Alvito Hotels

Hospedaria A Varanda: Old world charm at its best!

Staying in this elegant, charming and spotlessly clean place so that the interior of the place almost shines with brilliance, no kidding, is a most excellent way of enjoying the Alentejo countryside. We had chanced upon this place on a visit to Alvito a couple of months back and promised ourselves to stay here on our next visit. We did, and found it even exceeding our expectations.

The bed and breakfast is small, with just 9 rooms, but it is very well furnished. Although a few of the decors were not up our taste, as they were a bit old-fashioned and at times kitschy (like the painting above our headboard, as can be seen in the photo), they did not detract to our overall satisfaction with this place. A we arrived on a Sunday evening, everything was quiet, but the owner himself, Ernesto, took care of everything. We were the only guests in the place, so we got personalised service. As it also has a small but very well appointed, and apparently highly recommended restaurant (recommended in the Michelin guide in 2009, 2010, and 2011), on the ground level, we decided to have a light dinner there. And Ernesto, who was also the chef, kindly put together a typical Alentejo soup that was simply good and hearty. The following morning, he himself served us breakfast. It felt like we were in an elderly wealthy uncle's country manor being pampered during our holiday.

The place, for all the quality and the service, will not make you break the bank. Our room was 70 euros, but since business was slow, he made us pay only 60 (that includes breakfast as is usual in Portugal) -- a very good deal. We were sorry to know that the business had been hit badly by the crisis, and he gets very few guests lately.

Aside from the accommodations and the restaurant, he has a small bar beside where he sometimes invites musicians to perform.

The place is just on the main square across the castle Pousada, so it's impossible to miss.

Overall, highly recommended for couples who would like a charming, romantic and quiet place to stay in.

Unique Quality: Design, cleanliness, service.

• Opinion of Price: less expensive than average
• Address: Praça da Republica, 9-10 Alvito, Evora district
• Phone: +351 284 485 135
• Website: http://avaranda-hospedaria.planetaclix.pt/
• Related to: Romantic Travel and Honeymoons, Historical Travel, Food and Dining
• Written March 31, 2011

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