Casa do Conto – Award-Winning Design Hotel in Porto

Porto is a city steeped in history and culture, but exploding with modernity and creativity. It is a city in transformation, without forgetting its past. This concept is certainly evident in a new boutique hotel on one of Porto’s main arteries, Rua da Boavista. At street level, Casa do Conto (House of Stories) looks like a traditional 19th century Portuguese home. Inside, is an intimate 21st century hotel/residence, striking in its minimal beauty and brimming with artist creativity.

Casa do Conto’s transformation starts at the front door. The plaque with the numerical address “No. 703,” is also inscribed with “it was No. 513.” And so begins the journey. Leave the carved granite stone façade of the street behind for the bold linear concrete architecture of the interior.

Following the former plan of the building, the layout utilizes an open stairway as a vertical core to access all areas of the hotel. The focal point of the building is a skylight designed to flood the space with light while presenting a uniquely designed portal to the sky.

A fascinating design element to Casa do Conto is the use of text in low relief in the concrete on walls…and ceilings! Thoughts related to the city and its architecture were drafted by authors Filipa Leal, Alvaro Domingues, Jorge Figueira, André Tavares, Nuno Grande and Pedro Bandeira. This amazing feature has been honored with a 2011 SEGD Design Award and a European Design Award.

Every room at Casa do Conto is unique. They are minimal contemporary in design, but decorated with interesting vintage furniture. Each are fitted with the modern amenities expected of a cool boutique hotel: refrigerator/mini-bar, Nespresso coffee machine, hot water kettle, flat screen TV, cable TV and wireless Internet, phone, air-conditioning, and for the extra level of comfort, robe and slippers.

Social areas are arranged through the ground and first floors. Besides the reception and waiting area, guests can relax by the fireplace in the lounge, or in the peaceful library. The dining room has patio access, for enjoying breakfast under fruit trees in the garden.

Casa do Conto is truly an innovative space. In fact, don’t be surprised if you bump into an artist during your stay. The house offers a regular schedule of cultural events, art exhibitions and book gatherings.