Rebirth of the First 5* Hotel in Porto: Hospes Infante Sagres
Having undergone extensive renovations and a comprehensive overhaul of its design, services, and offerings, the iconic luxury hotel located in the heart of Porto has joined the prestigious Hospes Hotels, a highly acclaimed hospitality group. This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the hotel, propelling it back onto the map as Porto’s unrivalled Grande Dame, reinstating its rightful position of prestige and elegance.
One of Porto’s most enduring landmarks, Hotel Infante Sagres, has entered a new era with the completion of a remarkable revival project that has elevated the guest experience at this luxury heritage hotel to unprecedented heights.
The renovation, spanning over 12 months, encompassed the update of all 85 rooms and suites, including the exquisite Superior, Deluxe, Deluxe Premium, Junior Suite, Premium Suite, and the opulent Royal Suite. The luxuriously appointed rooms and suites feature an eye-catching juxtaposition of soothing and bold colours, textiles, custom wallpapers, and original artworks, complemented by modern touches. Key features also include luxurious minibars. Additionally, the lobby, public areas, façade, and reception area received significant enhancements.
The remodel was crafted by Nano Design, a renowned architecture firm in Porto, that has masterfully reimagined the space, blending local culture with modern elegance through a story-led design direction inspired by Portugal’s Age of Discoveries. The interiors pay homage to Prince Henry the Navigator, also known as Infante Sagres, and to “The Lusiads”, a renowned Portuguese epic poem by Luís Vaz de Camões.
“As this is an emblematic hotel in the city, we believed that a historical and impactful storytelling was needed to provide a good basis for the interior design project. Associating the Infante de Sagres, the driving force behind the discoveries, with Luís Vaz de Camões’ famous epic “The Lusiads”, allowed us to navigate the history of Portugal and revive the soul of the hotel, enhancing the beauty of the existing architecture of what was Porto’s first 5-star hotel”, stated Francisca Navio, founder of Nano Design.
Integration with the Hospes Hotel Group brings a new dimension to the hotel, aligning it with the group’s reputation for luxury and exceptional service at boutique hotels. The Hospes brand is known for its commitment to authentic experiences and cultural heritage. “We are delighted to welcome Hotel Infante Sagres as the newest addition to the award-winning Hospes portfolio, joining our esteemed group of 10 luxury and heritage boutique hotels with a legacy of excellence. It’s an honour to be a part of the revival of the iconic Hotel Infante Sagres and take it to new heights, while preserving its heritage as the very first 5-star hotel to open in Porto, back in 1951″, said Manuel Olivares, CEO of Hospes Hotel Group.
The re-positioning of Hotel Infante Sagres marks a return to its roots as Porto’s first five-star hotel. The revamp aims to reclaim its prestigious standing by enhancing its offerings and preserving its historical significance. The hotel’s ambition is to be recognised once again as the pinnacle of luxury in Porto. Jean Hélière, General Manager of Hospes Infante Sagres, expressed his excitement: “It’s a privilege to witness the rebirth of Porto’s first five-star hotel and to join the Hospes family. Located in the historic centre, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the completely renovated hotel beautifully merges luxury and tradition, reflecting Hospes brand values and paying tribute to Portuguese cultural heritage.”
Upon entering Hospes Infante Sagres Porto, guests are greeted by a new concierge area, stationed at a desk reminiscent of the original hotel lobby, evoking a sense of timeless elegance. The redesigned space features noble materials like velvet, porcelain, and marble, creating a luxurious atmosphere. The hotel now offers 85 elegantly redesigned rooms and suites, each themed around famous episodes from “The Lusiads”, such as O Velho do Restelo, Ilha dos Amores, Consílio dos Deuses, Adamastor, and Inês de Castro. Additionally, the hotel boasts three majestic event and meeting rooms, the Scarlett Brasserie & Wine Bar, and an outdoor plunge pool, ensuring an immersive and opulent experience for all guests.
Categories: Blog