Visiting Portugal’s Douro wine region? If you fancy some classy digs, the Vintage House Hotel is a luxury hotel in the heart of northern Portugal’s Douro River Valley. You can’t beat the spectacular view, overlooking the Douro River, We should know because we had a chance to tour their facilities after a conference in Porto.
Outside the Vintage House
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The hotel is only a few steps from a dock on the Douro River.
The lush garden inside the gate gives a beautiful first impression.
Here’s the view from your balcony.
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Climb the rock steps to find the dining terrace and pool area.
Tables outside your room allow a place for quiet reading or enjoying a glass of wine.
Sip your morning coffee al fresco.
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Whichever your desire, the pool has plenty of sun and shade.Elegant dining in the garden – a wonderful opportunity to enjoy fresh ingredients expertly prepared and delivered in an inviting presentation.We discovered this vine, trained to weave between the fence poles and now enveloping the fence itself.This vine now supports this wonderful outdoor terrace, a great spot for restful relaxation in a natural environment.
Inside the hotel
The hotel was as beautiful inside as it was outside, containing suprises in every nook and cranny. From its wine cellars to hidden sitting areas, wine is the theme of this resort in the heart of Northern Portugal’s wine country.
Nicely appointed large room with king size bed, fluffy linens and a spectacular view of the Douro River.
Large bathroom with every item you could need for your stay … easy access and no cramped space to share here.Taking your meals is a pleasure in the dining room’s classic decor. In the center is a display of various wine decanters.Just outside the dining room is a vast selection of local wines, ready to pour into the decanter of your choice.If that is not enough, the wine cellar has a selection to please any palate.After dinner, sit by the fireplace in the Library Bar, sip a glass of tawny Port and enjoy the piano music.Tucked into nooks around the hotel are surprises like these baskets of old wine bottles and pine cones.Other nooks have pleasures like this cozy sitting area.A barrel of Taylor port in the wine cellar adds to the overall look and feel of a hotel in wine country.Perhaps you’d prefer to look at the fine art or play a game of snooker with your friends.Every view completely fills your senses.
Vintage House Hotel also has event facilities and offers €25 gourmet tastings (port wine and chocolate, anyone?). We didn’t stay here, but hope to in the future. We’ve rarely felt so spoiled. The food was indulgent and delicious and the service was impeccable.
Inspired?
The Vintage House Hotel is located in Pinhão, Portugal, which is about 120 kilometers east of Porto. It is accessible via the panoramic “Douro Line” railroad, car or riverboat. Rooms include breakfast and start at about 140€ per night.