Lovely setting, nice room, spacious public rooms, friendly helpful staff, good spa. BUT: chaotic programming in the restaurant! This is a set menu other than two choices of main course - choice made earlier in the day therefore no menu orders taken at the table.. All guests called in from lounge (free drink) at 8.30 pm. Three friendly waiters. About 18 tables each with a couple. So far, so good. First night: Waiters taking drinks orders from the start seemingly in random order of tables. Our drinks order taken at 8.55 after a prompt (we like to sample the local wine soon after sitting down while waiting for the food)). First course (amuse bouche) arrived 9.00. Meanwhile most other tables, but not all, had had their wine order served and some were on their second course. We made a mild complaint to the very nice and apologetic waiter. Second night, same staff: even worse! Drinks order taken 9.10 pm again with a prompt. One subsequent course was again delayed while other tables had finished. Analysis: the three waiters seemed to have no allocated tables. On the second night one waiter was walking around topping up diners' water glasses oblivious to the fact that some tables had not been served at all. Suggestion: One waiter should be 'front of house'. Tables should be allocated to individual waiters. I hope my comments are constructive.…
The first thing to note about this hotel is that it has unavoidable stairs and no elevators. If you can’t manage stairs, best stay elsewhere. If it's just your luggage that presents a problem, reception will be pleased to assist. Casa das Penhas Douradas is a design hotel that looks something between a barn, a ski lodge and the international space station. It is situated high in the Serra de Estrela about 30 minutes along a good snaking road from the town of Manteigas in the valley below. Reception is located down a flight of stairs close to the dining room and lounges. The usual generous buffet breakfasts are provided. Dinners offer a choice between the menu of the day and individual dishes. The wine list runs to several pages of notable wines. A full dinner for two with a bottle of wine is likely to set you back €100. We contented ourselves with individual dishes. A late afternoon tea is included in the price of the accommodation. Rooms are of moderate size and lined with wood panelling. Ours did not come with a fridge or coffee maker. A small TV set attached to the wall offers a limited range of channels. There are ample plug points and plenty of storage space. Our double bed was comfortable, with a welcome mattress topper. The thick rubber-lined bedroom door did a great job of keeping out extraneous noise. Regrettably, the repeated thud of spring-loaded doors in the reception area was an unwelcome accompaniment to some meals. The hotel is characterised by large glass windows. Antique ski equipment and unusual art works decorate public places. Some rooms come with small semi-private patios and enjoy views across the hills. Just a few minutes’ walk to a lookout offers forever views down to Manteigas in the distant Zezere valley. The hotel is not handy to restaurants or snack bars or ideal as a base for people intent on seeing the region’s historical towns. Having said which, it’s within easy reach of both Manteigas and Belmonte, both of which are well worth a visit. The hotel is ideal for hikers, visitors seeking the tranquility of the mountains or those who just want to relax in the grounds after a swim in the warm indoor pool. Spa facilities are available on request. Staff were pleasant and helpful, pleased to offer assistance, advice or directions when these were sought. We were particularly impressed by the dining room staff who were delightful as well as helpful and efficient. In short, we'd go back again.…
This hotel lies on top of a hill with beautiful views. It’s a remote place for people who love nature and silence. The staff is very kind and helpful. The building and the rooms are of concrete and wood in a very special retro style. The rooms are a bit small, but smart designed with excellent beds. The salons and restaurant are in the same minimalistic style with a lot of wood and furniture like in the sixties. You will love it or you will will feel a kind of misplaced. The food is excellent, a great breakfast with a lot of choices and a fixed menu for dinner which is tasty and well cooked. The hotel is in the middle of a walking paradise in which you will hardly meet any other walkers and with a very nice swimming lake nearby.
Stunning location. Hotel was quirky but very stylish with multiple reception rooms. Very friendly, accommodating staff and the food was excellent! This is clearly a skiing hotel, but out of season in June served well as a mountain retreat. Staff couldn’t do enough for you with complimentary afternoon tea. Would I stay again or recommend to my own friends and family? 100% yes.
The walks and hikes through the Sierra Estrela National Park from this hotel are amazing. The hotel restaurant is excellent and the rooms delightful. Service is great and as everywhere in Portugal the quality of English is first class. The area was not burned in the huge forest fires of two years ago and so retains its natural beauty.
"Best views, comfort and silence. Perfect to relax and enjoy the stunning landscape."Read full review
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