Portugal

Best and worst accommodations:

Best: Solar Monfalim
Why: Delightful. Centrally located. Beautiful lodging. Friendly staff. Nice breakfast.

Colette in Cottage Grove, OR USA 06/29/2008

Best: Pension Mare
Why: Friendly, great location, good suggestions by owners for day trips, good price, honor the discount and free internet

Worst: Residencial Policarpo
Why: Hotel not exactly the worst, but very tired, smoky and absolutely the worst breakfast (i.e. cornflakes)

F. & C. Weiss in Victoria, BC Canada 05/03/2008

Best: Hotel Residencial Florescente Lisbon
Why: It was very affordable, clean, great location and breakfast was included. We stayed there for 3 nights after a week in the Algarve.

Christy in Mpls, MN USA 02/20/2008

Best: Hotel Residencial Florescente Lisbon
Why: great location, efficient staff, large rooms, clean and beautiful baths, breakfast included-GREAT value

Worst: Pensao Santa Cruz
Why: Oswald was VERY kind and this was the least expensive place we stayed BUT it is truly for the BUDGET conscious..a little too bare bones for us..great location and again FRIENDLY.

Joan in JACKSONVILLE, FL USA 01/17/2008

Best: Rosa's, Tavira in Algarve
Why: very clean, spacious and reasonable in cost

Philip Hubbard in Barre, MA USA 01/06/2008

Best: Ibis Hotel Lisbon Liberdade
Why: The room was nice and clean (61 euros). The window opened, so I could control the room temperature (I was there in December, and it was too warm for me with just the thermostat, but with the window open, it was just right). The breakfast is up to 5.50 euros, but on the morning I had an early train to catch, it was worth it. I only stayed in one other place during my week in Portugal , a 15 euro quarto in Sagres.

Kyla Gurganus in Ypsilanti, MI USA 01/05/2008

Best:
Why: Both the Albergaria Mar Bravo hotel in Nazare and the Hotel Astoria in Coimbra were excellent for accomodations and location.

bill rapp in malvern, pa USA 12/05/2007

Best: Hotel Ibis
Why: I stayed in 3 Hotel Ibis's (Vila De Gaia, Coimbra, Leiria)while in Portugal. All were clean, comfortable, inexpensive, had good breakfasts and the friendly staff spoke English. In fact, I left clothes hanging in the Ibis in Vila de Gaia and had the Ibis staff in Leiria call and arranged for the clothes to be shipped to me at home in the US with the shipping charged to my credit card. They did it and the clothes arrived. Extra service!

Susan Grayson in Cary, NC USA 11/20/2007

Best: Residencail Mare, Tavira, Pt
Why: Because Fatima remembered us from a visit 2 1/2 years ago! An the price (45 euros) was the same. Our room (102) had a small balcony overlooking the river past the quiet street below. But, have them adjust the valves in that shower if you do plan to mention it.

Worst: Residencial Maciel, Peniche, Pt
Why: Very noisy street at night - 'til wee hours in the morning.

Don Karpen in Talent, OR USA 10/16/2007

Best: Chanceleiros, outside of Pinhao
Why: Casa do Visconde de Chanceleiros (www.chanceleiros.com) is a wonderful place to stay a short distance outside Pinhao. Pricing would probably make it moderate/luxury (about €120/day, breakfast included; dinner €30), but it is like staying at a resort. The owners (Ursula Bocking and her husband) are very knowledgeable, friendly, and very fluent in English. The staff are local, have been with them for years, and the food is local, traditional, and wonderful. There was almost no reason to go into Pinhao, other than to see the train station (and tiles), take a river boat tour, and walk by the river (also a wonderful place to jog).

Jason Zielonka in Doylestown, PA USA 08/30/2007

Worst: Residence Florescente in Lisbon
Why: BED BUGS. This is a great location but not worth the bug bites and crawlies.

Fan in Rockville, MD USA 08/18/2007

Best: Quinta de Marrocos in the Douro valley.
Why: It was a special experience to visit this marvelous family.

Worst: Hotel Santa Cruz in Coimbra
Why: We took a chance on the one dollar sign place. It was a bust. The rug in the bathroom smelled in a way I didn't like to think about. At 28 Euros it was definitely inexpensive, but I wouldn't do it again.

Jane Leingang in Evansville, IN USA 08/06/2007

Best: Hotel Lisboa Tejo
Why: Our room (a superior double) was extremely spacious, even by American standards, and clean. But be warned: the street on the west side of the building was full of young and very busy prostitutes. They got pretty social in the later hours of the evening and the noise made it difficult to sleep.

Daryl in Raleigh, NC USA 07/18/2007

Best: Clube Pria de Oura, Alba Feira, PT
Why: Very clean, very helpful staff.

Marty in Vaughn, KY USA 07/02/2007

Best: Monfalim (Evora)
Why: Great location, old rooms with character, friendly staff.

Beatriz Costa in Seattle, WA USA 06/29/2007

Best: Vila Gale, Estoril is a great place to stay
Why: centrally located, staff very helpful, not too expensive

Mike Soboeiro in Pinehurst, NC USA 06/24/2007

Best: Hotel Lisboa Tejo
Why: The hotel has an extremely friendly and helpful staff. It’s in a great location, right off of Placa de Figueira. A lovely breakfast room, with a pretty substantial breakfast as far as hotel breakfasts go. All for a decent room charge.

Worst: Residential Florescente
Why: I know the draw of this pension is the price, but the price did not make the moldy room bearable. We left after once night and moved to a cleaner hotel for a few euros more a night.

Jamie in New York, NY USA 05/23/2007

Best: Pestana Porto Hotel, Quinta de Marrocos
Why: For a splurge hotel, the Pestana Porto Hotel is simply magnificent. Location is perfect, the furnishings cushy and the breakfast delicious. Possibly the best shower I’ve ever had in my life! Also, we had a charming stay at Quinta de Marrocos in the Douro Valley. The family is extremely hospitable, and we had a great breakfast (with fresh-picked fruit from the farm) in their rustic kitchen. Even the caged cricket making a racket only served to make the experience that much more memorable!

Worst: Hotel Riomar in Lagos
Why: Upon check-in we learned that it’s undergoing renovation, so they had no nonsmoking rooms available. The tiny rooms smelled not only of smoke but also of paint, and both the plumbing and air conditioning were malfunctioning. Plus, the surrounding neighborhood is tacky and rundown, not quaint. For just a few euros more, we moved to the lovely Marina Rio, which had great marina views and should have been given a more favorable write-up.

Vicki Phillips in Denver, CO USA 05/17/2007

Best: Pension A Mare in Salema
Why: Sigrun and Jorn, the Danish couple that now run the pension, are delightful hosts. The wonderful breakfast is served in the sunroom with views of the ocean. Sigrun took six of us guests on a 7-hour hike along the coast one day.

Michael McDaniel in Atlanta, GA USA 03/25/2007

Best: Nazare, Portugal next to Cafe Avenida
Why: Upon exiting the bus station with our bags in tow, we were approached by (a marketing rep.)an elderly woman wanting us to rent a room from her. She led us to lodging directly across the street from the bus station (20 paces), next to Cafe Avenida. The management of Cafe Avenida manages the rooms for rent. This was more of an apartment than a room. The price in February 2007 was 30 Euros per night. It is a 3 minute walk to the beach and a 1 minute walk to the bus station. It contained 2 bedrooms, sitting area, bath , dinette set, tv, 2 balconys (each balcony contained 3 clothes lines complete with clothes pins) a fully equiped kitchen, including a washing machine! When I asked about laundry soap, the elderly woman brought the management of Cafe Avenida to the room who supplied me with enough soap to do 4 loads of laundry. We were in room E1. It had 1 double bed, 2 twin beds, a couch, plus a twin matress laid against the wall. Enough beds for 6 people. Avenido Vieira Guimardes, 30-6 Tel. 262 557 093 Tm (mobile?) 965 584 316 Maria Irene R Marques da Silva, management.

Jan Wishau in Columbia, MO USA 02/23/2007

Best: Residential Florescente, Lisbon
Why: This hotel is just off Praca dos Restaurandores. It is very convenient to all the sights of old Lisbon. It is clean, but does have some musty smells--old carpets. The breakfast is simply but substantial. Bread, jam, meat, cheese, yogurt, and cafe com leite. The staff are approachable. My wife enjoyed conversations with the front desk staff asking about life in general of Portuguese people. It's amazing what you can learn just by talking with people. I recommend staying here.

Worst: Albergaria Residential Insulana, Lisbon
Why: Clean but the bed makes noise every time you move. The breakfast is in the lounge on low leather chairs. The location is very convenient. It is located right in the baixa just barely off the Baixa Chiado metro stop.

Bill Skelton in Newnan, GA USA 01/01/2007

Best: Orien Eden Apartment Hotel (Lisbon)
Why: Great location, reasonable price, clean, QUIET, comfortable rooms.

Worst: Residencial Moderna
Why: Most uncomfortable bed we have EVER slept on. We couldn't even get a full night sleep because of the beds. The bathrooms had no toilet paper either. The guy running the hotel was friendly, though...

Jennifer Orkney in Seattle, WA USA 11/06/2006

Best: Pension a Mare Salema, Residential Douro in Pinhao
Why: Great hosts and breakfast. very friendly,spotless, good dinner and view rooms

JS USA 10/16/2006

Best: Quinta de la Rosa
Why: We stayed two nights and the staff and owners were very gracious and helpful. We were there during harvest (Sept 2006) and helped pick and tread the grapes. Great fun, great location, great views, great people.

Jim Wattson USA 10/10/2006

Best: Hotel Regua Douro
Why: Even though this 4-star hotel may seem "unromantic" because it's so large, it wasn't. We had a river view with a big double bed and we would just look out onto that beautiful view, morning and evening. The hotel also has a pool!

Worst: Hotel Astoria
Why: I agree with Rick that the city views are better but this hotel is not worth the money for what they give you. they claim to be a 3-start hotel. I don't think so!

Cecile Bouchardeau in New York, NY USA 10/10/2006

Best: Pensao Geres
Why: Very centrally located, very accomodating host and very clean accomodations. Also enjoyed very much the Estralagem do Convento in Obidos

Milo and Susan Tedstrom in Denver, CO USA 09/27/2006

Best: Hotel Astoria, Coimbra
Why: Its old world atmosphere with spacious public rooms and large bedrooms. Also because of its location within easy walking distance of the railway station. The meals were also excellent.

J A H Brown in Wentworth Falls, NSW 2782, Australia 06/24/2006

Best: Grande Hotel de Paris, Porto
Why: Character, character, character. Impeccably maintained, well-located, and with the best breakfast buffet of the trip.

Ken Kleszynski in Portland, OR USA 06/16/2006

Best: Romantik Villa in Salema, Portugal
Why: My husband and I stayed at the Villa Romantica on our 10th anniversary while visiting Portugal in April 2005. We loved it. We stayed in the efficiency and our room, overlooking the ocean, had an incredible view. There also is lovely swimming pool and patio. The grounds and gardens were beautiful and maintained in a meticulous manner. The room was clean and equipped completely as an efficiency apartment. The Villa is located high on a hill which is a short walk into the village. It is neither too long or steep for most unless there is a physical disability. We would return to Villa Romantica whenever visiting Portugal again. It was very good value and truly enjoyable. Lisa, the owner, was very helpful and provided excellent information. There was also a small supermarket between the Villa and the village restaurants which carried everything you might need.

amy donahue in silver spring, md USA 06/07/2006

Best: Casa de Casal de Loivos near Pinhao
Why: Gorgeous mountain top vistas of vineyards and the Douro River. Gracious proprieter and staff. Very quiet and relaxing: you only hear the birds and roosters. Interesting fellow guests.

Anne Proulx in Dayton, OH USA 06/02/2006

Best: Hotel VIP Eden
Why: Great location close to TI, Metro, shopping and sights

Tom Nelson in Minneapolis, MN USA 04/30/2006

Best: Hotel Avenida Palace
Why: Great location, excellent staff. Good value for the money.

Worst: Hotel Pensao Geres
Why: This place was the pitts - I left after one night and moved to the Avenida Palace. There is no lift, so you have to carry your luggage up a steep winding staircase. Taxis cannot drop you at the front door either, you have to trek up a steep hill to the front door. There are apartments directly above the hotel so it was very noisy all night long. I never slept at all. A real dump.

Mary Jane Sackela in St. Petersburg, Fl USA 04/29/2006

Best: Residencial Florescente in Lisbon
Why: Excellent location, very friendly staff, cheap rates, very nice lobby, in house internet access, and comfortable rooms. I was in room 401 with a great view of the street and the castle for $30 euros including a superb breakfast. The continental breakfast is in an elegant dining room with white tables cloths. It has a big breakfast buffet with french rolls to die for. This place was by far the best value in my travels through Portugal and Spain.

Michael Roberts in Vancouver, WA USA 03/23/2006

Best: Residencial Florescente (Lisbon), Sonar Monfalim (Evora), A Mare (Salema)
Why: Residencial Florescente: Extremely economical, great location, nice staff. Gets a little loud in the middle of the night when the nearby restaurants close, but I couldn't have asked for a more central location to explore Lisbon.

Sonar Monfalim: great location, adorable rooms, good breakfast.

A Mare: fun experience, good breakfast, great hosts.

WDM in Tokyo, Japan 03/16/2006

Best: Hotel Restaurant Ribamar--Nazare; Pnsao Policarpo--Evora
Why: Party of 6 enjoyed three nights at Ribamar right on the beach although I would not recommend a front room as they can become very noisy during the night; the Policarpo is a very nice accomodation with large rooms and good facilities within short walking distance of the main sights. Both these recommendations have very nice personnel with good breakfasts included.

Tony ambrose in Louisville, KY USA 03/02/2006

Best: Quartos in Salema - Carlos Boto, top of the hill
Why: The people in Salema were the best we met in Europe! Specifically, we have a great story about a small bag of souvenirs we accidentally left in our room at the top of the hill. We stayed at: CARLOS PEDRO BOTO CS R PESCADORES 4 PRAIA SALEMA 8650-199 BUDENS PORTUGAL 282695265 936390456

When we got back to Canada we contacted the Boia Bar as our Portugese is poor and Carlos Boto spoke limited English. Paul, at the Boia Bar (great food, service, and incredible location!) was incredibly helpful in coordinating the successful mailing of our souvenirs from Salema to Toronto, Canada. We are very grateful to everyone involved!

Glen Webster in Toronto, ON Canada 02/25/2006