Tumbling down towards the Douro, the historic Ribeira district is a beguiling jumble of sun-dappled squares, crumbling townhouses and laundry-strung lanes. At its very heart, right on the riverbank, sits this sophisticated little B&B - a tall, skinny mansion in salmon pink, reached via a stained-glass walkway that casts colourful reflections over the cobbles outside.
Born in 2014 from the ashes of a 19th-century building damaged by fire, it ticks all the boxes for an easy break in Portugal’s buzzing second city. The eight rooms (some facing the water, others the street) are impeccably restored, with sleek furniture, sink-into beds and swish rain showers alongside exposed stone walls and heavy wooden shutters. The friendly team will point you in the direction of museums, galleries and restaurants, and the famous port lodges of Vila Nova de Gaia are just across the river. And when you tire of sightseeing, feasting and wine-tasting, you can amble back to the lounge and relax with a drink as barges chug slowly past.
Highs
- An unbeatable location near restaurants and sights - and Tram No.1, which rattles along to the beach, stops right outside
- We loved the views over the Douro from the lounge and many rooms
- Breakfast is served until a lazy 1pm - perfect for indulgent holiday lie-ins
- Smiling staff who are passionate about their city and keen to make you feel at home
- You’ll get a handy code providing free WiFi across Porto
Lows
- A couple of rooms have open-plan ensuites (not for those who like their privacy), though toilets are enclosed
- Not ideal for kids, with no extra beds or baby cots and a serene atmosphere that's best suited to couples or friends
- Some street noise, particularly from the City View rooms
- Don't expect a full-service hotel; this is very much a B&B and it's not staffed around the clock
Best time to go
The B&B is open year-round. Come between April and September for balmy weather, or choose autumn if you want to catch the grape harvest in the nearby Douro Valley. June sees Porto come alive with fireworks, music and street parties thanks to the annual Festival of São João - it’s a fascinating time to visit, but don’t count on getting much sleep!
Our top tips
- Hop aboard the wood-panelled Tram No.1, which stops right outside the B&B, and clatter along the river to the former fishing village of Foz do Douro. Once there, head for the glam beach bars on Praia da Luz, sip cocktails, and watch the sun set over the Atlantic
- Wander up to São Bento, the city’s main station, which is covered in tiled panels depicting Portuguese history. It’s worth a look even if you’re not taking a train
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 5 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Great location, perfect for exploring. Very nice friendly helpful staff. Super comfy. River views are ideal. We found the music in the breakfast room/lounge rather annoying. Much nicer when they forgot to put it on. Shower impossible to get temperature right - either scalding or freezing. Other guests confirmed same issue.
We loved 1872 River House for its uniqueness. Note, as two friends the
small room we booked had twin beds that couldn't be separated due to fixed side tables. This was disappointing. We got to know the staff, the hotel and location within the first day and loved all of it! We particularly liked the fact that the dining area also doubled up as a relaxing area which looked right out onto the Douro and passers-by and which we enjoyed each afternoon after our daily adventures and evening meal out. Food was great - simple breakfast but very satisfying. Service was nothing short of excellent and the hotel organised a taxi transfer for us. Excellent value because of the relaxing environment and the location. Despite the room issue, we would go back. All of the restaurants we visited were excellent. Tapas Bento at the Sao Bento Station (tiling work is stupendous) was memorable for location and varied menu; as were all the others along the same little riverside strip as our Hotel including Bacalhau. We also loved Bar Tolo in Foz, we spent a relaxing couple of hours on the terrace eating and drinking vinho verde. Great food, wine, service, value everywhere.
We thoroughly enjoyed the leisurely, nostalgic tram ride to Foz (not for those in a hurry) and the walk to the Atlantic. The Church and Museum of Sao Francisco is well worth a visit. I and also took the boat trip along the Douro under the six bridges - splendid. An altogether a fabulous 4-day trip.
We had an excellent week in this lovely hotel situated right on the UNESCO waterfront at Porto with a light, balconied room overlooking the River Douro. Staff were friendly and helpful
This place is amazing. Really central, and withe the river view rooms you can't get a better view of the Porto riverside. Really nice breakfasts as well!
A charming little hotel, well situated by the river. Amicable and obliging staff. Breakfast more than adequate, leisurely and in a room with views of the Duoro and city activity. Rooms slightly cramped and some complained about shower water being cool (early risers had hot showers). I would use this hotel again if travelling to Porto.
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape