Official UK partner to the Paradors, Pousadas, Pestana Hotels & Resorts,
Teritoria, and European Hotels Collection. Keytours International,
formerly Keytel International, your agent in the UK.
Former soap and candle factory on the banks of the River Douro
Nestled just along from the Pestana Freixo Palace on the banks of the Douro River you will find the Pestana Douro Riverside Hotel. Occupying a former 19th century soap and candle factory, the hotel has been completely refurbished with colourful, contemporary décor that features playful homages to the building’s history.
The hotel has made the most of the large industrial structure to create bright, open spaces and comfortably sized bedrooms. Inspired by its manufacturing roots, each floor is dedicated to a different scent (lavender, jasmine, orange blossom, rose, cherry blossom, chamomile, geranium and lily) and the charming red brick chimney that dominates the central reception area serves as a further reminder of the building’s former purpose.
Bedrooms are stylishly decorated, often with floral flourishes, with comfortable furnishings and all featuring ensuite bathrooms, LCD TVs, free WiFi and air conditioning. Most rooms enjoy views of the Douro River and many also have private balconies so you can relax and take in the fabulous vista.
In summer months you can cool off in the hotel’s outdoor infinity pool that looks out over the river. There is a pool bar and plenty of space on the terrace to enjoy a drink in the sunshine. In addition to the seasonal outdoor pool, guests can use the indoor heated plunge pool, relax with a massage, or keep fit in the hotel’s private gym.
Enjoy a dinner in the hotels Grill Restaurant which specialises in variety of meat and seafood dishes and enjoys superb panoramic views of the river. Pestana Douro Riverside also offers all-day dining in its gastro bar which offers a variety of light snacks, cocktails and, of course, a wonderful port wine selection.
For businesses or group travellers, the hotel has several conference rooms, and a large, attractive hall should you choose to host a meeting or event.
Just 4km from Porto’s city centre, you can make the 10-minute journey into the city and explore the wonderful historic centre and all its sights or soak up the hotel’s peaceful riverside setting and take a leisurely stroll along the embankment.
Porto is the second largest city in Portugal and, in recent years, has given Lisbon stiff competition for its popularity amongst tourists. The city is split into two by the Douro River with the South side known as Vila Nova de Gaia, and the North side the main city of Porto. You can move between the two areas via the impressive metal arch Dom Luis I Bridge.
From Vila Nova de Gaia you are treated to spectacular views of Porto and the historic centre, with special designated viewing platforms ideal for any budding photographers. This is also where you will find a majority of the famous Porto wine cellars where you can organise tastings and buy some of the fabulous Port to take home. There are also many restaurants and cafes along the riverside where you can relax and take in the views.
In Porto itself you will find a variety of activities and sights. The Clerigos Tower and Church are set at the top of the city and work as a great reference point to identify whereabouts you are in the city as it can be spotted from most locations. Close to the tower you will find the magnificent Lello & Irmão bookshop with its ornate staircase and packed bookshelves, a must-see for any booklovers. Other fantastic sights around the city include the São Bento train station, whose entrance hall is decorated in the typical blue Portuguese tiles (azuelejos), and the Palácio de Bolsa, a 19th century neoclassical building which was commissioned by the Commercial Association. There are many of these historical treasures that can be found in Porto and the city itself gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 1996 thanks to its historic centre.
Porto is also a fantastic base for cruises along the Douro River to enjoy the valley’s fantastic scenery and visits to vineyards. You can pick up day cruises from the city’s riverside quay where you can also find plenty of shops and restaurants.
For Pousada pool information please visit our information on pools page.
Aroma Restaurant:
Breakfast: 07:30 - 11:00
Lunch: 12:30 - 15:30
Dinner: 19:30 - 22:30
Bar - The Great Daisy: 11:00 - 00:00
The 2nd Bar (poolside): 10:00 - 19:00
Exit Porto Airport (OPO)
Leave the airport via Av. do Aeroporto, heading toward the A41 motorway.
Merge onto A41
Follow signs for Maia / Porto / A4
Take the exit to join the A4 motorway toward Porto / Matosinhos / VCI.
Continue on A4, then join VCI (Via de Cintura Interna)
Stay on the VCI (Porto’s inner ring road), heading east/southeast.
Follow signs for Freixo / A43 / Gondomar.
Take Exit for Freixo / A43 / Gondomar
After crossing Freixo Bridge, exit toward Gondomar / A43.
Continue on N108 (Estrada Nacional 108)
Merge onto Estrada Nacional 108, also known as Av. Escritor Costa Barreto, heading along the Douro River.
The hotel is located riverside — keep following the river.
Arrive at Pestana Douro Riverside
The hotel will be on your right at Avenida Escritor Costa Barreto 42, 4420-445, Porto / Campanhã / Gondomar.
Former soap and candle factory on the banks of the River Douro
Historic Hotel with contemporary interiors in the heart of the Old Town
Private underground parking (daily charges apply)
Arguably Portugal's most scenic mainland region, the Pousadas and Pestana Hotels of Porto and the North offers guests the chance to enjoy both the natural beauty of the area, as well as the cultural delights of cities like Porto and Guimaraes.
