Pousada da Serra da Estrela
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Summary of reviewsPousada da Serra da Estrela stands out as a remarkable destination nestled in the awe-inspiring heights of Serra da Estrela, Portugal’s highest mountain range. Guests frequently praise the hotel’s idyllic location, which provides breathtaking panoramic views and a tranquil environment that enhances the charm of the stay. The historic building, a former sanatorium, has been restored gracefully, blending historical ambiance with modern comforts, making it a perfect retreat for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
The breakfast experience at Pousada da Serra da Estrela is particularly lauded. Guests enjoy a sumptuous buffet featuring local and regional products, homemade cakes and typical mountain ingredients with ample options for vegetarians and vegans. The beautiful and serene breakfast setting adds to the morning dining delight, though some suggest a bit more variety in certain items.
Dinner experiences receive mixed reviews. While the atmosphere and staff are positively noted, the high prices and sometimes limited menu options draw criticism. However, many enjoy the food quality and the pleasant dining ambiance, enhanced by views of the Covilhã Valley.
The rooms at the Pousada are well-regarded for their spaciousness, comfort and cleanliness. Guests appreciate the high level of comfort, soundproofing and remarkable views from the rooms. The historic charm of the building is preserved while providing modern amenities. Some minor critiques include occasional maintenance needs and small rooms being a bit cramped for families.
Cleanliness across the hotel is consistently praised with guests highlighting the meticulous hygiene standards maintained in both the rooms and common areas. Despite some minor issues, such as dust or cleaning oversights, the overall cleanliness contributes significantly to a comfortable stay.
The staff’s friendliness and helpfulness are standout features with many guests commending their attentiveness and welcoming demeanor. Employees like Marcelo and Luiz Dias are often mentioned for their exceptional service, which enhances the overall hospitality experience.
The free Wi-Fi, while generally appreciated, has some reported issues with poor reception and weak signals, indicating areas for potential improvement.
Spa facilities at the hotel are highly regarded, offering an array of treatments including well-reviewed massages. The spa area, equipped with a sauna, steam bath, indoor pool and gym, provides a relaxing and rejuvenating experience, though some guests mention temperature regulation and space as areas for enhancement.
The gym receives mixed reviews—while some find it well-equipped and adequate, others suggest it could benefit from updates. Despite these mixed opinions, it adds value to the hotel’s comprehensive leisure offerings.
The pool area, encompassing both indoor and outdoor options, is praised for its scenic and tranquil surroundings. The indoor pool is generally appreciated, though some guests find the water too cold, especially in winter. The outdoor pool, while beautifully set, is considered small by some.
Pousada da Serra da Estrela is particularly well-suited for families, offering a variety of activities and facilities for children, including play areas, a playroom and family-friendly dining options. The staff's attentiveness toward children and the availability of family-specific amenities enhance the overall family experience.
In summary, Pousada da Serra da Estrela offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty, historic elegance and modern comfort with standout dining options, exceptional staff service and family-friendly facilities, making it a coveted destination for both relaxation and adventure.
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The breakfast experience at Pousada da Serra da Estrela is particularly lauded. Guests enjoy a sumptuous buffet featuring local and regional products, homemade cakes and typical mountain ingredients with ample options for vegetarians and vegans. The beautiful and serene breakfast setting adds to the morning dining delight, though some suggest a bit more variety in certain items.
Dinner experiences receive mixed reviews. While the atmosphere and staff are positively noted, the high prices and sometimes limited menu options draw criticism. However, many enjoy the food quality and the pleasant dining ambiance, enhanced by views of the Covilhã Valley.
The rooms at the Pousada are well-regarded for their spaciousness, comfort and cleanliness. Guests appreciate the high level of comfort, soundproofing and remarkable views from the rooms. The historic charm of the building is preserved while providing modern amenities. Some minor critiques include occasional maintenance needs and small rooms being a bit cramped for families.
Cleanliness across the hotel is consistently praised with guests highlighting the meticulous hygiene standards maintained in both the rooms and common areas. Despite some minor issues, such as dust or cleaning oversights, the overall cleanliness contributes significantly to a comfortable stay.
The staff’s friendliness and helpfulness are standout features with many guests commending their attentiveness and welcoming demeanor. Employees like Marcelo and Luiz Dias are often mentioned for their exceptional service, which enhances the overall hospitality experience.
The free Wi-Fi, while generally appreciated, has some reported issues with poor reception and weak signals, indicating areas for potential improvement.
Spa facilities at the hotel are highly regarded, offering an array of treatments including well-reviewed massages. The spa area, equipped with a sauna, steam bath, indoor pool and gym, provides a relaxing and rejuvenating experience, though some guests mention temperature regulation and space as areas for enhancement.
The gym receives mixed reviews—while some find it well-equipped and adequate, others suggest it could benefit from updates. Despite these mixed opinions, it adds value to the hotel’s comprehensive leisure offerings.
The pool area, encompassing both indoor and outdoor options, is praised for its scenic and tranquil surroundings. The indoor pool is generally appreciated, though some guests find the water too cold, especially in winter. The outdoor pool, while beautifully set, is considered small by some.
Pousada da Serra da Estrela is particularly well-suited for families, offering a variety of activities and facilities for children, including play areas, a playroom and family-friendly dining options. The staff's attentiveness toward children and the availability of family-specific amenities enhance the overall family experience.
In summary, Pousada da Serra da Estrela offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty, historic elegance and modern comfort with standout dining options, exceptional staff service and family-friendly facilities, making it a coveted destination for both relaxation and adventure.
Hotel with EV Charging Stations
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Hotel for Honeymoon
Hotel with Spa
Family Friendly Hotel
Dog Friendly Hotel
Romantic Hotel
Hotel with Swimming Pool
Indoor Pool Outdoor Pool
Business Hotel
Accessible Hotel
Hotel with Gym
4-Star Hotel
Hotel with Outdoor Pool
Hotel with Indoor Pool
About Pousada da Serra da Estrela
License: 4550
Guest Reviews
Location
Guests consistently praise the hotel's fantastic location, which provides stunning panoramic views and a serene environment. Positioned near the snow line at an altitude of around 1200 meters, the pousada delivers breathtaking and unique vistas, especially from the rooms. The landscape, along with the well-maintained gardens and expansive grounds, enhances the overall charm of the stay.
The hotel's peaceful setting makes it an ideal starting point for hiking and exploring the peaks of Serra da Estrela, including the highest point, Torre, just a short drive away. Visitors relish the tranquility and the convenience of being close to both nature reserves and key tourist spots, which are illuminated beautifully at night.
Moreover, the historical building itself, a former sanatorium, has been skillfully restored to accommodate modern comforts without losing its historic essence. The combination of the serene mountain air, beautiful architecture and ample leisure facilities adds to the appeal, making it a coveted escape for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
Whether looking for a quiet getaway or an adventurous exploration of the Serra da Estrela, the Pousada da Serra da Estrela stands out as an exceptional choice, appreciated for its location, views and the seamless blend of historical ambiance with modern amenities.
Breakfast
Dinner
However, numerous reviews highlighted that the dinner prices were notably high with many stating that the cost did not always match the quality of the meals offered. Some guests appreciated the good and delicious food, describing the dinner as tasty and well-crafted, while others found the options limited and the quality sometimes below par. The buffet dinner received particular criticism for its high price and lack of variety.
Positive aspects included the good service and the pleasant, albeit expensive, ambiance of the dinner setting. Despite the high costs, some visitors enjoyed their meals, finding the dinner experience lovely and meeting their expectations. The location with its beautiful view of Covilhã Valley, also added to the dining appeal.
Overall, while breakfast is highly recommended, future guests might want to be prepared for potentially high dinner costs and a limited menu variety.
Rooms
Views from the rooms are often praised with several guests mentioning spectacular panoramic vistas and beautiful sunrises. The hotel's soundproofing is generally appreciated, contributing to the tranquility and quietness of the rooms. The historic charm of the building is well-preserved, adding a unique touch to the accommodations.
However, there are occasional mentions of smaller rooms, which some guests found cramped, especially for families. A few reviews highlighted issues such as maintenance needs, older decor and specific nuisances like noises and strange smells. Additionally, room cleanliness was overwhelmingly positive, though sporadic mentions of dust and specific cleaning oversights were noted.
Overall, the Pousada da Serra da Estrela offers a blend of historic elegance with modern comfort, set against a backdrop of breathtaking natural scenery.
Beds
However, feedback about the mattresses and bedding seems more varied. Some guests appreciate the large, excellent beds, but others have encountered issues with bed hardness, softness or sagging. There were several mentions of mattresses being too soft, hard or even springy, often leading to discomfort. The need for better mattress quality and improved bed setup was a recurring suggestion.
Extra beds did not fare as well with multiple reviews pointing out their poor quality and discomfort. Some guests also recommended a review of the pillows, noting that they were either too soft or too low.
Overall, while the primary beds often receive positive remarks for their spaciousness and comfort, there is still room for improvement in mattress quality, extra beds and pillows to ensure a consistently pleasant sleep experience for all guests.
Cleanliness
Guests appreciated the friendly and hospitable staff, emphasizing their role in maintaining the high cleanliness standards. The hotel's facilities and infrastructure, which are described as beautiful, add to the overall positive experience. Visitors found the hotel to be spotless and orderly, which contributed to a comfortable and pleasant stay.
However, there were some criticisms regarding specific areas needing improvement. Issues such as dust under the bed, dirty carpets in hallways and bathroom floors requiring better cleaning were mentioned. Some reviews pointed out that room maintenance, including balconies and certain bathrooms, could benefit from more diligent attention.
Despite these isolated incidents, the general consensus among guests is that Pousada da Serra da Estrela upholds stringent cleanliness standards, making it a desirable destination for those looking for a clean and well-kept environment in a beautiful setting.
Staff
Wi-Fi
Spa
Visitors note the pleasant atmosphere of the spa, describing it as very nice and comfortable. The spa services, including the Turkish bath, are well-received and provide good value for money. The staff at the spa are super friendly, attentive and contribute significantly to the overall positive experience.
However, there are some mixed reviews about the spa's capacity and temperature regulation with a few mentions of cramped spaces and a cold spa pool. Despite these occasional drawbacks, the overall ambiance of the spa, coupled with the picturesque location and the hotel's beautiful indoor pool, offer a pleasant and enjoyable experience.
The Pousada da Serra da Estrela stands out not only for its charming setting and friendly service but also for the availability and quality of its spa facilities, making it a worthwhile destination for those seeking relaxation and comfort.
Gym
However, some guests believe the gym could benefit from an update and increased equipment to better serve the needs of visitors. Despite these suggestions for improvement, the gym is a valuable component of the hotel's offerings, contributing to a diverse set of amenities alongside spacious gardens, clean surroundings and other leisure activities.
Pool
However, a significant number of guests have noted that the indoor pool water is colder than expected, which detracts from the overall experience, particularly during the winter months. Suggestions for increasing the pool temperature indicate a desire for a more comfortable and enjoyable swim. The outdoor pool, while appreciated for its picturesque setting, is mentioned as being on the smaller side with some comments highlighting its limited size relative to the hotel's capacity.
Despite these criticisms, the pool area, inclusive of both indoor and outdoor options, is largely viewed as a valuable amenity of the hotel. Coupled with the attentive and friendly staff, the pools contribute to the hotel's overall appeal, providing guests with a pleasant and relaxing retreat in the mountains.
Family
The hotel's children's activities receive high praise with kids enjoying the playroom, dedicated play areas and excellent toys. The indoor pool is also a hit among young guests, providing a clean and quiet space for them to enjoy. There are plenty of family-friendly facilities, including family rooms and a games room equipped with materials for families such as table games.
Service at the hotel is described as super friendly and attentive, particularly towards children, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay. The staff is noted for their excellent disposition and attentiveness, even providing thoughtful touches like a child's robe and Easter chocolates in the room.
Meals at the hotel are well-suited for families, offering plenty of choices at breakfast and a family meal service that aligns with the needs of such travelers, although some note that meals for children can be expensive. The hotel’s restaurant is also considered to be a good option for family dining.
Overall, Pousada da Serra da Estrela is ideal for family vacations and provides a very friendly and comfortable atmosphere geared toward both relaxation and family activities. Though some families mention that it’s not very comfortable for toddlers and that pool time with children may not be relaxing for adults, the positive aspects far outweigh these concerns. Families leave with a strong intent to return, making it a beloved destination for both adults and children.
4 Star
Additional criticisms included the pool's water temperature being too low, a lack of variety in the hotel’s tea selection and the absence of slippers in the rooms which diminished the overall guest experience. The general decor of the rooms was also described by some as minimalist and below the expected standard for a four-star establishment.
Overall, while the hotel provides some exceptional services and modern facilities, there are significant areas for improvement to fully meet four-star expectations.
Business
Accessible
The property provides convenient amenities, including a spa, sauna and pool which are accessible and included in the price for children under 12 years old. Additional services such as web accessibility further enhance ease for guests. The presence of accessible rooms and overall good facilities for people with reduced mobility contribute positively to the experience.
However, there are some challenges noted. There is only one elevator servicing all floors and apartments and its heavy door could be problematic for those with reduced mobility. Issues with bathroom and hallway accessibility were reported and while parking is available, some guests highlighted difficulty in accessing the elevator. Despite these points, many reviews showed satisfaction with the accessible offerings of the hotel.
Outdoor Pool
However, several guests pointed out that the outdoor pool is on the smaller side, which may not accommodate all visitors comfortably and the water temperature was often described as too cold, particularly during cooler seasons. Despite its small size, some reviews mentioned that it is a great spot for kids. Additionally, the positioning of the pool could use some improvement.
Overall, the outdoor pool contributes positively to the hotel's amenities, especially when complemented by the sauna, steam bath, indoor pool and gym. For those looking for a refreshing swim surrounded by beautiful scenery, the pool area offers a delightful experience, though families or those seeking more space may find it somewhat limiting.
Indoor Pool
Honeymoon
Romantic
Dog Friendly
One of the highlights frequently mentioned is the welcome box with natural snacks provided for dogs, which adds a thoughtful touch to the overall experience. While dogs are not allowed to be left alone in the room and there is an additional fee of 25 euros for bringing a pet, the overall reception of pets is highly positive.
The hotel's acceptance of animals and very dog-friendly atmosphere make it clear that pets are considered an important part of the guest experience. Guests have observed the occasional inconvenience such as the barking of dogs from neighboring rooms, but this is a minor issue compared to the overall pet accommodations.
In summary, Pousada da Serra da Estrela excels in creating a welcoming environment for both pets and their owners with comfortable amenities and special treats that ensure a pleasant stay for all.
Yes, Pousada da Serra da Estrela has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Indoor Pool, Outdoor Pool.
Yes, a spa is available at Pousada da Serra da Estrela.
Yes, Pousada da Serra da Estrela welcomes dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Pousada da Serra da Estrela.
Yes, Pousada da Serra da Estrela has a gym.
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