This property would be a great for IG. However, look beyond the shelves full stack of books. The…read morekitchen contains most interesting books about food and wine. I've also found my favorite Planet Earth book, along with space related books. Dining experience is exceptional. The sommelier is very knowledgeable and we not only had good food, we also learn more about the wine region. This place is a bit short staffed but we never had to wait for anything. Prompt and elegant are the two words came to mind as I think back my experience. This is one place I would return and hopefully such hidden gem hasn't been discovered and overwhelmed by tourist!

I CHECKED OUT AFTER ONLY TWO HOURS BECAUSE THE TOILET CONTAINED FECAL RESIDUE AND THE BATHTUB…read moreCONTAINED HAIRS I stayed in a suite at this hotel for only about two hours before checking out and moving to another hotel because the room was extremely dirty and the evening receptionist handled the situation terribly. The suite contained fecal residue and obvious black stains in the toilet, hairs and grime in the bathtub, dirty windows and glass, a dirty mirror, a dirty air-conditioning remote control, dirty walls, and two large flies flying around the room and landing on my arms and legs. I was not an early check-in guest. The hotel had enough time to clean and inspect the suite before giving it to me. A clean room is not a special request. It is the most basic thing a hotel must provide. When I first spoke to the evening receptionist, she began by complaining about an Uber Eats delivery. I had never asked anyone to bring my food to my doorstep, but they still blamed me for it. During that same conversation, I clearly told her that the bathtub had hairs and was very dirty, and that the toilet was also dirty. I also asked her to remove the bed runner and decorative cushions. She laughed when I made that request. She did not apologize. She did not offer an immediate deep cleaning or another room. She simply said that she would tell the cleaning team. No one came to inspect or clean the room. No immediate deep cleaning was arranged, no replacement room was offered, and no clear time or actual plan was given. I received no real remedy and was left in the same dirty suite. I did not leave immediately. I returned to the room and even planned to clean it myself. I removed the hairs from the bathtub and wiped it down. Afterwards, my hands smelled disgusting. I was a paying guest, but I somehow ended up doing part of the housekeeping staff's work. Why should I be forced to clean a filthy hotel room myself while I was on vacation? I booked a four-star hotel, not a hostel. I then searched for another hotel, left to inspect it in person, and later returned to collect my luggage. During my third interaction with the evening receptionist, I was already carrying my suitcases downstairs by myself. She asked me why I was checking out. I told her again that the room was extremely dirty. She replied: "I already told cleaning, and why can't you wait?" She did not say whether I was supposed to wait until the next morning or the next afternoon. She did not promise any time at all. This statement is extremely important because it confirms that she already knew about the hygiene problems. Despite knowing about them, nothing had been done. Instead, I was expected to continue staying in the dirty room. Only after I told her that she had completely failed in her duties did she finally say that she could scrub the toilet herself. By then, I was already checking out. Scrubbing only the toilet would not remove the hairs and grime in the bathtub, clean the windows, glass, mirror, remote control, walls, or remove the flies. No replacement room and no immediate comprehensive cleaning were ever offered. The hotel later claimed that I did not give them an opportunity to solve the problem. That is simply not true. I reported the hygiene problems during my first conversation with the receptionist. I then returned to the room, stayed there, searched for another hotel, went to inspect it, and came back for my luggage. During all that time, the hotel took no action. Is saying only one sentence, "I will tell the cleaning team," what management considers giving the hotel a chance to make things right? That is not a reasonable response. I stayed there for approximately two hours and then checked out. I did not use the following nine nights. I even agreed that the hotel could keep the first night's charge and requested a refund only for the nine completely unused nights. Management refused. Instead of addressing the photographed hygiene problems, management focused on Uber Eats, luggage, a rubbish bag, and internal hotel policies. They blamed me instead of accepting responsibility for delivering a dirty room. I have stayed in hotels around the world, including Paris, London, and many other cities. I have never experienced a hotel that failed to provide the most basic level of cleanliness and then spent so much effort blaming the guest instead of taking responsibility. A clean room is not an extra service. It is the most basic duty of every hotel.

On a hill in southern Portugal not far from Lisbon sits a medieval town surrounded by an imposing…read morestone wall with an ancient castle at one end. That town is Obidos, the castle is called Castelo de Obidos, and part of that castle has been turned into an inn and restaurant called, appropriately enough, Pousada do Castelo or "Inn of the Castle". The castle is one of the "Seven Wonders of Portugal" and it said that Obidos is so beautiful that the King of Portugal has symbolically given Obidos to his wife on their wedding day as a testament to his love. Pousada do Castelo was named Portugal's "Inn of the Year" in 2017. Our table sat in a niche in front of an ornate arched stone window overlooking the sprawling valley, lush vineyards, and neighboring small village. Our server, Jorge, could not have been nicer nor more professional. We found out later that he had left his ill mother at a local hospital in order to work his shift. The restaurant is simple yet luxurious with historic works of art and ancient tapestries adorning the walls and plush, comfortable chairs at each table. The inn's monogram adorns each plate. Jorge immediately brought out the standard Portuguese "couvert" ("cover" - €4/each), which was anything but standard in this case, including fresh breads and butter, local olives, and an EVO dip along with a bit of sea salt. The brown bread was absolutely delicious, crunchy outside with an array of toasted seeds and soft and warm inside. We also ordered a bottle of a robust Portuguese "Alandra" red wine (€16) and a liter of sparkling water (€3.50). I started with the Creme de Ervilhas (€6), a bowl of rich and creamy pea soup topped with a bit of crispy smoked ham that was perfectly seasoned. For my main course, I ordered the Lombinho de Porco (€23), a perfectly cooked, small pork tenderloin sliced into six thick medallions, sitting atop a creamy, savory chestnut sauce and pork reduction. The tenderloin was accompanied by a disc of asparagus risotto that was crunchy outside but still a little creamy on the inside. My wife decided on the Risotto de Cogumelos (€16), a simple yet delicious mushroom risotto with steamed broccoli that was perfectly prepared, not too thick and not too runny. The serving size was just right. Preferring sweets to soup, she followed the risotto with the Brisas do Lis (€8.50), a decadent 15th Century dessert made with eggs, sugar and almonds, similar to flan, and accompanied by a scoop of strawberry ice cream. Our meal was wonderful, made even better by our extraordinary and historic surroundings, an absolutely amazing view, and service that was friendly and attentive without being either overbearing or evasive. It was the best €93 (including tip) I have spent in recent memory, evoking this comment from my wife: "that was the best meal we have had in our three weeks in Portugal". CombatCritic Gives Pousada Do Castelo 9 Bombs Out Of 10 ... More Bombs Are Better!

This hotel offers a wonderful unique experience. It is located in a medieval castle and has been…read moreopened to the public since 1951. Rooms are very comfortable and service is top notch. Right outside the castle and within the city walls are plenty of cafes, bars, restaurants and shops. As you walk around the walled city, you get great views of the surrounding areas.

A Very clean within castle walls hotel that's worth staying. Front desk staff is multi ligual and…read morefriendly. Our Hotel room Bathroom had a wash bidet, was modern, and very well kept. They have a good size continental breakfast and they serve lunch and dinner there as well. This hotel is a very secret romantic get away stay. Highly recommend you stay there for both comfort and it's location. The only negative is that parking is very limited if you arrive late evenings or in the summer months.

From the owner: Small charming hotel, located in the historic town of Óbidos. We offer one bedroom suite, the Tower…read moreroom, and nine double rooms. Our restaurant, Comendador Silva, carefully decorated to welcome you, offers a menu inspired in what the west region of Portugal has best to offer.

This is a four star single floor hotel Just Outside the…read moreCastle Wall. An ATM in the courtyard and couldn't be nicer. There is a free book exchange in the lobby. The bus stop for Lisbon is 100 feet from the front door. The entrance to the ancient wall is about the same distance, the other way. Wr came early and were allowed to check in. Breakfast is included tomorrow. Just one night here but we could have done 2-3. There is so much history in the village. There will be a Christmas market in November. They are getting the structural work done now.

I felt like a James Bond movie with Sean Connery could have been filmed here - old world glamour…read morewith a bit of a mid-twentieth century vibe. Comfortable room and good breakfast included. You can't beat the convenience of stepping outside and entering Óbidos through the main gate.

A medieval hotel in a medieval town? Why not?…read more Hotel Real D'Obidos sits just outside the wall of the city, but as you step inside its doors, you are transported to another time where the staff are dressed in period wear, the keys are giant and iron and the furnishings look like something out of a fairy tale. But while period places are not usually my thing, the rooms are comfortable ( although the wooden floors are a little squeaky for my taste), and if it was a queen sized bed, it's one of the smallest I've slept on. But the linens were clean and crisp and the room was very clean. The bathroom was well stocked and the towels are huge but know the fixtures are a little dated. Breakfast is included in the price of your room and is very good. There is everything from scrambled eggs and bacon, to meats and cheeses, fruits and sweets. Definitely worth getting up for! There is also a nice pool and indoor lounge area. All in all if you are staying in Obidos, this hotel has a great location as well as all the amenities you need. I'm just not crazy about themed hotels .

We were not guests here, we were staying at an Airbnb in the center of the town. We could not find…read morea single cab or Uber anywhere with our two young kids and stopped in to ask the front desk for help calling a cab, and the woman at reception would not help because we weren't staying there... despite just sitting there with nothing else to do. Amazed by the rudeness everywhere. Especially in a town that survives by tourism. Leaving with a thoroughly underwhelmed feeling from this visit.

This is the most adorable place in the city walls! First and…read moreforemost...let's talk getting there. If arriving by train....get a taxi up to the wall entrance. Do not be nervous...it's just a steep hike UP to the top with luggage then you hit the cobble stone streets. :) If arriving by bus...you are dropped off right outside the entrance to the city. If arriving by car...they will direct you where to park. The staff is SO friendly and helpful, with amazing suggestions for places to eat and drink. The places are very cozy inside the city walls and directly off the main shopping street. The city is very small but quaint and the hotel is exactly what one would hope for in a medieval walled village! We were lucky enough to have a 2 story home. Living room, loft, kitchen, dining room, bedroom, bathroom (nice tub), and wifi. Go to the market 1 street over and make breakfast for yourself....or pay the extra and get a buffet in hotel kitchen.

Stayed here two nights. Great hotel with modest sized but quiet rooms. The bathroom are ok. The…read morehotel has ok internet. The breakfast is good with a decent variety. The parking is shared with the next door shopping mall around the corner

This hotel is in the heart of Caldras de Rainha next to a lovely park. The hotel decor is full of…read morenostalgia -clothes, books, carriages and dishware all nicely displayed around the building. Parking is located in the garage next door which is convenient enough. Breakfast is a buffet which covers the basics hot and cold food fare. They serve an afternoon tea for 5 euros per person with some scones and teacakes. Great way to hold you over while waiting for dinner. The room is nicely appointment with all the basic things you need as well as a coffee maker. The staff was friendly and helpful. I would definitely come back and stay again.