We are spending two weeks in Portugal last half of March and want to stay in several historic pousadas. What are your favorites?

Hi, Ray, <BR>We've stayed at several and recommend a couple which are somewhat off the beaten path, and which are not "historic" in the sense of Moorish castles or similar, but interesting nonetheless. <BR>The first is Pousada São Bartolomeu in Bragança in the extreme northeast of the country - a stunning example of the very best architecture and materials from the 1950s - a great view of the castle, spotless and comfortable, but not close to anything much except the Spanish border, reached by what has to be one of the scariest stretches of road I've ever driven - hello, Mr. Bus. <BR> <BR>The second one is not quite as remote, and must be one of the smallest of the Pousadas, the Pousada Vale do Gaio, near Torrão in the Alentejo region east of Lisbon (close enough to Evora but country rather than city.) Also from the 1940s/50s, the main building was built as the house for the chief engineer for the dam/reservoir project now at the foot of the grounds. Very pastoral, with storks and goat bells in the olive and cork groves, very cozy rooms and lounge, outrageously good food with friendly staff (less stiff than the Pousada norm), really nice. <BR> <BR>The historic Pousada in Evora itself is quite grand and pricey - definitely 5 stars, but quite formal feeling.

A couple of years ago, we stayed at the Pousada da Rainha Santa Isabel in Estremoz. It's probably the most historic of all the pousadas, and I gather it is perhaps the most luxurious. (And the dinner we had there was memorable.) The pousada is on the site where Queen Isabel (later canonized as Saint Elizabeth of Portugal) died in 1336. There is quite a colorful history of her husband King Dinis, who built the palace for Isabel. In 1487 at the palace, another Portuguese king gave Vasco da Gama command of the fleet that would take him to India. There's lots more history there. The original palace isn't there, but Queen Isabel died in the chapel next door, and it's still there. We went in late March and, despite what we read about needing a reservation far in advance, were fortunate enough to get a room the very night we called, probably because that's not high tourist season.

Ray, <BR>The pousada in Evora. It's former monastery complete with a a bone-filled chapel. Very interesting place to stay for a night...

Our favorite was in Obidos...had a meal there and met some interesting locals. You can get a brochure with facts about all of them upon request.

I agree that the pousada in Estremoz is fabulous. Have stayed there three times and always felt spoiled. Have only eaten at the pousada in Marvao, but the town is situated within fortifications and has a sweeping view of the surrounding area. The pousada at Monsanto is newish. The setting, however, is awe-inspiring. Most of the town is built of rock and built into rock. Be warned: there are very steep streets to the pousada (but that's not unusual in Portugal) and it can be difficult to see where the pousada is. I walked up to the ruins to see the sunrise, but it was in May so can't vouch for March weather.

Ray, I have traveled all of Portugal <BR>twice and my favorites are these: <BR>Santa Luiza---Viano do Castello <BR>Rainha Isabel--Estromoz <BR>Do Infante---Sagres[what a view] <BR>Forget name--Palmela [forlast nite] <BR> <BR>Marvao is a cool place but the Pousada <BR>is just average. The Evora one was too <BR>expensive for my blood. Obidos is a must <BR>but the Poudsada is very small and hard <BR>to book---an option is Estalagem do <BR>Covento at much lower cost. You will like Portugal---have a ball.

The Do Infante in Sagres is incredible. The view is spectacular. The Sainta Isabela (Estremoz) is great and there is a wonderful little restaurant in the courtyard outside the Pousada. <BR>There was one whose name escapes me in Guimarres (sp?) that was quite beautiful and convenient for Porto. <BR>Two of my favorites were not Pousadas but absolutely amazing. One was Hotel Bussaco which is an old Royal hunting lodge in this beautiful wooded setting. It was built around an old convent and the surrounding land is filled with a wonderful array of trees planted by one of the Monks. <BR>The other was a small Quinta di Santiago outside Sintra. Very charming if your offered dinner be sure to accept it was fantastic. <BR>Be sure to see the ruins at Conimbriga. <BR>Please pardon all of my spelling it was 3 years ago that I went and I don't have the information in front of me. <BR>ENJOY! <BR>If by chance you live in DC I have a great travel agent who is Portugese and made all of the reservations for us and really steered us in the right direction. Ceu Silva (202)638-2203

I have to agree with the above post..the Do Infante in Sangres is absolute. we were there last Oct..very nice weather and we were one of three parties in the entire Posada. The one in Obidos was quite memorable..a castle with a commanding view of the entire countryside. Also, the monestary in Buccaco (stayed there a few years ago) was fabulous, rooms and meals were top notch, and fun to hike about the grounds. Its a bit off the beaten track, as I remember, but worth the trip.

We stayed last year at the Pousada Sao Francisco in Beja which is a former convent. Quite nice. We also visited another one in the same area which is a former fortified castle : Castelo de Alvito. This was very impressive. <BR>Another interesting place (not a Pousada) is the Palacio de Seteais near Sintra. This is an old 18th palace with old furniture. Also very nice although it would require some refurbishment.

Ray We stayed at the Pousada in Evora last year and were very disappointed.We had previously stayed at a number of hotels in Spain, Maderia, and Portugal and felt the while the monastary was historic,interesting and acceptable it was over priced. We had dinner at the Pousada, it was pricey and not particularly good. Bill

I recommend you to check the excellent website of the unique Pousadas (inns) chain: www.pousadas.pt

Wanted to bring this to the top for maybe some more suggestions.