In a city already brimming with tiled façades and faded grandeur, Palacete Severo makes a quietly dazzling entrance. Housed in a restored early 20th-century mansion in Porto’s upscale Boavista neighborhood, this new boutique hotel doesn’t shout for attention — it seduces, slowly.

Originally designed by the celebrated architect Ricardo Severo, the palacete has been reborn under the vision of Portuguese design maestro Paulo Lobo, who is best known for his intuitive ability to marry the past with the present. Here, Lobo leans into the building’s noble bones — ceiling frescoes, stained glass windows, marble staircases — and pairs them with bold contemporary accents: velvet banquettes, custom lighting, and a moody palette that feels equal parts regal and intimate. It’s a masterclass in restraint and romance.

There are just 20 rooms and suites, each with its own character — some bright and airy, others brooding and sensual — all offering a cocoon of comfort with high-thread-count linens and just the right amount of design flair.

The hotel’s two restaurants — Éon and Bistrô Severo — are helmed by Michelin-starred chef Tiago Bonito, who reimagines Mediterranean classics with seasonal Portuguese ingredients. Think octopus with smoked paprika, or saffron risotto that pays homage to the building’s mercantile past.

Downstairs, a discreet spa offers treatments using Olivier Claire’s plant-based line, with a saltwater pool and Turkish bath rounding out the experience. It’s an ideal antidote after a day exploring the nearby Casa da Música or sipping tawny ports along the Douro.

And yet, what truly sets Palacete Severo apart is its soul. The hotel doubles as a living gallery, with rotating exhibitions curated by Perspective Galerie, turning the halls into an immersive, ever-evolving cultural experience. It’s this synthesis of architecture, gastronomy, and art — all wrapped in Lobo’s singular aesthetic — that makes Palacete Severo not just a place to stay, but a reason to come to Porto in the first place.

— Keisha Mitchell

Address: R. de Ricardo Severo 21, 4050-460 Porto, Portugal, Phone: +351 22 967 7000, Email: hotel@palacetosevero.com