The location is so convenient to all that the Peneda-Geres National park has to offer….excellent hiking and panoramas, and beautiful scenic drives. The view from the hotel is gorgeous as it looks into the Cavado River. The staff was professional, efficient, super kind and helpful from the moment we checked in. Joao, the desk, provide so much helpful information about the park upon check-in. Diana in the dining room was a delight! Even with a packed house for dinner she kept her happy attitude and performed her job well. The spa facility at the hotel offered Turkish bath, sauna, cold shower, and jacuzzi, we enjoyed all and found them them to be clean and functioning properly. Delightful! My wife and I also took advantage of the massage services and were pleased with the massages we received from Mariana. We could not have been more pleased and satisfied with the property, the staff, the room, and the spa. Will DEFINITELY return to Hotel Sao Bento..Thank you to the staff for a job well done!

It was all top notch

- The staff members at the reception were immensely helpful - special kudos to the gentleman who provided us with a map and relevant information. - The air conditioning was very quiet and efficient. - The first-floor rooms featured a large balcony equipped with a table and two chairs - In the evenings, the church bells were silenced for a peaceful atmosphere.

- It would have been appreciated if there were a few more pillows available that weren’t as chunky. - I concur with other reviews stating that the soundproofing is subpar, which is quite surprising considering the rooms appear to have been recently renovated. However, after a day filled with hiking and trekking, falling asleep becomes incredibly easy! - Perhaps there’s a need for some signs in the corridors to remind people at night to maintain quietness?

I booked this as a birthday present for my wife, and it was nice that this was remembered on our arrival. It's a nice location, especially if you are there to visit the Sao Bento church complex. We had dinner there one evening, which was very good with excellent service.

There was an extra charge to use the spa, and without pre-warning, we were obliged to use flip-flops (thongs) and a swimming cap, which would have meant buying these. Having recently moved from the French-German border, where there are many spa hotels, we had never experienced something like this. At very least, it would have been helpful if an email had been sent explaining these rules in advance. A better idea would be to include all of this in the price, or failing that, to have offered a 'full spa kit - flip-flops, cap, dressing gown and slippers - in exchange for a refundable deposit. I am sure the current policy will put a lot of potential guests off staying there if/when they are made aware of the current policy.

Positive points: Bed was super comfy so I had a revigorated night. The hotel ambience was perfect. Very nice breakfast and super polite and smiley staff at breakfast. Truly enjoyed the huge amount of options for breakfast. The location is right in front of the church. Location super quiet and parking right on front of the hotel. Cleaned perfectly. The bathroom had a bide. Really nice balcony.

Negative points: Noise from the air conditioning even with the room air turned off. There was no black out for the bathroom window. Just 1 bide towel. The room window was a bit small but the curtain helped to made the space appealing.

From the moment we arrived to the moment we left, the staff in particular was very effective, efficient and friendly. Gonzalo (who works the front desk in the evening) in particular went above and beyond to assist where we needed, without being over the top and at the same time being practical. And just about everyone else we dealt with was above average nice and professional. The spa is small but super well equipped and the experience is worth it. Moreover, the sanctuary right in front of the hotel is beautiful. The rooms with a balcony facing the sanctuary and lake have great, relaxing views, but those looking towards the back are dark and with small windows.

Nothing

The rooms were clean and well appointed, bed was comfortable. The view of the sanctuary was impressive. The restaurant was good and the breakfast was great. Some staff were terrific.

The coffee in the room was not complementary as in most hotels. The policy towards the spa was restrictive, as you could only do a “circuit” and you had to pay for it. Even just using the sauna cost money and one had to wear a swimming cap, something I have never heard of.

Loved our overnight stay in an upgraded room with fantastic views of the church opposite and lake in the distance. Immaculately clean and tastefully furnished room with a nice balcony to take in the views. The restaurant offers good choices and we enjoyed lovely quality meals. The breakfast buffet was also very good. Parking was at the front of the hotel.

Nice to have a coffee machine in the room with supplied capsules although a shame they come with a charge.

The staff are honestly so excellent. Very kind & helpful. The spa facilities were exactly what we needed and it being 10e per person was so brilliant of the hotel to keep prices accessible, that kind of thing does not go unnoticed and we will be recommending the hotel to friends & family. The breakfast was also lovely.

The only thing I would suggest would be for there to be a small gymnasium. I know the vast majority of travellers will be going for walks, hikes etc so it's not an urgent thing, it's my only suggestion for an addition however.

Great location for travelling around the Peneda Geres national park. The staff were attentive and friendly and gave us good suggestions for places to visit in the area. Very comfortable room with large balcony overlooking the beautiful sanctuary. The in house restaurant was excellent with great food and service. The spa was a great bonus and I had an amazing massage. We will definitely be back on our next visit to the area.

Everything was great, but pillows and bathroom towels could be improved.

Friendly and helpful staff. The hotels location cannot be beaten as you have stunning views of the mountains as well as the water. Being right in front of São Bento basilica, you are right in the middle of hustle and bustle, but without it being too busy.

Gerês is absolutely stunning and we were lucky enough to see some beautiful waterfalls and swim in crystal clear waters. The hotel staff were ver helpful in pointing us in the right direction and indicating the best places to visit.