John

Message: My wife and I are interested in staying in a Pousada (or similarly high-end accomodation) in the Alentejo region of Portugal in early October. Does anyone have any thoughts on Pousada dos Loios in Evora, Pousada da Rainha Sanata Isabel in Estremoz, or Castelo de Alvito in Alvito? I've also heard that Hotel Convento de Sao Paulo is nice. Any preferences?

John

John, not familiar with the Estremoz or Alvito properties, but the Evora Pousada is very lovely in a grandiose way, rather formal, somewhat stuffy (a recurrent problem with Pousadas IMO). Let me also mention, though, the very small Pousada do Vale do Gaio, http://www.pousadas.pt/01pousadas/40...aio/index.html - a lovely place in gorgeous rural countryside. After touring historic towns surrounded by other visitors, it was a very pleasant respite for us a couple of Octobers back - quintessential Alentejo landscape (cork trees, storks, goat bells) but not that far from interesting destinations.

Ruth

Quinta do Barranca da Estrada is not a pousada, but a small family-run hotel in the Alentejo, not far from Santa Clara a Velha. We spent an idyllic vacation there a couple of years ago. It's miles off the beaten track, on the shore of a large lake (actually a reservoir). It only has about 8 rooms, dinner is served on the terrace, and it is the most beautiful place imaginable! <BR>The English owners are very knowledgable about the area and full of good ideas as to what to see. Or one can just swim in the lake or take a boat for a sail! <BR>website http://www.paradise-in-portugal.com/ <BR> <BR>By the way, there is also a Pousada on the other side of the lake, at Santa Clara. However, this town hasn't much to see. <BR> <BR>Evora sounds wonderful - we didn't manage to get there on our trip but I'm still hoping to go there sometime!

joao

John <BR> <BR>In my opinion, you choose the most interesting area of Portugal. Beside those Pousadas you mentioned, I think it's worthwhile to check Vila Viçosa, a fomer Convent adapted to Pousada. <BR> <BR>Beyond the properties themselves, I think that Evora or Vila Viçosa or Estremoz are more convenient that Alvito, because there is more to see in these areas. <BR> <BR>You didn't ask, but I ask permission to write my preferences in this area: <BR> <BR>- Évora (Unesco heritage - to see the whole town itself, Diana roman temple, Cathedral, Bones Chapel, etc) <BR>- Monsaraz (walled town, this town is at the same time untouched since centuries alive nevertheless) - to see: Jesus bearing the cross - author unknown - statue made of wood and the wall painting of the good and bad judge in the Inquisition Court) <BR>- S. Pedro do Corval - this is a village completed devoted handicraft, mostly hand decorated plates. S. Pedro do Corval has more than 20 family run industries). <BR>- Vila Viçosa - The palace of Dukes of Braganza. There are guided tours. I'm afraid the tours are in Portuguese Only. There are descriptive books in English. From this House, Catherine of Braganza left for England to marry Charles III and become Queen of England. Side by side there is a former convent, converted into Pousada. <BR>Since 17th century up to 1910, Queens of Portugal, didn't use crowns in official cerimonies, because the crown is in the head of Our Lady of Cnception of Vila Viçosa. <BR>- Redondo - Nothing specia, but a lovely place <BR>- Estremoz - To see: street market, the Castle (Pousada) and Adega do Isaias - Adega do Isaias is very unexpensive and low profile restaurant where the owner barbecue for you whatever you like. In 1497, King Manuel was in the Castle of Estremoz (now Pousada) when he gave to Vasco da Gama the credentials (mission statement) to his travel to Eastern Africa and India <BR>- Marvão - magic and beauty without limits <BR>- Alandroal - Restaurant "a Maria" - the highest point of any travel - check in advance for availability <BR>- Arraiolos - Hand made tapistry - The biggest and those of complex patterns require 2 months of hardwork. They are quite expensive. but beautiful to see. <BR>Arraiolos has a beautiful Pousada. The church associated with the Pousada is completely covered with azulejos (hand painted tiles) with stories of their favourite saints and historical events, like a giant cartoon.

Joao

Correction to my own post: <BR>Catherine of Braganza married Charles II and not Charles III, as I stated before. <BR> <BR>Sorry for the inconvenience <BR> <BR>

Linda

John - I've stayed at the Pousada da Rainha Santa Isabel in Estremoz. It's beautiful. I've stayed in numerous pousadas and really haven't found a bad one. However, I do think there are more things to do in Evora. The pousada in Estremoz is kind of isolated and you will definitely need your car to do any exploring. Whereas in Evora you can walk almost everywhere. Enjoy!

joao

IMHO, to profit the best of Alentejo region, you'll need a car anyway.

Pedro

I would choose Evora for its central location ( Monsaraz, Estremoz, etc ) and the beauty of the Pousada and the city itself.