4 Best Hotels in Guimarães, Northern 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).

Town houses from the 16th and 17th centuries were joined to create this stylish hotel in the heart of town, where guest rooms adorned with old maps and other items recall the region's rich history, while their double-glazed floor-to-ceiling windows overlook a busy square. The excellent restaurant, HOOL, has an à la carte menu with mainly traditional Portuguese fare, but for the full experience make a reservation to try one of the two very creative tasting menus (from €150), with wine pairing also available (from €60).

Conveniently located steps from the train station (and a 10-minute walk from the center), this streamlined hotel lets you revive yourself with a bracing dip in the indoor pool, a soak in the hot tub, or some time in the separate men's and women's saunas and steam baths. Afterward head to the bar and restaurant, which have panoramic views—as do a good number of the guest rooms. 

This family-run hotel has a great mix of historical charm and modern amenities, and its location on a quiet cobblestone street just around the corner from one of the city's main squares is hard to beat. With an imposing granite and white facade, the hotel has spacious and comfortable rooms that each have their own quirky design elements.