On the bohemian fringe of Porto’s Old Town, Cocorico Guesthouse is a pioneer of regeneration in an area already known for vibrant art and culture (the São João National Theatre is just a few minutes’ walk away). Two restored 18th-century townhouses have been knocked into one and the result is a beautifully furnished guesthouse that celebrates the long romance between France and Portugal – a theme which is evident in almost every detail.
Inside, it’s all cool, tiled floors, lofty ceilings and ornate plasterwork, A cantilevered staircase limbers up to 10 elegant rooms and suites, each decorated with French antiques, wrought iron frames and original features. Most have super-sized, open-plan bathrooms and some have big balconies with folding doors, making them feel very romantic; the emphasis here is on couples, but there are three family rooms, too. Do linger in the cocktail bar, which serves excellent drinks and small plates, and there's a pretty terrace for alfresco dining on a balmy summers day.
Cocorico means 'cock-a-doodle-doo' in French, and the colourful rooster, an emblem of Portugal, represents this nation’s love of life. You're invited to share this happy mindset and make yourself completely at home.
Highs
- The rooms are light and generous, cleverly combining contemporary design with original features
- Brilliant location, quieter than most of central Porto but within walking distance of most of the city’s must-dos
- The team of first-class staff go all out to make guests feel at home - the atmosphere here is very welcoming and laid-back
- The cocktail bar's cool, shady courtyard is the perfect place to try a glass of chilled Dalva Espumante or one of Cocorico’s signature cocktails
Lows
- No proper restaurant on-site; but plenty of eating options within walking distance
- The hotel is on a street that looks a little rundown, but any misgivings are dispelled the moment you cross the threshold
- Not everyone will love the open-plan bathrooms (fear not, the loos are separate and completely private)
- Views are not a strong point, though we rather liked the jumble of crumbling rooftops and wild gardens at the back of the house
- With wooden floors in an old building, noise carries
Best time to go
Porto is a year-round destination, though some prefer to avoid the hot, crowded months of July and August. In spring and autumn, the weather is usually warm and the city quieter. Come in June (23-24) for the city’s most famous and exuberant festival: Festa de São Joao. It can be wet and a little chilly in winter, but this is the best time to visit the dimly lit cellars of the port lodges of Gaia or to catch the Christmas lights.
Our top tips
- Boutique Hotel
- 10 rooms
- Cocktail bar, restaurants nearby
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Concierge Service
Rooms
These are rooms you want to spend time in. There are 10 of them, set over three floors, each named after iconic French and Portuguese couples. All are spacious and have lots of natural light; the front rooms get the sun in the mornings, the back in the afternoon. Most have balconies, too.
High ceilings, tall windows, decorative plasterwork and wooden floors contrast with the architectural glass and wrought iron screens that frame the open-plan bathrooms (most feature a bath and double shower). Diaphanous cheesecloth drapes and painted shutters add colour to the otherwise monochrome decor: blues and greens pay homage to the Atlantic coast; ochres and russets nod to the fishing nets of old Porto. A more rustic look is reserved for the two cosier rooms on the top floor (one of them is a family room with a mezzanine bed deck). All are furnished sparingly with one-off antiques (a French armoire, desk, chest or inlaid table), armchairs, pottery and Portuguese basket-ware.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Hairdryer
- WiFi
Eating
While there's no restaurant as such on-site, there is a cocktail bar in a lovely atmospheric space, which serves small plates – think typical tapas dishes – as well as cheese and charcuterie boards.
Knowledgeable staff are on hand to steer you through the excellent wine list, suggest a good local port, or mix a cocktail – the lethal house ‘Cocorico’ blends white port and Vermouth with gin and cardamom foam.
Breakfast combines fruit, fresh juice, home-made bread, cereals, cold meats and cheeses with perfectly cooked eggs to order – and you can have it more or less whenever you like.
There are wonderful gastro choices within easy walking distance; staff can advise.
Features include:
- Bar
- Breakfast
- Restaurants nearby
- Room service
Activities
- Go sightseeing: the blue-tiled Santo Ildefonso church, the Coliseu (the city’s largest concert hall), Cinema Batalha and the São João National Theatre are all close by
- A ten-minute walk downhill leads to the Douro and the spectacular Pont Dom Luis bridge. A funicular railway zips down to Porto’s riverside; or head for the bridge’s upper level where cable cars drop down to the port lodges and fish restaurants of Vila Nova de Gaia
- Explore the narrow hilly streets of Ribeira, Porto's UNESCO-listed Old Town, and discover extravagantly tiled churches, pavement cafes on leafy squares and the astonishing Art Deco interiors of Livraria Lello – possibly one of the world’s most beautiful bookshops
- Stroll along the Maritime Board Walk to the Parque da Cidade: a city park with access to a beach
- Hop on a tram heading to the beach at Foz do Douro
- If time permits, take a boat or train down to the vineyards of the Douro valley and go wine tasting
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Boat trips
- Historical sites
- Museums / galleries
- Nightlife
- Shopping / markets
- Wine tasting
Kids
Although the hotel is not overtly child-friendly, kids are welcome and it is particularly suited to older children (family groups are a common sight in the restaurant). There are three rooms aimed at families, and most rooms can fit an extra bed or baby cot on request.
Best for:
All ages
Family friendly accommodation:
The Family Duplex, at the top of the house, has a bed deck on the mezzanine floor and two bathrooms; the Family Rooms have an extra bedroom with bunk beds.
Distances:
- Airport: 20 minutes
- Shops: Five minutes
- Hospital: 10 minutes
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Cocorico Guesthouse is located in Porto city centre and a five-minute walk from São Bento Station.
By Air:
Porto’s Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport (23km) is served by flights from across Europe. Taxis are available at the airport, airport transfers can be arranged (for an additional fee) or you can take the metro to São Bento station (a five-minute walk from Cocorico Guesthouse).
By Car:
You won't need a car in Porto, but if you want to hire one to explore further afield then see our car rental recommendations. Staff can direct you to a nearby car park.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Porto Airport 23.0 km OPO
Other:
- Beach 11.0 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 11 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape