The Factory Hotel
A new chapter in a historic setting. Industrial roots, imagined living.
ABOUT THE FACTORY HOTEL
Reimagining a Historic Landmark
Rising from the stone walls of a former 20th century wool factory, The Factory Hotel transforms one of Covilhã's most emblematic industrial sites into a contemporary hub for hospitality and student living. Set at R. Afonso Domingues 7, the project breathes new life into a historical monument that once powered the city's textile identity. Today the vision is to create a warm, design minded destination for guests, students and the wider university community.
The development brings together a 39 room boutique hotel and a 24 unit student residence, supported by a rooftop bistro, conferencing spaces and a cultural museum that celebrates Covilhã's industrial past. Located between Campus IV and the main university, the site places both guests and residents within a short walk of the region's academic core. With student housing in critically short supply, the project addresses an urgent and growing need.
Covilhã itself is a city shaped by innovation and altitude. Positioned on the eastern slope of Serra da Estrela and home to 55,000 residents, it serves as a gateway between Portugal and Spain. The University of Beira Interior brings more than 9,500 students to the city each year, creating steady demand for accommodation and amenities. The Factory Hotel is designed to meet this momentum with purpose and long term value.
Modern Living with an Industrial Soul
The Factory Hotel is planned as a multi year phased development that responds to the rhythm of the city and the evolving needs of the university. Phase one of the boutique hotel is under construction with delivery scheduled for September 2026. Phase two will follow in 2027, expanding the hospitality offering and activating additional guest spaces. Phase three will introduce the student residence along with the museum, conference facilities and restaurant, with final delivery targeted for September 2028.
The site's 2,260 square meters of land include structures dating from 1920 to 1957, bordered by two main roads and shaped by a natural topography that allows for multiple access points. This configuration supports clear separation of hotel, student and cultural uses while maintaining an integrated experience across the property.
Designed to generate stable and meaningful long term income, the project aligns with Covilhã's ongoing growth and the lifestyle needs of its academic community. The Factory Hotel is being built not only as a destination but as an anchor within the city's next chapter.
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