Why The Rebello Is The Place To Be Seen In Porto

The Rebello
The Rebello. PHOTO NADIA CHO

Move over, Lisbon. Portugal’s hottest new hotel, The Rebello, just landed in Porto, and this fresh-to-death design hotel is about to become a destination all on its own.

Located on the banks of the mighty Douro River in the historic Gaia district, The Rebello offers an effortlessly cool stay unlike anything that’s ever been seen before in Porto.

 

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THE STORY

The Rebello can be found on the other side of the Luis I Bridge, at the end of Cais de Gaia, along which all of Porto’s historic wine caves are also located. Aptly named after classic rabelo boats used to transport port wine up and down the Douro River, many of which are still lovingly on display along the river.

The fun wordplay infuses the hotel with the bold, cheeky rebellion that the design clearly embodies. The Rebello is cool and chic without trying too hard, with no pretense and no fuss. Most importantly, The Rebello is all about having a blast.

industrial exterior
Industrial exterior. PHOTO NADIA CHO

THE DESIGN

The hotel took over what was formerly a kitchen utensil factory from the 19th century. The exterior maintains its chic industrial façade with sleek, wide-set balconies extending from many of the rooms.

Lobby lounge bar
Lobby lounge bar. PHOTO NADIA CHO
Mermaid tapestry
Mermaid tapestry. PHOTO NADIA CHO
Lobby lounge
Lobby lounge. PHOTO NADIA CHO

Inside, funky and whimsical art hang from wall to wall. At every turn, there’s something original and highly textured to look at. Our favorite pieces include the wooden nautical installation at reception made of materials from rabelo boats, as well as the split mermaid in the lobby – a gorgeous contemporary tapestry crafted with shag and yarn.

Lobby art
Lobby art. PHOTO NADIA CHO

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THE ROOMS

bedroom
Bedroom. PHOTO NADIA CHO

Cheeky art, midcentury mod furniture, and groovy rugs.  All the studios and suites at the Rebello are ideal for both short and long-term stays, as every unit has a fully fitted kitchen which includes a Smeg refrigerator, microwave, oven, coffeemaker, and well-stocked minibar. All room categories, starting from the studios, are supremely spacious while featuring a lounge area, kitchen, and a fabulously flashy bathroom. Most units also come with a patio or terrace that offers views of the Douro and the Ribeira skyline.

One bedroom suite lounge
One bedroom suite lounge. PHOTO NADIA CHO
Groovy room decor
Groovy room décor. PHOTO NADIA CHO
Fully fitted kitchen
Fully fitted kitchen. PHOTO NADIA CHO
Kitchen one bedroom suite
Kitchen one bedroom suite. PHOTO NADIA CHO

THE AMENITIES

Tranquility Lounge
Tranquility Lounge. PHOTO NADIA CHO

The hotel spa is an amenity that every guest must experience, specifically the dreamy Tranquility Lounge. The Tranquility Lounge features a large, heated pool surrounded by dusty pink arches, lounge chairs, and Roman vases, plus a sauna. Guests need to book in advance to use the Tranquility Lounge free of charge.

The hotel also offers a fitness center and electric bikes for rent, which are fun for exploring the city past the typical tourist attractions.

Jacuzzi and lounge chairs
Jacuzzi and lounge chairs. PHOTO NADIA CHO
Tranquility lounge entrance
Tranquility lounge entrance. PHOTO NADIA CHO
The Rebello Spa
The Rebello Spa. PHOTO NADIA CHO

THE RESTAURANTS

Bello rooftop bar
Bello rooftop bar. PHOTO NADIA CHO

The rooftop restaurant, Bello, was guaranteed to be a hit and has immediately become one of the coolest places in Porto to hang out. From Bello, you can see both the Ribeira and Gaia sides of Porto, in addition to majestic blue ribbon of the Douro stretching all the way to Luis I Bridge. Add in ample terrace seating and a fun bar menu, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate rooftop venue in town.

Bello provides all the daytime snacks one craves, from birria tacos, ceviche, poke bowls, burrata salad, burgers, to pizza. Don’t miss signature cocktails based on Seven Wonders of the World, like The Taj Mahal with rum, mango, and coconut or The Petra with cold brew, smoked vodka, and pistachio.

Bello Douro views
Bello Douro views. PHOTO NADIA CHO
Bello Ribeira views
Bello Ribeira views. PHOTO NADIA CHO
Bello rooftop
Bello rooftop. PHOTO NADIA CHO
Bello pizza and cocktails
Bello pizza and cocktails. PHOTO NADIA CHO
Pot and Pan Mini lobster squid ink fideua
Pot and Pan Mini lobster squid ink fideua. PHOTO NADIA CHO

While Bello may garner all the Instagram posts, the real star is the hotel’s main restaurant downstairs, Pot and Pan, which takes its name from the building’s origins as a kitchenware factory where pots and pans were made. The restaurant takes guests on a fabulous gastronomic tour of Portugal’s greatest hits. This includes the excellently ample selection of Portuguese wines to pair with the food (be sure to order a glass of the sparkling albariño!) The menu keeps it fresh by updating its contents seasonally. Expect to dig into updated Portuguese classics like caramelized rice with duck Magritte and cheese or crispy fideua noodles with squid ink and mini lobsters.

Pot and Pan Duck magritte rice
Pot and Pan Duck magritte rice. PHOTO NADIA CHO
Pot and Pan
Pot and Pan. PHOTO NADIA CHO
Pot and Pan Swordfish ceviche
Pot and Pan Swordfish ceviche. PHOTO NADIA CHO

WHY WE LOVE IT

With trendy outlets, fabulous amenities, and effortlessly sophisticated design, The Rebello delivers the coolest way to experience Porto like never before. Whether you’re getting a drink on the rooftop, indulging in a spa treatment, or chilling in one of the well-appointed rooms; you know that you’re at the right place to be seen at The Rebello.

Ribeira views
Ribeira views. PHOTO NADIA CHO
Nadia Cho

Communications Associate

As the empowered female behind the blog: International Women of Mystery, Nadia reps Team JST traveling the world in search of exclusive features on hidden gems and cool hotspots. You can find her exploring metropolitan cities or lounging on tropical beaches.

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