4-star Hotel / Parador
HBRA1, Guimaraes, Portugal
Comfortable boutique hotel in the historic centre of Guimaraes
A beautifully restored old pousada, now a charming boutique hotel, offers very comfortable, stylish accommodation in the medieval heart of the beautifully preserved city of Guimaraes, a Unesco World Heritage site.
The pousada is in a priviledged spot, on the lively and atmospheric Praca da Oliveira, renowned for its porticoed buildings and C14th Padrao do Salado; its rooms have views of the historic centre and square.
Its interesting and attractive, library-themed decor in the reception area and sitting room on the ground floor add to its charm, as does the sophisticated bar and restaurant offering traditional Portuguese cuisine as well as international dishes.
But you will probably most feel the atmosphere of days gone by when seated under the arches of the outdoor terrace, enjoying a refreshing glass of vinho verde.
Most of the city's famous monuments and landmarks, such as the Palace of the Dukes of Braganca and the C11th Castle, are within an easy walk from the hotel.
Accommodation
The hotel has 20 very comfortable en-suite rooms – standard doubles, Junior and Deluxe suites.
All rooms are individually styled with contemporary furnishings, each providing a seating area and with over the streets and squares of the historic city centre.
Each of the rooms has a light box with an artistic creation related to the main events, activities and personalities of the city’s history.
All have air conditioning, hairdryer, safe, minibar, TV, Telephone and WIFI, as well as a tablet for exclusive use of the guest during the stay. Some rooms have small balconies.
Standard rooms: (25 square metres). Twin beds or large double bed. Extra single bed available. Easy chairs.
Junior Suites: (35 square metres). Twin beds. Extra single bed available. Seating area with table, sofa and easy chair.
Deluxe suites: (45 square metres). Twin beds. Two extra single beds available. Separate living room.
Hotel Features
Terrace and comfortable sitting area with a library on ground floor.
Bar/restaurant (open to public).
Lift. WIFI. 24-hour reception.
Free public parking at location nearby – reservation is needed.
Laundry and ironing service. Room service.
Bicycle rental available at reception.
Facilities for disabled guests.
N.B. Re parking: The historic centre of Guimaraes is closed off to traffic so it is not possible to drive your car up to the hotel door. The hotel provides free public parking on a street, Rua de Nuno Alvares (where Convento Santa Clara and the City Hall are) and garage in Largo de Mumadona, on a roundabout at the beginning of Nuno Alvares, not too far away. This must be reserved in advance. Should you need help with your cases, please give advanced warning.
Important: when you enter Rua de Nuno Alvares, a parking attendant will give you a ticket to display in your car.
Restaurant
Stylish bar/restaurant with covered terrace, opening on to square, open to public.Breakfast buffet is served each morning in the dining room. This can be served in your room too.At the elegant restaurant – A la carte menu- you can enjoy the best traditional Portuguese cuisine, as well as a varied selection of international dishes.The exterior terrace under a romantic archway looking onto the loveliest square in the city is one of the attractions of the bar/restaurant.There is also a good choice of bars and restaurants within walking distance of the hotel.
Hotel Facilities
24 Hour ReceptionWiFi all areas
Lift
Shared Lounge / TV Area
No smoking in hotel
Luggage storage
Laundry Service
Air Conditioning
Room facilities (all rooms)
En-suite bathroomHeating
Air conditioning
WIFI
TV
Fridge / Minibar
Walk-in shower
Shower over bathtub
Bathrobes
Hairdryer
Safe deposit box
Desk
Dining
Restaurant, open to the publicBars / restaurants within walking distance of the hotel
Bar with terrace, open to the public, serving drinks and light snacks
Accessibility
Facilities adapted for guests with reduced mobilityRoom(s) adapted for guests with reduced mobility
Parking
On-street parkingPublic parking nearby (pay locally)
Guimaraes, Portugal
The beautifully preserved city of Guimaraes is “the cradle of Portugal” – its first capital, with its exquisite medieval centre, a Unesco, World Heritage site.
A university town and European Capital of Culture in 2012, culture, art and treasures are around every corner along with delightful plazas and bars and restaurants full of life. A city where the inhabitants are truly proud of their heritage! Don’t miss the Palace of the Dukes of Braganca, the C11th castle, the churches of Oliveira and San Francisco or the Arts Platform. Also, a ride up the cable car to the wooded summit at Penha, overlooking the city should not be missed.
Cultural events and festivities crowd the calendar, but the city is undoubtedly at its liveliest for Festas de Cidade e Gualterianas (fiesta dating back to 1452, held in honour of its patron saint), the first weekend of August, and for its jazz festival during most of November!
- Seeing the all the amazing sights in Guimaraes and visiting its museums and art galleries.
- Soaking in the wonderful atmosphere of the city in one of the bars and restaurants in the ancient squares.
- Citania de Briteiros (15 km north of Guimaraes) – Celtic hilltop settlement, the largest and most thrilling in Portugal, dating back 2500 years.
- Braga -the spiritual, elegant, but lively Roman city with the oldest cathedral in Portugal, an amazing array of baroque churches, Roman ruins, beautiful plazas, interesting museums and some excellent restaurants.
- The magnificent pilgrimage site of Bom Jesus del Monte near Braga with its extraordinary baroque staircase – climb it on foot or take the funicular. Stunning views from the top. Camera a must! The Samiero Sanctuary further up the hill is well worth a visit too.
- The Monastery of Tibaes – with its amazing natural gardens with centenarian trees, this was the original home to the Benedictine order in Portugal. Founded in 1060, it has seen many changes (part of it is now a hotel) but along with its Rococo church, it is a must-see visit.