The Largo

Hidden in plain sight, the 18-suite The Largo is Porto’s most luxurious yet most understated boutique hotel, which has been created to feel more like a sophisticated private residence or members club. With a singular focus on the guest experience, the property leaves no detail unattended to, hand-crafting every element of your stay, from the artisan-designed guest rooms to the über-personalized touring options. With a focus on local immersion and under-the-radar elegance, the hotel keeps its online presence to a bare minimum—and the unmarked entrance behind a clover-green door is easy to miss, on purpose (and there's no check-in desk). The private, guests-only rooftop restaurant and open kitchen led by chef Nuno Mendes form the heart of the property, and guests are encouraged to socialize here, before heading out to see the “real” Porto.

• The excellent food and beverage program, which includes a private, guests-only rooftop restaurant and an open kitchen that is the heart of the property, as well as the foodie-favorite Cozinha das Flores restaurant and morning-to-evening Flôr Bar, which are open to the public and have fast become neighborhood staples.
• The thoughtfully tailored, immersive journeys that are created by the guest experience team to suit your interests and preferences—and enable you to see Porto like a local.
• Dining aboard the hotel’s private Riva yacht Largo, which can also be reserved to explore the coast or the Douro River (and even for multi-night adventures). Says Trip Designer Grace Park: "An afternoon Douro river cruise, complete with a gorgeous four-course lunch, is a must for any guests staying here! The yacht's stabilizers make it a very comfortable ride, even for those prone to motion sickness (like myself)."

Opened in the fall of 2023 after seven years of development, The Largo sits behind an unmarked green door on the lively pedestrian street Rua das Flores in Porto. Comprised of several former merchant homes from the 1700s—which were artfully restored by the Lisbon-based architect Frederico Valsassina and connected by creative staircases, hallways and a hand-excavated stone courtyard lounge—the property now feels more like your most stylish friend’s home than a hotel. With just two rooms and 16 suites, this luxury boutique escape is highly discreet and elegant, while also warm, friendly and relaxed. Contemporary design lovers will appreciate the thoughtful concept by Space Copenhagen and the many artisan-crafted details throughout the spaces (like tiles and murals by local artists), as well as the impressive collection of modern and contemporary art on display. The color palette throughout the apartment-like rooms is soothing, emphasizing soft greys and taupes, dusty pinks and creams, set against textures like stone, dark wood and bouclé. Highlight features of the suites include balconies, terraces, soaking tubs and kitchens.

Despite its small size, The Largo’s hyper-local food and beverage program is extensive, and the private, guests-only Terraço and buzzy, public venues Cozinha das Flores and Flôr bar are run by a team that includes two sommeliers and a brilliant pastry team—all helmed by acclaimed chef Nuno Mendes, who has brought his talents back to Porto after heading some of the top restaurants across Europe. And even though there are only 18 rooms on-property, the attentive team counts over 100 staff members.

A highlight to any stay is an experience aboard Largo, the hotel’s sleek Riva yacht, which is available for half-day cruising along the Douro River, full days exploring the coastal towns of northern Portugal or even multi-day journeys with stops at some of the Douro River’s private vineyards. The hotel’s small but well equipped rooftop gym and plunge pool offer some of the best views of the city, and on-demand spa services offered in-room round out the amenities.

A stay at The Largo will almost certainly result in a repeat visit to Porto.

Says Trip Designer Grace Park, “Porto is not just an add-on to Lisbon or the Douro Valley! A perfect stay is three nights, to truly appreciate everything it has to offer, and it’s lovely at the end of a trip to Portugal—but Porto can even be visited as a long weekend, like London or Paris, for those looking for something more low-key and cultural. And The Largo is a huge part of that. It’s super special and feels a bit like an urban Aman meets La Réserve. The hotel sits on the historic Rua das Flores, a charming pedestrian street that is full of people dining on the square and enjoying live music.”

Plus—Below are three places Grace loved during her stay:

• “Taberna dos Mercadores is a tiny, traditional Portuguese spot on a narrow alley that has a permanent line out the door. With just seven small tables and no sense of urgency, reservations here are very difficult to get. The food is soulful and very well priced. We only got in thanks to the incredible team at The Largo!”
• “Cork Solutions sells creative, locally-made cork products, like coasters."
• “Cozinha das Flores at The Largo serves a creative tapas-style menu highlighting top Portuguese products. It’s intimate and stylish, and the attached Flôr bar is an all-day café/bar with exceptional pastries.”

Discerning couples, families with older/mature children and design lovers who are looking for the most elevated, intimate and experiential way to stay in Porto. The Largo would also make for an amazing takeover property for a milestone celebration.

There are many, many stairs at The Largo, and although rooms are spacious, those needing accessibility-friendly facilities would be better off staying at a larger hotel. The environment is quite serene, and there’s no real space for younger kids to run around.