Monte Rúbiu Guesthouse

We stayed two nights and would happily come back next time we're passing through Coimbra. The building's recent renovation is high quality, with nice touches like a great bed and shower, and breakfast was wonderful. Management was quick and easy to communicate with, and a kind local professional made sure we were well looked after. The spot felt quiet and local, even though almost anywhere was about a 10-minute walk. I was also relieved that street parking was easy, since I expected the town's winding, narrow streets to make it difficult.

Breakfast was the highlight of our stay at Monte Rubiu Guesthouse. Ana was a wonderful hostess, and the food was tasty; she also shared really interesting information about Coimbra and the surrounding area. The rooms were modern and very nice. We had a wonderful visit and would gladly stay again, whether for a night or longer.

Ana Maia, who I believe is the owner, was caring and helpful from the start. She asked when we planned to arrive and had the room ready accordingly, even before check-in time. She also suggested restaurants around town. The guesthouse was very clean, with big, soft towels, and the location was perfect: a three-minute walk to the main street and around ten minutes to the university. Free street parking is available too.

Ana made my one-night stop in Coimbra memorable. She runs the place herself and was passionate, outgoing, engaging, and incredibly helpful. I didn't understand at first why she called to ask when I'd arrive, since I hadn't realized she was the only one at the front desk. The guesthouse's minimal sign was easy to miss, and I drove past it several times, but once I found it, things were great. I was glad to get a first-floor room, since my suitcase weighed 72 pounds and I only had to carry it up one flight. The room wasn't huge, but I could open my large suitcase fully; the shower and toilet were compact and built into the room. It's all white, light, and airy. Up on the roof there's a small terrace where you can sit with wine, port, or beer and look out over Coimbra. Ana gave me a map and more suggestions for things to see and do than I could fit into my 24 hours, plus some excellent dining tips. The street is hilly and there isn't parking, though street spaces should be relatively easy to find. Breakfast was quite an affair: pastries, cheese, ham, all sorts of jam, Ana's pancakes that she's very proud to make, and hot coffee or tea. We talked about the challenges of setting up the hotel, getting permits, finding an architect, and opening just before COVID. Ana stayed optimistic through it all. She clearly loves hosting people, her hometown, and running a hotel that doesn't feel like a hotel. She felt almost like family. Stay here if you're coming to Coimbra, and give yourself more than one night. My sincere thanks to Ana.