International Lodging Corporation

Where Amazing Travel Experiences Begin

Checking In…Pestana Pousada Porto (Portugal)

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The Pestana Pousada Porto is located on Porto’s most characteristic and trendy pedestrian streets lined with restaurants, traditional shops and historic buildings. The meticulous restoration of the 18th C. building maintained its classic architectural style and preserved many of the building’s original features, including vaulted ceilings, prominent stones, and interior courtyard. The ambiance achieved by the restoration is sophisticated, modern and elegant.

  • Address: Rua das Flores, 84
  • 5-8 minute walk to the city’s main sites, including São Bento train station, Clérigos Tower, Cathedral, Palácio da Borsa, Casa do Infante, Praça da Liberdade, Livraria Lello
  • 7 minute walk to Ribeira Square and the Douro River
  • Bus Station: 7 minute walk (near São Bento)
  • Train Station: 7 minute walk (São Bento) or 10 minutes by taxi (Campanha)
  • Airport: 25 minutes by taxi (19 km)

All rooms with private bath, air conditioning, individual temperature control, direct dial telephone, Wi-Fi (complimentary), hair dryer, flat panel TV, minibar, room safe

  • 2 Elevators
  • Room Service (24 hours)
  • P Gastro Bar
  • Indoor Swimming Pool & Sauna
  • Fitness Center
  • Reception (24 hours)
  • Laundry & Dry Cleaning Service
  • Parking nearby (at public garage, extra charge)
  • 84 guest rooms (3 floors)
  • Classic: Room with mostly Twin beds (only 3 with a King bed) and a city view, some with balcony overlooking Rua da Ponte Nova or Rua das Flores; approx. 21 (2 guest maximum)
  • Superior: Larger room with a King bed (only 1 with Twin beds) and a window or balcony looking onto Rua das Flores or the inner courtyard; approx. 25 m2 (2 guest maximum)
  • Superior Family: Spacious room overlooking the inner courtyard with a sitting area with a sofabed, King bed and balcony; approx. 28 m2 (3 guest maximum)
  • Superior Plus: Room located on the top floor with a King or Twin beds and a prime view of Rua das Flores or Rua da Ponte Nova; approx. 22 m2 (2 guest maximum)
  • All rooms have a shower (no bathtub)
  • Hotel offers a Handicap room (Classic category)

Note: Rua das Flores is a pedestrian street. Some taxi companies have access to this street, otherwise pick-up/drop-off point for vehicles is at the nearest intersection (approx. 200m from the hotel).

For more information, pricing and reservations, contact us – click here.

On the Menu…Vinum Restaurant & Wine Bar, Porto (Portugal)

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Vinum Restaurant & Wine Bar is a highly rated restaurant that offers panoramic views of the Douro River and the historic center of Porto. The glass enclosed restaurant is located on the top floor of Graham’s Port Lodge, on the Vila Nova de Gaia side of the river. The restaurant offers a menu that features the best ingredients that are locally sourced from the nearby Trás-os-Montes region and the Atlantic Ocean. Each dish is created to be paired with the Douro’s fine wines. Adjacent to the restaurant on a lovely terrace overlooking the river is the Wine Bar, which serves a variety of tapas, pintxos and sweet pastries, and a curated selection of wines.

Vinum is considered one of the best and most charming rooftops in Porto, offering great views both day and night, including a romantic sunset view. The stylish restaurant and bar is an ideal place to enjoy a fine meal and sample the local wines, while taking in the beauty of historic Porto, the Douro River and the Dom Luis I Bridge.

Photo credit: Vinum Restaurant & Wine Bar

For assistance with your travel plans, including hotel and private tour reservations, click here.

Cheers…The Perfect Summer Drink from Portugal: Port Tonic

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Anyone who has ever visited Portugal is sure to have come across a drink that is a favorite with locals called the Porto Tónico (Port Tonic). It is a ubiquitous aperitif in Portugal, much like the Aperol Spritz in Italy. This popular cocktail is made with white port wine (yes, there is such a thing) and tonic, which creates a light and refreshing drink that is the perfect summer beverage. After you try your first Port Tonic you will wish you had discovered it sooner.

Many are not familiar with white port wines, as they are made in small quantities by around 30 producers in the Douro Valley, so they are not widely exported. But the good news is that they can now be found in some local wine shops and online vendors are starting to offer a selection as well. White ports are made from the same grapes used to make dry white wines, and like their red counterparts they are fortified with brandy to stop fermentation.

White ports are best served chilled. They are an excellent aperitif, or can be combined with tonic to create the perfect summer cocktail.

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 oz White Port (a dry white port works best)
  • 3 oz Tonic
  • Lemon slice (orange works well also)
  • Ice

Directions: Fill a wine glass with ice. Add the white port and the tonic to the glass and gently stir together. Garnish with a slice of lemon or orange and enjoy! It’s that simple. To make a pitcher of Port Tonics maintain the ratio of 1 part Port to 2 parts Tonic and you will be all set.

For assistance with your travel plans, including hotel and private tour reservations, click here.