São Bento Na Alta

Please be careful before booking. I couldn’t stay here and had to find another hotel. This isn’t a hotel, just a small, old house with a very basic renovation, on a steep street that cars can’t reach. There are stairs, and no reception or staff, so you’re left to manage on your own. The only staircase is narrow and steep, made of wood, and I felt there was no real sense of safety. I don’t know how you’d get out in case of a fire. The rooms are very basic, with only general detergent and no shampoo or other products. You need a code for the street door, and the room key stays in the door. The price was exorbitant. Any hostel would be safer for a fifth of the cost. I paid only a little more for a four-star hotel in Coimbra. Please look at the photos before booking.

We left after just one night because the place was in poor condition. The hot water came out brown, and the owner said that was normal because Coimbra has old pipes. I know that isn’t true. Liar! I’m still waiting for the refund for August through Booking.com, and he hasn’t done anything about it.

The location is ideal if you’re at the Faculty, and that’s about the only good thing. The walls looked dirty and shabby. Our room was cleaned twice in seven days, with no fresh bed linen. The towels were very worn, some even torn, as were the bathroom rugs, and there was a stain on the pillowcase. The rooms are cramped, with no proper desk to write at. It costs far too much for such limited conditions. I wouldn’t stay again.

Check-in was straightforward, and the support was adequate. The location is good, very close to the university area. It’s an old building, though, so there’s no elevator. The rooms are small but practical, and I had a pleasant stay.