Historic Hotels of Portugal are places where visitors can appreciate traditional regional hospitality and cuisine, while favouring the restoration of the national architectural heritage. They have thus guaranteed the preservation of historic buildings as well as increasing the supply of first class accommodation in the country.
There are now over forty Historic Hotels of Portugal in mainland Portugal, two in the Azores and one in Brazil. These hotels provide leisure, culture and quality offering a wide variety of choice and the best traditions of the regions where they are situated.
Historic Hotels of Portugal offer very high quality accommodation in some of the most beautiful Portuguese regions in ancient castles, former monasteries, palaces and convents as well as providing hotels in rural areas of outstanding beauty or interest.
Historic Hotels of Portugal are a group of exclusive and luxurious places to stay which are located throughout Portugal. The name Historic Hotels of Portugal is synonymous with exceptional service where a warm welcome and personal service awaits every guest.
The first Historic Hotel of Portugal was opened in 1942 and was then called a Regional Historic Hotel of Portugal. António Ferro, the poet, playwright and state official was the person who had the vision to create the network, wanting to provide accommodation for travellers which was rustic and genuinely Portuguese, offering a peaceful haven of grace and simplicity. He commissioned the plans for the first Historic Hotel of Portugal from one of the foremost Portuguese architects of the time, Miguel Jacobetty Rosa, creating the Santa Luzia Historic Hotel of Portugal, in Elvas, and with it a new concept in travel.
The Historic Hotels of Portugal that conform to Ferro's vision, and are either newly built or adapted from previous buildings of this century, have acted as the mainstay of the network with their special selection of local dishes and regional specialties, served in picturesque or awe-inspiring historic, regional or natural surroundings, while providing good value for money.
The Historic Hotels of Portugal divided into four thematic categories depending on their location: Historic, Historic-design, Charm and Nature.
Historic Hotels of Portugal are situated in historic monuments, which are located on their original site. These Historic Hotels of Portugal preserve pieces of history in tact, but are sympathetically and carefully adapted to provide luxurious and contemporary comfort.
Historic Design Historic Hotels of Portugal have been restored to represent and rediscover historic aspects of their time: offering contemporary comfort in luxurious accommodation within the thematic concepts of their era.
Charm Historic Hotels of Portugal are usually located in buildings which are designed to complement the local architecture and enhance the local folklore and culture. As with other Historic Hotels of Portugal they offer the same special attention to detail and exceptional service that have come to be expected in this luxurious accommodation.
Nature Historic Hotels of Portugal are situated within the natural environs of the region in large outdoor spaces. They are especially geared towards individuals who want to savour local culture in natural settings while still enjoying luxurious accommodation.
All of the Historic Hotels of Portugal have their own restaurant which specialise in regional and local cuisine and wines, as well as offering an international menu.
