Estalagem Santa Iria

Fantastic Little Inn

It's important to note that this is a four-star inn and not a hotel. Similar to many countries in Europe there is a different rating system for hotels vs. inns and as an inn, the four stars are deserved. Estalagem Santa Iria is conveniently located and easy to find. It sits on a small island in the middle of the Nabão River and while there are a few walking access points there is only one way to get there via car and it is well marked by signs.

The inn has an old-style feel to it. It does seem like you are stepping back in time - creaks in the wooden floor, a system of picking up your key at the front desk, modern yet old-style faucets - and this adds to the charm, in my opinion. There is a homey atmosphere here that you just can't get from a hotel. There are a limited number of rooms and as far as I could tell about half of them had balconies facing toward a small park. I loved this aspect, as I was able to rise early and sit on the balcony and just listen to the lazy quiet of a Sunday morning. The facilities were very clean, the bathroom well-stocked with everything including shampoos and shower gels and plastic cups for water. The rooms also have blinds that you can shut to block out the morning sun completely if you want to sleep in.

Breakfast is simple and very typically Portuguese. Unless you stay in a hotel, this style of continental breakfast is very common all across Portugal. It consists of fresh squeezed orange juice, a little pot of coffee (or tea if you prefer), milk for your coffee served warm, yogurt, cheese and ham, a basket of assorted breads and butter and jam. It was perfectly adequate.

For anyone looking for accommodations that are more unique than the conventional hotel, this is a very good choice.

Unique Quality: Quaint, small, has balconies, is set on small island facing toward park.