Experimental Porto - New Hotel in Porto, Portugal

A Historic Address in the Heart of Porto

Located in Porto’s historic center, just moments from the city’s most emblematic landmarks, the former Infante Sagres hotel stands as a cornerstone of local hospitality. Its façade, deeply rooted in the architectural fabric of the city, has long been part of Porto’s visual identity. Surrounded by narrow streets, baroque churches, and vibrant cafés, the address offers an immersive gateway into Porto’s cultural life. This central positioning allows guests to experience the city in its most authentic form, where history, craftsmanship, and contemporary energy intersect.

From Infante Sagres to Experimental Porto

Acquired by Experimental Group in partnership with EXTENDAM, the hotel enters a new era of transformation. Formerly known as Infante Sagres, it holds the distinction of being the first five-star hotel in Porto, a landmark that has welcomed generations of travelers. This acquisition represents a significant step in Experimental’s international expansion and marks Portugal as a key strategic destination for the group. Already well established across Europe, Experimental continues to shape a new vision of hospitality, where lifestyle, design, and social energy converge. The reopening, scheduled for autumn 2026, will introduce Experimental Porto as a destination designed not only for staying, but for experiencing the city.

A Design Transformation by Dorothée Meilichzon

The complete redesign of the property has been entrusted to Dorothée Meilichzon, whose work has become synonymous with the Experimental aesthetic. Her approach to Experimental Porto will preserve the soul of the building while introducing a layered, expressive interior language. Known for her ability to blend historical context with bold textures, colors, and patterns, Meilichzon is expected to reinterpret the space with a sense of narrative and playfulness. The result will likely move away from traditional luxury codes, embracing a more vibrant, lifestyle-driven identity where design becomes an integral part of the guest experience.

Rooms Designed for a New Generation of Travelers

While detailed room configurations have yet to be fully revealed, the transformation will include a complete rethinking of all accommodations. The future rooms and suites will reflect Experimental’s signature approach, combining comfort with personality, and elegance with a sense of informality. Expect layered materials, rich color palettes, and carefully curated details that create spaces both visually engaging and deeply livable. The ambition is not to replicate classic five-star luxury, but to offer something more contemporary: rooms that feel connected to the city, expressive in design, and aligned with the expectations of a new generation of travelers.

A Destination for Dining, Cocktails, and Social Energy

True to Experimental’s DNA, the future hotel will place strong emphasis on its social and culinary spaces. Bars, restaurants, and communal areas will become central to the experience, attracting both guests and locals. Experimental’s expertise in cocktail culture will play a key role, with signature bars designed as vibrant meeting points where the energy of Porto can be fully experienced. Dining concepts are expected to reflect the same philosophy, blending local influences with a contemporary, international approach. This is not simply a hotel, but a place where the city gathers, where evenings extend, and where hospitality becomes a cultural experience.

A New Strategic Chapter in Portugal

The transformation of Infante Sagres into Experimental Porto reflects a broader ambition. For Experimental and EXTENDAM, Portugal represents a strategic market with strong growth potential. With more than a decade of presence in the country, EXTENDAM continues to strengthen its footprint, particularly in Porto, where tourism and lifestyle hospitality are rapidly evolving. This project signals the beginning of a new phase of development, with further investments expected in the region. Experimental Porto will stand as a flagship of this expansion, embodying a new vision of hospitality that is both international and deeply rooted in its local context.

A New Energy for Porto’s Hospitality Scene

With its reopening in autumn 2026, Experimental Porto is set to become one of the city’s most anticipated destinations. By transforming a historic landmark into a contemporary lifestyle hotel, the project bridges past and future, tradition and reinvention. In a city defined by authenticity and character, Experimental Porto promises something new: a place where history is preserved, but reinterpreted through design, culture, and energy.

We love Experimental Porto for:

– Opening in autumn 2026 in Porto
– Transformation of the iconic Infante Sagres, the city’s first five-star hotel
– Redesign by Dorothée Meilichzon
– Project by Experimental Group and EXTENDAM
– Lifestyle concept blending design, cocktails, and local culture
– Prime location in Porto’s historic center