INATEL Cerveira Hotel

The location is the main appeal now, with regional hiking trails and historical sites nearby. The big sports fields are still there. We first stayed here 20 years ago, when the historic building had much more charm: a large bar and games room, gardens to wander through, and plenty of little rooms and corners for activities. After the renovation and modernization, that atmosphere is gone. The supposedly ample games room is just a small space with one billiards table and three card or table game tables, and the bar lounge is small too.

The place has potential, but it needs more investment and upkeep. The common areas were cold and dim at night, and flies around breakfast raised concerns about hygiene. This feels like a three-star hotel, not a four-star one.

Laura, our tour guide with the inatel group, kept everyone cheerful through the heavy rain and joined in our evening activities. She went above and beyond to make us comfortable. The bus driver was amazing too; even on difficult, tight streets, he handled the large vehicle impressively, and I always felt safe. The hotel was clean and inviting, with excellent buffet food and a good mix of different dishes and returning favorites each night. Rooms are on the small side but nice. Rain kept me from trying the outdoor amenities, though inside there's a small children's play area, an auditorium, a gym, and a games room.

Staff were mixed. Some were super friendly and helpful, while others weren't very nice, like when they insinuated we might steal the towels. The breakfast arrangement in July 2020 was a pain: no trays, and you had to line up and ask staff for each item and drink. In August they changed it so you could pick your food onto a tray while wearing gloves, which was much easier.