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Oporto is Portugal’s
second largest city and boasts a thriving industrial and commercial
base with a history that dates back over 1000 years. It is located
in the northern region of the country on the River Douro, at the point
where the waterway empties into the Atlantic.
The city, which is also known as Port, is famous for the wine of
the same name, and vineyards dot the hills in the surrounding area.
It was also classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in December
1996. As a top destination in Portugal, Oporto has many hotels and
apartments that provide lodging for tourists and extended stays.
Oporto Hotels
Oporto offers
over 50 hotel choices from budget to first class. Some of the more
luxurious choices include the Hotel Dom Henrique, Vila Galé Porto, Porto Palácio Hotel, the relatively new
Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa, and Porto Carlton Hotel,
which is a World Heritage site. Double occupancy rooms at
these establishments range from 65 to 200+ Euro and offer
swimming pools, restaurants, and amazing views.
The Portuguese Pousadas are a collection of state operated hotels
that are located in castles, monasteries, and other historic or cultural
locations. Two choices within 30 minutes of Oporto include Nossa
Senhora da Oliveira, a former manor house located in Guimaraes, and
Monte de Santa Luzia, a stunning historical hotel situated on a hill
overlooking the port town of Viana do Castelo. Rates are approximately
the same as in the top hotels listed above.
On the budget end of the spectrum are basic accommodations found
at the Hotel Malaposta, Hotel Nave, and Hotel America. Prices start
at 40 Euro.
Oporto Apartments
Those that prefer
the feel of home or self catering accommodations may want to rent
an apartment in Oporto. Apartments typically come as one or two
bedroom units in a complex of other rentals. They include cooking
facilities as well as laundry and shared pool in many cases. The
prices average around 400 to 700 Euro per week. Daily and extended
stay rates are available at some Oporto apartment properties. Several
of the hotels offer suites or apartment rentals.
Oporto
Car Rental
Although there
is plenty of public transportation in Oporto, visitors may prefer
the convenience of a rental car for daily trips around the city
and the outlying areas. You can rent through numerous locally owned
businesses and with nationwide organizations such as Hispacar.com
and Portugal Auto Rentals. Many of the larger companies partner
with well-known international organizations such as Avis, Hertz
and Budget.
The rates for rentals vary greatly depending on the company and
model of vehicle, but average around 40 Euro. There are city and
country taxes as well. If you rent your car from the airport, there
will be an additional fee, so make sure you understand what you are
paying for when you compare rates. Drivers must have a valid driver's
license, passport and a major credit card. The minimum rental age
is 21 years for most vehicles.
Oporto is a busy, cosmopolitan city in northern Portugal. It offers
some of the finest lodging accommodations and transportation and
car rental in Oporto are reasonable and convenient, all of which
makes for an enjoyable and worry-free holiday.
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