Casa das Pipas #3

The outdoor space is a real plus: there’s a large lawn, a porch, a shared barbecue, and parking, all in a very quiet spot close to shops and services. The bathroom was the nicest part of the unit, and it was practical and attractive. There’s plenty of indoor space, air conditioning, and convenient access to Setúbal and the Arrábida beaches. For the price, Casa das pipas delivers what it promises, though the rooms could feel much more welcoming with some improvements and decoration. Please replace the mattress. We stayed in an individual unit with a kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. The kitchenette was cramped and worn, with loose parts and crooked or faulty cabinet doors. The ground-level sofa had stains, the mezzanine bed’s mattress was very low and hard, and we slept badly. There were flies around all the time. The tiny minibar-style fridge was also noisy, which made sleeping in the open-plan space difficult. It felt like a fair deal for the price, but there’s room to make the accommodation more comfortable. The property is a small tourist complex in Pinhal Novo, about a 20-minute drive from central Setúbal. Public transport from there gives fairly quick access to the popular Arrábida beaches.

The price felt fair, and we were comfortable in the whole house even though it wasn’t fancy. It had two bedrooms with two beds in each, plus a living room, small kitchen, full bathroom, and a big garden where the kids could kick a ball around. The furniture was simple IKEA, and there wasn’t much crockery, glassware, or cutlery. The fridge was tiny, too. Still, it’s a peaceful place, a few miles from any city.

I was disappointed with the service. I contacted Casa das pipas a week ahead to book a T0, but when they eventually emailed asking how many people were coming, I’d already entered that on their site form. I confirmed the number of guests, day, and time anyway. I had an important course nearby, but they never told me whether the booking was made or what it would cost. The course had recommended the place, but I felt safer booking somewhere else through Booking. It came across as unreliable and not serious.

A quiet, welcoming country spot, really nice for a rest. There’s a big, secure green lawn, and you can bring your pets along to stay in the house with you. I recommend it.