Pousada in Marvao
Pousada in Marvao – Hotel Santa Maria
The small traditional houses of Marvao, a medieval town with walls dating from the thirteenth century, seem to squeeze the narrow little streets that wind between them. Two of these village houses have been comfortably converted into the Pousada Marvao, Santa Maria, a small charming hotel.
The Pousada Santa Maria boasts many features, which make this a special place to stay. The cosy ambience of the bedrooms and reception rooms is echoed in the simple decoration and almost family atmosphere.
The rooms offer two completely different experiences: some (only a few) offer views of the stunning mountain landscape surrounding this hilltop town, whilst the rest face inwards into the lanes and alleyways of the old town, immersing visitors in a medieval world of granite and whitewashed houses.
My family spent 1 night in Marvao and we loved it. Marvao is spectacular and definitely one the wonders of Portugal, Castelo de Vide is only about 20 minutes and is another beautiful place you should visit, then there are the Roman ruins of Ammania also not far from Marvao and on the road to Portalegre. The pousada was charming, very clean, we had apparently one of the few rooms with a balcony that overlooked the town, the restaurant also has great views and we found the food reasonable, the wine excellent, food service could be better, but the rest of the staff were excellent, will definitely go back there on my next visit to Portugal
Marvao is one of the most beautiful places in the world and the Poussada there the perfect place to stay! Nobody should miss it!
Stayed here in June. Warm welcome from reception. Requested double bed, offered only 2 singles. Dinner in restaurant was a disaster. No atmosphere, heavy menu, cold food – returned to kitchen. 3 staff were working around us trying to set up room for breakfast – even as we had our starter at 2030. Eventually, my husband walked out, plate and napkin in hand and we finished our meal in our bedroom! Not impressed, nor was the Receptionist, who says this sort of thing happens regularly. Sadly, on return to Lisbon, other friends commented on the same very disappointing restaurant. Would sincerely NOT recommend.
My second visit to spectacular Marvao – but first staying at the pousada. Our room was excellent, lovely, crisp, white bedlinen BUT, oh dear, the food was disappointing to say the least. Twice dishes were sent back as they were cold and on our second night most things we ordered were not available!
We loved the spring drive up to this charming little town – inhabitants 150 according to someone who worked in the inn. The wild flowers were glorious. The views were lovely the evening we stayed there and the room was exceptionally comfortable with dressing gowns and a good bathroom. The restaurant food was a little disappointing and I would eat at another restaurant in town if I went back, but the breakfast was a very good buffet. We looked around the little town museum which had interesting ‘chestnut skin embroidery.’ We were sorry the church was shut tight in both the evening and morning we were there. The town is delightful and the staff could not have been more gracious. A great stopping off place if you are driving down to the Algarve through Portugal.
We were warmly welcomed after an exciting, if somewhat frightening, back road approach to the town. the innkeeper was very gracious. We kind of had trouble finding the correct road.
The rooms were very clean and came with a mini refrig. Due to rain and cold temps the view from anywhere was encased in a thick cloud cover or fog.This added a neat feel to the atmosphere. We did have a few great views once the weather cooperated..awesome. The breakfast in the restaurant came with an extraordinary view and was quite ample with many choices and wonderful fresh fruit.
The dinner the night we arrived was disappointing. Choices were few and prices were high.
Trekking around the town was an unforgettable, pleasure. Truly a unique place and we are very glad we did the research to find it. Our van just fit through the street.