It’s easy to call a hotel a home – less easy to deliver that feeling when a guest walks through the door. At Village by BAO in Porto, each suite sits ready to welcome guests as though they were here for good. You’ll find fully equipped kitchens – right down to a well-thumbed recipe book – living spaces dressed for cosy nights in (in the hygge style of a Scandinavian lifestyle influencer’s apartment), and an overwhelming sense that when you punch the code into the lobby front door, you’re not just returning to somewhere to sleep, but to a tiny, self-contained neighbourhood, complete with a local (if luxurious) deli and community garden.
The hotel’s success can, in part, be put down to its history: the five, ash-grey buildings – some of which look a little like (very bougie) Portuguese interpretations of one-up, one-down terrace houses in northern English towns – were once owned by the city’s metro service and used to house its workers. Today, these cute, tightly spaced 19th-century homes have been transformed during a two-year project led by Pablo Pita Architects into short- and long-stay aparthotels. All three room categories – Duplex, Studio and Apartment – have either one or two bedrooms, but some are self-contained, staircased complexes, with living rooms downstairs and bedrooms tucked under whitewashed eaves upstairs; others, like our flat, in the larger, street-facing part of the property, are set out as more conventional hotels suites, with open-plan living areas, bedrooms and Juliet balconies across one level. You reach these by climbing a seemingly endless, terrazzo-tiled spiral staircase that ascends the largest of the hotel’s buildings – or by stepping into the handy elevator, of course.
The hotel’s success can, in part, be put down to its history: the five, ash-grey buildings – some of which look a little like (very bougie) Portuguese interpretations of one-up, one-down terrace houses in northern English towns – were once owned by the city’s metro service and used to house its workers. Today, these cute, tightly spaced 19th-century homes have been transformed during a two-year project led by Pablo Pita Architects into short- and long-stay aparthotels. All three room categories – Duplex, Studio and Apartment – have either one or two bedrooms, but some are self-contained, staircased complexes, with living rooms downstairs and bedrooms tucked under whitewashed eaves upstairs; others, like our flat, in the larger, street-facing part of the property, are set out as more conventional hotels suites, with open-plan living areas, bedrooms and Juliet balconies across one level. You reach these by climbing a seemingly endless, terrazzo-tiled spiral staircase that ascends the largest of the hotel’s buildings – or by stepping into the handy elevator, of course.
One of the hotel’s five buildings, left, and the lobby
All rooms, whatever their size, have access to a private, communal garden space, as well as a 24/7 gym. Some sit off a tiny, beautifully arranged “street” – a row of terrace-like suites each with its own front door. All are impeccably dressed by Bacana Studio – and we don’t mean in a soulless, does-the-job way. These feel like show rooms prepped for a shoot: artfully arranged old books in nude hues sit on in-built shelves beside many-handled ceramics; a red New York Times recipe book, “No-Recipe Recipes”, sits ready for use in white marble-topped kitchens, all of which, from studio to suite, are fully equipped with various kitchen utensils, appliances and crockery, should you need to host a NYT-approved dinner party in your Porto pad. Furnishings, which were all custom made in Portugal, are unfussy and clean-lined. There’s a general beachy feel, with ample use of neutral colours and textures like jute, copper, clay and wood.
The result is a strangely uncanny sense of community – a privately gated neighbourhood that’s effortlessly beautiful, and undoubtedly stylish. The first property opened by BOA Hotels, this Portuguese address is soon to have sister properties in Paros, Greece; and, in 2028, in the Douro Valley. For now, though, the Porto postcode is the only one. “Boa”, by the way, translates to “good” from the Portuguese. We’d say they’re underselling themselves.
All rooms, whatever their size, have access to a private, communal garden space, as well as a 24/7 gym. Some sit off a tiny, beautifully arranged “street” – a row of terrace-like suites each with its own front door. All are impeccably dressed by Bacana Studio – and we don’t mean in a soulless, does-the-job way. These feel like show rooms prepped for a shoot: artfully arranged old books in nude hues sit on in-built shelves beside many-handled ceramics; a red New York Times recipe book, “No-Recipe Recipes”, sits ready for use in white marble-topped kitchens, all of which, from studio to suite, are fully equipped with various kitchen utensils, appliances and crockery, should you need to host a NYT-approved dinner party in your Porto pad. Furnishings, which were all custom made in Portugal, are unfussy and clean-lined. There’s a general beachy feel, with ample use of neutral colours and textures like jute, copper, clay and wood.
The result is a strangely uncanny sense of community – a privately gated neighbourhood that’s effortlessly beautiful, and undoubtedly stylish. The first property opened by BOA Hotels, this Portuguese address is soon to have sister properties in Paros, Greece; and, in 2028, in the Douro Valley. For now, though, the Porto postcode is the only one. “Boa”, by the way, translates to “good” from the Portuguese. We’d say they’re underselling themselves.
The private garden
Rooms are inspired by Japanese aesthetics, with a little Nordic design mixed in. Floors are blonde wood or whitewashed poured concrete. Ceilings are high and accompanied by larger, light-welcoming windows. Jute rugs sit beside hefty, rustic, custom-made wood furnishings and generously sized sofas, with ample tasselled cushions and cosy throws to ensconce yourself between when the Porto weather isn’t playing ball – as well as large smart TVs. Wherever there’s a space on a shelf or sidetable, you’ll find organically inspired ceramics, piles of books to flick through or fresh flowers.
Each apartment, whatever its size, has a fully functional kitchen, and bathrooms are stocked with heavenly smelling (and suitably aesthetic) Meraki toiletries.
Rooms
All 40 suites feature keyless entrances – you’ll be texted codes to the building lobby and your personal apartment before check-in – allowing for 24/7 access whenever you land in the city.Rooms are inspired by Japanese aesthetics, with a little Nordic design mixed in. Floors are blonde wood or whitewashed poured concrete. Ceilings are high and accompanied by larger, light-welcoming windows. Jute rugs sit beside hefty, rustic, custom-made wood furnishings and generously sized sofas, with ample tasselled cushions and cosy throws to ensconce yourself between when the Porto weather isn’t playing ball – as well as large smart TVs. Wherever there’s a space on a shelf or sidetable, you’ll find organically inspired ceramics, piles of books to flick through or fresh flowers.
Each apartment, whatever its size, has a fully functional kitchen, and bathrooms are stocked with heavenly smelling (and suitably aesthetic) Meraki toiletries.
The kitchen, left, and bedroom, in a Comfort duplex
What’s for breakfast?
Breakfasts, organised the day before with reception, arrive in a bee hive-like basket. Expect fresh fruit juices, yoghurt and compote, pastries, cheese and ham.Lunch and dinner
There’s no restaurant in the hotel – but, hello, you’re in Porto, a city obsessed with eating. Seek out some of the best codfish out there at the 80s-born A Cozinha do Manel; find traditional flavours at the no-frills Adega São Nicolau; feast on fresh catch-of-the-day at Bistrô by Vila Foz; enjoy plates from one of Portugal’s OG kitchen wizards at Nuno Mendes Cozhina das Flores, or head in search of an alternative city’s much-famed (and very heavy) francesinhas sandwich – the Cachorrinho, which layers sausage, melted cheese and spicy sauce between thinly sliced toast, before being cut up into bite-sized pieces.
Inside a Comfort Duplex
Is there a bar?
No, but you can buy beautifully labelled wines, ciders, beers and spirits in the deli downstairs; who needs a bar when you can enjoy a bottle in peace in your kitchen?Amenities
Talking of the sexy deli… Head here to stock up everything from vintage ports to luxury local chocolate, plus beautifully packaged board games and the entire Meraki toiletries collection. There’s also – on the ground floor – a light-filled, well-equipped 24-hour gym and beautifully planted garden space with outdoor seating. Those large pots in the courtyard? They’re actually 300 years old, and originally from Mafra.
The terrace in “The Space”
On the top floor, you’ll find “The Space” – a 120sq m penthouse that can be booked out in its entirety: it has jaw-dropping rooftop views, a large outdoor terrace, a beautifully tiled dining table (the longest we’ve ever seen) and – again – a fully equipped kitchen, plus seating space and bathroom. The hotel hosts chef’s table events up here… so ask for upcoming events when you’re booking.
The hotel has a comprehensive sustainability strategy: breakfasts are served in recyclable and reusable packaging; filtered water is provided daily in reusable glass bottles; toiletries come in full-sized, reusable containers; and check-in is online only, to minimise paper waste.
On the top floor, you’ll find “The Space” – a 120sq m penthouse that can be booked out in its entirety: it has jaw-dropping rooftop views, a large outdoor terrace, a beautifully tiled dining table (the longest we’ve ever seen) and – again – a fully equipped kitchen, plus seating space and bathroom. The hotel hosts chef’s table events up here… so ask for upcoming events when you’re booking.
What are the hotel’s eco-credentials like?
The vision behind the rehabilitation of the buildings in the former Bairro do Silva was anchored in sustainable practices. Pablo Pita and Heim Balp Architekten were tasked with preserving the “feel” of the neighbourhood and maintaining existing structures where possible (such as the wood and painted beams of the houses). They used preservation techniques that minimised environmental impact, such as using locally sourced and eco-friendly materials, and installing renewable energy sources, like solar power, for the hotel. They also incorporated energy-efficient lighting and equipment into the build.The hotel has a comprehensive sustainability strategy: breakfasts are served in recyclable and reusable packaging; filtered water is provided daily in reusable glass bottles; toiletries come in full-sized, reusable containers; and check-in is online only, to minimise paper waste.
What about accessibility?
Unfortunately, not so great. Due to the nature of the historic buildings, there are lots of small steps and split layers and – at this point – there are no wheelchair accessible rooms.What’s the crowd like?
Young couples dressed like they’ve just arrived from Copenhagen, seeking southern European sunshine.
Mafra pots, left, and a suite bedroom entrance
The hotel is based in Porto’s Bolhão neighbourhood, home to the iconic Chapel of Souls, with its monochromatic, blue-toned tiles, and one of the city’s best food markets, Mercado do Bolhão, a beautiful open-air food hall that sells fresh produce, meat, fish, flowers, cheese, coffee and alcoholic drinks. There are tables at the entrance, as well as places to perch for platters of fresh seafood, venison carpaccio and whole cheeses served with slices of crispy bread and a freshly made pastel de nata – all washed down with white port tonics or grassy vinho verdes.
The nearest metro access, Trindade station, is just behind the hotel.
Within a short walk I can find…
Porto is a small city that’s easy to navigate by foot if you don’t mind a quick climb or two. Hotel staff directed us to two nearby brunch spots – Porto Garden Café and Negra Café – but both were very busy when we arrived. Instead, we’d recommend just finding a kiosk or café in one of the city’s quieter squares.The hotel is based in Porto’s Bolhão neighbourhood, home to the iconic Chapel of Souls, with its monochromatic, blue-toned tiles, and one of the city’s best food markets, Mercado do Bolhão, a beautiful open-air food hall that sells fresh produce, meat, fish, flowers, cheese, coffee and alcoholic drinks. There are tables at the entrance, as well as places to perch for platters of fresh seafood, venison carpaccio and whole cheeses served with slices of crispy bread and a freshly made pastel de nata – all washed down with white port tonics or grassy vinho verdes.
The nearest metro access, Trindade station, is just behind the hotel.
Things I should know
Just before check-in, you’ll be sent arrival details by text: the hotel’s address, WiFi details, your apartment number and – importantly – the two codes to access the building lobby and your suite. Make sure you’ve set up roaming data or have an eSIM so you don’t miss the information.The Lowdown
Doubles cost from £169 a night; villagebyboa.com