Herdade da Urgueira

They advertise peace, quiet, and seclusion, but we found dirty, noisy rooms and a party going on when we arrived on a Sunday. Management responded to our dissatisfaction with arguments, threats, mockery, and rude, dismissive treatment. The excuses made no sense, and the customer service was unlike anything we've experienced. We can't recommend this place.

The room was small and basic, and its entrance was shared. We booked thinking all rooms had their own door to the terrace. When we arrived, they showed us room 9B, and room 9A was open, so we assumed both were part of the same space because they used the same entrance. The receptionist later explained it was a separate room. Rather than asking us to move our belongings, he simply left them outside our door. Our wallet, pants, and other things ended up on the floor. It felt extremely rude and showed very little care. The two rooms share one table outside, so it's unclear how both guests are meant to use it if they want to sit there. Our view faced a marquise and wasn't great. The TV only had the 7 basic Portuguese channels. The bathroom was very basic, with 3 bulbs not working, rust at the bottom of the shower, and a rusty bin. For what you pay, the room is basic; even budget hotel Ibis has better rooms. Breakfast was supposed to start at 9 but wasn't ready, and it was the most basic one we've had since a trip to India, despite travelling a lot. The check-out time was also confusing: our details said 11, while a sign in the room said 12. I asked the receptionist, who said 11. When I pointed out the sign, he looked at me as if I were lying. After I said it was in the room, he said we could stay, as though he were doing us a favour. We'd had enough and decided to leave. The customer service was the worst I've encountered in a hotel. The restaurant food and service were good, and the surrounding area was good too, though the pool cleaning machine was never removed. Birds in the trees will make your car very dirty. You go to a hotel for a treat, not to put up with poor customer service.

It's a gem in the countryside, with a lovely setting. The staff were friendly and very helpful, and the restaurant is excellent, probably one of the best around.

A great spot for families, with clean rooms, fresh air, tasty food at low prices, and good staff. Everything was very good.