5 Minutes with Manuel Santos

This week, we are thrilled to spend some time with Manuel Santos, the General Manager of Maison Albar Le Monumental Palace in Porto.

A teacher at Escola de Hotelaria e Turismo do Porto, Manuel Santos has been captaining this fabulous property over the past 2 years, and this week is launching the new Maison Albar Hotels Amoure. Priorly has held several positions with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts in Canada and in the UAE.

What’s your favourite spot/corner at Maison Albar Hotels Le Monumental Palace?

My favourite spot is the restaurant Yakuza by Grupo Olivier Restaurantes where you can enjoy a great meal and cocktails overlooking the Avenida through the large glass windows.

Your favourite Room or Suite?

Our Duplex Suite Excessive #503, the view from the balcony is the best over the Avenida dos Aliados, there is a marble tilled bathroom with a large standalone tub and a hidden TV at the bed footboard!

Favourite restaurant in Portugal?

In Portugal, my favourite restaurant is Tasquinha do Fumo in Baião, Douro Valley, it’s a timeless gem in a small village where cell network does not work, and the food is cooked with local ingredients, in iron pots inside firewood ovens. It takes you back to a time that is long gone, and the quality is exceptional!

Are you a cocktail or a wine soul?

I love both. My favourite cocktail is the classic Negroni, and I love Burgundy wines white and red.

Favourite international or domestic short-break destination?

London, I lived there 8 years and it’s a city in constant change and development with a lot to see, do and eat! I use its Hotels as a benchmark and inspiration.

What can’t you travel without?

Sunglasses, Dr. Beats earbuds, Water.

Favourite song/music?

Difficult to tell, love many styles but let’s say 90’s rock and grunge as I was a teenager then and brings me great memories.

If Maison Albar Le Monumental Palace was a song, what would it be?

The first song that came to my mind was At Last! by Etta James, this is the feeling I get daily when I enter the Monumental Palace!

We would like to thank you Manuel Santos for the time you’ve spent with us, and take the opportunity to wish you all the best for your new endeavour with the opening of Maison Albar Hotels Amoure.