Massarelos House is located in one of Porto's quieter neighborhoods, between the Douro River and the gardens of the Palácio de Cristal.
In the mornings, the first rays of sunlight fall on the quiet Rua de Entre Quintas, where only a few passersby are about. Some apartments offer views of Rua da Restauração, where the historic tram occasionally glides by. On the upper floors, skylights create a bright, almost floating atmosphere, with views over the verdant gardens of the Palácio. Light, tranquility, and spaciousness define the feeling of this building.
The historic building, containing fifteen apartments, reopened in early 2025. The interiors tell the story of Porto's past as a wine city with British influence, combined with contemporary art by Portuguese artists. Ceramics play a special role: each apartment is named after a historic manufacturer that operated in Porto between the 18th and mid-20th centuries. Selected pieces from these workshops are incorporated into the apartments, creating a subtle link between history and the present.
Massarelos House follows the concept of Lisbon's Baixa Houses: comfortable, full of character, and deeply rooted in the local culture. It's ideal for extended stays, relaxing holidays, and travelers who appreciate authenticity and prefer a slower pace of travel. The atmosphere is informal and personal, almost like a home away from home. Communal areas invite guests to linger, and the small garden promises a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.
Rooms + Rates
per night| Apartment | from200 € |
Characteristics
- A temporary home in a historic building in Porto
- Located in the quiet and green Massarelos district between the Douro River and the gardens of the Palácio de Cristal
- Portuguese ceramics and contemporary works by Portuguese artists
- Green courtyard designed by landscape architect Jesús Moraime
- Just a 15-minute walk to the historic center
Sustainable
The building offers several communal areas. At its heart is the garden, whose historic terraced structure has been preserved and sensitively restored by landscape architect Jesús Moraime. Trees provide shade, and water features accompany the path from top to bottom: a pond, a sunny relaxation area, spots shaded by orange trees, and finally, a pergola with a small lake. Two artistic panels, crafted from salvaged tiles of the original structure, are now on display inside the building. The front and rear facades also incorporate this traditional azulejo design, thus referencing one of Porto's most iconic architectural styles. Orange, mandarin, and laurel trees, along with the pergola in the garden, reflect the city's typical atmosphere and make the communal areas inviting places to arrive and linger.
Massarelos House offers only breakfast. This is prepared individually according to the guests' wishes, so that there is hardly any food waste.
The Massarelos House team is intentionally diverse, bringing together staff with local, national, and international backgrounds. Knowledge sharing plays a key role: internships and training programs between the projects in Lisbon and Porto foster networking and collaborative learning, including on-site accommodation. Furthermore, the house works closely with local parishes, for example, by providing bedding, mattresses, or replenishing supplies.
Sustainability is a natural part of life at Massarelos House. Waste separation is just as much a part of it as energy-saving LED lighting throughout the house. Plastic bottles are consciously avoided; instead, refillable bottles filled with fresh tap water are provided.
Features
- 15 individually designed apartments of varying sizes
- Some apartments have a private terrace
- All apartments have a kitchen
- Breakfast and bread roll service included in the price
- Covered common room facing the garden
- Small (plunge) pool for cooling off
- Garden courtyard with fountain and pond
- Small roof terrace with a great view
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