Pestana Palácio do Freixo Porto

Located in the city of Porto, 3 km from the centre of one of Portugal’s most vibrant regions, the Palácio do Freixo, classified in 1910 as a National Monument, is a unique example of Baroque architecture, with about 10 thousand m2 of gardens and green spaces offering breathtaking views of the River Douro.

The setting of an excellent Urban Resort, it is a member of the exclusive consortium The Leading Hotels of the World and provides you with an unparalleled experience that marries traditional values with contemporary comfort.

The Pestana Palácio do Freixo is characterised by its sumptuous eighteenth century architecture. It was built by Nicolau Nasoni, one of the most important architects that helped Porto become a World Heritage Site.

ROOMS & SUITES
The Douro River that flows in front of your window, your balcony or even on your side is the guardian of the light and tranquility that follow the rhythm of your rest.

And, with the shades of wine and the vineyard that inspire the contemporary decor of the rooms, you will never forget the extraordinary region where you are, under the influence of the terraces of green and fertile land where the nectar of the gods is born and where the warriors rest.

​Here you find the most romantic rooms; more sober rooms with arches and balconies; bright rooms with skywindows and warm and voluptuous rooms like the local wine.

SUITE NASONI
The magnificient Nasoni suite, with twin or king size bed, offers a balcony with excellent sun exposure and large relaxation area, overlooking the Douro river. This luxury suite offers a separate living and bedroom area, measuring approximately 130sqm.

It can comfortably accomodate 3 rollaway beds. The suite has 2 bathrooms, one with walk in shower and natural light. This superb suite combines contemporary elegance, confort and style. Individually controlled airconditioning, SMART TV, minibar and private safe.

SUITE BALCONY
​Overlooking the magnificient Douro River, these superb suites with twin or king size bed, combines contemporary elegance, comfort and style. These spacious rooms offer balconies with a relaxing area, measuring approximately 77sqm, and a separate living and bedroom area.

They can comfortably accomodate 2 rollaway beds. The private bathroom is equipped with bathtub and walk in shower. The room is furnished in an elegant and modern style. Individually controlled airconditioning, SMART TV, minibar and private safe are available in all rooms.

JUNIOR SUITE
The spacious junior suite, with view on the property surrondings, twin or king size bed, measures approximately 60sqm and offers a separate living and bedroom area. It can comfortably accomodate 2 rollaway beds.

The private bathroom is equipped with bathtub or walk in shower. The room is furnished in an elegant and modern style. Individually controlled airconditioning, SMART TV, minibar and private safe are available in all rooms.

DELUXE GRAND VIEW
Rooms with single or king-size beds and the capacity to accommodate an extra bed, measuring approximately 43 m², offer stunning views of the Douro River. Bathrooms are equipped with a bath or shower. The rooms are decorated in an elegant and modern style and equipped with air conditioning, SMART TV, minibar and safe.

SUPERIOR ROOM
The classic superior rooms, with twin or king size beds, measure approximately 33sqm and can accomodate a rollaway bed. The majority of the rooms are located on the second floor and above. The private bathrooms are equipped with bathtub or shower.

The rooms are furnished in an elegant and modern style. Individually controlled airconditioning, flat sceen television, minibar and private safe are available in all rooms.One of these rooms is adapted, whilst also comunicating – making it an ideal choice for families with small children.

DINING
There are several mouth-watering times of the day during your stay at the Pestana Palácio do Freixo, where we have three perfect places to welcome you. The all-day dining at the Nasoni bar serves international and contemporary dishes inspired by Portuguese and Italian cuisine, accompanied by a menu dedicated to the wines of Porto , regional wines and signature cocktails, all with a magnificent view of the Douro river.

The Promenade bar is located next to the infinity pool and servesa light and tasty menu with salads, sandwiches and hamburgers, as well as an extensive list of drinks to enjoy throughout the day.

The Palatium restaurant is dedicated to cuisine from the wine-growing region in the North, with influences from Portuguese and Mediterranean cuisine. The tasting menus and the pairing experiences respect the origins of each product and use the best ingredients from both land and sea.

In an unrivalled palatial atmosphere, decorated with frescoes and paintings that date back to when the palace was first built, it is the perfect place to enjoy an exclusive and sophisticated gastronomic experience.

NASONI DINING & BAR
The burgers, dubbed classics, are in reality absolutely unmissable and, if you have a business lunch or want to invite someone from the city, the steaks or pastas are a very safe option. The desserts, soft and punchy, escape the classic and allow you to enjoy your afternoon without guilt.

At night there is a different menu, much simpler in its gastronomic offerings. It is best to order an appetizer or one of the delicious cocktails and of course enjoy a Port while taking in a view of the amazing river where it is produced.
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This bar, located in the fireplaceroom and adjacent to paintings by Júlio Resende as well as large windowswith view over the river, offers many surprises and perfect indulgences to spice up your stay. Whether you prefer a lighter lunch or to check in late and just want to regain your energy, here you will find sophisticated, elegant and absolutely delicious options.

PALATIUM
Which brings us dancing happily to the inevitible wine list. It has references from Douro, but also all to the Vinho Verde region as exponents of the region. It has excellent suggestions by the glass as well as sparkling wines both national and international to score every perfect moment of your stay.

Carpaccios and ceviches give a fresh note to the appetizers where classic ingredients from the Northern cuisine are handled in a way that takes advantage of their flavors. In a room with the antique frescos of 1850 restored with tempera, in a classic and sophisticated environment, take a trip through what Porto’s – and the Portuguese – cuisine has to offer.

The chef will serve you an amusebouche with the inspiration of the season and suggestions of appetizers are chosen in harmony with the menu. Sea and land are treated without preciousness to make room for the certified origin of the products, you will find the relevant seasonal offerings and the most desirable raw materials.

The seafoods of the coast and the fish just arrived from the Atlantic, maronesas and arouquesas veal calves raised at the Minho pastures coupled with techniques that seek a return to the essential cuisine are a deceptively simple sophistication. All the dishes have matching suggestions to raise your meal a truly aristocratic status.

MEETINGS & EVENTS
Your manor house for weddings and special occasions. The setting of the Pestana Palácio do Freixo is so romantic that it immediately calls to mind beautiful weddings and other special ceremonies and events. Many brides and bridegrooms have already chosen us to celebrate their big day, knowing that they can count on our personal attention, luxury service and beautifully decorated reception rooms.

At the Pestana Palácio do Freixo, history changed the course of events and, where once it was the private area of the family, with its dining rooms decorated with frescoes and stucco; are now meeting or eventrooms, perfect for small celebration dinners or for medium-sizedmeetings.

The Visconde de Azurara and Visconde Velado rooms deserve a visit, even for the architectural and decorative details that adorn them. With the large stonework windows facing the river, they are the perfect place to organize a small or medium event.

If you want to have a bigger party, the Douro hall, an enormous room in the building of the old mills, full of windows and light, is the ideal place to do it. Perfect for banquets, parties and weddings, it can also welcome presentations, conferences and meetings. And of course, the beautiful gardens are perfect for serving cocktails or arranging a reception before your event.

A highly sought after place for weddings, the Pestana Palácio do Freixo helps you organize ceremonies in the gardens or in the small chapel, according to the number of guests and the type of atmosphere that is desired.

And since everything changes overnight, shift from the bright stylish days to golden, sophisticated nights, full of glamor and charm. The desserts follow the philosophy of the station and the northern Terroir matched with Port wine in absolute combination of flavors and textures.

In the adjacent rooms, you can take an excellent breakfast with a huge supply of fresh pastries and various newspapers as company. Here you can really live like the Viscount of Freixo, if he knew the advantages of having continuous access to premium internet.

LEISURE & SERVICES
For your comfort, the Palácio do Freixo provides a free daily transfer service, so that you can easily reach the centre of the city. If you’re spending only a weekend here, make sure to visit Fundação Serralves and Casa da Música (Music House), the most prominent icons of the city’s contemporary cultural diversity.

Back at the palace, you also find equally stimulating activities, although much more comfortable: the indoorpool, the Jacuzzi, the sauna and the Turkish bath are ideal to recover your energy after a long day of sightseeing.

If the weather is good, be sure to take a dip in the amazing rooftop pool with a panoramic view of the river and watch the sunset on the deck chairs of the pontoon. If you look at the Palace, you can hear that the soft and golden tones of the Hall of Mirrors, where the family organized their parties, calling for you.

If you want to stay fit, our excellent gym is a way to take some time out and make room for the fantastic meals that you will enjoy here. Again, you will find towels, water and even fresh fruit so that you don’t lose your energy during your workout.

If you are a fan of running and prefer to do your excersise outdoors, you can take this chance to combine training and tourism and run to the Ribeira area, an unforgettable and unique way to see the city.

After so much activity, the ideal is to go up to your room and enjoy the excellent room dining menu and call room service. And since you’re already thinking about all the positive and pleasant sensations you can enjoy here, seriously think about going to the MagicSpa for a massage.

Although the relaxation treatments are always the most desirable, try leaving your comfort zone and opt for an extraordinary Rebalance massage, or a facial treatment that will leave your skin like new and your soul like a feather.

PORTO
Porto is the origin of Portugal’s name. Porto is one of the oldest Portuguese cities, and is also known as “Cidade Invicta”, because it has never been defeated in battle by invading forces. The Historic Centre of Porto was declared a World Heritage in 1996.

In 2012, Porto was distinguished as the Best European Destination. The city is known worldwide for its Port Wine, and for its old and contemporary architecture, and for the five bridges that define the historical epochs of the city.

Next to the river and to the sea, Porto is a city of contrasts in which medieval arcades coexist with buildings such as the “Casa de Música”. It is a captivating city, the character and the hospitality of its inhabitants invite one to visit it again and again.

FROM BOAVISTA TO FOZ
The “Casa da Música” is located at the junction of the Rotunda and the Avenida da Boavista – a masterpiece of the Dutch architect Rem Koolhas. It is one of the most important musical institutions in the country and no visitor should miss it.

Following the Avenida da Boavista, the points of interest succeed one another: from the coffee bars and the terraces to the small palaces that dominate the second half of this avenue. Halfway through, you can visit the Contemporary Art Museum of the Serralves Foundation, a work by the architect Siza Vieira, and spend some time in the magnificent gardens of the “Casa da Serralves”.

From here, you can opt to descend to the sea through the Avenida Marechal Gomes da Costa, or take the Avenida da Boavista, crossing the immense city park, which leads to the sand of the “Castelo do Queijo” beach. Whatever your choice is, a wonderful sunset awaits you at any of the numerous beaches of the Foz do Douro.

A WALK ON THE DOURO RIVER
Embedded in the meanders of the Douro River and the traces of the city’s wall, the “Ribeira do Porto” invites one to take a walk to discover the narrow streets, stairs and small avenues in which it is still possible to sense the authenticity of the inhabitants, the old houses and the small shops and restaurants, in a mosaic of sounds and smells which visitors will discover while they ascend the hill towards the Cathedral.

It is said that the best views of Porto can be enjoyed from the “Ribeira de Gaia” and the “Serra do Pilar” Viewpoint. And it is true. Therefore, you should cross the bridge that is already one of the city’s classic postcard sceneries the Dom Luís Bridge, and enjoy the view before venturing into the succession of Port Wine Caves with their respective tastings.

If you prefer something different, accept the invitation of a boat trip on the Douro Region under the five bridges or beyond. In any case, it is an excellent option for spendingvan afternoon or some days of relaxation on the Douro River.

THE UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE
The “Torre dos Clérigos” (Tower of Clerics) is an icon of the city – a baroque tower by Nicolau Nasoni. It is the starting point to discover many other nearby monuments. At the end of the road, the S. Bento Station is famous for its panels with historic glazedtiles.

Close to it are the “cadeia da Relação” (where the Portuguese Centre of Photography is located) and the S. Bento da Vitória Monastery. Descending the road, the Stock Exchange Palace and the “Ordem Terceira de S. Francisco”, where visitors can admire paintings, sculptures, jewelry and furniture.

Back to Cordoaria, the Lello Library and the Carmo and Carmelitas churches will attract the traveler’s attention. Close to the “Pena Ventosa”, the Cathedral, the Santa Clara Convent and the “Fernandina” City Wall are the most distinctive features. There is so much more to see within a range of only a few kilometers by foot: The National Soares dos Reis Museum, the Port Wine Museum and the “Casa do Infante”.

PANORAMIC VIEWS
With sun, fog or even with rain, Porto must be visited on foot. Despite the ascents and descents, walking around has compensations, with viewpoints and promontories with astonishing panoramic views and different perspectives of the city, the river, the buildings or the sea.

Take a cable car ride at the Ribeira de Gaia and climb to the Serra do Pilar or take the Guindais Funicular and save the climb from Ribeira to Batalha. Any of these two routes will offer you the most beautiful views onto the river or the Foz. If you prefer the shadows and the freshness of nature, Porto will offer you its generous parks and romantic gardens.

Follow the Gardens of Cordoaria, famous for its statues, until you reach the Gardens of the Crystal Palace and from there go to the Botanical Garden in Campo Alegre, and the Pastelaria Park and finally rest in the Parque da Cidade but only after having reached the sea.

THE MARKET
In Porto, one can eat very well for little money. Moreover, it represents the gastronomic tradition of the North of the Country. However, when talking about the gastronomy of Porto, it is mandatory to mention one of its main dishes: Tripe Porto style – a dish with history, which resulted in the nickname of the inhabitants of Porto: “tripeiros”. There is an immense variety of restaurants with an always friendly service and excellent atmosphere.

From typical cuisine to fusion cuisine, from a more traditional and familiar atmosphere to the more sophisticated designer restaurants, a visit to Porto guarantees a gastronomic experience that will be etched in your memory.

DOURO WINE
To the endless varieties of codfish recipes Porto has added its own dish: Codfish ”Gomes de Sá” Style. Here, the octopus is enjoyed fried, in fillets, and with “malandrinho” rice. The Douro table wines are excellent, but during the meal, there will be always a moment for a Port Wine, whether as aperitif or during the dessert. When taking part in a Port Wine tasting at the caves, never forget to buy a bottle.

During your stay, there should always be a moment to taste the traditional “Francesinha”, the recipe which was created by a Portuguese emigrant in France. He prepared a secret sauce and conquered the palate and the heart of an entire city. A good “Francesinha” consists on a good loaf of bread stuffed with smoked meats and topped with a smooth melted cheese.

Some include eggs and accompany it with French fries. The result is always a full meal that should be enjoyed with some time and in good company. It is an exclusive dish of Porto and an invitation to socialize.

Rooms: 87

Price: from 176 EUR per night

Source: www.pestanacollection.com