Oryza Guest House & Suites

A quiet, safe spot near the center of Coimbra. The hotel is charming and well cared for, and it's extremely clean. Staff and facilities both get five stars. The breakfast was also five stars, with housemade organic food. It's pet friendly, too. Better than some four-star hotels.

Our host went out of his way to make us feel welcome, and you can see how lovingly he's restored the place. Every little thing is beautiful. It's set away from the city's bustle, which made it feel just right, and the breakfast was divine. We loved staying here. It was our favorite place in all of Portugal.

Edgar gave us thoughtful restaurant and parking tips, and the kitchen and cleaning staff were top notch. The rooms are spacious, full of character, and very clean. My husband and I stayed four nights in early November, and the hospitality made us feel like family. There was freshly baked cake every day, port on the nightstand, and fresh local fruit. Breakfast was hearty, with big mugs of coffee, freshly baked rolls, and farmyard eggs cooked to order. The history of the rice farmhouse is honored in the building and the country welcome. I'll always remember the beautiful, one-of-a-kind ceiling in our room.

All the staff were five-star, and almost everything we had for breakfast came from their farm. I'd start the day on the porch with hot coffee, scrambled eggs, and freshly picked tomatoes. Then I'd wander by the pool in the warm morning sun before heading to the farm to check on the plants and pick a few berries. It's hard to put into words how good this place is.