This hotel is just wonderful. The main draw is the lake (Santa Clara) and its surroundings which are breathtaking. The hotel affords stunning views. The room was very nicely done and very clean. Food was delicious and service plenty good enough. We only stayed one night but I wish we'd had longer to relax by the pool, walk round the... More

We wanted peace and quiet and we got just that. It would drive some people up the wall as it is a little isolated and the nearest village does not have much in the way of a local shop or cafe. What was there suited the village....rustic. Our room over looked the countryside which was fine, a lake view would... More

We chose this pousada to finish our tour of Portugal, as we wanted to find a peaceful location. This is definitely it. To a foreign eye it looks like it is situated right in the middle of nowhere, next to a dam which provided a nice view.Actually, for us it was a relief to be in such a quiet location,... More

My husband and I stayed at the Pousada for one night only... Pousada de Santa Clara a Velha is set in a beautiful location, with the greatest of views over the dam and the mountains. First of all I must stress that during our stay the hotel was almost empty and so lacking the atmosphere that a full bar and... More

Makes a perfect quiet retreat before heading to the Algarve coastal resorts or as a place to recover from the bustle of tourist resorts on your way home! Views from all parts of the Hotel are amazing, the rooms overlooking the Barragem are particularly stunning. Staff have always been most helpful and friendly even though not always able to speak... More

We stayed at this lovely hotel where the staff were friendly and kind. Unfortunately service was very slow and one evening there was a two hourr wait for food. There was no explanation given and some people got very angry. It was a shame as the setting and hotel amenities are very good. There was also no internet access and... More

We wanted to escape and relax--this pousada delivered! Totally quiet, beautiful setting, delicious food (fantastic breakfast included). We will definitely return! October was the perfect month with warm days and cool nights. A hour's drive gets you to the beach through gorgeous countryside. Very professional staff, though a Portuguese phrasebook came in handy a number of times. Wonderful!

This is a super hotel in an unvbelievable location on a dam. The road to it has a million bends and is not for the faint hearted, but the breathtaking view on arrival more than compensates. We managed to get a last minute reduced rate, although prices are quite high. The rooms are extremely well equipped and the marble clad... More

This Pousada on the Algarve/Alentejo border is wonderful: not sophisticated but great views, real people and food cooked by someone who knows the local produce well. The partridge consomme (with plentiful partridge finely shredded hidden in the base) was first class. It's a converted engineer's home with superb views on all sides from the top of a ridge. It is... More