9 Best Hotels in Northern Portugal, Portugal

In a breathtaking 12th-century monastery, this lovely lodging has details like colorful azulejo panels in the public areas and guest rooms that used to be monks' cells. Don't worry—there is also a contemporary wing that will delight those with a more modern aesthetic. The stone-walled dining room serves regional dishes like rojões à minhota (marinated pork, simmered and served with pickled vegetables).

Lovely gardens bursting with flowers, a swimming pool with views of the valley, and facilities ranging from a sauna to tennis courts are standouts at this 18th-century manor house. The friendly German owners present guests with a glass of port on arrival. This is one of the rare hotels in the Douro Valley with facilities for children, including a playground. Make a reservation to eat in the homey dining room or, weather permitting, alfresco on the sprawling terrace—local produce is showcased in the three-course dinner (€50, or €58 with wine; €5 to €25 for children, depending on age).

The ruins of a 17th-century Franciscan monastery have been transformed into this remarkable hotel with massive walls surrounding extensive gardens and courtyards. The interior is a sober blend of ancient stone and modern simplicity, with public areas dotted with antiques and sacred art. The Franciscan monks would no doubt have frowned on the contemporary comforts of the elegant, well-equipped guest rooms and the sumptuous regional delicacies served in the Cozinha do Convento restaurant, including recipes featuring alheira regional sausage and several bacalhau dishes. They might, however, have winked at the hotel's well-stocked wine cellar installed in their old water cistern.

This family-run establishment in the heart of Parque Nacional da Peneda–Gerês is one of the best-value lodging options in the area, and all of the family-style rooms have views of the town and the surrounding hills. Open fireplaces contribute to a cozy atmosphere in the lounge, the bar, and the restaurant, whose wood-fired oven is used to prepare home-cooked dishes. The staff can arrange guided hikes in the national park and around local villages or boat trips on the Caniçada reservoir.

This plush if somewhat plain resort hotel sits atop a hill, so that most guest rooms look out over the garden to the nearby sandy beach and Atlantic Ocean beyond. Dive into the heated saltwater pools, or opt for thalassotherapy and other treatments in the spa, which has a male and female sauna, laconium, steam bath, ice cabin, and "sensations" shower. Or take advantage of the mini-golf, tennis, bicycles, or nearby activities such as horseback riding. The O Jardim restaurant serves reliably good if unadventurous Portuguese fare, while in summer there's a café that serves light meals by the pool.

One of the city's most stylish and luxurious lodgings, subject to continuous improvements, the Meliá Braga attracts business and leisure travelers with its contemporary style, ample facilities, and professional staff. El Olivo restaurant serves mainly Portuguese cuisine, and the bar often hosts live music. Light meals are served in the pool bar. The well-equipped spa has a pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam bath, and frigidarium, and offers a wide variety of treatments. The gym hosts exercise classes and there's a children's pool, to boot.

On a hilltop to the west of the city center, this modern pousada offers comfortable guest rooms, all with balconies and terrific views of the Citadel, as well as the chance to sample award-winning cuisine. Its restaurant, G Pousada, has won international fame for its versions of local dishes; there are several different tasting menus (from €95, with wine from €35), including a vegetarian one. As for the rest of the hotel, local touches include soft furnishings featuring burel, a traditional wool product. 

About 5 km (3 miles) from Barcelos, this fine 17th-century manor house—known for its beamed ceilings and stone walls—retains appealing features such as open fireplaces while adding modern touches. There's a large garden with a pool and a pretty baroque chapel. If you love dogs, note that there's a canine center attached where they breed boxers.

Taking full advantage of its location on a hill high above the Rio Ave, this modern lodging's rooms all face the river and most have their own balconies; the indoor pool and rooftop bar---both open until midnight---have similarly stunning views, too. The decor is sleek and modern, with navy and silver livery adding a touch of luxury. A wide range of massages and other treatments are available in the well-equipped spa (check the website for packages), and you can book outdoor activities such as horseback riding, kayaking, and diving. The Santa Clara restaurant (€19) offers a good selection of traditional dishes, including delicious desserts, and affords views of the eponymous convent across the river.