Flores Village Hotel & Spa

From the cobblestone street, the bright, Mediterranean-blue paint along the window frames of the Flores Village Hotel & Spa entrance is hard to miss. A walk through the sliding glass doors and the simple, yet classic decor of the hotel feels both warm and welcoming. The lobby area is fairly small, outfitted with comfy velvet and leather seating, lots of mirrors and artwork on the walls, and lovely stone archways. Decorative crown molding and ceiling frescoes in the breakfast room are particularly stunning. A wide set of stairs leads up to the hotel's rooms -- or guests can hitch a ride in the elevator. 

Overall, the classic contemporary decor and the verdant garden courtyard are a pleasant contrast to the narrow and (beautifully) dilapidated buildings and spaces of the city that this hilltop hotel overlooks. While the hotel is compact, it manages the space well; nothing feels too cramped, and guests here are mostly families and couples who keep to themselves.

Located along a quiet but busy cobblestone street just three minutes' walk from the Sao Bento train station and metro, Flores Village Hotel & Spa is a convenient and easy-to-find spot in central Porto. Note that the narrow street is typically only open to pedestrians, so parking can be tricky. A parking garage is located near the hotel though. The hotel is located within the city's UNESCO World Heritage area and Porto itself is a small and walkable city. The restaurants, bars, and shops along the Douro riverfront is a 10-minute walk away. Porto Airport can be reached in 15 minutes by car, or by walking 15 minutes to the Bolhao metro line stop and hopping on the purple line to the final Aeroporto stop (about an hour journey). There are also private bus companies that leave from outside the McDonalds on Avenida dos Aliados (seven-minute walk) and stop at the airport. 

• Five-minute walk to Porto Cathedral
• Six-minute walk to the Livraria Lello
• Seven-minute walk to the Museum of Natural History and Ponte Luis I
• 10-minute walk to the Mercado do Bolhao and shopping street of Rua de Santa Catarina
• 20-minute walk to wine caves of Villa Nova di Gaia
• 11-minute drive to the Botanic Gardens
• 13-minute drive to the Casa de Musica concert hall

Rooms at the Flores Village Hotel & Spa are stylish and large with a condo-style feel. Decor is sophisticated and classy, though simple, consisting of mostly bare, off-white walls, contemporary furniture, and light hardwood floors. Double Rooms are the lowest category, outfitted with pops of color in accent walls, tufted headboards, and velvet chair. Some of these rooms can interconnect but they lack kitchenettes found in other rooms. Suites are more spacious, plus they have living and dining room areas, and kitchenettes with toasters, microwaves, fridges, electric two-burner stoves, and necessary cookware. 

While Suites have a balcony, the Suite Deluxe rooms also have personal terrace space with garden views and outdoor seating. The Grand Suite is decorated in a romantic Romanesque theme with pale greens; these city-view rooms are spacious and have balconies instead of terraces. No matter what room type, guests can expect to find air-conditioning, modern desks, huge flatscreen TVs with cable, free Wi-Fi, well-priced minibars, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. All squeaky clean, marble bathrooms include disposable slippers, terrycloth robes, toiletries, and bidets. Some bathrooms have stand-up showers, while others have shower/tub combos. 

Though a small, city-centered boutique, Flores Village comfortably manages an impressive wellness center. A narrow stairwell off of the lobby leads almost directly into the waters of the hotel's small but impressive Roman bath. The stone, jetted pool stretches from wall to wall, has various levels and seating spaces, and is bathed in chromogenic lights. The spa features guest-only specials, a range of treatments from wine therapy to traditional massage, and a spacious Turkish bath and sauna. Near here is a small gym with a handful of state-of-the-art TechnoGym cardio machines, free weights, and mats. 

Though there is no full restaurant or bar, all rates include a fantastic breakfast buffet of cooked eggs, cold cuts, fresh fruit, pastries, yogurts, juice, and coffee. There's also an in-room breakfast menu, a free alternative to heading down to the snazzy breakfast room in the morning. In the relaxation room outside of the breakfast area, there are a couch, large TV, and bar with free tea, juice, and coffee during the day. Guests also receive a free glass of port on arrival.

The tranquil outdoor garden has cushioned loungers, cabanas, and fountains, plus there's a furnished terrace with stunning city views. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.