Imagine a corner between the border of Portugal and Spain, in the Algarve, where the elegance and charm of the Belle Époque remain intact. That’s how he is Grand House, a five-star hotel located in the Portuguese city of Vila Real de Santo Antónioa place that seems straight out of a classic movie, like the unforgettable Casablanca. With a unique style that blends modernism with baroque and colonial touchesthis refuge offers a unique experience that transports its visitors to another era, all with stunning views of the Guadiana River and, beyond, to the coasts of Huelva.
The Grand House is an architectural gem that combines the spirit of the roaring twenties with a refined and contemporary air. From its exterior, with ornamental details reminiscent of large colonial mansions, even their interior decorated with original moldings, chandeliers and period furnitureevery corner of the hotel breathes history. The building, originally known as the Grande Hotel Guadiana, was conceived to be a meeting point for the European elite who, in the 1920s, traveled to the Ibero-American Exhibition in Seville. With privileged views of the Guadiana, the hotel was erected as a symbol of luxury in the south of Portugal.
However, after years of abandonment, this hotel was reborn in 2019 after an exhaustive restoration, recovering all its splendor and adding touches of modernity that make it an irresistible option for those looking for a luxury stay. The eclectic design of the Grand House, mix of Art Nouveau and baroque detailsinvites guests to feel at home, but in a house full of history and glamour.
story rooms
The Grand House rooms They are spaces that combine luxury, comfort and meticulously cared for design. Divided into three categories —small, medium and suites—, each one offers something unique. The small rooms, although more compact, are full of charm, with their mansard roofs and French windows that flood the room with natural light. On the other hand, the medium-sized rooms, between 24 and 32 square meters, are designed to offer greater comfort, with views of the picturesque city of Vila Real de Santo António or the river. The most exclusive are the Grand Suites, which, with their large windows, offer a visual spectacle of both the Guadiana River and the nearby marina. Period furniture, wooden details and vintage lamps They complete an atmosphere of sophistication.
The hotel has taken care of every aspect so that guests feel pampered. From the high quality beddingmanufactured in Portugal, up to natural cosmetic products Coming from the Algarve, every detail has been selected to guarantee a well-being experience.
A gastronomic paradise in the Algarve
One of the great attractions of the Grand House is its gastronomic proposal, which combines the richness of local products with refined execution. The Grand Hallthe hotel’s main restaurant, offers an authentic culinary experience that stands out for its fusion of tradition and modernity. In charge of the kitchen is chef Jan Stechemesserwho has managed to capture the flavors of the Algarve in each dish. From the freshness of freshly caught fish to local products such as Iberian pork and seafood, everything on the menu pays homage to the richness of Portuguese gastronomy.
One of the most emblematic spaces of the hotel is its Grand Beach Clublocated at the mouth of the Guadiana River, where the river meets the Atlantic. With an infinity pool and stunning sea viewsthis place is perfect for relaxing and enjoying cocktails while the sun sets. The Beach Club restaurant is also a delight for the senses, with an offering that includes ceviches, grilled octopus and gourmet burgers.
Luxury experience in a unique corner
The hotel was built at a time of economic boom, when fishing and the canning industry boosted the local economy. Nowadays, although times have changed, the essence of those golden years It can still be seen in every corner of the hotel.
And staying at the Grand House is like staying on the border between Spain and Portugal. On the other side of the Guadiana River looks perfectlythe province of Huelvaalthough from the hotel windows it is the Portuguese landscape that dominates. In this point of the Algarve, far from the crowds that usually flood the Portuguese coasts, is this charming corner of the neighboring country. Vila Real de Santo António, with its Pombaline architecture and its classic Portuguese cobblestone streetsoffers a tourist alternative to the overcrowded tourist destinations of the Algarve, but with sufficient proximity to places of interest such as Castro Marim or the beaches of Isla Canela.
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