POUSADAS OF PORTUGAL - Accommodation in luxury Pousada Hotels in Portugal

Pousadas of Portugal - Luxury hotel accommodation

General Information

The Pousada group has always favoured the recuperation of the national architectural heritage, guaranteeing its preservation, as well as providing an original and quality product. The Pousadas offer very high quality accommodation in some of the most beautiful regions of Portugal, where magnificent castles, monasteries and convents, the true treasures of Portuguese history, can be found.

Click here for a selection of Frequently Asked Questions

Origins

The Portuguese Pousadas had their origins in the 1940's when the first regional Pousada was built to provide visitors with board and accommodation in keeping with the style and traditions of each region. In the fifties a new concept of Pousada was created: the Historic Pousadas which are located in carefully restored monuments.

This is a tourist option with a difference and one that keeps the flame of Portuguese hospitality alight. Situated in castles, monasteries, fortresses and places of special natural beauty from the North to the South, in the Azores and now also in Brazil. Great care has been taken with the restoration of these magnificent buildings which have been adapted to conform with modern demands for comfort and leisure at the same time preserving all that is best of Portuguese culture and its traditions.

The best tradition

ASTA (the American Society of Travel Agents) and the Smithsonian Foundation awarded the Pousadas of Portugal their Annual Prize for hotel groups that played a major role in preserving the environment and the cultural heritage for tourist purposes.
True to their origins the aim of the group is to provide authenticity and to maintain the best traditions of the local region or area.
The Pousadas create an elegant atmosphere of earlier times long past which is reflected in the design, period furniture, tapestries and paintings etc.

4 Categories

The Pousadas are a chain of over 40 exclusive hotels, located throughout Portugal. Their very name is synonymous with a unique form of quality accommodation, where a warm welcome and personal service awaits every guest. In order to make it easier to distinguish between the various Pousadas, the group has divided the Pousadas into the following categories:


Charm Pousadas	Nature Pousadas	Historic Design Pousadas	Historic Pousadas

Personal service

"When a customer is not known by his/her name but only by room number, we will be far from the Pousadas' spirit", (Antonio Ferro - 1942).
This is the best definition of the Pousadas' tradition. During your stay you will be reminded of what it was like to live in earlier, more gracious and elegant times. A place where great attention has been paid to detail ensuring a very warm welcome and a very relaxed and pleasurable visit.

Always a good meal

The Lusitanian people have a rich historical past of which the cuisine played an important role, so it is encouraged and preserved.
Known as the largest restaurant chain in Portugal the Portuguese Pousadas are renowned for their rich and varied cuisine. They recreate the methods and use the ingredients of the original, regional receipes and also offer international dishes which are wonderfully complimented by the famous Portuguese wines.

Country of festivities

Located in historic areas of the country, the Portuguese Pousadas maintain the old traditions, of which the Festivities and religious feasts are the best examples. When staying at the Pousadas, do not miss the opportunity to get to see these treasures of Portuguese culture. Even for those who are not particularly interested in history, you will see from the uniqueness of these events that you are in a different country. They are also a lot of fun, usually involving lots of singing and dancing.

A world of facilities

The Portuguese Pousadas are quite unlike anything else and most have excellent facilties and provide superb services ensuring a visit is a wonderful experience. You will also get to know Portugal very well as the Pousadas are found all over the country from seaside locations to the towns, mountains or the valleys. The group has several special programmes both for individual guests and companies.

Frequently asked Questions

- What type of accommodation is this?
Government supported hotels preserving buildings of historic interest (the historical Pousadas) or promoting tourism in areas of special interest (the regional Pousadas).
- Are bathrooms en-suite?
Yes.
- Is there a restaurant?
Yes, they all have full hotel facilities. The restaurants serve local specialties as well as international cuisine.
- Is the accommodation suitable for children?
Children are welcome however we believe the furniture, furnishing, unprotected drops and type of other guests make the Historical Pousadas unsuitable for young children.
- How do we check if accommodation is available?
Click on the automated request form on each Pousada page, complete and send.
- Is there a minimum number of nights?
No.
- Can we hold an option whilst we check flight availability?
Yes, normally 24 hours.
- With whom is the contract?
The Pousada Group to whom payment is made direct
- What is the price?
Exactly the same as the individual Pousada charges direct.
- What does the best rate guarantee mean?
It is the lowest rate available on the day of your request based on the information you supply
- What are the payment terms?
Normal hotel terms
- What is the method of payment?
Cash or credit card
- What is the price for?
Accommodation with breakfast.
-What activities are near the Pousada?
On our site, we include the activities at each Pousada as advised to us by the group. Certain activities can only be arranged for groups and therefore pre-booking is necessary.
- Can I pay by credit card?
Yes.
- How do I guarantee my reservation?
By sending your credit card details through our secure server.
- What services are included?
Accommodation, linen, breakfast and use of communal facilities.
- What is not included?
Beach/pool towels you should bring your own.
- Can you extra beds for additional party members?
Larger family rooms are sometimes available. Enquire for details.
- What if we have to cancel?
Less than 48 hours prior to arrival - 1 night for each room reserved.
- What is the penalty for a no show?
The whole stay will be charged.
- Do we need visas for Portugal?
-Usually Yes, if you reside outside the European Union. Apply to your local Consulate and allow plenty of time for the application to be processed.
- Do I need a passport/ID card?
Yes, and please ensure your passport covers the date of your holiday.
- Can we take our pets?
We have to check with the individual Pousada. On your enquiry form please give type and any other relevant information so that the Pousada can make a decision.
- Are flights included?
No, the price is for accommodation only.
- Which is the nearest airport?
Faro for the Algarve, Porto (Oporto) for northern Portugal and Lisbon for other areas. All have many flights to European destinations. Lisbon is the main airport for transatlantic flights.
- How do I hire a car?
We do not arrange car hire. However, in order to assist guests we include rental rates of one company on our site. To see the rates please click here
- Can I pre-book golf at discount rates?
Yes, we have links with a specialist firm to obtain discount rates and guaranteed tee off times for our customers. Click here to see rates. Some hotels also offer discounted rates.

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Tel: + 351 258 82 1751 - 0871 218 1751 (From UK) | Fax: + 351 258 81 1491 | Email: email contact - pousadas of portugal