Neya Hotel Porto

The riverfront Neya Hotel Porto sits on the north bank of the grand Douro River.

With its contrasting dark, anodised steel and bright arched windows, the Neya’s thoroughly modern front facade can be a little misleading. The original building was constructed in the 15^th century as a stately private residence, before it’s conversion into the Convento Madre Deus de Monchique just over a century later. By the 19^th century and with the suppression of religious orders, the building was claimed by the state and converted into shops and residences, before it’s eventual abandonment in the late 20^th century.

The sympathetic 21st century conversion into the Neya Hotel secured and retained the historic remains of the convent – particularly in the private inner courtyard, where the preserved remains provide an impressive backdrop. Elements can also be seen in the guest bedrooms, and the roughly hewn sandstone is a welcome contrast to the clean lines of the contemporary décor.

There are 124 guest rooms in total, some overlooking the courtyard and cloister, and front-facing rooms overlooking the river. The vintage Linha 1 tram line runs directly in front of the hotel – guests in the river view rooms can usually set their watches by these charming heritage trams as they rumble by.

The Viva Porto restaurant showcases the best of northern Portugal’s seasonal gastronomy, and the Ultimo rooftop skybar and its terrace provide a wonderful sweeping view of the Douro and Porto’s sister-city Vila Nova da Gaia.