Porto A.S. 1829 Hotel

Porto A.S. 1829 Hotel doesn't hide its admiration for its historical neighbor, and instead flaunts it. Opened in 1829 as a paper warehouse, Araujo & Sobrinho is a city staple that has grown to be one of the oldest stationary shops in the world. Paying homage to the store, Porto A.S. 1829 Hotel is smart, clean, and stylish, reflecting everything a good typeset should be. The decor details read like a page from the building's history with clever touches such as vintage typewriters in the elevators, drafting tables in the lobby, and an overall vibe that reflects a sleek take on an industrial warehouse. There's a strong sense of history throughout, though crisp public areas have an undeniably contemporary feel that's a welcome contrast against some of the crumbling or decaying old buildings in the city. 

Porto A.S. 1829 Hotel is located in the Sao Nicolau district, between Avenida dos Aliados and Ribeira, and just a 10-minute walk from the Sao Bento train station. It's ideally located for anyone who wants to be within a 15-minute walk from most of the city's most popular destinations. The UNESCO World Heritage section of the city is also just a few minutes' walk away, while the first of the port wine cellars across the Dom Luis I Bridge are just a 15-minute walk away. In the opposite (slightly uphill) direction, visitors can reach the Clergio's Tower and Lello Library within eight minutes and 10 minutes, respectively. For the most part, Porto is a wholly walkable city, and guests at this hotel can reach practically everything within the city center area in about 20 minutes on foot. The airport is around a 30-minute drive or one-hour public transit journey from the hotel. 

• Five-minute walk to the Gothic church of St. Francis 
• 13-minute walk to the Mercado do Bolhão
• 15-minute walk to the shopping district of Rua Catarina

The classy style of the hotel reaches through to the rooms; beautiful light-wood floors and patterned-tile accents create a warm tone that is balanced with the cooler colors of blue and gray on the beds and walls. Some rooms add attractive exposed-brick accent walls and vintage touches such as rotary phones and pale-pink partition screens with an old-letter motif. Large or floor-to-ceiling windows let light flood in, while the heavy velvet curtains help keep it dark through the night. More contemporary touches include bedside control panels for the lights and thermostat, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. 

Small Rooms are aptly named, while going up to the Standard Room category will provide a little more space thanks to small recessed sunrooms with tables and chairs. Standard Rooms have tiny bathrooms and sinks in the bedrooms. Superior Rooms have lots of style, outfitted with recessed French-door windows, natural-wood writing desks, and antique-style shower/tub combos with wraparound curtains -- note that they are located outside of the bathroom, hidden behind panel screens. 

All rooms include air-conditioning, coffee- and tea-making facilities, mini-fridges, slippers, and safes, plus bathrobes upon request. Guests also receive a welcome drink and daily newspaper. On the whole, bathrooms are tiny, but come with a wide range of quality toiletries. Rooms have either pleasant city or unattractive building views, and some have personal terraces. Some guests have complained that rooms overlooking the street can be noisy at night.

Being a boutique property, features aren't extensive; there's no gym or spa facilities offered. The hotel does have a ground-floor restaurant full of windows, giving diners a wide view of the corner action outside the hotel. Their menu reflects an elevated and contemporary take on classic Portuguese food and has vegetarian and gluten-free options. The menu changes twice a year with the seasons. The hotel's breakfast menu costs extra and though it contains items such as fresh fruit, homemade cakes and jams, smoked salmon, and Portuguese cheese, it seems to fall into the category of average with most guests. 

Also on the ground floor is the modern-day incarnation of Araujo & Sobrinho, selling upscale and luxury items from perfumed soaps to Porto guide books and small art prints. Other services provided by the hotel, on request, include laundry, dry cleaning, and ironing; concierge help with tours, rentals, and taxis; babysitting and doctor services, and cribs and cots for families. These services are at an extra charge and must be arranged in advance. Wi-Fi is free throughout.