Casa Melo Alvim Hotel

HMIN3, Viana do Castelo, Portugal

Historic city hotel near the sea in Viana do Castelo

In the heart of the charming seaside town of Viana do Castelo, just near the Spanish border, this restored 16th-century mansion is the ideal base to explore the northern coast and the borderland region of the Minho Valley.

The hotel has been restored in keeping with the nature of the building which incorporates interesting architectural features from the Manueline to the Romantic period and the d?cor is traditional yet tastefully simple in stone and wood.

Once Portugal's second city, Viana, known as the Jewel of the Minho is a delightful seaside town yet not overly spoilt by tourism. The town centre, just five minutes walk from the hotel, has a couple of interesting museums as well as plenty of bars and eateries and the beaches, just over the river, are accessible by water taxi. The Basilica of Santa Lucia, perched on a hill overlooking the city with fantastic views along the coast is certainly not to be missed and the funicular railway which whisks you up there is just 500m from the hotel.

Further afield the fortress towns strung out along the river Minho, which forms the border with Spain, are a real treat or head directly the Lima river to Ponte de Lima and immerse yourself in rural north Portugal with its timeless delights.

Accommodation

There are 20 ensuite rooms – standard, deluxe, suite and family rooms.
Each room is decorated individually in the traditional Portuguese styles of the 17th and 18th centuries, from the Neoclassical to the Portuguese Rustic, passing through the Baroque.
All rooms are spacious and elegant with wooden floors, offering a sitting area and desk. They are completely equipped with large private bathroom in marble, hairdryer and all necessary amenities.
Possibility of extra bed for child or adult in some rooms.
The hotel also offers “City-Loft type” apartments at the Historical Center, where Guests can experience both traditional and modern styles.

Hotel Features

Spacious lounge areas with fireplace and library.
Exterior garden with waterfall and garden bar.
Public parking is possible at a location nearby and costs EUR 10 per day (2022).
Viana do Castelo Train Station – only 130m away.

Restaurant

A buffet breakfast including hot dishes, dietary products and delicacies for children is served everyday in the breakfast room on the Ground-Floor from 7:30am to 11:00am.The hotel offers guests bar service from 10:00am till midnight – bar is located on the ground floor and also has table and chairs in the garden.As the hotel is located in the centre of Viana do Castelo it is within a short walking distance of various restaurants – information available at the reception.

Hotel Facilities

24 Hour Reception
WiFi all areas
Garden/Patio/Terrace
No smoking in hotel
Luggage storage

Sports and Wellbeing

Swimming Pool (outdoor, seasonal)
Bicycle hire

Room facilities (all rooms)

En-suite bathroom
Heating
Air conditioning
WIFI
TV
Fridge / Minibar
Hairdryer
Safe deposit box

Dining

Bars / restaurants within walking distance of the hotel

Accessibility

Parking space adapted for guests with reduced mobility

Parking

Public parking nearby (pay locally)

Pets

Pets allowed by prior arrangement - please consult

Viana do Castelo, Portugal

With a history dating back to the Stone Age and at one time one of the busiest ports in Portugal and original makers of Port wine, the fishing port, town and summer resort of Viana do Castelo, lies at the mouth of the River Lima, backed by the woods of Monte Santa Luzia, and with some excellent sandy beaches on either side.
It is a lovely old town, made rich in the late Middle Ages and renowned for its annual fiesta, Our Lady of Sorrows, in August. Its attractive old quarters with Manueline manors and rococo palaces, house the Praca de Republica, one of the most handsome squares in Portugal with its 16th century Chafariz fountain and the church of the Misericordia with Romanesque arches and Renaissance balconies.
Take the funicular up to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the ruins of a celtic settlement at the top of Monte de Santa Luzia to get a spectacular view of the town and coast and the Lima valley.
Feast on fresh fish and seafood in the old fishing quarter and do a bit of shopping at the busy Friday market, popular for its pottery and regional handicrafts. Treat yourself to a beautiful piece of filigree jewellery for which Viana is so famous for!