Accommodation
Price Categories
Price categories are based on the cost of a double room for one night in high season.
€ = up to €70
€€ = €70–140
€€€ = €140–200
€€€€ = above €200
Choosing a Hotel
Accommodation ranges from 5-star luxury hotels with fantastic facilities to basic private rooms for rent, or from boutique, charming converted mansions, to glamping-style yurts in the middle of the North Portugal countryside. The middle range of reasonably priced accommodation has been considerably expanded thanks to an increase in the number of both Portuguese- and foreign-owned hotels, and there is also now a far greater supply of designer boutique options and luxury hotels across the country, particulary in and around Lisbon, Porto and Algarve. Hotels in Portugal offer great value when compared with places elsewhere in Europe. This is particularly the case at the luxury end of the market. Here, you can stay in gorgeous properties in glorious settings at prices far lower than equivalent places in some other European countries.
Pousadas and Manor Houses
It’s well worth trying to stay in some pousadas while you are in Portugal, as these are a speciality of the country, the like of which you won’t find elsewhere. Pousadas are national inns in architecturally special buildings, which provide stylish and comfortable accommodation, usually in great settings. They are to be found in most parts of the country, some in historic castles, some in converted convents or grand country houses, and the majority serve excellent regional food. For reservations, contact the pousadas directly or call the central number (tel: 218 442 001; www.pousadas.pt or check www.pousadasofportugal.com). If you’re able to book some time ahead, there are some excellent deals on offer. For more information on these and on the Turihab scheme, which offers places to stay in other Portuguese architectural gems, see Pousadas and Manor Houses, click here).
For self-catering countryside villas, also under the Turihab scheme, try Casas no Campo, www.casasnocampo.net.
Guesthouses
Portugal has some very charming, modest guesthouses. These often have a lot of local character, and are well located, but are well kept and appealing. Bed and breakfasts in private homes are designated by an official TER symbol on a metal plaque and the logo of the State Tourist Office (Direcção-Geral do Turismo); there are three categories:
TH Turismo de Habitação: in houses of architectural merit.
TR Turismo Rural: characteristic rural houses.
AT Agroturismo: houses forming part of a farm estate.
Apartment & Villa Rental
There are apartments, villas and quintas for rent all over the country, which can be the most convenient and comfortable choice when travelling as a family. To seek out the perfect place to stay, try websites such as www.ownersdirect.co.uk, www.chooseportugal.com, www.villasandcottages.com and www.homeaway.co.uk.
Hotels
Hotels in Portugal come in several guises:
Hotels offer amenities such as restaurants and room service. All rooms have bathrooms. They are rated from 1 to 5 stars:
5 stars: a luxury hotel.
4 stars: not luxury but close.
3 stars: good value but sometimes run-down.
1 and 2 stars: basic places to stay.
Albergarias are essentially hotels offering 4-star comfort and meals.
Estalagems are very similar but may be 4- or 5-star.
Residencials have star gradings and are like small hotels but generally do bed and breakfast only. They usually have an “R” on a sign outside.
Pensãos are more basic, and again do bed and breakfast only. You can find 4-star pensãos, but the majority offer fewer comforts than that.
Hotel Listings
The list below includes a small sample of the wide variety of hotels in Portugal. Remember that you will probably have difficulty finding a decent room in July and August if you haven’t made an advance reservation, and you’ll also get better deals if you book ahead.
The following hotels are listed by area, following the order of the regions in the Places section of this book, beginning with Lisbon; Estoril, Cascais, Sintra and Setúbal have been grouped together under Around Lisbon. In each place, places to stay are listed in order of comfort, beginning with the most luxurious.
Note that pousadas and manor houses are included with hotel listings.
Lisbon
Residencial Alegria
Praça da Alegria, 12
Tel: 213 220 670
A small family-run hotel with plenty of charm, where the simple rooms are brightened with painted wooden furniture. It’s conveniently situated just off Avenida do Liberdade. €€
Hotel Avenida Palace
Rua 1º de Dezembro
Tel: 213 218 100
A grand 19th-century building, smack in the old town centre, between the Rossio and Praça dos Restauradores, this has sumptuously decorated rooms, with lots of oil paintings and polished antique furnishings. €€€€
Bairro Alto Hotel
Praça Luís de Camöes, 2,
Tel: 213 408 288
Chic boutique hotel in the heart of Lisbon, with gorgeous, soberly decorated rooms, snow-white linen, city views, free-standing bathtubs, and all comforts.Rooms are air- and sound-conditioned. €€€€
Hotel Botânico
Rue da Mãe d’Agua, 16–20
Tel: 213 420 392
Handily located between the Bairro Alto and the Avenida da Liberdade and close to Avenida Metro station, Hotel Botânico is comfortable, with plain, unfussy rooms. €€€
Hotel Britânia
Rua Rodrigues Sapaio, 17
Tel: 213 218 200
Small, comfortable Art Deco hotel that dates from the 1940s and exudes modernist style, set on a quiet street parallel to the Avenida da Liberdade. €€€
Hotel Diplomático
Rua Castilho, 74
Tel: 213 839 020
Centrally located, Hotel Diplomático is a smart 4-star, business-oriented hotel that has appealing, brightly decorated rooms, and is comfortable and efficient. €€
Residencial Dom João
Rua José Estêvão, 43
Tel: 213 144 171
A modern residence with spacious rooms, this is located in a quiet residential neighbourhood, slightly off the beaten track, but only a 15-minute walk to the Praça Marquês de Pombal. €€
VIP Executive Suites Éden
Praça dos Restauradores, 24
Tel: 213 216 600
The Art Deco Eden Theatre has been converted into a beautiful hotel that contains well-appointed one-bedroom and studio apartments. The icing on the cake is the wonderful rooftop pool with city views. €€€
Hotel Eduardo VII
Avenida Fontes Pereira de Melo, 5
Tel: 213 688 822
This Best Western option is near the park with a beautiful view from the restaurant; rooms are old-fashioned but comfortable, and it has a small and intimate feel, rather like a private club. €
Fluorescente Residencial
Rua das Portas de Santo Antão, 99
Tel: 213 426 609
www.residencialflorescente.com
With traditionally tiled hallways and bright, clean rooms, some with full-length baths, this guesthouse is centrally located in a street of restaurants, near Praça dos Restauradores. €€
The Independente
Rua de Sao Pedro de Alcantara, 81
Tel: 213 461 381
In a great central location close to Principe Real, Bairro Alto and Chiado, the Art Deco Independente Hostel & Suites is a gorgeous budget option, with 90 beds in 11 dorms, plus four spacious suites. €–€€
As Janelas Verdes
Rua de las Janales Verdes, 37
Tel: 213 218 200
Next to the Museum of Ancient Art, this noble mansion belonged to an 18th-century writer. Beautifully furnished, with a lovely library and terrace for guests, and some rooms with river views. €€€
Lapa Palace
Rua do Pau de Bandeira, 4
Tel: 213 949 494
This glamorously restored 19th-century mansion in the best residential quarter has a discreetly opulent feel, with gorgeous rooms, balconies overhung with greenery, and marble bathrooms. €€€€
Hotel Miraparque
Avenida Sidónio Pais, 12
Tel: 213 524 286
The Miraparque proffers decent rooms with unfussy décor. This is excellent value in a good location on a quiet street with lush views overlooking the park and the city. €
Pálacio Belmonte
Páteo Dom Fradique
Tel: 218 816 600
A place for a special treat: beautiful bedrooms and enormous suites, with eclectic, out-of-this-world decoration, have been created in this 15th-century palace beneath the castle. The black marble pool is divine. €€€€
Pestana Palace Hotel
Rua do Jau, 54
Tel: 213 615 600
Classy, superbly restored 19th-century palace a short taxi ride from the centre. Five-star luxury with pool, gardens, oriental pavilion and luxurious rooms in the new wing. Wonderful food. €€€€
Hotel Regency Chiado
Rua Nova Do Almada, 114
Tel: 291 724 276
A modern yet classic hotel that rose from the ashes of the 1996 Chiado fire. Beautiful designed rooms with balconies have fabulous city views, as does the bar terrace. €€€
Roma Residencial
Travessa da Glória, 22-A
Tel: 213 460 557/8/9
www.residencialroma-lisbon.com
This simple, unfussy hotel has all the requisite amenities including private bath and TV in every room, plus small wrought-iron balconies, and is situated in a handy location in the heart of Baixa. €
Sana Rex Hotel
Rua Castilho, 169
Tel: 213 882 161
The Rex is a nice, centrally located, 3-star hotel, with small, comfortable rooms with wood-panelled furniture. €€€
Pensão São Jão de Praça
Rua de São Jão de Praça, 97
Tel: 218 862 591
In the atmospheric Alfama district, right below the cathedral, this is a charming pension with sunny rooms. Some rooms have river views, some are without showers. Clean and friendly. €
Albergaria Senhora do Monte
Calçada do Monte, 39
Tel: 218 866 002
http://www.albergariasenhoradomonte.com/
This fantastically located small hotel has smart, comfortable rooms and beautiful views overlooking São Jorge Castle, Alfama and down to the Tejo. €€€
Solar do Castelo
Rua das Cozinhas, 2, Castelo
Tel: 213 218 200
In an 18th-century mansion in a unique location inside the castle walls, this has had a stylishly contemporary makeover; and is a fantastically romantic place to stay. €€€
Solar dos Mouros
Rua do Milagre de Santo António, 4
Tel: 218 854 940
Dramatic interiors that combine African artworks and contemporary paintings against brilliant, bright-walled rooms by the artist-owner Luís Lemos, high up in the picturesque Alfama district with river and castle views. €€
Tiara Park Atlantic Hotel
Rua Castilho, 149
Tel: 213 818 700
This modern, large hotel has 331 spacious rooms overlooking the park; executive rooms are worth the extra cost as they have sweeping views over Lisbon and the river. €€€€
Hotel Tivoli Jardim
Rua Julio C. Machado, 9
Tel: 213 591 000
Run by the same company as the friendly Tivoli Lisboa, this has lovely, spacious rooms with big plate-glass windows, snow-white linen and contemporary style. €€€–€€€€
Hotel Tivoli Lisboa
Avenida da Liberdade, 185
Tel: 213 198 900
Big, handsome and handy for all parts of town, this welcoming hotel has superb views from its Terraço and Sky bars and a lush Elements Spa by Banyan Tree. €€€€
York House Hotel
Rua Janelas Verdes, 32
Tel: 213 962 435
http://www.yorkhouselisboa.com/
In a class by itself: comfort and charm combined. The great favourite of Graham Greene, among others. An interesting neighbourhood, about 15 minutes by bus from the Rossio. Reserve well in advance. The annexe is down the street at number 47. €€€€
Around Lisbon
Cascais
Farol Design Hotel
Avenida Rei Humberto II de Italia, 7
Tel: 214 823 490
Next to the lighthouse above the sea, this wonderfully bright and sunny, stylish boutique hotel has stunning, contemporary rooms that are mostly white with flashes of colour, plus a salt-water swimming pool. €€€€
Fortaleza do Guincho
Estrada do Guincho
Tel: 214 870 491
www.relaischateaux.com/guincho
A superlative hotel within a handsomely renovated fortress, complete with canons and flags, and right by the beach. Rooms overlook the ocean, and there’s a Michelin-starred restaurant. €€€€
Oitavos Hotel
Rua de Oitavos, Quinta da Marinha
Tel: 214 860 020
Designer looks complement the landscape along the Cascais coast at this 5-star hotel, with rooms decorated in slate-greys and overlooking the sea. €€€€
Onyria Marinha Edition Cascais
Quinta da Marinha, Rua do Clube
Tel: 214 860 150
This sumptuous designer boutique hotel opened in 2011. Choose between rooms and modernist villas, with glorious infinity pools and close to lush gardens, woodlands, and a golf course. €€€€
Estoril
Palácio Estoril Hotel & Golf
Rua Particular
Tel: 214 648 000
To feel like an off-duty James Bond, stay at this monumental palace, with plenty of glamour, 5-star luxury, tradition, all the comforts and a famous casino. €€€€
Hotel Smart
Rua Maestro Laçerda, 6
Tel: 214 682 164
Immaculate little guesthouse, this is a good-value option close to the casino, with smart rooms, a terrace, pleasant garden and a swimming pool. €€
Setúbal
Palmela
Tel: 212 351 226
Near Setúbal, this pousada is spectacularly set on a hill top. It’s inside the ancient castle walls and the conversion makes use of the ruined convent within to create a unique place to stay. €€€€
Pousada São Filipe
Setúbal
Tel: 265 555 070
In a 17th-century fortress, this pousada is a superb place to stay, with lovely views overlooking the harbour, the River Sado and the Natural Park of Arrábida. €€€€
Pousada Vale do Gaio
Barragem Tito Morais, Torrão
Tel: 265 669 610
Southeast of Setúbal, this is set in the countryside of the Alentejo, and is a small, gorgeous, chic pousada beside a lake, with sunny terraces and a great restaurant. €€€
Sintra
Convento de Sao Saturnino
2705-001 Azóia-Sintra
Tel: 219 283 192
In a beautifully tranquil setting, this converted convent has whitewashed rooms, a labyrinth interior, and six gorgeously decorated rooms and three suites under wood beamed ceilings and with paintings covering the walls. €€€€
Lawrence’s Hotel
Rua Consiglieri Perdosa, 38–40
Tel: 219 105 500
Lord Byron stayed in this 5-star hotel, the oldest in Portugal, in the heart of Sintra, founded in 1764. Just 11 rooms and an excellent restaurant. Delicious breakfasts. €€€€
Hotel Sintra Jardim
Quinta Visconde de Trojal, Travessa dos Avelares, 12
Tel: 219 230 738
http://pensaoresidencialsintra.pai.pt/
On the road to Cascais, this grand family guesthouse has nice, old-fashioned rooms with lots of character, and an attractive gardens and pool surrounded by lush greenery. €–€€
Algarve
Albufeira
Residencial Limas
Rua de la Liberdade, 25–7
Tel: 289 514 025
Cheerful small hotel, with brightly decorated blue and yellow rooms, in the thumping heart of Albufeira’s always lively resort and close to lots of bars and restaurants. €
Rocamar Beach Hotel
Largo Jacinto D’Ayet, 7
Tel: 289 540 280
Set high up on a rocky outcrop, overlooking the beach and ocean, this is one of Albufeira’s mid-range choices, with sea-view rooms in 1950s style with picture windows and balconies. €€
Cabanas
Forte de São João da Barra
http://www.fortesaojoaodabarra.com/
A converted 17th-century fortress, perched on the coast a short distance from the pretty seasidetown of Cabanas. The 10 rooms are stylish and contemporary. €€€
Faro
Hotel Dom Bernardo
Rua General Teófilio da Trindade, 20
Tel: 289 889 800
www.bestwesterndombernardo.com/
This Best Western hotel is conveniently located near the centre of Faro, and has presentable, neat rooms with terracotta floors in a smart, modern building. €€€
Estalagem Aeromar
Avenida Nascente, 1, Praia de Faro
Tel: 289 817 189
On the beach in the direction of the airport, this modern hotel has views over the River Formosa and the beach, and comfortable rooms. €€
Hotel Eva
Avenida da Républica, 1
Tel: 289 001 002
A link of the TD chain, this is a good choice, a central, comfortable hotel that has all mod cons and a rooftop pool. Make sure your room overlooks the harbour. €€€
Residencial Samé
Rua do Bocage, 66
Tel: 289 824 375
One of a dozen pensãos in town, this homely choice is centrally located and has small, basic, simple, but clean rooms, and is good value for those on a small budget. €
Lagos
Hotel Belavista da Luz
Praia da Luz
Tel: 282 788 655
An excellent family-oriented choice, this modern hotel with good sports and entertainment facilities has rooms with balconies, centred around two large swimming pools. €€
Albergaria Marina Rio
Avenida dos Descobrimentos
Tel: 282 780 830
A smart white-washed hotel with a great marina-side location, this has balconies making the most of the view overlooking the bobbing boats and glittering water. €€
Quinta das Achadas
Estrada da Barragem Odiáxere
Tel: 282 798 425
http://algarveholiday.net/Quinta_das_Achadas
Surrounded by luxuriant gardens, this has loads of charm and rooms in converted stables, with wrought-iron beds and bathrooms tiled in traditional azulejos. €€€
Hotel Tivoli Lagos
Rua António Crisógono Santos
Tel: 282 790 079
This fine 4-star has nautical blue and white rooms and plenty of facilities, including a large pool, plus a central location in Lagos. €€
Loulé
Hotel Loulé Jardim
Praça Manuel Arriaga
Tel: 289 413 095
A handsome early 20th-century building near the centre of the historic town of Loulé, this is set near gardens, and has a cosy, comfortable atmosphere, but no restaurant. €€
Portimão
D. João II Pestana Hotel
Praia do Alvor
Tel: 282 400 700
A modern place, with good sports and recreational facilities, the D. João II Pestana has cool contemporary rooms and is set up above several white-sand miles of beach. €€€
Pensão Alcaide
Praia do Vau, Portimão
Tel: 282 401 462
A comfortable 18-room hotel, this basic and homely choice has small, simple rooms with tiled floors and balconies. €
Pestana Delfim Hotel
Praia dos Três Irmãos, Alvor
Tel: 282 400 800
Set high above the sea, a 5-minute walk from the beach; modern, with good sports facilities, this comfortable option is an all-inclusive hotel, which means all meals are included in the price. €€€
Praia da Rocha
Hotel Algarve – Casino
Avenida Tomás Cabreira
Tel: 282 402 000
This is a grand, late 20th-century, rather ugly hotel, but with great views and comfortable rooms, plus casino and cabaret, set on a gorgeous beach. €€€
Hotel Bela Vista
Avenida Tomás Cabreira
Tel: 282 450 480
This is Praia da Rocha’s most characterful hotel, a beautiful boutique place in a renovated historical property. It’s exquisitely decorated with brilliant tiling and linens, and with a gorgeous pool surrounded by day beds. €€€€
Sagres
Hotel de Baleeira
Baleeira, Sagres
Vila do Bispo
Tel: 282 624 212
With ocean views, the Baleeira has designer boutique rooms that are decorated with minimalist styling and relaxing hues of white, and has a seawater pool and tennis court. €€
Navigator
Rua Infante Don Henrique
Tel: 282 624 354
This apartment hotel has a pool and other facilities, and is well-appointed with appealing rooms with balconies. It’s next to the pousada with equally wonderful ocean views. €€
Pousada do Infante
Tel: 282 620 240
Near Cape St Vincent in the village of Sagres, this historic pousada is a memorable place to stay: it has a fantastic clifftop postion and incredible sea views. €€€
São Brás de Alportel
Vila Monte
Sítio dos Caliços
Tel: 289 790 790
Ten minutes from the sea, this handsome hotel with Moorish influences is in an old manor house, with a pool, tennis courts, terraces and gardens. €€€
Tavira
Convento da Graça
Rua Dom Paio Peres Correia
Tel: 281 329 040
A lovely old converted Franciscan convent with tons of character and atmosphere, close to the centre of Tavira and within easy access of some beautiful beaches. €€€€
Mare’s Residencial
Rua José Pires Padinha, 24
Tel: 281 325 815
Small family-run hotel set in a beautiful location on the river bank; rooms are simple but comfortable and the best have balconies overlooking the water. €
Vila Galé Albacora
Rua 4 de Outubro
Tel: 281 329 900
On the banks of the river, this is a large 4-star hotel with 268 rooms, centred around a large swimming pool, and located close to Tavira’s centre as well as within easy reach of Parque Natural da Ria Formosa.
Vilamoura
Hotel Dom Pedro Marina
Av. Tivoli
Tel: 289 381 000
A modern establishment benefitting from a great location near the waterfront and marina, this has lovely views and 100 smart rooms, plus four suites with Jacuzzis on each balcony. €€€
Upper Alentejo
Alendroal
Casa de Terena
Rua Direita, 45
Tel: 268 459 132
Restored 200-year-old house in centre of the very pretty village of Terena, 10km (6 miles) from Alendroal and perfectly set for exploring the beautiful Alentejo countryside. €€
Herdade Dom Pedro
Tel: 268 459 137
http://montedompedro.no.sapo.pt/
Period Alentejo farmhouse set amid 100 hectares (250 acres) of olive groves in a peaceful country location, with a swimming pool and opportunities to go horse riding. €€
Estremoz
Pousada da Rainha Santa Isabel
Largo Dom Dinis
Tel: 268 332 075
In a dramatic setting in a former castle, this pousada has amazing views over the surrounding plains, and is furnished by beautiful antiques. €€€€
Évora
Hotel D. Fernando
Avenida Dr Barahona, 2
Tel: 266 741 717
Well-appointed 3-star hotel with bright, cheerful rooms that’s centred around a swimming pool surrounded by lawns, and located centrally. €
Évoramonte
Quinta do Serafim
Tel: 268 959 360
This gorgeous rural option, centred around an ancient olive mill, is close to the picturesque small village of Évoramonte and has three self-contained antique-furnished villas. €€
Hotel M’ar de Ar Muralhas
Travessa da Palmeira, 4
Tel: 266 739 300
Luxury hotel inside the city walls, this has a lovely garden with manicured lawns that’s bordered by the castellated city wall and rooms decorated in powdery colours, with lovely terracotta floors. €€
Pensão Giraldo
Rua dos Mercadores, 27
Tel: 266 705 833
A friendly, inexpensive pensão in the main square, this is a good-value choice and picturesquely located, but don’t expect any frills. €
Pensão Policarpo
Rua da Freira de Baixo, 16
Tel: 266 702 424
The most atmospheric place to stay in Évora: this charming guesthouse is set in an old nobleman’s house with a courtyard for breakfast. €
Pensão Riviera
Rua 5 de Outubro, 47–9
Tel: 266 703 304
This is a small, old-fashioned place near the centre, a cosy choice that proffers white rooms with dark wooden furniture. €€
Pousada dos Lóios
Largo Conde de Vila Flor
Tel: 266 730 070
Former monastery, centrally located opposite the Roman temple, with rooms set in the ancient chambers of the Canons Regular. Very popular – book early. €€€€
Best Western Plus Hotel Santa Clara
Travessa da Milheira, 19
Tel: 266 704 141
Good value andvery central – only a few paces from Praça do Giraldo – this Best Western lives up to the chain’s usual standards, with smart, comfortable rooms. €€
Solar de Monfalim
Largo da Misericordia
Tel: 266 750 000
A lovely converted palace in Evora town centre, this is great value and an atmospheric choice, with simple rooms furnished with wrought-iron furniture. €€
Marvão
Pousada de Santa Maria
Rua 24 de Janeiro, 7
Tel: 245 993 201
Near Portalegre, within a walled hilltop town, this gorgeous pousada has lots of character and is set in two converted traditional houses, with breathtaking countryside views. €€–€€€
Redondo
Hotel Convento de São Paulo
Serra de Ossa, Aldeia da Serra
Tel: 266 989 160
With beautiful antique furnishings and fine gardens, this hotel is set in a glorious converted convent that’s surrounded by a lush national forest. €€–€€€
Lower Alentejo
Serpa
Casa da Muralha
Rua Portas de Beja,43
Tel: 284 543 150
Extremely attractive lodging in a whitewashed house tucked beside a historic aqueduct in the centre; rooms are very appealing, whitewashed, with traditional handpainted Alentejan furniture. €€
Vila Nova de Milfontes
Casa Amarela
Rua Dom Luis Castro e Almeida
Tel: 283 996 632
Casa Amarela is a cheery place with a cheery owner; it has small rooms with bright paintings and bright bedspreads, a comfy lounge and shared kitchen. €
Casa da Eira
Rua Casa da Pedra
Tel: 283 99 70 01
Set in three converted houses, Casa da Eira has bright, sunny rooms full of jazzy colour and a lovely pool, and the management can organise adventure holidays. €€
Vila Viçosa
Pousada de Dom João IV
Tel: 268 980 742
Located in a converted 15th-century convent, this grand and lavishly decorated pousada has lovely rooms and is in the heart of the town, close to the Ducal palace. €€€
Estremadura
Batalha
Hotel Residencial Casa do Outeiro
Largo Carvalho do Outeiro, 4
Tel: 244 765 806
At this modern-style residencial with a pool, all the rooms have balconies where you can sit out, and are bright and sunny. Ask for one with a view towards the monastery. €€
Óbidos
Albergaria Josefa d’Óbidos
Rua Dom João d’Ornelas
Tel: 262 959 228
Near the old town, this guesthouse has comfortable, clean rooms, some of which are old-fashioned and traditional, while others are more contemporary. €€
Mansão da Torre
Tel: 262 959 247
A modern hotel, 2km (1 mile) out of town towards Caldas da Rainha, this has serene rooms with contemporary style, decorated in earthy and subdued colours €€
Pousada do Castelo
Paço Real
Tel: 262 955 080
In the castle, within the walled town, this is one of Portugal’s finest and most dramatically sited pousadas, with great countryside views. €€€€
Porto de Mós
Quinta do Rio Alcaide
Tel: 244 402 124
Here you have a choice of a small group of houses set in an active quinta in the Parque Natural das Serras de Aire e Candeeiros. €€
Santarém
Casa da Alcáçova
Portas do Sol
Tel: 243 304 030
This is a fine 17th-century manor house, where all the rooms have splendid 19th-century decor, some with four-posters, all with antiques and lots of polished wood. €€
Tomar
Estalagem de Santa Iria
Parque de Mouchão
Tel: 249 313 326
This is the sole building on a small island in the middle of the river, accessible via bridge. The charming building has an acclaimed restaurant, as well as lovely traditional rooms with leafy outlooks. €€
Hotel dos Templários
Largo Cândido dos Reis, 1
Tel: 249 321 730
This modern hotel is surrounded by lush grounds, with balconies overlooking the River Nabao, and is located a short walk from the Unesco World Heritage Site, the Convento de Cristo. €€€
Residencial União
Rua Serpa Printa, 94
Tel: 249 323 161
Central and popular, set around a courtyard, this residence is a charming place to stay with lots of character and simple rooms. €
Coimbra
Hotel Astória
Avenida Emídio Navarro, 21
Tel: 239 853 020
A classic, Belle Epoque hotel on the river front, with elegant, antique-filled rooms – this has lots of charm and character. Good restaurant with Buçaco wines. €€
Dona Inês
Rua Abel Dias Urbano, 12
Tel: 239 855 800
This modern hotel, with clean, smart rooms, is just a few minutes walk from the centre yet is in a quiet, tranquil location. €
Hotel D. Luís
Santa Clara Coimbra
Tel: 239 802 120
A modern place, pleasingly set on the southern bank of the Rio Mondego with grand view of Coimbra, this Best Western offers good value. €–€€
Pensão Santa Cruz
Praça 8 de Maio, 21
Tel: 239 826 197
Centrally located in a square, this pensão is a good-value choice with plenty of character: it has large, traditional rooms, with whitewashed walls and carved antique furniture. €
Hotel Quinta das Lágrimas
Santa Clara
Tel: 239 802 380
www.hotelquintadaslagrimas.com
This is full of history: an 18th-century palace converted to a small hotel, in the park where Inês de Castro is said to have met her violent end. €€€
Hotel Tivoli Coimbra
Rua João Machado
Tel: 239 858 300
On the western outskirts; this lovely, comfortable 4-star is up to Tivoli’s usual good standards, and has neutrally decorated, serene rooms. €€€
Beira Litoral
Agueda
Estalagem da Pateira
Rua da Pateira, 84
Tel: 243 721 205
A few kilometres from the A1, this is a 57-room modern hotel on a peaceful lake shore, with boats and a heated pool. €€
Aveiro
Hotel Afonso V
Rua Dr Manuel das Neves, 65
Tel: 234 425 191
Near the city centre, this old-fashioned, traditional hotel offers inexpensive, spacious rooms that are good value for money. €€
Pensão Avenida
Avenida Dr Lourenço Peixinho, 256
Tel: 234 423 366.
http://pensaoavenida.planetaclix.pt/
A simple, Art Nouveau pension with bright, simple rooms, this is a great-value choice, close to the train station and a short walk from the city centre. €
Hotel Imperial
Rua Dr Nascimento Leitão
Tel: 234 380 150
Modern and central, this has very traditionally styled rooms with wrought-iron balconies, decorated in rich colours with polished wood accents. €
Hotel Moliceiro
Rua Barbosa de Magalhães, 15
Tel: 234 377 400
Comfortable hotel overlooking the canal in the historic centre, this is decorated in Art Deco-style, with particularly lavishly decorated superior rooms. €€
Buçaco
Bussaco Palace Hotel
Tel: 231 937 970
This is a superb old place, a luxury hotel in a sumptuous old hunting lodge set in a forest. Nearby is the Military Museum with exhibits from the Peninsular War. €€€€
Guarda
Residencial Santos
Tel: 271 205 400
Guarda is the highest town in Portugal, and this charming guesthouse is built into the city walls; there’s a roof terrace that offers fantastic views. €
Leiria
Hotel Eurosol
Rua Dom José Alves Correia da Silva Leiria
Tel: 244 849 849
Modern, with views over the old town and castle, the Hotel Eurosol is a reliable and comfortable choice, with rooms decorated in neutral colours. €€
Murtosa
Pousada da Torreira
Torreira
Tel: 234 860 180
On an isthmus between the ocean and the lagoon, this modern building is well integrated within the dramatic surrounding landscape and has a peaceful setting overlooking the estuary. €€€
Oliveira do Hospital
Hotel São Paulo
Rua Prof. Antunes Varela, 3
Tel: 238 609 000
This 3-star, 44-room modern block, mainly aimed at business travellers, is nothing flashy, but friendly, and with plain rooms with dark wood furniture and balconies. €–€€
Viseu
Pousada de Viseu
Tel: 210 407 610
Once a hospital, this is now a sumptuous place to stay. The neoclassical building with beautiful minimalist rooms is centred on a glorious courtyard, and there’s a gorgeous pool. €€€
Porto
Hotel Boa Vista
Esplanada do Castelo, 58 Foz do Douro
Tel: 225 320 020
Set where the Rio Douro meets the Atlantic, this hotel occupies a 150-year-old building, with spacious, light rooms and amazing views. €€
Hotel da Bolsa
Rua Ferreira Borges, 101
Tel: 223 398 500
This elegant hotel near the old Stock Exchange has pleasant, warm-hued rooms. River views cost a few euros extra, which are well worth paying. €€
Grande Hotel do Porto
Rua Santa Catarina, 197
Tel: 222 076 690
Close to the main square, this wonderfully lavish hotel dates from 1880. The lobby may be all marble columns, but the rooms are coolly styled in neutral colours. €€
Infante de Sagres
Praça D. Filipa de Lencastre, 62
Tel: 223 398 500
The most splendid old hotel in town, just off the main avenue; full of character and with a sense of former glories, with rooms decorated in sumptuous dark colours. €€€€
Hotel Inca
Praça Coronel Pacheco, 52
Tel: 222 084 151
Central andwell placed for shops and sightseeing, this Best Western is a pleasant place, if in need of some updating. €€
Hotel Internacional
Rua do Almada, 131
Tel: 222 005 032
One block west of the main Avenida dos Aliados, this handsome building dates from the early 1900s and was completely remodelled in 2010. Single, double and triple rooms. €€
Hotel Ipanema Park
Rua de Serralves, 124
Tel: 225 322 100
A modern hotel, with excellent service and beautiful views over the River Douro. A rooftop pool makes this a superlative choice, perfect for hot summer days. €€
Mercure Porto Central Hotel
Praça da Batalha, 116
Tel: 222 000 571
Near the centre, this is a 4-star hotel and a reliable choice, with smart rooms decorated in inoffensive, neutral shades of brown and white. €€
Residencial Pensão Pão de Açucar
Rua do Almada, 262
Tel: 222 002 425
www.residencialpaodeacucar.com
In a quiet location just west of the main avenue, this family-run pension is in an elegant building and has pleasant, old-fashioned rooms. €
Hotel Peninsular
Rua Sá de Bandeira, 21
Tel: 222 003 012
With a tiled entrance and Art Deco upper floors, this friendly hotel is near the São Bento station. Many rooms are furnished by carved antique wooden furniture. €
Pestano Porto Hotel
Praça do Ribeira, 1
Tel: 223 402 300
Wonderfully situated hotel, right on the quayside, with all amenities, and wonderful views of Douro river, Torre dos Clérigos and Sé do Porto. €€€
Quality Inn
Praça da Batalha, 127
Tel: 223 392 300
In the centre of town, this friendly, welcoming hotel has a very convenient location and comfortable, if simple rooms. Ask for a room with a balcony. €
Hotel Rex Porto
Praça da República, 117
Tel: 222 074 590
A grand, central pensão, this is set in a stately old building, with parking available. Rooms have high ceilings, and some are furnished with antiques. €
Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa
Rua Tenente Valadim, 146
Tel: 220 404 000
Glass and steel give this tall, light and airy building an ultra-modern allure. Cool interior design has plasma TVs in the rooms and a posh spa. By contrast, the restaurant serves delicious traditional convent puddings. €€€€
Hotel Tuela Porto
Rua Arq. Marques da Silva, 200
Tel: 226 004 747
In central Porto, this 154 room hotel has been renovated in a crisp contemporary style with all modern comforts and lots of designer chic. €€
Residencial Vera Cruz
Rua Ramalha Ortigão, 14
Tel: 223 323 396
An inviting family-run hotel off Avenida dos Aliados, this residence is pleasant with airy, smart rooms. The rooftop breakfast room is a nice touch. €
Douro
Alijó
Pousada de Barão Forrester
Rua José Rufino
Tel: 259 959 467
This famous town house, a pousada since 1983, is near Vila Real and close to the Douro river, and surrounded by rolling, vine-covered hills and lush forests. €€€
Amarante
Casa da Calçada
Largo do Paço, 6
Tel: 255 410 830
Elegant and beautifully furnished hotel in parkland in the heart of town. It not only has stylish, extremely comfortable, contemporary rooms, but a fine restaurant and a pool. €€€€
Casa da Levada
Travança do Monte Amarante
Tel: 255 433 833
Surrounded by chestnut woods and beautiful countryside, there are superb rural views from this 16th-century house, with a castellated tower and atmospheric rooms decorated in antique carved wooden furniture. €€
Pousada de São Gonçalo
Serra do Marão
Tel: 255 460 030
In the Marão mountains, between Amarante (24km/15 miles) and Vila Real (20km/12 miles), this pousada stands at an altitude of 880 metres (2,890ft) and has a lovely setting and amazing views. €€€€
Lamego
Quinta de Vista Alegre
Tel: 255 880 150
This grand country house has good views – as its name suggests. The gardens are lush and green, and the rural setting makes it a wonderfully relaxing choice. €€
Vila Hostilina
Tel: 254 612 394
Difficult to find, but worth seeking out, this small quinta on the Lamego–Porto road is extremely tranquil. The house is furnished by antiques and surrounded by fruit trees, and there’s a large swimming pool. €€
Pinhão
Quinta de la Rosa
Tel: 254 732 254
This spectacular country house has an incredible setting above the River Douro, with views across the river and vineyards. The estate produces ports, wines and olive oil. €€
Vintage House Hotel
Tel: 291 724 240
http://hotelvintagehouse-douro.com/
Beside the Douro in the heart of port-wine country; bougainvillea-clad terrace, riverside gardens, tennis court and pool. A wine academy for tasting and first-class restaurant. €€-€€€
Minho
Amares
Pousada de Santa Maria do Bouro
Tel: 253 371 970
A splendid conversion of a12th-century monastery by architect Eduardo Souto de Moura. It’s surrounded by gorgeous gardens and convenient for the Peneda-Gerês National Park. €€€
Arcos de Valdevez
Casa do Adro
Lugar de Eiró Soajo
Tel: 258 576 327
www.casadoadroturismorural.com
Fine old granite house in the centre of this mountain village, 15km (9 miles) from Arcos. €€
Casa do Rio Vez
Estrada de Seleiros, Bouça Couto
Tel: 258 526 078
Mobile: 93406 4577
Five spacious rooms (including a self-contained loft) in a former olive-oil mill on the banks of the Rio Vez. Contemporary styling and a lovely pool. €€
Residencial Dona Isabel
Rua Mário Júlio Almeida Costa
Tel: 258 520 380
Close to the bridge, this neat little guesthouse is a bargain. Rooms are smart and well kept, and bathrooms sparkling clean; some river views. €
Braga
Albergaria Bracara Augusta
Tel: 253 206 260
A grand town house with smart rooms with traditional styling, this has a colonnaded restaurant and a leafy garden. €€
Hotel do Elevador
Bom Jesus do Monte
Tel: 253 603 400
Just 4km (2 miles) from Braga, this grand renovated mansion has a fantastic setting and lavishly decorated rooms and lounges. There’s a recommended panoramic restaurant, which specialises in local regional cuisine. €€€
Pousada Sao Vicente Braga
Largo das Infias
Tel: 253 209 500
A relatively recent addition to the pousada collection, this is a beautifully converted 19th-century mansion. Rooms have antique carved wooden beds, there are spacious bathrooms, and a pool surrounded by sunshaded tables. €€
Albergaria da Sé
Rua Gonçalo Pereira, 39–51
Tel: 253 214 502
This central, modern hotel has traditional-style architecture, and is a charming, small place, well-furnished and in a pretty setting not far from the cathedral,with appealing, plain rooms. Good value. €
Albergaria Senhora Branca
Largo Senhora a Branca, 58
Tel: 253 269 938
Comfortable modern hotel that’s conveniently and peacefully located on a large piazza in the centre of town; the comfortable rooms have a charming, old-fashioned feel, and some have balconies overlooking the garden €€
Caniçada
Pousada do Gerês - Caniçada, São Bento
Vieira do Minho
Tel: 253 407 650
This pousada is a restored hunting lodge on the edge of Peneda-Gerês National Park. Panoramas include views over the Caniçada dam in the Cavado River and over to Spain.€€€€
Guimarães
Casa de Sezim
Rua de Sezim, Santo Amaro
Tel: 253 523 000
An estate near Guimarães with a splendid 18th-century facade and beautifully decorated boutique rooms, each with a lounge area and a private terrace. The estate is well known for the high quality of its white wine. €€€
Hotel Fundador D. Pedro (Residencial)
Avenida D. Afonso Henriques, 740
Tel: 253 422 640
A modern, 3-star neighbour to the costlier Hotel de Guimarães, this is another good choice, for comfort rather than character, with simple modern rooms. €€
Hotel de Guimarães
Rua Eduardo de Almeida Guimarães
Tel: 253 424 800
The 4-star Hotel de Guimarães is a modern, contemporary choice, with sleek rooms, a spa and a health club, just 10 minutes’ walk from the city centre. €€€
Ponte de Lima
Casa do Outeiro
Arcozelo
Tel: 258 941 206
This glorious 16th-century country house, 2km (1 mile) from town, has lovely antique-filled rooms, a gorgeous library lined with books from floor to ceiling, a great country kitchen, and a greenery-framed terrace. €€
Casa do Pinheiro
Rua General Norton de Matos, 50
Tel: 258 943 971
Charming antique-furnished guesthouse, with lots of polished wood and tall windows. Outside are lush gardens and a beautiful little pool, with lawns and yellow sunshades. €€
Paço de Calheiros
Calheiros
Tel: 258 947 164
Located 7km (4 miles) outside Ponte de Lima, this is a splendid 17th-century manor house full of character and approached via a tree-lined drive. It’s owned by the Count of Calheiros, who proudly shows guests around. €€
Viana do Castelo
Casa Dos Costa Barros
Rua de São Pedro, 28
Tel: 258 823 705
An old town house right in the historic centre, in the Manueline style of the 16th century, which has been in the family since 1765. It’s beautifully decorated with antiques. €€
Caso Melo Alvim
Avenida Conde Carreira, 28
Tel: 258 808 200
Very comfortable estalagem in a restored period house in the historic centre, this has beautifully decorated, romantic rooms with lovely outlooks. Some have carved wood four-poster beds, and some have balconies. €€€€
Jardim (Residencial)
Largo 5 de Outubro, 68
Tel: 258 828 915
http://residencialjardim.com.sapo.pt
By the riverfront gardens, near the centre of town, this is a pleasant hotel with spacious rooms, decorated in strong colours. €
Viana Sol Hotel
Largo Vasco da Gama
Tel: 258 828 995
Near the old docks, 10 minutes’ walk from town centre, this is a lovely grand building, and is comfortable, although feeling a little faded. €€
Vila Nova de Anha
Quinta do Paço d’Anha
Lugar dos Penedos
Tel: 258 322 459
A grand 16th-century farming estate centred on an ancient manor house near Viana do Castelo, which produces its own vinho verde. There are fantastic views across the landscape and the sea. €€€
Trás-os-Montes, Beira Alta and Beira Baixa
Bragança
Ibis Bragança
Rotunda do Lavrador Transmontano
Tel: 273 331 675
A comfortable, simple hotel with 70 rooms. It’s a modern place that lacks character but has a great, central location. €
Pousada de São Bartolomeu
Estrada do Turismo
Tel: 273 331 493
This modern pousada is perched on a hilltop and has splendid views over the city of Bragança, and it lies close to the Parque Natural de Montesinho. €€
Manteigas
Pousada de São Lourenço
Tel: 275 980 050
High in the Serra da Estrela, with the freshest, cleanest air in summer and views of snowcapped mountains in winter, this granite-built place has a panoramic restaurant from which to enjoy the views over the river valley. €€€
Madeira
Funchal
Casa Velha do Palheiro
Rua de Estalagem, 22
Tel: 291 790 350
Once a hunting lodge, this has been converted into an extremely comfortable country house hotel, set between a golf course and lush gardens a few kilometres inland from Funchal. €€€€
Estalagem Quintinha Sao Joao
Rua da Levada de Sao Joao, 4
Tel: 291 740 920
Set a little way back from Funchal, overlooking the bay, this is a lovely spot, with a rooftop pool and lush gardens. Rooms are spacious, comfortable and bright and furnished with traditional wooden furniture €
Reid’s Palace Hotel
Estrada Monumental, 139
Tel: 291 171 171
Reid’s Palace is the most famous hotel on the island, still touched with Edwardian splendour. It’s perched on the coast and surrounded by subtropical gardens, and rooms have a countrified look, decorated in pale colours. €€€
Azores
São Miguel
Hotel Camões
Largo de Camões, 38
Tel: 296 209 580
A reasonably priced 4-star establishment right in the heart of Ponta Delgada, this is nicely furnished with polished wooden furniture and has comfortable, inviting rooms. €€
Convento de São Francisco
Vila Franca do Campo
Tel: 296 583 532
http://conventodesaofrancisco.arteh-hotels.com/
There are 10 rooms, decorated in an elegant, pared-down baroque style, in this beautifully renovated 17th-century convent. The surrounding countryside is perfect for country walks and activities. €€
Terceira
Pousada Forte de Angra do Heroísmo, São Sebastião
Angra do Heroísmo
Tel: 295 403 560
Atop a cliff, this is a strikingly designed boutique pousada in a 16th-century fortress. Sleek designer rooms are floored in warm polished wood, and there’s a coolly contemporary restaurant serving creative cuisine. €€€