Creativity is at the heart of The Editory Artist Hotel. Having functioned as an art college for decades, remnants of the building's heritage are everywhere. Old report cards are pinned up on walls, and paintings and sculptures by former students are exhibited in every room – look closely and you might even spot the grade each student was awarded for their masterpiece. Today, education takes on a new form: the hotel is fully run and managed by protégé students from the local tourism school, so all staff are young, eager, and out to impress.
Upon our arrival, we were greeted by friendly faces and treated to a very welcome glass of port wine with some local sweet treats. Everything inside felt gloriously retro, with plump settees and antique writing desks in the 17 bedrooms, bold colours and patterned prints in the dining room, and artworks everywhere. The restaurant serves ‘surprise’ five- or seven-course tasting menus that change daily, and we were truly bowled over by the standard – little wonder the hotel is gaining quite the culinary reputation across the city. Step outside onto the quiet street and you'll find a bustling shopping area five minutes' walk away, plus the city's main sights beyond. Secluded, stylish and wonderfully unique: just what we love.
Highs
- The innovative tasting menu is delicious and very reasonably priced
- The hotel provides you with a smartphone upon check-in which is preloaded with maps, walking tours and recommendations
- Rooms are large for a city hotel, especially the Library Suite which has a separate dining/seating area
- You get a glass of port wine and traditional cake on arrival - a nice touch
- Set in a quieter area of Porto so you can’t hear any street noise from the rooms
Lows
- The majority of staff are students so naturally the service may not always be 100%, although we found staff to be charming and very well trained
- They cater for events in the main bar area, so it's sometimes closed to guests
- The hotel is located away from the central tourist areas, but sights are within easy walking distance
- A limited breakfast during weekends (buffet only)
Best time to go
We'd recommend coming between April and September for balmy weather, or choose autumn if you want to catch the grape harvest in the nearby Douro Valley. You may wish to time your trip to coincide with one of Porto’s many festivals, the most famous of which is the colourful Festa de São João in June - a big street party with music and fireworks.
Our top tips
Try Francesinha, a Portuguese dish that originates here and consists of meat covered in bread, cheese and a spicy tomato and beer sauce. Admittedly, it doesn't look like the most appetising dish, but we found it delicious! You'll find it on most menus around the city.
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 5 independent reviews from i-escape guests
A great experience. Interesting hotel on the edge of town. We loved the amazingly priced and totally delicious lunch.
Very nice rooms and lovely service by the students. A great location and good breakfast. We were not too crazy about the piped music in the bar area and breakfast room as well as the beautiful courtyard.
Ideally located for a visit to Porto, quiet, airy and easily accessible from the motorway network and not too difficult to find. Surprise discovery was the fact that the hotel have a private underground car park...beware it is a very tricky access and not good for large cars! Staff were very friendly and helpful and the overall experience was good, let down by a low standard of room presentation which was quickly acknowledged and dealt with. Easy access to the city and river front by foot and plenty of places to see and eat in the centre of the city. We will be returning to the hotel again next year for a more in depth visit to the city.
Friendly and super-helpful staff especially Reception team who signposted/booked us into a couple of excellent restaurants for dinner, including their own where the surprise tasting menu is first class and where many of the catering and restaurant staff are students in the next door school of tourism. The hotel is NE of the tourist centre in a welcome quiet area away from the bustle which suited us. It has a gracious elegance with its previous incarnation as an art school setting the tone. Bedrooms are spacious and airy with large windows and super comfortable beds. Lounge, bar and outdoor seating areas are styled to match, with a bit of a 30's cruise ship feel in part. We can highly recommend.
Excellent spot about 10 minute walk from downtown Porto. Bright, design conscious decor sprinkled with paintings from the previous incarnation of the building as an art school. Attentive, solicitous service from a young team. The food was good rather than amazing but the hotel is a soothing retreat from the hubbub of the city and well worth checking out.
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape