Vidago Palace

Full of history and charm, with lovely decor, great food, and excellent service. If you can, take a tour with the fantastic Mr. Ângelo Botelho. It’s a learning experience you shouldn’t miss. Amazing, and somewhere everyone should visit at least once! 😊

The quiet, charming setting and the hotel’s beautiful condition made for a lovely stay. Staff were always around and glad to help, and our room was comfortable and very clean. I’d go back, though I hope they consider this feedback. A few details felt below what I’d expect from this kind of hotel. There was no welcome drink, and while nothing smelled bad, the reception, halls, and bar had no distinctive scent. The bar and breakfast restaurant were also silent, and I expected some soft background music. Breakfast was quite warm, so I’d suggest wearing very light clothes. Our room had no coffee machine or kettle. We asked reception for tea and a kettle, but it took about an hour to arrive, long enough that we thought they’d forgotten. The TV was odd too: after switching it off, it would turn itself back on later, which wasn’t pleasant at night. The car charging station wasn’t working because of recent water damage. The hotel said an outside company manages and installed it, but it’s on the property and for guests, so I’d expect them to push for a prompt fix and a smoother experience.

We only used the spa, and it was a letdown. The water felt a bit too cold, especially in the outdoor pool. Several showers need urgent attention: heads and taps were leaking, missing pieces, or completely broken. It left the place feeling neglected, which is far from what I expected from a spa at a five star hotel.

A great spot for a couple of nights to unwind. Chaves, the nearby city, is lovely too and worth exploring.