The Hotel InterContinental Palacio das Cardosas Porto occupies a restored 18th-century palace on the Praça da Liberdade, at the entrance to Avenida dos Aliados. It is a 5-star hotel with a spa, a gym and a restaurant. It is a good fit if you want to sleep in a historic building with São Bento station just around the corner.
Location and getting around
São Bento station is about 90 metres away, so arriving by train is very convenient. The Clérigos Tower, Livraria Lello and the cathedral (the Sé) are about a 5-minute walk away. The Ribeira, the Dom Luís I Bridge and the Palácio da Bolsa are about 10 minutes away, downhill towards the river, and the Vila Nova de Gaia port wine cellars about 15.
Rooms and facilities
The palace rooms have high ceilings and a flat-screen TV. The bathroom is marble, with a freestanding bathtub and a walk-in shower. Some add a sitting area with armchairs.
- A gym open 24 hours.
- A spa with three treatment rooms and a sauna.
- The Astoria restaurant, serving contemporary Portuguese food, and the Cardosas bar.
- Buffet, continental or à la carte breakfast.
- Free wifi.
Who it suits
- Guests who want to stay in a building with history in the very centre.
- Those who train at odd hours: the gym never closes.
- Travellers arriving by train who want the station practically next door.
- Anyone who prefers a bath to a shower, as the bathroom has both.
Good to know
Arrival is from 15:00 to 00:00 and check-out is at 12:00 at the latest. The hotel is not listed as having a pool. If you are comparing other hotels in this category, see the list of 5-star hotels on FaceTraveler.