FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Hotel Infante Sagres

by Gtrav

Oct 1, 2011
2011 / October 2011

Arrival/Check-in: Driving in Porto’s maze of one-way streets, especially in late-afternoon traffic, is a challenge that defies the best Internet mapping. But thanks to the excellent directions given by the reception desk when I called from outside the city, we drove directly there without a wrong turn. Where to put the car? “Leave it right there — we’ll take care of it.” And they did, until it appeared two days later at our departure. The lobby, where the English-speaking receptionist offered us glasses of Port as we registered, was opulent and sparkling from a complete restoration. He gave us maps of the city and circled the hotel’s location, suggesting attractions and restaurants. A bellman ushered us to a charming wood-paneled elevator, complete with an upholstered bench, and showed us to our junior suite overlooking the tree-lined square below. (30/30)

Guest Quarters: Two rooms adjoined by a wide archway were decorated in shades of white, cocoa brown and bronze, with a dramatic band of a design reminiscent of Moorish tiles continuing from the carpet to the wall at either side of the bed. A long leather-upholstered bench gave us both plenty of room to open our luggage. The furniture — two upholstered reading chairs, a wide desk, a chair and small table — was white, well lit by elegant brass cylinder lamps on long curving stems. Tall lamps on each of the large bedside stands lit the bedroom. Two marble baths were well appointed, with a large tub/shower in one, a shower in the other; bath amenities by Plantation included a sewing kit and other extras. The full mirrors were well lighted. Towels and terry robes were super-soft, as were the high-count sheets on the king-sized bed. Two full closets contained plenty of hangers, umbrellas, spare pillows and a safe. In his tour of the room, the only thing the bellman missed was how to adjust the air conditioning, but we finally figured it out. Each room had a flat-screen TV with satellite television, radio and ASDL Internet connection. (28/30)

Services/Amenities: Guests in the hotel’s 73 rooms have ample public areas for relaxing or entertaining. The intimate Bar Ceuta serves original and traditional cocktails and fine wines, a good place to sample the local Port vintages. The high-ceilinged and elegant Dona Filipa Restaurant serves a sumptuous breakfast as well as lunch and dinner, with traditional Portuguese dishes and Continental cuisine. We were there in the summer, when seating spills out into O Patio, an outdoor setting for lunch and candlelight dinners. The hotel also has a solarium and a spa whose exotic décor recalls Portugal’s centuries of rule under the Moorish caliphate. Public areas showcase striking handmade cabinet pieces by contemporary designers, most for sale. (39/40)

The Experience: Throughout, the décor blends the opulence of Portuguese Baroque, the seductive curves of Art Nouveau and the bold lines of Mid-century Moderne, highlighted with striking pieces of contemporary art, into a striking and gloriously comfortable retreat. Its location is in the center of the business district, an easy walk from the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the old city. I would certainly stay here again.

Total Score: 97/100
Hotel Infante Sagres
Praça Dona Filipa de Lencastre 62
Porto 4050-259, Portugal
tel 351 223 398 500
www.hotelinfantesagres.pt

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
March 2025
Mar 15, 2025

Norwegian Debuts Late Disembarkation Option

Norwegian Cruise Line just launched a new late check-out service on select ships and European sailings, allowing passengers to remain on board the ship until 12:30–1 p.m. to enjoy a few more hours of relaxation, lunch and other amenities before going home. The new service still requires passengers to check out of their staterooms by 8:30 a.m., but guests can now store their luggage at the cruise terminal for the remaining hours.

Find Your Perfect Escape with Paradisus by Meliá — More Than Just All-Inclusive

Luxury travel today is about more than just beautiful accommodations — it’s about experiencing the destination. Paradisus by Meliá takes traditional all-inclusive resorts to the next level by offering indulgence with immersion, experiences and authenticity. Each resort is shaped by its location, local flavors and curated Destination Inclusive® experiences that bring you closer to the heart of the destination.

Daily
Mar 14, 2025

Glamorous Flamingo Las Vegas Gets Pool Makeover

Chances are you already know the name, but what you may not have heard about the iconic Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas is the celebrated pool is undergoing a $20 million transformation of its GO Pool.

Airlines
Mar 14, 2025

Don’t Miss Out on All Nippon Airways’ Sweepstakes to Explore Japan

All Nippon Airways, Japan’s largest 5-star airline, launched a contest to give travelers a chance to win a trip to go beyond Tokyo and experience Japan’s under-the-radar destinations. One winner will receive two round-trip economy-class tickets from a U.S. ANA gateway city to a unique destination within ANA’s extensive domestic network, such as Komatsu (KMQ), Odate (ONJ), Okinawa (OKA), Oita (OIT), Sapporo (CTS) and Tottori (TTJ).

Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City

They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.

Daily
Mar 14, 2025

Hotel Zeppelin Launches Dead-icated Stay in Honor of Grateful Dead’s 60th Anniversary

Hotel Zeppelin in San Francisco is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Grateful Dead with an exclusive Dead-icated Stay offer. Hotel Zeppelin is all about celebrating its city’s countercultural tradition, and this offer helps them honor the band’s legacy and its roots in the Bay Area.

eFlyer News
Mar 12, 2025

Air India Partners with Lufthansa Group, Virgin Australia

India’s leading global airline recently announced its expansion of codeshare partnerships with both Lufthansa Group and Virgin Australia. Through these new partnerships, travelers can enjoy access to more than 100 routes combined across the Indian subcontinent, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the Americas.

A Summer Sojourn Along Europe’s Rivers with AmaWaterways

This summer, elevate your vacation experience with award-winning AmaWaterways. Offering a seamless blend of unparalleled luxury, authentic cultural experiences and unrivaled service, AmaWaterways cruises are the perfect way to uncover the heart of Europe during the sunniest season with itineraries that glide along the continent’s most iconic rivers, including the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine and the Douro.

eFlyer News
Mar 12, 2025

SH Hotels & Resorts Rebrands to Starwood Hotels

SH Hotels & Resorts, parent company of 1 Hotels, Baccarat Hotels and Treehouse Hotels, celebrates its 10th anniversary by officially rebranding as Starwood Hotels, reviving the iconic brand created by Barry Sternlicht nearly 30 years ago.