As you know, Douro has a very special place in my heart, and I can’t get tired of visiting, falling in love a bit more every time. We went back to The Vintage House at Pinhão, a place that brings us memories we don’t ever want to forget!
Now in charge of The Fladgate Partnership (with business associated with Port wine, tourism and distribution and also two other hotels – The Yeatman and Hotel Infante Sagres), The Vintage House presents a new image, keeping its very characteristic tradition and charm.
An old cellar gave place to a luxury hotel with one of the most idyllic views of our country, this is the story of The Vintage House.
Located at Pinhão, dominated by terraced vineyards and estates, the bedroom balconies present this breathtaking view each morning.
First impressions
Arriving at the hotel, the reception by the staff was nice and cordial. Now the check-in is made in a more spacious room, quite cosy and with views over the river and the vineyards. We were offered a welcome drink while waiting in one of the comfortable sofas.
Reception area
After the check-in, we were accompanied by a staff member that showed us some important places at the hotel, its new dynamic and organization, and forwarded us to our room.
Bedrooms
There are several types – Standard, Junior Suite, Suite Deluxe and Master Suite, all with the same important thing: the amazing views over the river and the vineyards!
We stayed in a spacious Junior Suite, with a bathroom that makes you sigh (you know how much I love a good bathroom!). With a generous 42m2 and its king-size bed, very comfy for a few relaxing days.
The decor follows the pattern of the hotel, classic, like an old family house that passes through several generations.
But nothing is more important in these bedrooms than falling asleep and waking up to the sounds of Douro, with the vineyards as confidants!
Lunch at restaurant Rabelo
Restaurants
The Vintage (allow me to treat it as a friend) presents us with three spaces, the Rabelo restaurant, the Library Bar and the Salão do Rio.
At the first one, we had the chance to have lunch at the terrace with vines over our heads and a wonderful and calm view over the Douro. If you choose to stay inside you are presented with the walls full of paintings of Douro.
But with good weather and the surrounding scenery, it would even be irresponsible to not seat at the terrace. Lunch went much better than in our previous visit, with well-prepared dishes and some good technical details, with a highlight to the selection of local bread and a great codfish.
The Library
At Library we spent an excellent late afternoon having some snacks and tasting a good wine (well, João did, since I was pregnant with Francisca at the time!). The bar has the atmosphere of an old house where wood is queen. Comfortable enough, classic and elegant as the rest of the hotel.
A special note to the nice employee that accompanied us during this idle time!
At Salão do Rio we had the chance to have a big breakfast with some love from a very sweet employee and here care about me being pregnant. Highlight to the staff! Salão do Rio also has wonderful views over the vineyards and Douro.
At the pool, you can have light meals and have refreshing drinks throughout the day!
Services
We can start with the beautiful and calm pool right in front of the river, following all the corners of the hotel that deserve a walk around. Inside the hotel, we have also the pleasant Salão dos Ingleses, a game room with a pool table, tv and fireplace.
The Hotel also offers a Tennis court, and wine tasting, with regional products and a wine store. It also has duly prepared rooms for conferences and events.
For activities outside the hotel, we have the chance to live unique moments along the Douro Valley, namely on board of PipaDouro or visiting one of the several Quintas of Douro, for instance, Quinta do Bomfim that is very nearby, with its famous restaurant Casa dos Ecos in charge of the Chef Pedro Lemos offering an amazing gastronomic experience!
Also very close to the hotel we have Quinta da Roêda and the possibility to visit and knowing its history and even have a nice picnic in a very intimate space with an astonishing view over the Douro.
Service
Unfortunately is general knowledge that is very hard to find graduated employees in hospitality/restaurants, mostly in the region of Douro. At Vintage our experience went well, without any problems with the service. The staff is young and nice, and the way we were welcomed in every department of the hotel was warm and caring.
A very positive note to the staff at the Library Bar and Salão do Rio. Ponto bastante positivo para os funcionários que estiveram connosco no Library bar e no Salão do Rio.
See you soon Vintage House!
The Vintage House
Bedrooms from 180€
R. António Manuel Saraiva, 5085-034 Pinhão
+351 254 730 230
reservations@vintagehousehotel.com
Photos: Flavors & Senses
