Opened for the first time in 1951, the Hotel Infante Sagres was the first 5-star hotel in Porto. The decades it has watched over the city’s historic centre took a toll and left the establishment in need of a revamp.
Honouring the hotel’s story-led design and its heritage significance, the Hospes Hotels hospitality group has taken over, conducting extensive renovations and a comprehensive overhaul of its design, services and offerings. “This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the hotel, propelling it back onto the map as Porto’s unrivalled Grande Dame, reinstating its rightful position of prestige and elegance”, the group said in a statement.
The remodel was crafted by local architecture firm Nano Design, that has reimagined the space, blending local culture with modern elegance through a story-led design direction inspired by Portugal’s Age of Discoveries. The interiors pay homage to Prince Henry the Navigator, also known as “Infante Sagres”, the namesake of the hotel, and to “The Lusiads”, a renowned Portuguese epic poem by Luís Vaz de Camões.
“As this is an emblematic hotel in the city, we believed that a historical and impactful storytelling was needed to provide a good basis for the interior design project. Associating the Infante de Sagres, the driving force behind the discoveries, with Luís Vaz de Camões’ famous epic ‘The Lusiads’, allowed us to navigate the history of Portugal and revive the soul of the hotel, enhancing the beauty of the existing architecture of what was Porto’s first 5-star hotel”, explained Francisca Navio, founder of Nano Design.
The renovation, spanning over 12 months, encompassed the update of all 85 rooms and suites, including the premium suites. The rooms and suites feature an eye-catching juxtaposition of soothing and bold colours, textiles, custom wallpapers and original artworks, complemented by modern touches. The hotel now offers 85 elegantly redesigned rooms and suites, each themed around famous episodes from “The Lusiads”, such as O Velho do Restelo, Ilha dos Amores, Consílio dos Deuses, Adamastor and Inês de Castro.
“It’s an honour to be a part of the revival of the iconic Hotel Infante Sagres and take it to new heights, while preserving its heritage as the very first 5-star hotel to open in Porto, back in 1951″, said Manuel Olivares, CEO of Hospes Hotel Group.
The lobby, public areas, façade and reception area have also received significant enhancements. Upon entering Hospes Infante Sagres Porto, guests are greeted by a new concierge area, stationed at a desk reminiscent of the original hotel lobby. The redesigned space features materials like velvet, porcelain and marble, creating a luxurious atmosphere.
“Located in the historic centre, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the completely renovated hotel beautifully merges luxury and tradition, reflecting Hospes brand values and paying tribute to Portuguese cultural heritage”, commented Jean Hélière, General Manager of Hospes Infante Sagres.
Known for blending authentic experiences and cultural heritage with luxury and exceptional service at boutique hotels, Hospes Hotel Group aims to reestablish the hotel as the pinnacle of luxury in Porto. The revamp should restore the Infante Sagres’ prestigious standing by enhancing its offerings and preserving its historical significance.
