Has anyone stayed at a pousada? We're planning a trip to Lisbon, Obidos, Coimbra and Porto. There are pousadas in each of these places. I read that they are government approved... They certainly look attractive. Any thoughts? Thanks. Susan
Posted by
Massachusetts
398 posts
We stayed at three of the pousadas for our honeymoon in October 2010. We stayed in Sagres, Palmela, and Queluz (Lisbon). Palmela was our favorite of the three, but I would highly recommend any of them. I also have close friend who stayed at some others, including Obidos, which I know he raved about.
Check out their passport program too. We were able to get a "passport" for five nights plus a rental car for an incredibly cheap price, and they had discount vouchers for their restaurants. Then you can just add on any extra nights. I'm not sure if they still have this, but it is definitely worth a look if they still do.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7270 posts
We stayed at several. Although they have plenty of authentic architecture, they are 100% renovated as hotels. No sense of a "monastery stay." We did see some fully modernized, tiny bedrooms that could have been monk's cells, even for Europe, small. So read reviews (for example, on TripAdvisor carefully about selecting rooms. We enjoyed the stays, and the restaurants.
Posted by
Columbus, OH, USA
117 posts
We stayed at pousadas in Marvao, Bussaco Forrest, and in the Douro Valley (I'm on my phone and can't recall the name of this one - Solar de Rede? Maybe).
I found the food always to be wonderful, and it was wonderful staying in such historical places. Good experience!
Posted by
Columbus, OH, USA
117 posts
Oh - and I had a drink at the one in Obidos - beautiful!