Pousada de Valença

We had superb views from our room, the dining room, and the terrace. The pousada’s setting in the Fortaleza of Valença is hard to beat. The rooms have old style decor and comfortable beds, but the fittings need an update: there were three plugs in one socket, old wiring, and a strange automatic bathroom light. Staff were friendly and helpful, especially the woman at reception and the one serving in the morning. Breakfast had good fruit and delicious cakes, but for a top tier hotel I expected more choice. There was no natural yoghurt, and the hot food was scrambled eggs with a little bacon and sliced sausage. All in all, a good choice in the Fortaleza.

Those views are breathtaking. The hotel could use an update, but the staff were extremely helpful, friendly, and nice. The restaurant is still closed apart from breakfast service.

We stopped for drinks and snacks while on an excursion nearby. The setting was lovely, with views over the river and the surrounding area, and the hotel was clean. Staff spoke good English, but otherwise it was pretty average. The food and drinks were okay, though we’ve had better at local cafes in town.

We spent one night here during a cycling tour and had safe storage for our bikes. The staff were friendly and helpful. It’s a lovely hotel inside the fortified fortaleza, with amazing views of the river minho and across to spain.