Casa do Balcão

The best place to stay in Castelo Branco, and the breakfast is superb.

A lovely spot for a weekend away, or longer if you have the time.

I’d be very cautious. I called on August 27 to book directly, without using a platform, and made that clear. I was asked to send the booking in writing, which I did. Then I was told to transfer €35 as a 50% deposit. I sent the full €70 instead. The reply was that there had been a mistake and the actual price was nearly double. I asked for the money back, along with compensation for the 15 minutes I’d spent dealing with this. I could have demanded twice the deposit, but didn’t. Instead, I got moralizing remarks and personal judgments. She said she hadn’t made a mistake and that she’d typed €35 instead of €65. She returned the €70, but said my lost 15 minutes were none of her concern. There was also an earlier review from another guest about the room’s cleanliness. This woman apparently struggles with basic arithmetic and treats people paying for her livelihood this way. I spent another 15 minutes warning other unsuspecting people.

We used this quiet village as a base for four days of exploring the nearby villages, and it worked really well. Castelo Branco is only 15 minutes away. The accommodation was excellent, and breakfast was great. Mrs. Margarita, the owner, was kind, attentive, and wonderful to deal with. My wife and I had a very enjoyable stay. Highly recommended.