Quinta Encosta do Marao

We’re a family of nine and a child, and usually holiday together, but this was easily our worst choice. The place was filthy when we arrived. We had to wash all the dishes, wipe crumbs off dirty counters, clean a coffee machine with a used capsule still inside and coffee grounds and mold in the holder, and wash the microwave, sinks, shower, and bathroom floor, which had crumbs and spots that looked like coffee. The internet was awful too. There’s no oven or washing machine, no cleaning products or basic seasonings, and no fire extinguisher or first aid kit. The dirt road to the house is terrible, and the surrounding vegetation was neglected. Given the fires, especially after the whole area burned the previous year, as the owner told us, they should take more care. There is almost no outdoor lighting, just one bulb by the door. The property is very isolated, with no nearby neighbors, and it isn't enclosed. It has a gate but no fence. Getting to the pool means going down a very steep ramp, and the ground where the loungers are is sloped like a hillside. The nearest restaurant or grocery shop is a 15-minute drive away. The property has four nearby buildings, two houses and two unused ones with rubbish and construction debris. We paid €1,173 for four nights, then the owner charged us the tourist tax in cash, an extra €2 per person for three days. This place isn't worth the money at all. Watch out for rats!

The pool is the strongest point of the stay. Qta Encosta do Marão sits at the bottom of Carneiro village, with a lovely view across the valley and no neighbors nearby. That makes it wonderfully quiet and secluded for anyone looking to rest. The two houses are fairly modest, especially the upper one, but despite a few shortcomings they were enough for a pleasant, restful stay.

What a disappointment. The road up to the house is awful, the internet signal is weak, and the fridge is tiny and doesn't freeze. The oven doesn't work either, and the beds are so uncomfortable that resting was difficult. I've got nothing more to add.

Really good.