Pousada in Crato
Pousada in Crato – Hotel Flor da Rosa
A castle, a convent and a palace, built in different periods, were the origin of this ecclesiastical architectural work of outstanding harmony, today a luxury hotel in Crato.
The former Knights of the Order of Malta’s monastery, is surrounded in medieval mysticism. The Pousada Flor da Rosa manages to combine the genuine characteristics of the convent, highlighting them with an architectural project, which although modern, entirely respects its origins.
We stayed for 2 nights, the pousada is really good balance of old and new, excellent size rooms with all amenities you would want. Staff friendly but didn’t speak much English. The surrounding countryside was beautiful and gave a very peaceful start to our holiday. It is definetly a place to relax and wind down. We were slightly dissapointed with the standard of food and having spent a further 10 days at other pousadas I felt it was the poorest of them all.
pousada flor da rosa is an extraordinary place. rarely will you find masterful joining of historic and modern architectures, let alone at a hotel. the modern addition is brilliantly done, as is the restoration/intervention with the medieval construction. the detailing, decor, and general taste- level is so high that i was rather surprised.
the environment is so peaceful and secluded, but let’s you have close relations with the land – olive trees, cork oaks, herds of sheep just outside – each with its own bell ringing when shepherded.
the restaurant is excellent (the regional porco preto was terrific) as are all the staff we encountered. the only ‘unpleasant’ aspect is their local water – from the taps and in the swimming pool – foul smelling. it was easily forgiven because of how genuine a place this is.
this is a place that understands and reflects just what and where it is. we ended up staying an extra night as we loved it there so much.
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