Maison Albar Le Monumental Palace Hotel in Porto

It’s refreshing to see that even as Porto has been experiencing something of a quirky, tiny, independent hotel boom, there’s still a love for historic, grand palace hotels. A case in point is Le Monumental Palace, the prestigious French brand Maison Albar Hotels’ debut in Portugal.

Opened in late 2018, it is a French-style hotel in a 1923 building on Avenida dos Aliados, a street that is known as the city’s stage. The neoclassical building was designed by the Italian architect Michelangelo Soá. After decades of abandonment and decay, it underwent three years of rehabilitation and emerged as a grand place to stay in Porto.

Le Monumental Palace Entrance and Hall. At top, the Library

Many of the original elements remain, including the bannisters, great mirrors, Art Nouveau lamps, and opulent Portuguese marble. Overall, it is a celebration of noble materials and the elegance of the French style.

Superior Room, and Junior Suite

Throughout, French influences persist. The spa is run by the luxe French brand Nuxe, and all three food and beverage outlets—Bar Américain, Café Monumental, and Le Monument restaurant—overseen by Michelin-starred Parisian chef Julien Montbabut. The foie gras arrives weekly from France.

Le Spa Nuxe, and Veal Tartare at Le Monumental Café

If you want to indulge your inner Francophile in Portugal, it doesn’t get much better than this.