The palace and surrounding grounds are very photogenic and ooze history. The rooms are nice, but lack some modern conveniences like air conditioning and WiFi. We had dinner and breakfast. The service was terrific, but the food was only ok. A terrific place for a romantic retreat, if you’re comfortable with its historic eccentricities.
We stayed here for two nights , which was two nights too much! the staff were not friendly and seemed to be not enjoying their jobs. The out side of the hotel is lovely , but the inside is terrible! Our room was small with over powering cheep brown furniture,the carpet was disgusting,with stains all over it, I don't think its been decorated since the 1980s.If you get room 5 ,run a mile! Maybe we had the worst room in the hotel as I can't understand any of the good reviews! We ate in the restaurant one night,which is over priced and pretentious,Left hungry,and with a much lighter wallet!
It's a fairy tale setting in the middle of a luxurious forest and yet one is not far from Luso, a small town with an operating train station. We were there for two nights so we could explore the forest trail on our free day. The information service close to the hotel was very helpful and we enjoyed our adventure immensely. Inside the hotel, there is much to be admired and noone can help but take hundreds of pictures. Of course the gods would be jealous if everything was perfect, so the wifi only works in the bar and a bit of a renovation would help the hotel's reputation but definitely these won't bother your stay. Breakfast is a gourmet experience and Elisa is a fantastic helper. Rui at the desk is another asset to the hotel's stuff. We loved the experience there.
It must be noted that this hotel is not a modern hotel with all the mod-cons you now take for granted. It is a period piece hotel which reflects that it was built for the Portuguese monarchy over 100 years ago and the degree of modernisation is quite limited. However what you are sampling is a unique experience which we found mostly positive. The internal and external ornamentation are most impressive. We particularly enjoyed our dinner which was served with the famous wine of the hotel - a one-off experience not to be missed. As is mentioned by other reviewers, there is some dilapidation (we noticed some in our dated bathroom) and the hotel could do with a major injection of funds to bring everything up to the highest standard.
Do not bother booking with this hotel as it does not mean anything. Our booking was made 5 months in advance with a confirmation email received, saying no need to confirm. Then during our trip we received an email to say the hotel is fully booked. The reservation had to be cancelled the day prior and alternative accomodation found.
Disappointing to say the least.
Such a gorgeous property, yet in total disrepair and no signs of care or pride of ownership.
Firstly, the wifi is mediocre at best in the lounge areas. That is the only wifi in the building. There are no amenities. Gardens are in shambles, beds filled with weeds.
Staff unfriendly at best, borderline rude.
This is before you enter your room. We had 2 rooms booked.
Here are our complaints (in BOTH rooms!)
- mould
- mildew
- stained, damaged, dirty carpets
- damaged furniture
- mirrors you couldn't see yourself in
- bathrooms from 1960s
- no wifi
- chipped paint
- ripped wallpaper
- questionable electrical
- plaster falling apart
-noisy
How is this a 5 star property?
