Hotel Lis Batalha

There's not much to see around here apart from the monastery, so this can work well for an overnight stop while traveling through Portugal. The hotel is right across from the monastery, and the rooms are very clean, spacious, and elegant. The included breakfast buffet is excellent.

The central location is the one real advantage, with the hotel practically next to the monastery. The rooms were small but acceptable. I found breakfast really disappointing and not at the level of a four-star hotel. Most of the staff were nice, except for one employee whose service certainly didn't meet that standard. I can see why people might say the hotel is living on its old reputation.

The breakfast was very basic and minimal. There's also a bad sewage problem, with the smell coming into the rooms and hallway. It's hard to believe this could be a hotel with any star rating.

The best thing about this pleasant hotel is its location beside the famous monastery. The rooms are on the small side but comfortable. Service varied: the younger staff were cheerful and very helpful, while the older ones seemed jaded and unhelpful. There are good restaurants nearby, including an all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet. Take a walk around the monastery at night when it's lit up.