InterContinental Porto Palacio das Cardosas is a luxury hotel housed in an 18th-century palace, and interiors are elegant and refined. Located right in Porto's historic district, the iconic narrow lanes of the old town are just down the hill, and Riberia Square only takes 15 minutes to reach on foot. The style in the 105 rooms is a blend of modern and classic aesthetics and all come with marble bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. Some have balconies overlooking Liberdade Square below. The hotel has an elegant cocktail bar and Portuguese restaurant, but the spa is underwhelming and the fitness center is small. 

Palacio do Freixo is an elegant, historic hotel situated on the Douro River. Although this luxury property isn't central to Porto's best sights, it's one of the few Porto hotels that has not one, but two swimming pools -- a seasonal outdoor infinity pool and indoor pool. It also has a full-service spa, steam room, sauna, a 24-hour fitness center, Portuguese restaurant, and a couple of bars. Housed in a 1742 Baroque building adjoined to a newer 19th-century former factory, decor is grand, and includes original architectural details plus exuberant period accents. The 87 modern rooms come with minibars, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. 

This 107-room hotel is set in an 18th-century palace overlooking Porto’s Batalha Square. Rooms are contemporary and stylish, and have coffee machines, air-conditioning, and sleek modern bathrooms with rainfall showerheads; some have balconies. The hotel has a good range of facilities, including an excellent spa and fitness center, and an indoor swimming pool -- a rarity in central Porto. There’s also a good restaurant and bar, plus features for business guests like meeting rooms. 

There are 251 guest rooms at this upscale property in Porto’s business-focused Boavista district. Some of the city’s tourist spots are within walking distance, like the Casa da Musica, but the most popular historic attractions are around a 15-minute drive from the property. Rooms are smart and contemporary, and have free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and wall-mounted flat-screen TVs. The chic marble bathrooms include underfloor heating. There’s a rooftop lounge with fabulous views over the city and the river, a choice of restaurants and bars, and an excellent spa and fitness center. 

Hotel Infante Sagres is a four-pearl boutique property in the Baixa area of central Porto, a short walk from the Porto Cathedral and the historic city center. The look throughout the hotel is a blend of trendy design and classical accents, and features include an outdoor sun terrace, stylish cocktail bar, and literary-themed Portuguese restaurant. The 70 rooms continue the contemporary-classic style, and come with minibars, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and flat-screen TVs. Room rates are reasonable given the central location.

Crowne Plaza Porto is an upscale hotel in the Boavista business area, a 15-minute taxi ride from the Porto's historic core. Features include a well-liked restaurant that offers an impressive breakfast buffet (for a fee) and a bar with an outdoor patio. The 232 modern rooms are spacious, with wooden desks, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and extra touches like aromatherapy sleep sprays. Business-friendly features include fitness and business centers plus nine meeting rooms, while a spa comes in handy to unwind. There’s also a nightclub open on the weekends.