Jewels Smith

Massarelos House

  • Where:
  • Why:Scouting Portugal
  • When:January 2023
  • Who:Visiting Porto with my wife and kid

"This factory-turned-hotel is steps away from the Douro River"

AT A GLANCE: In the charming riverside city of Porto in Portugal, Massarelos House is an apartment hotel in a restored 19th-century factory building. With fifteen single or double-bedroom units, each with a living room and kitchen, they are ideal for family holidays and long workcations. Design-forward with carefully wallpapered interiors, Massarelos House is within walking distance from all the must-dos and makes you live your European holiday like a local. Swipe the images below to discover.

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Massarelos House I made it to Porto!

I made it to Porto!

Massarelos House Shabby-chic design in the primary bedroom

Shabby-chic design in the primary bedroom

Massarelos House Wallpaper everywhere

Wallpaper everywhere

Massarelos House There were two twin beds here, which is great for kids

There were two twin beds here, which is great for kids

Massarelos House Lots of room for your toiletries

Lots of room for your toiletries

Massarelos House Did I mention this apartment had two bathrooms?

Did I mention this apartment had two bathrooms?

Massarelos House The garden space at Massarelos House was a gem. Great place to enjoy coffee or a conversation

The garden space at Massarelos House was a gem. Great place to enjoy coffee or a conversation

Massarelos House Fully stocked kitchen with orange juice, fruit, yogurt, and milk in the fridge when we arrived

Fully stocked kitchen with orange juice, fruit, yogurt, and milk in the fridge when we arrived

Massarelos House Tons of light in the living room

Tons of light in the living room

Massarelos House Our place to hang out after long uphill walks. Have I mentioned Porto's hills yet?

Our place to hang out after long uphill walks. Have I mentioned Porto's hills yet?

Highs & Lows

  • Wonderful service from personal emails to confirm our stay to the front receptionist and the daily breakfast delivered to our doorstep

  • The design of the apartment is gorgeous — lots of room to lounge in the living room with a well-equipped kitchen. There were also two bedrooms, one primary suite, and one room for the kid

  • This location of Massarelos House is *chef's kiss*! Just a 5-minute walk to the Douro River, where you can enjoy a coffee or ride the trolley. In the other direction, about a 25-minute walk uphill, you're in a bustling part of Porto with many shops and restaurants

  • There's a lounge on the second floor you can use to co-work and an outdoor garden space you can chill in

  • Unfortunately, there was a loud A/C they hadn't quite managed to turn down, and as a light sleeper, it kept me up at night. I talked to the management, and they said they are working on the issue, so hopefully, it won't be an issue for those who come after

The Barometer

  • Design
  • Location
  • Future Forward
  • Night's Sleep
  • Service
  • Amenities
  • Takeable Treats
  • Refer a Friend
  • Overall Value
  • Life Changing
Total: 46/50

Important Bits

  • Type

    Serviced Apartment

  • Vibe

    The factory-turned-hotel is cozy with a shabby-chic interior

  • Location

    A stone's throw to the Douro River

  • Rooms

    15

  • Pre-Arrival & Arrival Experience

    After a detailed email confirming our stay, Felipe, the front receptionist, greeted us. We contacted the hotel via Whats App to let them know our ETA since we were driving from Lisbon

  • Future Forward

    Completely plastic-free, no paper napkins or paper towels

  • Music

    Do church bells count?

  • Year Opened

    2023

  • Designed By

    Javier Cargo

  • Health & Wellness

    No pool or gym, but there was a lovely garden with a fountain outside

  • Food

    Breakfast with fruit, yogurt, and fresh orange juice arrive daily

  • Bar, Events & Nightlife

    Massarelos House is about a 25-minute walk from one of Porto's most bustling parts. However, I have to stress again that the walk was uphill

  • Minibar & Retail

    Not much in the way of bar amenities, but there was a social gathering space that could be used as a co-working space on the premises. It had tea and coffee free of charge

  • Accessibility

    There's an elevator and receptionist who will help you with your luggage

  • Pet Friendly

    Yes

  • Children

    Yes

  • Price

    $$

  • Tel.

    +34 918 717 117

  • Website

    Visit website

Massarelos House

Massarelos House

Rua da Restauração 111, Porto, Portugal

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Nola Kitchen

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