“A fantastic hotel”

What can I say? Everything is perfect.

“A gorgeous, dramatic setting.”

We had a wonderful stay here. I had heard about this hotel for a while and wanted to go there. It's a quick ride north from Coimbra, through Mealhada. The palace hotel was amazing. Immediately, we set off exploring the palace and surrounding gardens. Everything was so incredible. There were worn fabrics in some of the public areas, but everything was extremely clean and the architecture so intriguing. The rooms we had were a bit small, but they had large marble bathrooms with nice appointments. Thick fluffy towels and bathrobes, double sinks, bidet, and nice toiletries, along with a window that overlooked gardens. The linens on the bed were gorgeous and crisp. A delightful welcome each night! We had cocktails on an outside terrace overlooking a pond and gardens one afternoon. There was a delicious breakfast buffet that was included in the price of our room. There were eggs, bacon, cereals, oatmeal, pastries, fresh juices, and a large selection of meats and freshly baked breads. All of it was nicely presented and tasty. The staff, from reception on, were professional and accomodating. You couldn't ask for more. One evening we went to Mealhada where they are famous for their servings of suckkling pig. Don't miss it. This hotel experience was a joy.

“Faded Elegance”

Astonishing place, a folly. Built as royal palace at turn of the 20th C, but never used as such, as monarchy ousted in 1910. It is certainly palatial, with magnificent blue tiling depicting a variety of battles,etc. The decor is, for my taste, over the top: lots of highly decorated stone/plaster carvings, not all in good condition. Dining room elegantly proportioned, decorated with frescoes? of European voyages of discovery. Breakfast: failry standard fare. Dinner (book in advance) very good:100 Euros for two, incl btl of wine. We enjoyed jugged goat. Bedrooms of good size, but not sound-proof. Big bathtub.. Free WiFi available only in the bar. The Palace adjoins an old convent, no longer in use but worth a visit, if that's your thing. Arthur Wellesley (later Duke of Wellington, Napoleon's conqueror at Waterloo), slept in the convent after defeating the French at the Battle of Bussaco, 1810. Palace also enjoys a history as a meeting place for WW2 spies. Formal gardens. The palace sits almost on top of quite a high hill. Be careful as you drive there (and back): hairpin bends and steep inclines. It's surrounded by wonderful forest, with lovely walks, and terrific views. Guests were a mixed lot...some elderly couples there for a week or more, and some large families, with children, there for a short break. Military museum a short walk away. I'm glad that we stayed there. My overall impression is one of faded elegance. Needs significant investment to become world-class.

“Shabby chic but the most wonderful architecture, views and walks”

This is a wonderful location, fabulous gardens and architecture. We had read reviews and were prepared for the shabby chic interior. However the hotel could easily improve its service and this would make huge difference. We arrived after a long train trip from Lisbon at linch time. We were greeted and told that our room was not ready, we were shown to a large sitting room after 20 mins we went to find the waitress only to be told that she was on lunch! we did finally get lunch but we felt as if we had inconvenienced the staff - this could have been so different if we had at least been given a cool drink (water would have hit the spot!). We later discovered a cafe in the gardens and wish the staff had pointed us in that direction. The dining room is amazing, so beautiful and wonderful views- but the food is stodgy and resembled something from the 1970's. We paid to upgrade our room and would recommend as the views were amazing. We had our own terrace - the hotel should consider putting seating on the room terraces.