Nestled in the heart of Porto’s vibrant Boavista district, mere steps from the Kadoorie Mekor Haim Synagogue, you’ll find the distinguished Hotel da Musica. This contemporary gem transcends the ordinary designer hotel experience; it envelops you in a harmonious symphony of unique moments. Hotel da Musica enjoys a special bond with the iconic Mercado Bom Sucesso Market, where culinary delights and cultural activities await your exploration. Furthermore, it’s conveniently situated near the bustling Rotunda da Boavista square, home to the renowned Casa da Música.
For discerning travelers who adhere to kosher dietary practices, Hotel da Musica stands out as an exceptional choice for accommodation. The hotel proudly offers kosher meals, encompassing both Portuguese cuisine and delectable vegetarian options, available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Moreover, a dedicated kosher store is seamlessly connected to the hotel, ensuring easy access to kosher products. The attentive staff goes the extra mile to accommodate observant guests, such as by assisting with room access on Shabbat. This initiative is overseen by Oporto Rabbi Daniel Litvak, whose supervision is officially recognized by the Chief Rabbinate of Israel. The hotel also boasts a state-of-the-art kitchen and provides rigorous training to its staff to warmly welcome Jewish tourists.
Hotel da Musica is a charming establishment that magnetizes Jewish tourists from around the globe, spanning Israel, France, and the United States. According to Joao Duarte, the Groups & Events Manager at the hotel, a significant majority of their guests, approximately 90%, hail from Israel, with another 6% to 7% arriving from France, while the remaining 2% to 3% originate from the United States, Belgium, and South America.
The hotel’s unique concept was created in response to the growing interest in Portugal’s rich history and Sephardic Jewish heritage. As guests enter the lobby, they are welcomed by an ambiance that beautifully blends music with Jewish heritage, featuring Israeli flags and an array of vibrant musical instruments. This hotel is a true gem, offering a haven for those observing kosher practices in a city with a Jewish community of only 300 individuals.
The meals are tasty and plentiful. In the kosher section of the restaurant, you can see the musical theme on the wall and an inscription on the wall in Hebrew: “And you shall eat, be satisfied, and bless Hashem your Lord.” Duarte told the New York Jewish Travel Guide (NYJTG), “We are not a kosher restaurant, and we are not officially a kosher hotel; we don’t have kosher breakfast every day. We do have clients who want a kosher breakfast, and so we cook it; however, it must be booked 24 hours in advance.” For Shabbat, everything is pre-cooked and under the guidance of a kosher supervisor (mashgiach).
The Kosher Corner, guided by Hotel da Musica, is located within Mercado Bom Sucesso. Notably, it is the country’s first store to offer a comprehensive range of kosher products, serving both hotel guests and the wider public. Established in collaboration with the Jewish Community of Porto, the store aims to introduce kosher items to the general population, with a special emphasis on supporting kosher-observant visitors. The Porto Kosher Store operates under the vigilant supervision of Rabbi Daniel Litvak, who serves as the Rav of the Mekor Chaim Synagogue of Porto.
During my visit to the store, I was surprised to find a limited product selection due to a recent surge in visitors and tourists, which had depleted their inventory just a few days earlier. Duarte acknowledged that while the store’s variety isn’t extensive, it focuses on practical items that tourists can use during their stay, such as cookies, pita bread, matzah, noodles, peanuts, olives, tahini, tuna, kosher wine, chocolate, and cereal bars. He mentioned that many new items are on order and plans are in place to expand the product line soon. Duarte also pointed out the challenges of importing high-cost kosher products from other cities but highlighted a positive development: they are working on a “grab-and-go” concept, allowing tourists to conveniently take their meals while touring, reducing the need to return to the hotel for dining. He also noted that Porto’s tourism scene is continually growing.
The hotel rooms are clean and spacious, offering all the essentials a traveler might need, including tea and coffee facilities, a refrigerator, a hairdryer, toiletries, and an ample supply of fresh towels. The staff is exceptionally helpful, and the hotel’s location is excellent, with most attractions within a half-hour walk. Additionally, a bus terminal is conveniently located across the street, and a Metro station is just a five-minute walk away.
Two guests, Ofer and Iris, an Israeli couple who spent 10 days in Porto, also shared their positive experiences with NYJTG. Ofer praised the hotel, saying, “This place is truly exceptional; it’s impeccably clean, and the staff always greets you with a warm smile and is eager to help.” Iris added, “We’re thrilled to have a Hebrew-speaking tour guide to explore this beautiful city, especially its rich Jewish heritage.”
To plan a trip to Portugal, contact Visit Portugal or log on to:
https://www.visitportugal.com/en
For hotel reservations, go to https://www.hoteldamusica.com/pt-pt/.
Story and photography by Meyer Harroch, New York Jewish Travel Guide, and New York Jewish Guide.
The author took part in a press trip sponsored by Visit Portugal.
