Casa da Calcada

I had a wonderful stay at Casa da Calçada in Amarante. The hotel is beautifully renovated, combining historic charm with modern comfort. My room was spacious, elegant, and very comfortable, with thoughtful personalized touches and high-quality amenities. Breakfast was excellent, with both buffet and à la carte options offering great variety and quality. I also really enjoyed the spa area, especially the indoor pool, sauna, and Turkish bath, all surrounded by the hotel’s peaceful gardens. The bistro restaurant served delicious food, and the wine tasting experience was a great highlight. Most of all, the staff were incredibly friendly and attentive, making the entire stay feel warm and welcoming. I would definitely stay here again.

Casa da Calçada is an outstanding luxury hotel. The rooms are spacious and extremely comfortable, with a sophisticated blend of modern design and classic charm. There is an exceptional attention to detail throughout the hotel, including personalized touches, luxury amenities, and a strong sense of care for guests. Breakfast is excellent, offering both buffet and à la carte options with great variety and high quality. The spa is a real highlight, featuring a pool, steam bath, and sauna, all surrounded by the hotel’s lovely garden. The bistro restaurant offers a varied menu and very attentive service, and the wine tasting experience with a sommelier is a must for wine lovers. Above all, the friendliness and professionalism of the staff truly elevate the experience. Definitely a perfect choice for a refined and relaxing stay!

We recently stayed at this landmark hotel in Amarante and loved it. Despite the weather we felt pampered by the terrific service , amenities and staff. The restaurants, breakfast, pool and gym were terrific only exceeded by the style and historical feel of this property. The fine dining venue, Largo do Paco was magical and special. We have been to many properties where the staff are pleasant and accommodating. This place seemed to have a family atmosphere and staff were happy and gracious to make our stay rewarding. Many little touches as providing tea when we were cold and wet and lighting the fireplace in a historical room were appreciated. we would love to return.

I have stayed at Casa da Calçada several times over the past months, and each visit has reinforced my admiration for the level of care, consistency and genuine hospitality delivered by the entire team. At this point, I don’t simply feel welcomed — I feel truly recognised. From small yet meaningful gestures, such as personalised details at the table, to the overall warmth of the service, the experience feels thoughtful, attentive and sincere. My most recent dinner at Largo do Paço was, quite simply, outstanding. Prior to my stay, the team proactively contacted me to understand my preferences. I had expressed my wish for a shorter, four-course menu rather than a full tasting menu, along with a few ingredients I particularly enjoy. What followed was a beautifully curated experience, tailored with remarkable precision, generosity and sensitivity. A Wagyu course arrived that was elevated even further when the chef came to the table to shave fresh truffle over the dish — a moment of elegance without excess. The meat was cooked *exactly* to the right point, so tender and precise that, while slicing it, I felt almost like a sushi chef cutting toro sashimi. The jus was beautifully executed, rich yet perfectly balanced, accompanied by vegetables prepared with great finesse, offering acidity, sweetness and depth in equal measure. The langoustine dish was another highlight and, perhaps, the most surprising. What initially appeared refined and classical revealed itself on the palate as deeply expressive and layered. The sauce carried a generous, enveloping richness with subtle notes of coconut and warm spice, gently evoking the comforting depth of a seafood stew with restrained Southeast Asian influences. The natural sweetness of the langoustine, the crunch of toasted peanuts and the aromatic balance of the sauce came together in a composition that was both comforting and intellectually engaging — bold in flavour, yet perfectly controlled. Even the snacks deserve special mention, including one prepared especially for me on a previous visit and thoughtfully repeated due to how much I had enjoyed it — a brioche with smoked trout and caviar, perfectly balanced, elegant and deeply satisfying. Wine service was impeccable. After explaining my preference for white wines with oak influence, I was recommended a 2014 white from Viñas del Contador, which paired beautifully with every course and showed exceptional maturity, structure and balance. Dessert — a mille-feuille — was technically excellent, light and elegant. If I were to note a single, very minor point, it would be a personal preference for slightly less sweetness and a darker, more bitter chocolate profile. This, however, does not detract in any way from the overall excellence of the experience. I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to the kitchen team — Chef Francisco Quintas and his brigade — for their creativity, precision and generosity, and to Miguel, Simão, Nuno, Jorge, João and William, whose presence throughout the meal was always warm, knowledgeable and gracious, with each dish presented by a different member of the team. Equally remarkable is the dining room team. My heartfelt thanks to Laura Loureiro for her leadership and kindness, and to João Dória, Leonardo, Sofia and Pedro for a service that was polished yet relaxed, attentive without ever feeling intrusive. What truly sets Largo do Paço apart is the rare and beautiful harmony between kitchen and service — a shared rhythm, mutual respect and genuine pride that is felt in every moment of the meal. This is fine dining at its most human, elegant and generous. A place I return to with pleasure and complete confidence.

We were blown away with the renovations, service, and amenities available at this Hotel. Incredibly kind, helpful, and attentive staff, in a beautifully scenic and peaceful location. Aside from the 5-star accommodations, we loved the facilities, including the complimentary steam room/sauna, spa, and pool, as well as the e-bikes available to explore the town and river. 10/10 recommend to all!