Top 3 Cool and Unique Accommodations in the Center of Portugal

*This post is in collaboration with the Center of Portugal Tourism Board. All accommodations

were hosted in exchange for  honest reviews. All opionions are my own.

This past June, I and my daughter had the opportunity to partner with The Center of Portugal Tourism Board. We feel blessed we were able to visit one of the most beautiful countries in Europe; on a press tour.

So far we've featured articles about the mouth-watering cuisine  and the monasteries, of this breathtaking region of Portugal. This lil slice of heaven is also home to several unique hotels.  

We were fortunate to stay for 3 nights, in 3 types of accommodations in the Center of Portugal.  All these lodging options are a 60-90 min drive from Lisbon.  

We are excited to share the details and unique feautres of each of these properties.

Sana Silver Coast Hotel

Sana Silver Coast Hotel is located in the historic city of Caldas da Rainha: " The Queen's Hot Springs." It's a convenient 10 min drive to the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean.  

This majestic hotel gives a new soul to an old 19th century building. The former Grande Hotel Lisbonense was completely renovated with a simple and stylish design. The building offers an elegant neoclassic vibe, so perfect for your stay in Caldas da Rainha.

                                             

We enjoyed a warm and comfortable atmosphere, hospitality at its finest!  Whether you are a business or a leisure traveler, you will love your stay! 

Our favorite features

• Outdoor Terrace; relaxing with a gorgeous flowers everywhere ( perfect photo spot!)
• Delicious Lisbonese cuisine in the lobby restaurant
• A luxurious and classy room with stylish accents
• Close proximity to a shopping mall ( it's litterally next door!)
• Super comfy beds 
• Modern design

Amenities & Services 

• 80 rooms and 7 suites
• Connecting rooms
• 3 meeting rooms for up to 100 guests
• Welcoming outdoor terrace cafe
• Elegant Lisbonense restaurant and bar
• Room service 24 hrs
• Complimentary wifi
• Intelligent assistant : access all services via your mobile phone
• Babysitting service available by appt only
• Indoor/outdoor parking

Montebelo Mosteiro de Alcobaca Historic Hotel

Montebelo Mosteiro Historical Hotel is the newest 5-star hotel of Montebelo Hotels and Resorts Group. This hotel is where history, culture, art and modernity come together.  Offering a distinguished flair, you will enjoy  a different type of stay. 

The structure features the work of the signature of Pritzker award-winning Portuguese architect: Souto de Moura. The hotel is placed in the unique setting of Rachadouro Cloister of UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE Alcobaca Monastery. The monastery is one of the seven wonders of Portugal and National Monument.

The town of Alcobaca is famous because of the monastery. I fell in love with this lovely village-town! It's charming in every way, and has wonderful boutiques for shopping and fabulous restaurants.

The historic hotel is located in the back part of the monastery. It's such an amazing experience to stay here! We loved waking up in the morning and swinging the shutters open to the beautiful courtyard view.

The room was very lovely, with simple but yet stylish design. We especially loved the spacious bathroom with an oversized shower.  Having ample space to get ready, made us happy!

 The description of "unique" doesn't even scratch the surface with this his hotel! I never fathomed I would be staying in a remodeled monastery- so cool! The excitement you feel when checking in, is over the top!

Our Favorite Features 

• Restaurant offering an "out-of -this-world" breakfust buffet with a large varitey of items
• Breathtaking courtyard view 
• Beautiufl modern room with a spacious bathroom
• Preservation of the original design details of the monastery 
• Comfy robe and complimentary slippers embossed with hotel logo
• Warm and friendly service
• Close proximity to town center of Alcobaca

Amenities & Services

• 91 rooms and suites
• Complimentary wifi
• Luggage service
• Room service and laundry
• Meeting Rooms
• Indoor swimming pool
• Spa: with treatments and Turkish bath
• Fitness center
• Parking
• Restaurant and Bar (reservations for lunch & dinner advised) 

Luz Charming Houses

Welcome to Luz Houses in the city of FATIMA , home to the famous Sanctuary! The stay here is very distinctive and unique. The Luz Charming Houses are actually part of a small village inspired by the past. The architecture is mainly inspired by the ancient villages of this region during the 19th and 20th centuries.

The owners Pedro and Ana, had a passion to create a unique and special space for guests. Here you will find simplicity, tranquility in a small paradise. Those looking to escape the stresses of everyday life, will enjoy the moments with nature. Luz Charming Houses are located a few minutes outside of town, the perfect spot to capture some seclusion. 

Fifteen houses/units are available in a few different sizes.  Also on the property is the Mother House. This is where you'll find reception, a small grocery store ( with local products), living and dining room, a terrace and honesty bar.

Mother House Living Room

We loved our lil house in the woods. It had a kitchenette, dining/living area and bedroom with a bath.

At the Luz Houses, connect with nature in the beautifully designed outdoor space.  You can relax on the comfy couches, swim in the above ground pool or visit the stable of furry friends: sheep and goats! If you want time alone to meditate or pray, a small chapel is available.

The dining room serves wonderful meals sourced from local ingredients. The menu experience we reviewed is called " BE MY GUEST", a blind menu wehre the chef designs every moment and you don't choose the dishes. An "a la carte" menu is available for your choosing, if you prefer that option.

Our favorite meal was breakfast! Whatever you do, don't miss it! It was our favorite breakfast of the entire tour!

Our favorite features

• Homey design of the rooms/houses; feels like a "home away from home"
• Style and decor of the houses
• Outdoor living room; spacious and comforting
• DELICIOUS breakfast, it was the best we had in Portugal
• The pool
•  4 legged friends at the stable 
• Opportunities to connect with nature 
• Focus on sustainability

Amenities & Services

• Bikes available for rental ( bicycle routes are nearby)
• Complimentary wifi
• Smart T.V.
• Kitchenettes in select rooms 
• Moments for two: flower bouqets, romantic dinners in the room or an aromatic bath (by request)
• Spaces for special events
• Laundry services (depends on availability)
• Light meal/room service
• Heated Pool 
• Pool bar
• Massages and various therapies
• Traditional games such as checkers, chess , marbles availabe at Mother House
• Shower chair and non slip mats for guests with limited mobility ( by request) 
• Late checkout ( rates may or may not apply- depending on time of departure)

We LOVED our stay in these properties and are grateful for the unique experience at each one! I would advise making your reservations several months in advance.  Definitely put these hotels on your list for your trip to Portugal.

We would like to thank the CENTER OF PORTUGAL TOURISM BOARD for hosting us on the press tour and adding these amazing stays to our itinerary.  The website and instagram for the tourism board are great resources for planning your trip to the this region of Portugal.  

Have you vistied the Center of Portugal? If not, add it to your bucketlist asap!

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