Na Travessa Suites is owned and operated by a local couple, Mariana and Pedro, who are both natives of Porto. Ever since 2007, when Porto was still a lesser-known destination full of abandoned and falling buildings, Mariana and Pedro were among the residents who took the initiative to revitalize their city. They set up their first guesthouse with 12 rooms back in 2007, which they eventually sold 10 years later when they had the opportunity to pursue a new project.

 

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This new project, which would become Na Travessa Suites, started with an abandoned building which they bought in 2017. It was previously an apartment building in complete ruins and filled to the brim with abandoned belongings of former tenants.

In a book placed in the main lounge, guests can view the extent of transformation that the building underwent into the current guesthouse, which is completely chronicled through photos. Working closely with an architect, the couple brought their vision for a chic, comfortable oasis to life.

Pedro and Mariana intentionally sought out a smaller place with fewer rooms compared to their first guesthouse to focus on delivering high-quality design and personalized service for each guest. There are only eight rooms in the entire structure.

The design from top to bottom is clean, serene, and earthy. The common spaces downstairs are bathed in a comforting orange glow, with plenty of plush seating to curl up on with one of the many books scattered around the lobby.

The rooms are simple and made for resting after a long day of exploring. The one that face the city side offer incredible skyline views of Porto’s rooftops, as well as the stately Torre dos Clérigos to the right and the majestic Sé do Porto (Porto Cathedral) to the left.

Na Travessa Suites is perfect for well-heeled travelers who wish to opt for locally run guest lodging rather than a corporate hotel. Staying at Na Travessa Suites is peaceful above all else. There is minimal contact with other guests, and guests can breezily come and go as they please without anyone keeping tabs on them.

While guests are largely left to their own devices (by choice,) Mariana is always highly responsive and available should anyone need help or suggestions. She wants travelers to feel like this is their home away from home while traveling around Porto.

As a lifelong Porto native, Mariana loves giving recommendations for historic addresses all around the city; whether it be for an old pharmacy, bakery, trinket shop, or a restaurant that only frequented by locals. She wants travelers to see the fading authentic parts of Porto that are lesser known but give her hometown the vital essence for which it has gained recognition. Mariana’s guestbook is full of messages from gushing nomads, honeymooners, and explorers who are delighted by the relaxed yet attentive local experience the guesthouse is able to provide.

The location couldn’t be more convenient, as it’s a very short walk to the historic São Bento train station with its renowned azulejo tile work, as well as the metro station. Visitors can also be up in the air crossing Luis I Bridge within minutes from walking out the door, and the buzzing Ribeira area by the river is just ten minutes away by foot as well. Given how central the guesthouse is, travelers can take advantage of all the sights, restaurants, bars, shopping, and experiences that Porto has to offer.

Na Travessa Suites offers one-of-a-kind lodging that captures the warm, aesthetic spirit of Porto. Much of this warmth is attributed to its lovely proprietors, Mariana and Pedro, who have worked assiduously to build their hometown into the coveted destination that it is today.