Armazém, Porto, Portugal

When Fernanda Gramaxo bought the derelict 19th-century iron warehouse in Porto’s old Largo de São Domingos quarter, she had the unshakeable notion that beneath the crumbling masonry was a hotel in the rough.

Three years later, the Armazém (Portuguese for warehouse) is literally that – a raw space that Gramazo and architect Luis Sobral, of local firm Pedra Liquida, have swathed in shades of grey, timber, iron, original stonework, and acres of polished concrete.

Owing to the antiquity of the building, each of the nine rooms is configured differently with quirky bespoke furniture and storage spaces. The pervasive mood of the past looms large with Sé Cathedral, the Ferreira Borges Market, and the Douro river all within easy reach.

There is no restaurant, but before heading out to dinner, pair an aperitif on the terrace with stirring views of Clérigos Tower, São Domingos Square, Misericórdia church and Porto’s historical silhouette.