Convento Nossa Senhora Carmo

“Beautiful charming hotel”

Stayed at the hotel with family for 3 nights as had a number of events to attend at Vila da Ponte. The hotel is an old convent that was converted to a hotel and has a unique charm. The hotel is quiet with good amenities (the wi-fi however was spotty). Had the buffet breakfast which was outstanding … lisää

Stayed at the hotel with family for 3 nights as had a number of events to attend at Vila da Ponte. The hotel is an old convent that was converted to a hotel and has a unique charm. The hotel is quiet with good amenities (the wi-fi however was spotty). Had the buffet breakfast which was outstanding and also attended Saturday lunch which was a wonderful buffet of various hot and cold food. Would definitely recommend this hotel if staying in the area.

vähemmän

“Worth the Drive!”

After a day in the Douro, I had sought out a spot for the night that would avoid the tour buses and crowds packing the wonderful wine region, and provide us a surprise at truly an unusual property. Convento Nossa Senhora fulfilled the "wish list" and we stepped back in time to the 1600's to a ruine… lisää

After a day in the Douro, I had sought out a spot for the night that would avoid the tour buses and crowds packing the wonderful wine region, and provide us a surprise at truly an unusual property. Convento Nossa Senhora fulfilled the "wish list" and we stepped back in time to the 1600's to a ruined convent that has been carefully, professionally, and painstakingly reimagined. The rooms were more than sufficient (our friends in the second story also had air conditioning), and the oversized towels and alcoves and parlors provided places for us to lounge if we finished an afternoon swim. The buffet for dinner was very good (would be excellent but the meat was overdone), and the desserts were traditional and superior. Choosing to sit for dinner in the former chapel or outside courtyard was a difficult task, and the house wine was more than adequate. Breakfast the next day was excellent, and for the dollar or euro, this is an outstanding value at the edge of the apple region of Portugal. The only negatives were the spottiness of the internet (not the hotel's fault in all likelihood but Portugal Telcom), and the two large dogs who chose to disturb our sleep several times at night. The Convento really needs to ensure these dogs are kept far away from their guests, as it was a negative for us and our guests. You must also understand Freixinho barely qualifies as an aldeia (town), and so if you expect to walk into "town" for a coffee, think otherwise. But if you want a sanctuary from busy San Diego, Paris, Lisbon, or Barcelona, seek out the Convento. An excellent place in the interior of Portugal!

vähemmän

“Interesting”

Hotel is interesting and you definitely feel you are getting away from it all. Food was good and building is old. Glad rooms weren't over decorated and that you could feel the history of the place. Be careful when you visit as pool doesn't open for several months. Place could be amazing but just mi… lisää

Hotel is interesting and you definitely feel you are getting away from it all. Food was good and building is old. Glad rooms weren't over decorated and that you could feel the history of the place. Be careful when you visit as pool doesn't open for several months. Place could be amazing but just misses what it could be and while room was warm other areas were cold.

vähemmän

“Ok. But could be so much better.”

Booked this place as a special splurge place. Sounded really good. The problem with the place is that while the room and facilities are good it lacks any soul and warmth. There's no ambience to what is a lovely building. I think this mainly comes through at meal times. A buffet for dinner just does… lisää

Booked this place as a special splurge place. Sounded really good. The problem with the place is that while the room and facilities are good it lacks any soul and warmth. There's no ambience to what is a lovely building. I think this mainly comes through at meal times. A buffet for dinner just doesn't suit the supposed quality of the rest of the place and breakfast is very basic and a deathly silent affair. Even a little ambient music would make a lot of difference! It seems they haven't made an effort to fix the food issue if the internet from s few years ago. Seems they might actually be going for the tour bus dollars rather than improving the quality of the experience. Reception staff were lovely but most of the waiting staff just seemed to want to get you out asap (excluding the older gentleman who provided excellent wine advice). All up an ok place which lets itself down because it could be lovely.

vähemmän