The Rebello, Porto

Chloe Hambidge
Dec 19
9 min read

Written & Experienced by Chloe Hambidge

A Rendezvous at The Rebello

"Antiga, Mui Nobre, Sempre Leal e Invicta Cidade do Porto" translating to ‘Ancient, Most Noble, Always Loyal and Unvanquished City of Porto’. This is the cities steadfast motto. A motto of which I maintained, as I surrendered to pretty Portos’ charms straight away.

I owe this head-over-heels swoon to ‘The Rebello’. With a rustic façade holding an industrial chic aesthetic, this riverside retreat shines a light on the wine warehouses that once were. It’s by clinging to these humble roots that this hotel unfolds into a stay like none other.

The cosy confines of the Lobby front room on the evening of our arrival.

‘The Rebello’ is a sentimental cocktail of a name inspired by the Rabelo wine boats that would dance down the Douro and the word rebel. These concepts pair seamlessly as this city escape challenges all your previous ideas of luxury in a way Porto has never seen.

It’s impossible not to swoon as you walk through the grand glass doors of this hotel. An enticing intermingling of old and new, with a smiling service ready to answer any question and send you heartily onto your city explorations.

'The Rebello' has many a string to their bow as illuminated at their entrance.

With rustically exposed piping and plush furniture boasting futuristic shapes and cloud like cosiness; ‘The Rebello’ transforms the bones of its exteriors and thoughtfully drapes them with homely, modernized fixtures.

Overlooking all of Portos much adored assets, this spot welcomes you with a familiar sort of kindness. Simply sit and stare in the aforementioned lobby living room and gaze out of its lofty windows, effortlessly illuminating what’s to come.

A short stroll along the riverside and you find yourself at the Dom Luis Bridge, which takes you right into the city.

Porto is a city that is never quite asleep but is certainly never in hurry, and this hotel matches it pace for pace.

THE Riverside Retreat

Design led and tastefully so, this reimagined reprieve is the perfect base to explore the city thanks to its front row spot carved into the south side of the river, in Vila Nova de Gaia. Whilst providing inescapable views of the city and its historic tiles, a simple stroll through the property’s sea-faring inspired corridors, and you will uncover a story of your own.

Some left over machinery from the areas sea-faring past.

Light, texture and colour collide amongst these walls, which is a spacious and welcomed reprieve after any length of flight. Surrounded either side by pristinely styled spaces, I was pulled from left to right by temptation to explore ‘The Rebello’s' true claim to fame; their trademark interiors.

An upclose of the moody fixtures decorating the Lobby.

Alongside urban flare, this unassuming hideaway holds all the appeal to tick all your city break boxes. Visit the Romanesque spa with a rejuvenating pool, the ‘Lobby Bar’ which is the perfect place for a pre-drink before ascending up to the ‘Rebello Rooftop’ bar, as well as the unmissable on-site restaurant: ‘Pot&Pan’.

Before even reaching one of these destinations, a stroll through the corridors of this moodily lavish hotel is quite literally a stroll down memory lane. Following the polished concrete floors uncovers various boat parts and wondrously wide windows, allowing light to pool in from every crevice, and bringing a whole new lease of life to these once bland and laborious pieces.

Inside one of 'The Rebello's' one bedroom suites.

Brimming with local art and craftsmanship, it’s like a warm hug from Portugal itself, with a humble appreciation for the cities hard-working roots. These include ceramics, rugs and various commissioned artworks from local artists and makers, nodding to nautical notes and creating a dynamic and immersive haven.

Decorative ceramics found upstairs in the spa.

We can thank Bomporto Hotels for the nostalgic powerhouse that is ‘The Rebello’, with an ‘all hands-on deck’ approach to bringing their effortless contemporary design to life; one of which we’re all thankful for. Although, their history is just the start.

Porto's Most Charming Chambers

There is something oddly enticing about arriving to a perfectly pampered suite at nighttime. The clock had just struck midnight by the time we reached our River View Suite, where we transformed Cinderella style into a state of relaxation.

The view from our River View Suite at night.

With loft-style interiors, a modernised kitchenette and an effortlessly open plan design- these suites are a homely hideaway amongst the bustle of Porto. With a variety of room categories from one bed suites to 4-bedroom apartments for the whole family, some projecting garden or river views. Either way one thing is promised; a spotless standard of home comforts with a dash of lavish living.

These sheets were a crisp heaven after an evening of wandering.

I loved our suite. Expansive and seemingly polished to a shine, it felt as though being wrapped in a fresh blanket. Welcomed by the holy sight of pastel de natas, some hand-written well wishes and a branded bottle of red, I loved these little hints of personalised luxury.

Our 'not so mini mini-bar' holding everything we could possibly need. You also get one free bottle of wine complimentary with your stay!

The real piece-de-resistance didn’t reveal itself until the morning, and reveal itself it most certainly did. I awoke to the blazing flames of the city as it glowed to life with the arising sun, sneaking above the Dom Luis bridge. I was transfixed, with views as if from a pop-up book, we had front row seats as the city yawned to life.

Hosted by a suite holding contemporary details and charming niknaks that are understated yet breathtaking, ‘The Rebello’ allows the soul of the city to do all the talking. Although I couldn’t help but admire the vintage Marshall radio, the shining Rotary phone and citrus smelling Banho amenitines hiding in the bathroom.

I followed the glow to find my very own ensuite, brimming with amenities and a cosy Rebello robe.

It's the perfect soulful yet minimalist stay to explore the city sprawled before you’re very eyes. If possible to pry yourself away from the tempting floor-to-ceiling glass doors leading you onto your terrace, the rest of this hotel holds just as much allure.

Sunken Sanctum

Tucked just behind Reception, you will discover a whole new world nestled below the bustle of Porto. Lovers of good wine, good living and good bathing- we can thank The Romans for inspiring this masterpiece.

The soothing tones of the Tranquility Water Lounge.

As if by the snap of a finger, I was transformed into a docile lull of relaxation. Laying amongst the terracota-toned spa, with plush beds and soft glowing orbs dancing on the serene water, I was beckoned (quite easily) for a dip. The Tranquility Water Lounge truly lives up to its name.

Where every detail has been thought of...

Sitting pretty and oozing relaxation, choose between awakening rituals or a few hours of shut eye and rejuvenation. Surrounded by excavated artefacts following the holistic history of dedicated spa goers, it would be rude not to indulge.

Gorgeous and inviting interiors make it a restful pitstop in-between busy days of wandering.

Despite this city spot encouraging you to explore and uncover the delights of Porto, there is also a deep-rooted place for appreciation. Which is very easy to embrace at this spa sanctuary, leaving the much-loved city behind (even if it is just for a few sparing moments).

Arty touches can even be found in the gymnasium.

Most city hotels are viewed as just a quick pillow stop, but I think the main charm of ‘the Rebello’ is its attention to detail; not just physically in their interiors, but in the carefully curated spaces for guests. It’s rare to have a designated space to seek calmess in the mad rush of a city, as well as having your own terrace offering panoramic perfection tucked into the confines of your suite.

Pot&Pan Perfection

Staying true to the core contemporary design running through the property, their restaurant also stays all-encompassing of its humble ‘Pot&Pan’ foundation.

‘The Rebello’ has mastered storytelling not only through their thoughtful design, but through fiery flavour. With a tasteful origin as a cookware warehouse, it’s seems to be this hotels birth right to cook up a storm.

You never have to look far for a carefully crafted menu at this spot, especially at their most popular evening dining space; ‘Pot&Pan’, with tasty dishes paying homage to the beloved city you’ve spent the day uncovering whilst incorporating subtle nods to the past.

Choose a restaurant ambience or a more laid-back table with backdrops of the city.

Spend an effortless evening here filled with hearty meat dishes, melt-in-the-mouth fish options and a swoon-worthy desert menu- the ‘Romeo and Juliet’ is a must. I will leave it at that.

Breakfast at ‘The Rebello’ will have you skipping out of bed. Also served at ‘Pot&Pan’, this buffet and al a carte approach has nailed all the stables, allowing you the freedom to mix-and-match. It is more of a breakfast banquet if done right. Here, breakfast forms in whatever shape and flavour you fancy- from sweet to savoury.

Our fresh to order choices, poached eggs on sourdough and pancakes with honey.

With a conveyor belt of tropical fruit constantly being replenished, steaming English breakfast options and freshly baked pastries and muffins. Every palette is tailoured for, trust me- I sampled all of them.

The best part of a city break is getting out and about, but there is always something magically reassuring about knowing your hotel has you covered (and you can sneak back up to your plush Rebello gown as soon your spoon hits the plate).

It would be rude not to indulge in a Full English (with some added extras).

The Rapturous Rebello Rooftop

Head to the heavens for a taste of the high life (literally), ascend where the cocktail shaker beckons and the succulent scents guide you.

From traditional to experimental flare, ‘The Rebello’ allows guests to enjoy the explosive balance of these two concepts. A mix that can be seen and appreciated throughout the city.

Drinks with a view. Is there anything better?

Speaking of mixology, the cocktails you will find at the rapturous ‘Rebello Rooftop’ are true delights. With views that will linger in your memory like the sweet hues of their Rose and Lychee cocktail (at this spot, they’re masters of more than just wine), it’s the prime position for a sundowner drink.

A rooftop shaded by chic umbrellas as if stolen from a beach in the 80s and rustic wooden benches painting the terrace, this spot attracts locals, foodies and tourists alike. Alongside masterful mixologists, your tastebuds are in for a treat as the rooftop also has their very own food menu. Serving timeless Portuguese staples or tasty picky bits, it’s a selection that will make you want to set up base all night.

If the food doesn’t steal your heart, the unparalled panorama before you is sure to take your breath away. I was stuck gawking at the clusters of 19^th-century wine warehouses to the regal Dom Luis bridge silhouetted in the sunset.

The perfect shaded corner to simply take in all the views.

Here, you will feel as though you’re at the stern of your very own ship, slicing through the glistening Douro (and that’s before indulging in too many beverages). It’s at this sleek rooftop sanctuary, whilst looking over a picture-perfect postcard of Porto, that the soul of this hotel truly comes to life.

The Moral of the Story

Through every trip I embark on I aim to leave a bookmark in time. A place for you to go to uncover the true worth of every stay, because I know; every hotel has a story at the epicentre of their journey.

‘The Rebello’ is a tastefully designed sanctuary with a revolutionary spot perched on the Gaia side of the Douro. This unique vantage point is the perfect beacon to watch the city unfurl on misty mornings, chug to life by day and explode to life come evening with the clinking of wine glasses and sanguine sunsets.

A snippet of the art that can be found across the suites and apartments.

Overlooking all of Porto’s fervent flare, this is just one of the many ways this hotel pays homage to the city and immortalizes its wine roots. Art and industrial heritage weaves like a labyrinth of veins through this hotel, pumping life into its once warehouse induced walls. A celebration where old meets new.

A beverage break at the iconic Mercado do Balhao.

The rustic façade and modern interiors intermingle to create a reimagined retreat overlooking the life force of the Douro. This spot isn’t just a base to explore the city, but an education in everything this side of Portugal once was, and in part always will be.

An evening at Sandeman, just a stones throw from 'The Rebello'.

Each fixture whispers secrets of the past, beckoning you into the safe hands of Rabelo boat backstories and tipsy port wine tales- sometimes the true charm of the city is not what you breeze past during you 20,000 steps, but what you surround yourself with in the inbetween.

The richness and complexity of this stay mirrors those from a glass of port wine, I loved the whiplash of history and advancement, all with an air of authenticity. Humble and continuing to lay its roots along the eternal river, ‘The Rebello’ has become a staple of the city.