15 Most Unique Places to Stay in Portugal

1. The Yeatman Hotel

This wine hotel in Vila Nova de Gaia is one of the unique hotels in Portugal that will make you feel like royalty. The Yeatman Hotel offers a luxury spa and has a large indoor pool and hot tub offering panoramic views of Porto. 

Each bright room of The Yeatman hotel opens onto a spacious, private terrace. The rooms are stylish eye candies furnished with chic pieces and provide all comfort and amenities to make happy even the most demanding customer. Another number of facilities can be found here, like a gym. 

2-Michelin awarded Yeatman Restaurant is worth mentioning as well. The guests can try the excellence of Portuguese cuisine and some unique locally produced wines.

Still, wondering what makes The Yeatman one of the best hotels in Portugal? The marvelous infinity pool overlooking the Douro River and the city of Porto. It is one of the best places where to catch a sunset in Portugal.

2. Quinta da Pacheca 

Wine hotels are a big thing in Portugal, especially in the northern region where they flourish in the wonderful Douro Valley. So what makes Quinta da Pacheca different?

Quinta da Pacheca will allow you to sleep in a bungalow that looks like a huge wine barrel. And it is located in a vineyard in the heart of the Douro Valley. Sounds amazing, right? There’s more.

A delicious breakfast buffet is served at the property. Guests can enjoy gourmet cuisine made with local products at the restaurant, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. If you want to bring home the flavor of Portugal, it is also possible to buy locally-produced wine.

The main hotel building, a restored 18th-century house, also offers family rooms. So, this is one of the best places to stay in Portugal not only for couples but also families with kids.

Guided tours, wine tastings, picnics, cooking classes, and other fun activities are available for guests upon request and at an extra fee. Or just relax at the open-air swimming pool and enjoy the views around you.

3. Valverde Sintra Palácio de Seteais

If you’re looking for a truly special place to stay in Portugal, Valverde Sintra Palácio de Seteais is hard to beat. This 18th-century palace has been transformed into a luxury hotel, allowing you to spend the night surrounded by the architecture, gardens, and atmosphere of historic Sintra.

The palace was originally built in 1787 for Daniel Gildemeester, the Dutch consul in Portugal. A few years later, the 5th Marquis of Marialva expanded the property, adding the second wing and the impressive triumphal arch that connects the two buildings.

Today, you can still feel that history throughout the hotel. The rooms retain historic furniture and decorative details, while the palace features elegant salons, painted walls, beautiful gardens, and views over the surrounding Sintra landscape.

What makes it particularly special is that this isn’t a hotel designed to look historic. You are actually staying inside a historic palace. The building was converted into a hotel in the 1950s, and it has been operating as a hotel ever since.

Even if you’re not staying overnight, the palace is worth knowing about when exploring Sintra. But if you want to make the most of your time in SintraI can’t recommend Valverde Sintra Palácio de Seteais enough.

4. Six Senses Douro Valley

Not far from Lamego, you will find the most popular wine hotel in Portugal. Six Senses Douro Valley attracts visitors from all over the world and offers guests unforgettable experiences. Located between vineyards in the Douro Valley, is it one of the most unusual hotels in Portugal.

The property has a number of spaces dedicated to meditation, open-air areas in the surrounding woods, as well as an organic garden of local products like vegetables and herbs.

You can find yoga and wellness programs at the hotel, which has 10 treatment rooms and offers a variety of therapies. Some of them are, obviously, grape and wine based.

Guests can also find a heated indoor pool with water jets, aromatic saunas, arctic showers, and soft water beds, or relax in the library and read books whilst enjoying the finest wines of the Douro Valley. A gym with professional trainers is at guests’ disposal.

All the experiences at the Six Senses Douro Valley are created around local traditions and history while keeping it sustainable and environmentally friendly. If you are looking for a relaxing holiday, don’t miss this unusual hotel in Portugal.

5. Palace Hotel Bussaco

If you’re looking for a memorable place to stay between Porto and Lisbon, Bussaco Palace Hotel is hard to beat. Set inside the lush Mata Nacional do Bussaco, this spectacular former royal palace feels more like a fairytale than a hotel.

Built between 1888 and 1907, the palace was designed by Italian architect Luigi Manini and is one of the finest examples of Neo-Manueline architecture in Portugal.

The azulejos are particularly impressive, with large panels by Portuguese artist Jorge Colaço depicting scenes from Portuguese history, including the Age of Discoveries and the Battle of Bussaco.

Your room may not have the polished feel of a modern luxury hotel, but that is part of the charm. You are sleeping inside a genuine historic palace surrounded by one of Portugal’s most beautiful forests.

6. Pedras Salgadas Spa & Nature Park

Pedras Salgadas Spa & Nature Park lies in the north of Portugal, between the town of Guimaraes and Chaves in a fantastic natural environment. It offers ecological self-catering bungalows with a modern twist.

The architecture of the bungalows is unique and futuristic but perfectly integrated with the environment. You can enjoy views of the surrounding nature from the wooden patio or relax in the separate spa center.

If you are looking for an extra treat, à la carte restaurant meals can be delivered to the bungalows upon request. Supermarkets and local restaurants are located within a 2-minute walking distance.

What makes Pedras Salgadas Spa & Nature Park one of the best places to stay in Portugal, is the variety of treatments and massages. An indoor pool, a sauna, and a steam bath are also provided. There is also a playground for kids, which makes the accommodation a perfect family-friendly place.

7. Pousada Palácio de Estoi, Small Luxury Hotels

Pousada Palácio de Estoi, Small Luxury Hotels is one of the most instagrammable and unique hotels in Portugal. This hotel stands proud in the town of Estoi on the grounds of a beautiful 19th-century palace.

This is the only Palace Hotel in all of the Algarve and it is characterized by rich and decorative architecture. The hotel has 63 rooms, French-style gardens, an outdoor swimming pool with a view of the sea and the mountains, and provides all the comfort of modern and luxurious accommodations.

The Reception area is located in an old Chapel. It hosts a new space for exhibitions forming part of a museum collection dedicated to the history of the region and its various: Roman, Islamic, and classic influences. 

The Visconde restaurant with contemporary and local cuisine is located in the old palace kitchen. 

This is a perfect choice for history and architecture lovers, or couples looking for a romantic gateway in one of the sunniest regions in Europe.

8. Vidago Palace Hotel

One of the best places to stay in Portugal is undoubtedly the Vidago Palace Hotel. The majestic hotel is part of the historical luxurious hotels of the country as it was opened in 1910. It boasts a vanity pool, spa, and 18-hole golf course that make it one of the unique hotels in Portugal.

Vidago Palace Hotel counts 70 magnificent rooms and suites, each with a character and personality. The Grand Ballroom is probably the most beautiful hall of the palace, and today it hosts a restaurant.

Actually, Vidago Palace provides 4 restaurants, including the stylish main restaurant, spa bar, and poolside bar and grill. The region’s most famous export wine can be tasted at Vidago’s wine cellar.

The Vidago Palace Hotel was commissioned by King Carlos I, who wanted to build a luxury spa resort that could stand alongside Europe’s finest. At the time, the waters of the town of Vidago were considered an asset of national interest. And even today, guests can relax with thermal treatments.

9. Pousada Castelo de Óbidos 

If you’ve ever dreamed of sleeping in a medieval castle, Pousada Castelo de Óbidos is one of the most unique places you can stay in Portugal.

Located inside the historic Castle of Óbidos, this beautiful hotel lets you spend the night surrounded by centuries of history, stone walls, towers, and medieval details.

The castle itself is one of the most beautiful castles in Portugal, sitting above the charming walled town of Óbidos. Its history goes back centuries, but the castle was declared a National Monument in 1910 and was later restored to become Portugal’s first historic pousada.

The Pousada Castelo de Óbidos opened in 1951, turning part of the historic castle into a hotel while preserving many of its original features.

What I particularly love about this experience is that you get to enjoy Óbidos after the day-trippers have left. You can walk along the castle walls, wander through the quiet streets of the medieval town, and then return to your room inside the castle.

10. Natura Glamping

Nature lovers will love Natura Glamping, as it is a very unique accommodation in Portugal. People who seek contact with nature and real authentic experiences to get to know the most intimate side of Portugal can’t miss this place.

Located in the lush heart of Portugal, Natura Glamping offers luxurious and stylish tents with mountain views and ultimate comfort. Moreover, you can take with you unique experiences in terms of gastronomy, history, customs, and heritage of the region, which they proudly promote.

An Infinity saltwater pool is also available for guests, and if you want an extra treat, you can have a seasonal outdoor Jacuzzi, but you will need to request this at least 48 hours prior.

11. Terra Rosa Country House & Vineyards

This family-owned real estate dates back to 1758 and it lies near the picturesque town of Ponte de Lima. Seventy hectares of an intimate atmosphere are home to fifty hectares of vineyards making this one of the most beautiful places to stay in Portugal.

Each room has a particular design and character, making your stay unique and special. It’s a perfect place, especially for couples who seek a romantic gateway in an intimate, yet picturesque place.

The design of the place is a real eye candy which makes Terra Rosa Country House & Vineyards one of the most beautiful places to stay in Portugal.

12. The Literary Man Óbidos Hotel

The Literary Man Óbidos Hotel is a place where all book lovers should spend a night when visiting Portugal. What makes this one of the most unique hotels in Portugal is the fact that this is the biggest literary hotel in the world.

It is hosted in a former convent that kept its original charm and was converted into a hotel called Estalagem do Convento in 1965. Despite keeping an eye on the tradition in the design and style, it combines modern comforts and services, offering to guests a full experience of beauty and pleasure.

As mentioned, book lovers will find international books distributed at the hotel. You can enjoy reading in the gin bar, or in the lounge with an antique fireplace. The hotel also has a restaurant, and they can choose from a literary menu.

13. Hobbit house

We all know about Hobbit house in New Zealand, but what if I told you that you can have a similar experience here in Europe? Hobbit house in Portugal makes sure you can do that.

The hobbit house is located in the South of the Alentejo region and it is surrounded by mountain views. It is a perfect getaway from busy cities and the best way to connect with nature.

The design of the house is definitely what makes it one of the most unique places to stay in Portugal. It literally looks like a dollhouse inside out.

And the house is fully equipped for short or long-term stays, which makes it super convenient for the guests. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this cool hotel in Portugal.

14. Mosaiko 5 Suites

Mosaiko 5 Suites is definitely one of the most unusual hotels in Portugal due to its Moroccan vibes that perfectly blend with a Portuguese touch. This hotel lies in a privileged position in the town of Silves, which was the old capital of the Algarve kingdom.

This Riad hotel offers 5 suites as the name suggests, each with its peculiarities and personality. They combine a unique fusion design, but still offer all the modern comforts that even the most demanding guest might need. Some rooms even offer a lovely view of the town of Silves.

The breakfast is something that the guests particularly love at the Mosaiko as it is prepared with care and patience by the staff. The restaurant serves authentic Moroccan food and it is a must-try during your stay.

This is one of the design hotels in Portugal you don’t want to miss when you visit the Algarve. It is the perfect place to live a different kind of experience and understand the fusion of cultures that characterized the Algarve region.

15. Verride Palácio Santa Catarina

If you love Portuguese azulejos, Verride Palácio Santa Catarina is a place worth knowing about. This beautifully restored 18th-century palace is now a luxury boutique hotel, but many of its original details have been carefully preserved.

The azulejos are one of my favorite details. You’ll find traditional blue-and-white tiles incorporated into the palace, including beautifully decorated panels in some of the suites. One highlight is the blue azulejo bathroom in the Queen Suite.

The hotel combines these historic details with elegant modern interiors, creating a space that feels luxurious without losing its connection to Lisbon’s past. You’ll also find ornate ceilings, marble details, Moorish-inspired arches, and the original spiral staircase.

If you’re looking for one of the best places to see azulejos in Lisbon, add Verride Palácio Santa Catarina to your list and take a closer look at the details that make this historic palace so special.