The Hotel NH Collection Porto Batalha opened in 2015 and is set within a beautifully renovated 18th century palace that overlooks Batalha Square. This sophisticated property is one of the newest hotels in the area, and one of the few to have a swimming pool. Originally built as the old Palace of the Post Office, the property retains subtle features as a nod to its history -- the elevators have stamps and picture postcards inside, and guest room numbers are written on old postcards. The lobby is a blend of old and new as well -- the large original stone archways remain and contrast with the marble reception desk and floor, and the contemporary furniture in the lobby bar. Due to its central location in Porto, guests here are mainly tourists on a city break, although it does attract some business guests too. A glass of port is offered as a welcome drink to those checking in, helping to set the mood for a stay in this most historic of cities. 

The hotel is ideally located for tourists as it’s close to many of the city's top attractions. It faces the San Joao National Theatre and the cosmopolitan Batalha Square, while the famous Romanesque Porto Cathedral is a six-minute walk away, and the Porto Coliseum and Aliados Square are within a 10-minute walk. There's lots to see and do around the hotel, including restaurants, shops, and a ticket office for the tourist attractions in Porto. The UNESCO-designated Ribeira Square World Heritage area can be reached by a funicular that's within a five-minute walk of the hotel. The square is home to a huge variety of restaurants and cafes serving traditional Porto dishes and tapas overlooking the Douro River. Porto International Airport is around a 20-minute drive. 

The 107 guest rooms at the hotel are available in a variety of one-room layouts, and there are also two Suites with spacious separate living areas. Expect to see a mainly plain white interior warmed up by soft beige and natural tones in the furniture, all of which has clean, sharp lines. Flooring is light wood and the style throughout is simple, minimalist, and contemporary. Vintage-looking postal details hang on the wall, a tasteful nod to the hotel's former life. The only design flaw is the small windows in some rooms, many of which lack any views at all. However, certain rooms do have excellent views out over Porto. Rooms on the fourth floor also have a small balcony with excellent views of Porto. 

Each room has air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a safe, minibar, Nespresso coffee machine with free daily capsules, desk, free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms have the same style as the room, with angular, sleek fixtures and fittings. They have a double basin vanities, walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads, and some have a shower/tub combo. Those in the Suites have a separate shower cubicle and freestanding bath. Toiletries, bathrobes, and slippers are all provided.

The hotel is one of the few in the area to have a swimming pool. It’s an indoor pool and there are also spa facilities which include treatment rooms, a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, and hot tub. Additionally, there's a modern fitness center with a range of cardio machines, free weights, exercise classes on offer, and personal trainers -- it is compact, but sufficient for a simple workout. The hotel's Gastro Bar & Kitchen serves a wide range of both casual meals like burgers to more formal dishes such as octopus carpaccio. Buffet and a la carte breakfast options are available each morning, although they're not included in the room rate. The bar has an extensive wine and cocktail list and drinks can be taken on the outdoor terrace on Batalha Square. Room service is available 24 hours a day. On-site parking is available for a daily fee, and for business guests there’s a business center and a meeting hall which holds up to 90 people. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.