Creativity is at the heart of The Editory Artist Hotel. Having functioned as an art college for decades, remnants of the building's heritage are everywhere. Old report cards are pinned up on walls, and paintings and sculptures by former students are exhibited in every room – look closely and you might even spot the grade each student was awarded for their masterpiece. Today, education takes on a new form: the hotel is fully run and managed by protégé students from the local tourism school, so all staff are young, eager, and out to impress.
Upon our arrival, we were greeted by friendly faces and treated to a very welcome glass of port wine with some local sweet treats. Everything inside felt gloriously retro, with plump settees and antique writing desks in the 17 bedrooms, bold colours and patterned prints in the dining room, and artworks everywhere. The restaurant serves ‘surprise’ five- or seven-course tasting menus that change daily, and we were truly bowled over by the standard – little wonder the hotel is gaining quite the culinary reputation across the city. Step outside onto the quiet street and you'll find a bustling shopping area five minutes' walk away, plus the city's main sights beyond. Secluded, stylish and wonderfully unique: just what we love.
Highs
- The innovative tasting menu is delicious and very reasonably priced
- The hotel provides you with a smartphone upon check-in which is preloaded with maps, walking tours and recommendations
- Rooms are large for a city hotel, especially the Library Suite which has a separate dining/seating area
- You get a glass of port wine and traditional cake on arrival - a nice touch
- Set in a quieter area of Porto so you can’t hear any street noise from the rooms
Lows
- The majority of staff are students so naturally the service may not always be 100%, although we found staff to be charming and very well trained
- They cater for events in the main bar area, so it's sometimes closed to guests
- The hotel is located away from the central tourist areas, but sights are within easy walking distance
- A limited breakfast during weekends (buffet only)
Best time to go
We'd recommend coming between April and September for balmy weather, or choose autumn if you want to catch the grape harvest in the nearby Douro Valley. You may wish to time your trip to coincide with one of Porto’s many festivals, the most famous of which is the colourful Festa de São João in June - a big street party with music and fireworks.
Our top tips
Try Francesinha, a Portuguese dish that originates here and consists of meat covered in bread, cheese and a spicy tomato and beer sauce. Admittedly, it doesn't look like the most appetising dish, but we found it delicious! You'll find it on most menus around the city.
- Boutique Hotel
- 17 rooms
- Restaurant and bar
- 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
Rooms
The hotel has 17 rooms spread across three floors. Most are twins but there are a handful of doubles, plus a suite.
All feature subtle but quirky pieces of art and decoration (our Twin Room had a bowl with some lips on it), plus lots of brightly coloured cushions, striped bedspreads and old writing desks that are reminiscent of the building's school days.
Double Room 201 is the smallest, but generally, all rooms are extremely spacious. The Suite is the largest, with an additional room featuring a table, extra seating, and a sofabed that can accommodate an extra guest - good if you're bringing a child along.
Ensuite bathrooms feature Castelbel toiletries, and most have showers over baths.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Hairdryer
- Minibar
- Safe box
- TV
- WiFi
Eating
The restaurant, A Escola by The Artist, is beautiful, with sapphire-coloured walls and stunning artwork. Headed up by innovative chef Hugo Dias and a team of budding student restaurateurs, it offers daily changing tasting menus. You choose between five or seven courses, and are asked whether you prefer meat or fish - they can also cater for vegetarians/vegans with prior notice. Each course comes as a surprise so you won't know what you’re getting beforehand - a good test for the tastebuds.
I went for the fish option, which included a fresh oyster, courgette with cheese, tofu with kale, grouper, and a light-as-air lemon sponge with ice cream. It was all heavenly. For a nightcap, pop to B'Artist bar and try one of their delicious cocktails.
Breakfast is a cold buffet of the usual suspects, plus hot options cooked to order. Note that at weekends choice is more limited, with just the buffet available.
Porto is a great place for eating out; there are so many options within walking distance. Ask staff for recommendations or check your handy smartphone.
Features include:
- Bar
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Restaurants nearby
Activities
- The Editory Artist Hotel is located near Mercado do Bulhão, one of the most popular and lively markets in Porto
- Stroll over to the Unesco-listed Old Town, Ribeira, and get pleasantly lost among its vertiginous streets, colourful houses and squares.
- Visit the famous Port houses along the river to try a variety of Port wines; tours and tastings are available at most.
- Marvel at modern art and quirky sculptures in the Museu de Arte Contemporanea; or admire traditional azulejos (hand-painted tiles) covering the Igreja do Carmo and São Bento train station.
- See the sights from the water and do a river tour of Porto's six bridges.
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Boat trips
- Cycling
- Historical sites
- Museums / galleries
- Shopping / markets
- Wine tasting
Kids
The Editory Artist Hotel isn't particularly set-up for families, but all ages are very welcome and there's lots for families to see and do in Porto. The hotel mainly attracts families with babies (cots can be added to all rooms) or older (teenage) children who can sleep in their own rooms. The restaurant only serves tasting menus and therefore isn’t particularly child-friendly.
Best for:
Babies (0-1 years), Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
The Library Suite has a sofabed so can sleep an extra guest. Most rooms can fit an extra bed, and all can fit a baby cot. There are no interconnecting rooms.
Distances:
- Airport: 20 minutes
- Hospital: 10 minutes walking or 5 minutes by car
- Shops: 2 minutes
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
The Editory Artist Hotel is located on Rua da Firmeza, a quiet street 10 minutes' walk from the city centre.
By Air:
Porto’s Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport (17km) 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 24 de Agosto, a five-minute walk from The Artist.
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.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Porto Airport 17.0 km OPO
Other:
- Beach 8.0 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 4 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape