Bussaco Palace Hotel-Portugal

We had lunch there once. A fun splurge. There are buses from Coimbra, not too frequent, which is how we got back and forth.

We stayed there over fifteen years ago. (Check for recent reviews, please) It would be very difficult and less rewarding/useful without a car. We were not "sorry" we stayed there, but it was definitely a very faded relic of a grander age. Just by way of contrast, the Lapa Palace in Lisbon (a very urban hotel ... ) is a hedge-fund manager's dream. I'm telling you that (fifteen years ago) Bussaco had seen better times.

I stayed there in 1965(!), with a car. It was a magnificent place, or seemed so to my youthful eyes, but I can imagine it might have seen better days by now. As I recall it was in a pretty remote forested area, seemingly not practical without the car. We drove to the coast and back one afternoon. Perhaps there's a freeway now. ;) This is probably not useful information for you almost half a century later but thanks for reminding me about this place!

Tracy,
It is difficult without a car. It is out of any main town and there is nothing around it. It also is somewhat dated, but it is very grand. We are living in Portugal right now and had friends who stayed there last fall for 2 nights and they loved it. We've had martinis there and wandered around the grounds. But, I'd stay elsewhere if you aren't driving. Please ask if you want other hotel options as we have lots of them. So just let me know by sending me a reply. It is a wonderful and beautiful country and there is so much to see and do. Susan

Thanks Susan, my husband is insisting that we stay at Bussaco but I would love some recommendations for Sintra (or near Sintra). We wanted to stay the night there one night on our way to Bussaco and then on to Porto (I already booked a room out of the Portugal book there) We have decided that we will get a rental car and drop it off in Porto.

I Know the place because I have a Small Hotel just 1 Km away. To get here without a car please check the portuguese railway site at www.cp.pt (click on the english flag for your version). On the top right corner of that page there is a option to choose your train origin and destination. Pick as destination, Luso or Pampilhosa or Mealhada. From Mealhada or Pampilhosa you'll need a táxi (about 10 Euro) to get to the Bussaco Palace. From Luso it will be about 5 Euro (I am not sure). If you make a quick look at my own site, at www.alegrehotels.com you'll find the táxi drivers direct phones so that you can phone them from the train station. I hope you enjoy your stay at the palace hotel :-) Best regards Nuno Alegre
Alegre Hotel - Luso