Casas do Coro

There’s a forest nearby, a little lake, and a sky full of stars. The hostess is the kindest, most welcoming person, and she’s always available. It felt like visiting a close friend, with everything ready for us. Check-in from a distance was easy, and the whole stay felt peaceful and relaxed. Every part of the house shows the owner’s care. It’s spotless, the linens are soft, and the interior is magical, with every detail thoughtfully done and everything we could need. Breakfast was amazing, and dinner felt like a fairy tale. Such a great place to recharge and relax.

We loved the views, and the grounds are kept beautifully. The hotel has gradually taken over most of the buildings below the hilltop castle in Marialva and turned them into a well-run luxury property. Rooms are well equipped, with excellent bathrooms and huge beds, though some are a bit dark. The restaurant is lovely, with carefully prepared food and very attentive service. There’s a good range of wines, but they’re quite expensive. We didn’t get to try the spa. The staff speak English well. We were able to attend Easter Sunday at the nearby chapel, which felt refreshingly authentic compared with the rather manufactured atmosphere aimed at city visitors from Lisbon and Porto. Casas do Coro may not be especially authentic, but at those prices the comforts are what you’d expect. Be prepared to pay well for them.

We spent four days here as a family and really enjoyed it. The homemade chocolate cake is a must to try before leaving. The low or chlorine-free pool was heavenly in late July, and the food was delicious. The air is clean, it’s wonderfully quiet apart from the children, and the hospitality is exemplary. The restaurant could easily be the best fine dining option in the area. This family-run boutique hotel is made up of around 30 restored village houses with two, three, or four bedrooms, integrated into historic Marialva. The quality and feel of the restoration differ quite a bit, so make sure you ask for the kind of house you want. Wi-Fi barely reaches some of the stone houses. Service felt understaffed, there were no welcome drinks, and there’s no concierge or luggage trolley to help with the walk from the parking area to the scattered houses. We did see electric car and Tesla chargers.

A wow of a place, set in a lovingly restored village. The beautifully designed suites cover a wide range of styles, and the dining room serves delicious regional dishes.