7 July 2011.
Does the hotel have a restaurant?
Yes, Astoria, with a terrace, plus the Cardosas Bar.
Is there a spa?
Yes, a small spa with a sauna, massages and body treatments.
Can non-guests have afternoon tea?
The Cardosas Bar serves afternoon tea; contact the hotel to check availability.
How far is it to the Ribeira?
About ten minutes' walk downhill.
Which metro stations are nearby?
Aliados and São Bento.