Infante Sagres Hotel, Porto

Perhaps Porto’s most resplendent and theatrical hotel, the Infante de Sagres exudes glamour and the feel of an old manor house. It’s hard to believe it was only built in the 1950s, given the sweeping wrought iron staircase, stained glass windows, classical artworks and antiques.

The public rooms are particularly opulent, with glittering chandeliers and spectacular tapestries, but bedrooms are just as splendid, albeit rather more restrained. There are still antiques aplenty, but offset with crisp white linen and contemporary Portuguese art. The Suite Royal features a four-poster and romantic views of old Porto.

The bar is a favourite with guests and locals alike, not least for its timeless interiors and convivial feel-good factor. Elsewhere, the restaurant serves up seriously good food in the slightly surreal surroundings of a former bookshop. It retains the mood of a place made for hours of happiness, serving up Portuguese versions of comfort food. There’s also a sun-dappled terrace and a charming courtyard to make the most of the almost always sanguine weather.