The Best of Portugal – Inns and Hotels
March 24, 2009 by Tess Kirkpatrick
Filed under Hotels
Once rulers of the spice trade, the seaside nation of Portugal has a rich and varied history. Travelers to this idyllic spot will find castles, vast fortresses, cathedrals and plenty of sunshine and warm weather.
Lisbon, Portugal’s largest and capital city, is a perfect spot to begin a tour of this European country. A mix of architecture, from ancient Roman buildings to modern skyscrapers, Lisbon offers plenty of museums and historic sites, as well as trendy shops and cafes. After spending some time in the capitol, set your sights on another region for more explorations. Perhaps you’ll enjoy the Algarve region with its beautiful seascapes and picturesque villages or consider an inland tour of historic monuments and monasteries.
Karen Brown, the well-known author of dozens of informative travel guides, understands the need for a well-rounded plan when traveling. On her website, Karen Brown’s World of Travel, she has listed a comprehensive collection of regional itineraries that include maps, attractions and wonderful inns and hotels specific to Portugal. Her readers have rated the following inns and hotels as exceptional places to stay:
If it’s romance you seek, you will surely find plenty of it in Portugal. This is especially true at the Quinta das Sequoias in Sintra, which rests in the hills above Lisbon. The spectacular views and amazing grounds are just one reason why a visit here is magical. Guests can stroll amongst the 40 acres and enjoy gardens and sea views or take a relaxing swim in the hotel’s pool. With just a half-dozen rooms so there is plenty of privacy and peace. The rooms are richly furnished and all offer a pleasing view. Guests can take part in a photography workshop, hike or mountain bike, or even enjoy an astronomy lesson. The inn was named by Karen Brown readers as Portugal’s “Most Romantic” lodging choice.
Hospitality is the word best used to describe the lovely boutique inn, the Casa de Casal. This charming little inn was awarded the Karen Brown Readers’ Choice Award for Portugal’s “Warmest Welcome.” Views of the Douro River and rugged mountains are spectacular. This family-owned inn dates to the mid-17th century and is surrounded by vineyards. The guest rooms are lovely with French doors that open onto a charming terrace. Located just outside the small village of Pinhao, the Casa de Casal has been fully restored and boasts a swimming pool and en-suite baths.
The inn chosen as offering the “Greatest Value” in Portugal by Karen Brown readers is the charming Albergaria Vila Lido, snugly seated in the middle of craggy cliffs with immediate access to the cerulean blue sea. The guest rooms offer a stunning sea view or contain private patios with access to the gardens. Nearby, you will find very good restaurants, quaint shops and a casino as well as a golf course for the sports minded visitor. Breakfasts are luscious, served in an European atmosphere with carved ceilings, a fantastic fireplace and hand painted tiles.
For sheer luxury, the Palace Hotel do Bussaco should meet any requirements you might have. The recipient of the Karen Brown Readers’ Choice Award for Portugal’s best “Splendid Splurge,” this superior hotel offers ornate decorations and pristine service. The charming rooms are tastefully decorated with wonderful amenities. A stroll through the fabulous gardens is a “must” at the Bussaco Palace as well as dining in the hotel’s impressive restaurant. Awe inspiring paintings and stuccoes decorate many of the walls, adding greatly to the Portuguese ambiance and experience.