BessaHotel Boavista

Built in 2007, this modern hotel has a smart and chic feel as soon as visitors enter the lobby. There are gray marble floors, contemporary cream couches, and splashes of bright red in the accessories and soft furnishings. It all feels very fresh, and even has a bit of a young, start-up-office vibe, with lots of open spaces, glass, and casual accents like shelves of books and artsy design features including tastefully used bamboo and red monochrome sculptural pieces. The hotel is split into different zones, which is a trend we've seen at other hip chains, like the W. In BFun, guests can play a range of games on the hotel's PS3 consoles -- these can also be loaned for use in guest rooms. BCorner is a quieter area where there's a small library and four computer stations with internet access. Throughout the hotel, there's a pleasant, funky atmosphere that's a nice change of pace for the Porto area. The hotel attracts a range of guests from couples and families on a city break, to corporate clients -- fans in town to watch Boavista FC play are particularly in luck as the soccer stadium is just across the street.

Set just off busy Avenida da Boavista, the hotel is in Porto’s Boavista district, opposite the Estadio do Bessa XXI soccer stadium. It’s a quiet residential area with a range of shops and restaurants within a five-minute walk. That being said, most of the main Porto sights are far from here, and the area lacks the historic charm that most travelers to Porto are seeking. The Francos Metro station is a 15-minute walk from the hotel, as is the Casa da Musica. It’s a 15-minute drive to the popular Museu Romantico da Quinta da Macieirinha set within the Crystal Palace Gardens, and around a 20-minute drive to Porto Cathedral and the oldest part of the city, the UNESCO World Heritage-protected Ribeira Square. It will take 40 to 50 minutes to reach Ribeira Square by using the metro, and that involves quite a bit of walking on both ends of the journey. Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport is just a 15-minute drive from the hotel.

The 109 guest rooms at the BessaHotel Boavista are available in a variety of categories, but across the board the look is fresh and contemporary. The rooms are decked out in a chic and elegant style with soft shades of gray and taupe. There are dark wood paneled sections on the walls, and large windows letting in plenty of natural light. Some rooms have large balconies with excellent views of the city, though other rooms -- like the Executive Room that we visited -- had tiny windows that were underwhelming. The look is decidedly minimalist, and there's nothing on the white walls, giving them a crisp appearance all around.

Each of the rooms is spacious by European standards -- even entry-level Executive Rooms have 25 square meters of space (269 square feet). All rooms also have a nice amount of modern technology, with wall-mounted smart TVs, which have a range of satellite channels, and a Bluetooth sound system. Rooms also have air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, memory foam beds, minibars, desks, and safes. Suites include separate living rooms, coffeemakers, robe and slippers. All of the bathrooms are done in contemporary, tan tiling and sleek fixtures that include a shower/tub combo (some include jetted tubs), hairdryers, and premium toiletries. There isn't a lot of space around sinks, which may be the only flaw. 

The hotel has its own "BRestaurant," which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and serves contemporary Iberian cuisine. Breakfast is not included in the room rate, but there is a good choice of cooked and continental options available. There is also BBar, where a range of drinks are served from behind a trendy red neon bar, and an outdoor terrace with all manner of trendy seating when the weather is nice. Light meals and snacks are available at the bar too, and there's plenty of places for guests to hang out over a nightcap in the chic space. Room service is available around the clock. 

The property also has a 24-hour fitness center and steam room, and massages and other treatments can be booked and taken in the guest rooms. The 24-hour business center -- BCorner -- in the lobby is available to all guests, and there are eight meeting rooms. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and there is on-site parking, though it comes with a fee. Free spaces can be found on the streets around the hotel. Laundry services, babysitting, and tours can all be arranged through the hotel's front desk.