- Palacio Duarte opens in Porto’s historic centre this autumn.
- The hotel has 47 rooms and suites.
- The palace dates back to the late 15th century.
- The restoration preserves Renaissance and Baroque architecture.
- The restaurant Alfândega focuses on Portuguese cuisine.
Palacio Duarte, the debut Portuguese property from CoolRooms Hotels, opens as a 47-room luxury retreat in Porto’s historic center this autumn. Set within a restored palace whose history stretches back to the late 15th century, the hotel weaves together five centuries of architectural heritage with contemporary design. The restoration preserves the original architecture with Renaissance roots and Baroque character resulting from its 18th-century renovation.
The hotel houses 47 rooms and suites spread across the different levels of the historic building, where original architecture engages with contemporary design. Atlantic light streams through historic windows, illuminating fine materials, natural textiles, and a color palette inspired by the city. Features include polychrome coffered ceilings, an elliptical skylight flooding the staircase with natural light, wrought-iron balconies, and sash windows overlooking the Douro River.
The restaurant, Alfândega, pays tribute to Manuel Pacheco, the first Customs judge who transformed the residence into a palace during the 18th century. The cuisine focuses on Portuguese cuisine where the ingredient is the star, featuring fish from the Atlantic coast, select meats, and vegetables from small Portuguese producers, grounded in seasonality and respect for traditional recipes.
