Already familiar with the hotel having lunched there before, we booked a night here as a present for my parents' wedding anniversary. The staff went above and beyond to give them a relaxing, memorable experience - my parents returned enthusing about everything, especially the food (they're both vegetarian) and the service (both in the restaurant and in general - my mum was particularly pleased with the receptionist's efforts to teach her some Portuguese words!). A spa break with some fine dining was clearly just what they needed. Organising the surprise, checking the availability of the vegetarian options and making sure all charges came to me was wonderfully easy. Thank you to all the staff who made it as special as intended.

The room, restaurant and swimming pool were all excellent. The food in the restaurant was amazing value and the staff were all very attentive. The scenery was stunning and we had a lovely circular walk on the small roads and tracks. We would have liked longer than one night here. We must give a shout out to Catia on reception. We were concerned about our next booking in Northern Spain. She was so helpful and reassuring after she was unable to contact the apartment owner. You were right Catia, all was fine and you are a star.

Nothing

Do not think twice booking this hotel. I am a very fussy traveler and this hotel exceeded my expectation. The decor inside was very glamorous, the indoor and outdoor pools, outside bar area and garden were very beautiful. It felt like an oasis after a busy Lisbon. We fell asleep every night with open windows, listening to the sound of the stream that runs beside the hotel. The mattresses were exceptional and water pressure in showers good. The hotel is also right in the middle of nature outside of the little town of Penela and therefore felt very peaceful. Receptioin called daily a gentleman from the town to drive us to and back from the This was an experience in itself. There is a cafe opposite the taxi rank that the locals go to. We went twice to have a traditional Portugese drink and food. The full experience. Nobody can speak English but we chatted with everybody. Castle is a non event and town offers very little. If you need a good rest, spoil yourself by going to this hotel.

zero

Good breakfast and very good bio-pool! Perfect environment to get some rest. The bar also served some snacks which were perfect in case you don't want have a full meal (lunch and dinner). Staff was super nice.

The SPA isn't a SPA, at least during the day. Currently it's an indoor pool without any restrictions. Even though there are several boards on the wall and doors asking people to use a pool cap and to keep silence, none of this is respected. I understand this isn't just a critic to the hotel but also to the people who don't follow the rules and therefore don't respect others. However, the hotel didn't do much to fix this. Overcrowded, a lot of children playing on the inside and an unbelievable constant noise defeat the entire purpose of a SPA. If you want to enjoy it, please go there around 8 to 10pm or just use the outside pool and gardens.

Everything was superb. The staff were great, very helpful & courteous, the breakfast was excellent, evening meals were lovely too. The spa area also was great, very relaxing massage by a lovely lady.

Maybe a little less jazz than was played constantly in the restaurant and bar areas - but just not our favourite genre of music, not a problem at all.

Surroundings (very beautiful), location, services of the hotel, staff were all very friendly.

Pool temperature (a bit cold). The bathroom could have some maintenance/update (loose supports, the bathtub is very high and difficult to access for people with movement limitations. Even for us, there was a risk of falls entering and exiting the tub). Some damages in the mirror, etc.

A very good choice of breakfast items. Friendly, yet professional, and very helpful staff. The hotel is an an excellent location for exploring the local area and it's good that there is now a much better offering of bar food compared to our last visit.

Some of the guests were somewhat inconsiderate - but I suppose this will be the case in most places.

Almost Everything. From the History of the building, the food, staff accommodation . Very comfortable bed. Beautiful linen. Staff remembered us from our visit a year earlier which was lovely. Good parking and location just off the A13.

We would have liked tea making facilities in our room. The bar service can be a bit slow but no big problem,

We arrived earlier than check in so had lunch. We had the set meal which was very good and good value for money. We didn’t use the spa facilities but lots of people were. Too full from lunch to eat dinner in the restaurant so opted for cheese board and wine in the bar which was great.

I think the rooms are probably getting near to needing redecorating but adequate at the moment.

I believe that this hotel used to be a paper factory. Great Location to get to Coimbra and other destinations as it is close to the motorway. Outdoor/Indoor pools were a welcome treat for all of us after our journeys and the heat. Rooms were clean and modern, though not sure why one side of the bed did not have a reading light. The Wifi wasnt very good in the room. Breakfast was good and the bar served good snacks. We didnt try the the evening buffet Loved the Outdoor pool

The Wifi was poor in the room. The breakfast was good though, the refills took a while but should not detract from the quality A choice of salads at the bar/ restaurant would have made my wife happier