Northern Portugal

Vila Galé Collection Braga was formerly the São Marcos hospital, dating from 1508 and built where there used to be a hermitage devoted to São Marcos, a hostel and a Templar convent. Today, the property has been transformed into a hotel which maintains the building’s historical and architectural side with original elements such as the vaulted ceilings.  This beautifully appointed building, light and airy conveys a sense of history.

The hotel is conveniently located in the centre of Braga - one of the most ancient cities in the country, over 2,000 years old.  Braga combines the traditional and the modern side by side, providing a journey through history and architecture of various eras.  Visit the country’s first Cathedral from the 12th century; climb up to Bom Jesus do Monte by foot, or by taking the funicular dating from 1882; and taste the local gastronomy, particularly the Frigideiras (meat puff pastry mini-pies), Braga-style Cod, papas de Sarrabulho (shredded pork stew in a curdled blood gravy), roast kid, Abade de Priscos Pudding or the irresistible biscuits Fidalguinhos.

Accommodation:

• 123 air-conditioned rooms including standard rooms, family rooms, superior rooms and suites.

Set in beautiful gardens, this former Taylor's wine warehouse occupies an unrivalled position on the banks of the River Douro at the heart of Portugal’s Port wine region. Dating from the 18th century, the Vintage House Hotel has been tastefully refurbished and modernised in the traditional Douro style, whilst preserving the unique heritage of the property. More than 100 varieties of port can be enjoyed in the hotel’s bar and restaurant and, for those with a real appreciation for port, in the hotel’s wine academy.
 
The Vintage House Hotel is ideal for those seeking luxury, relaxation and tranquillity. It also serves as the perfect base from which to explore one of the most beautiful and unspoiled regions of Europe.
 
Accommodation

• 47 air-conditioned rooms including standard rooms, junior suites, deluxe suites and master suites
• All rooms have a bathroom (bath and shower), hairdryer, satellite TV (with video on demand), radio, telephone, safe deposit box, minibar, complimentary WiFi and a private terrace or balcony with river view
• Junior suites have a designated living area and will accommodate two children (2-12yrs) on a single sofa bed and one fold-up bed
• Suites, located on the first floor, have a double/twin bedroom, separate living room and balcony with river view

Amenities/Leisure

• Buffet breakfast
• Restaurant ‘Rabelo’ with terrace offering traditional and international cuisine
• Bar and lounge
• Lift
• Complimentary WiFi in public areas
• Well maintained gardens
• Outdoor swimming pool (7 x 12m) open May-Oct
• Tennis court (free of charge)
• Free parking
• Located behind Pinhão train station (tickets for the regional train to Porto can be purchased locally c.12 Euros per person each way. The journey takes c.2.5 hours.
• Visits to local wine estates (or Quinta) can be arranged locally
• 5-minutes walk to two restaurants (one modern and one traditional) in the village and 10-minutes drive to ‘DOC’ restaurant which has a locally renowned chef Rui Paula – reservations required

The Pousada do Porto (Pestana Palácio do Freixo), designed by the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni, is one of the finest examples of Portuguese architecture from the baroque period. Built in 1742, the hotel has preserved the entire facade of the palace buildings, which became a National Monument in 1910. Today, the property consists of two separate but interconnected buildings: the Palácio which houses the restaurant, bar and lounges; and the former Harmonia Flour Factory, where the guest bedrooms are located.

With its charming river front setting, excellent traditional cuisine, attentive and personal service and considerable on-site facilities we recommend the hotel for guests looking to relax and unwind in Portugal’s second city.

Accommodation

• 87 air-conditioned rooms including classic rooms, superior rooms, superior deluxe rooms, junior suites, suites and one special suite 
• All rooms have a bathroom (bath or shower), hairdryer, telephone, cable TV, complimentary WiFi, minibar and safe deposit box
• Classic rooms have a palace or garden view
• Superior rooms have a side or full river view
• Deluxe rooms, located on the corners, have a view over the River Douro
• Junior suites have a garden view
• Suites have a bathroom with bath and separate shower cubicle and a view over the River Douro
• Due to the age of the property, all rooms vary in size and shape.

Amenities/Leisure

• Buffet breakfast
• Refined restaurant serving local cuisine
• Bar
• Outdoor swimming pool (18 x 6m) open May-Sep 
• Spa with indoor heated swimming pool (12 x 6m), sauna, Turkish bath, massage rooms and gym 
• 2 Lifts
• Free parking
• 5-minutes drive (or 30-minutes walk) to the historic centre of Porto.
• Complimentary shuttle bus service to the centre of Porto