Maison Albar – Le Monumental Palace

It was raining the entire time I was visiting Porto. Luckily, I was staying at Le Monumental Palace. That meant that when I wasn’t crouched under an umbrella attempting my fill of sightseeing, I was kicking back in the spa’s turquoise pool, sweating in the sauna or indulging in a breakfast of several courses after rolling out of my plumped-up king-size bed. In other words: I was doing more than all right.

This majestic historic property, situated in a 1923 neoclassical building on the wide Avenida dos Aliados in the centre of the city, has all you need for a comfortable, chic stay in Porto. You’ll feel the hospitality as soon as you set foot in its lavish art-nouveau entrance, and it will stay with you right up until you wave goodbye. My stay here was glorious – you could even go as far as to say that the hotel gave the city a run for its money.

Why stay at Le Monumental Palace, Porto?

Stay here if you want luxury without too much of the pomp and splendour. Le Monumental Palace, by French group Maison Albar Hotels, has a great location, facilities and also boasts some serious style: the interiors are done by local design studio, Oitoemponto Decoration, who did a good jobs of integrating the property’s original art deco elements. There are also sights to be seen: there’s a Michelin-starred restaurant, an intimate cocktail bar and a luxurious basement spa, all right there in the same building. 

What are the rooms like at Le Monumental Palace, Porto?

There are 76 rooms (some with balconies), all well-sized. Ours had lime green wallpaper and turquoise statement lamps with gold details, sitting on top of shiny black bedside tables, as well as  a bold eye-patterned carpet. If you’re thinking that this sounds dangerously tacky, fear not: the line was trodden carefully and well. Modern touches like USB charging by the bed and a large feature mirror disgusing a TV more than balanced out the Parisian old school vibe, instead making it feel chic.

Our room had tall ceilings and windows looking out over the main street, as well as a bed that you could sink into and not want to come out. On a slick sideboard, there was a well-stocked mini fridge and snacks, as well as a coffee machine and pamphlets with genuinely useful tips for our stay. That’s not to mention the spectacular ensuite bathroom: all hard white marble, mirror and soft-smelling Eight and Bob products. 

What are the best things to eat at Le Monumental Palace?

Make sure you allow yourself time to indulge in several courses at breakfast. Order from the menu, which featured chef suggestions each morning, such as scrambled eggs with smoked salmon. Or, go for the buffet, which featured pastries, breads, meats, cheeses, yogurts, fruits: the works. This was well catered to vegans (my personal favourite was the mango passionfruit coulis). Whatever you go for, don’t miss pouring yourself a glass of champagne. With such glamourous surroundings – in keeping with the art deco style – it would be silly not to.

For dinner, you can choose between a Michelin-starred restaurant serving up Portuguese-inspired fare, by chef Julien Montbabut, or the Japanese restaurant, Yakuza by Olivier, which spills out onto the street. To wash it all down, head downstairs to the speakeasy Bar Américain for various takes on martinis or signature cocktails with names like ‘Flapper’ and ‘The Charleston’. We didn’t have the chance to try any of these spots, but word on the street is that they all very much deliver. 

What are the facilities like at Le Monumental Palace?

Make sure you at least take a peak in the magnificent cherry blossom-carpeted reading room, stacked with tasteful coffee table books as well as a TV and chess set. The spa in the basement is a standout: you can soak in the mermaid-like turquoise heated pool, chill on the loungers, sweat in the sauna and lose yourself in the (very steamy) steam room. It’s also possible to book appointments, such as massage and a ‘digital detox’ restorative treatment, which use Portuguese brand, Ignae. On site, you’ll also find parking and laundry services, as well as a small but well-equipped modern gym with a treadmill, cross-trainer, bike, weights and refreshments.

What is the service like at Le Monumental Palace, Porto?

The service was spectacular from the get-go. An extra single bed was added to our room on request with no hassle. We arrived early hours and were greeted with a warm hand towel and tea in the lobby, before storing our luggage and exploring the neighbourhood while we waited for our room to be ready. We weren’t waiting long, and they handily texted us to let us know when to come back. 

There was a slight issue in that one bag had not been delivered to the room when we were shown upstairs, but that was very quickly sorted. It was more than made up by the fact that each day, we were surprised with a little Easter-themed treat (like handmade chocolates) delivered to the room. Very cute. 

What is the area like around Le Monumental Palace?

The immediate area is home to loads of designer shops, as well as the town hall. You’re a short walk down the waterfront and its various alleyways and eateries, and are just 400 metres away from the historic Bolhão Market, where you can walk around with glasses of wine and pinxtos, and another 400 from the historic Clérigos Tower. 

You’re also close to Time Out Market Porto, in the south wing of UNESCO World Heritage site São Bento railway station. Head here for bars, 12 different restaurants – including some Michelin stars – and a landmark tower designed by local hero Eduardo Souto de Moura. From the hotel, the airport is a 20-minute drive away.

Why you should book a stay at Le Monumental Palace

If you want to feel a bit fancy but don’t have time for any of that overly over-the-top stuff, then book a stay here. You’ll receive a very warm welcome, you’ll be perfectly placed to explore the city via foot, and you’ll come out feeling more chic than you did when you arrived.

DETAILS

Address: Le Monumental Palace Avenida dos Aliados 151, 4000-067 Porto
Price: Starting from approximately £255 per night
Closest transport: São Bento Station is a five-minutes way away