Fodor's Expert Review Forte de São Francisco Hotel Chaves

The ruins of a 17th-century Franciscan monastery have been transformed into this remarkable hotel with massive walls surrounding extensive gardens and courtyards. The interior is a sober blend of ancient stone and modern simplicity, with public areas dotted with antiques and sacred art. The Franciscan monks would no doubt have frowned on the contemporary comforts of the elegant, well-equipped guest rooms and the sumptuous regional delicacies served in the Restaurante Cozinha do Convento, including recipes featuring alheira regional sausage and several bacalhau dishes. They might, however, have winked at the hotel's well-stocked wine cellar installed in their old water cistern.