Wine lovers have long favored Porto for its part in creating Port wine. In the past, the city, the second largest in Portugal, was the transportation hub for the wine trade. The winemakers produced the wine in the Douro Valley and transported it to Vila Nova de Gaia (the city across from Porto) to age in barrels before exporting it. Since then, Porto and the surrounding cities have gained a reputation for being excellent places for wine enthusiasts, and The Yeatman is the perfect wine-themed stay.
Overlooking the pastel-colored buildings in Porto, The Yeatman, a Relais & Chateaux property, comprises 109 rooms, including 20 suites. After opening in 2010, it quickly became popular due to its wine-inspired accommodations that play an ode to the city’s history. Since the property is built into a hill, almost every single room onsite offers guests spectacular views of the city and Douro River. In addition, a vast majority of the rooms have private terraces.
Onsite, you’ll find a decanter-shaped pool, Portuguese wine partners associated with each room, and an incredible wine cellar with over 30,000+ bottles of wine. There is also a lovely wine spa, which was redone in May 2023 and offers guests vinotherapy-based treatments alongside facilities that include Roman baths, different saunas, and a halo therapy wall.
With its proximity to WOW and Porto, there is plenty to explore. In fact, it’s just a quick 15-minute drive to some of Porto’s most famous sites, including Livraria Lello, Porto São Bento, and Clerigos Church and Tower. However, the hotel has eight permanent exhibitions that all dive into the city and its wine-making history, so there’s plenty to do.
For light afternoon bites, it’s worth heading to Dick’s Bar and Bistro, which has an indoor and outdoor area. The restaurant serves up dishes like Portuguese cheese plates, chicken tacos, and delicious salads paired with an extensive wine selection. If you’re looking for an afternoon tasting, the bar and bistro also offer a wine flight so you can test out a piece of local wines.
For a unique experience, book yourself into the hotel’s wine dinner hosted every Thursday. The onsite wine director works with different wine producers to choose exceptional wines, and a meal is created to compliment the wines that are being highlighted. In addition, the property hosts daily wine tastings, which include customized master classes with sommeliers or smaller tastings that dive into the basics for beginners.
To try some of the best food in Porto, you don’t need to go far. There is a two-Michellin-starred restaurant onsite dubbed The Yeatman Gastronomic Restaurant. It serves up an upscale culinary experience created by renowned chef Ricardo Costa. It’s less formal but just as delicious as The Orangerie, a spot serving a bevy of local fish.
Top Takeaways
Location: Porto, Portugal
Rating: Five-Star
The Vibe: A wine enthusiast’s wildest dreams in a boutique hotel.
Food + Drink: Start and end the day with the complimentary onsite breakfast. During the afternoon, head to Dicks Bar and Bistro for a local cheese plate, snacks, and of course, a wine flight. In the evening, opt for a fancy dinner at the two-Michelin-starred The Yeatman Gastronomic Restaurant or yummy fish dishes at the more casual Orangerie.
Amenities: indoor and outdoor pool; onsite spa with lavish facilities; included breakfast;
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: Since it’s built into a hill, almost all 109 rooms have spectacular views over Porto.
5 Nearby Attractions: WOW, Cultural District; Livraria Lello; Porto São Bento; Clerigos Church and Tower; and Porto Cathedral.
Any Personal Neighborhood Recs? Just down the hill from the property is WOW, a cultural district filled with fabulous restaurants, bars, and exhibits.
Rooms: 109 rooms and suites
Pricing: Rooms start at $300/a night
Closest Airport: Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO)
