The Vibe: 1920s/1930s.

The Area: The hotel is located on Avenida de Aliados, Porto’s grand avenue, only a stone’s throw away from Clérigos, the Bolhão market, Douro riverside and Dom Luís I Bridge.

The DNA: Built in 1923 in a Neoclassical style, and recently completely renovated to its original splendor, Maison Albar Hotels Le Monumental Palace features white marble from Estremoz, black ironwork, and high ceilings with a luminosity that will take your breath away. Art Deco lovers especially will admire the hotel’s lobby and staircase. As the hotel is French owned (this is the first of the “casual luxury” Maison Albar Hotels outside its native country), the food is a bastion of French gastronomic excellence with three different locations placed under the high command of Michelin-starred chef Julien Montbabut. Le Monumental Café features fish and seafood options, while Le Monument is a gourmet restaurant. The Bar Americain, which also serves snacks, is adjoined by the library lounge and a classic TV room. The luxurious NUXE spa has an indoor swimming pool, a sauna, a steam room, a fitness room and 3 treatment rooms including one for water therapies.

Suite-Me-Up: Uplifting colours and carpets, bespoke furniture and furnishings and a generous size define the 76 rooms and suites, some with balconies offering views of the City skyline. All come with Nespresso machines, USB charging sockets by the bed and a desk. Bathrooms are clad in marble – some in pale green, some in grey, with tubs and showers and sleek, Art Deco-style trimmings.

✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 63 rooms (29m2) (312 sq ft), 13 suites (45-87m2) (484-936 sq ft) • hotel opened: 2019 • interior design: Oitoemponto Decoration • bathroom amenities: NUXE Paris • parking possible on-site (charged) • no pets allowed • 24-hour front desk • wheelchair accessible