bailey6325

csandoval - my rental was with unlimited mileage. After I booked it online, one of the first emails I received from them was entitled "Car Hire Quote for [Confirmation #]". Under "What's Included" in that email, it says that unlimited mileage is included. I don't see anything mentioned in the voucher, but I brought the Quote with me along with the voucher just in case I needed it. I didn't have any problems - the clerk at the desk did a very thorough job of explaining to me what's included (unlimited mileage was mentioned).

I went ahead and purchased the insurance buy-out because I didn't want to be responsible for the insurance excess. For our car, I think it cost about $8/day.

bailey6325

csandoval - I think you'll be happy with Pensao Geres as long as you realize that it's budget accommodations. It's nothing like the Marriott. Geres is very clean, safe, and in a very central location. But, keep in mind that the rooms are small, there's no in-room safe, street noise is loud (bring ear plugs!), and there's no air conditioning. I was very happy with our stay at Geres, so don't think I didn't like it. I just don't want you to be disappointed - I want you to know what to expect.

csandoval

Thanks Bailey....I totally understand. I'm traveling low budget anyway, so this is only a place to sleep during our last few days in Portugal, and before we head to Amsterdam.


Thanks again for your recommendations, looking forward for some pottery shopping. Last time I was in Portugal and Spain (last year), my wife and I ended up buying "azulejos" for our backsplash....boy we ended up carrying ourselves in our backpacks, as the shipping was going to cost us an arm and leg.

Thanks again!

C

bailey6325

Good, then it sounds like Geres is a good match.

It sounds like you're a bit like me when it comes to pottery. I would LOVE to have azulejos for my backsplash. I can't believe you carried them home with you! I'll have to tell my husband - he thinks we carried a lot of pottery home!

Good luck with your travel plans and let me know if you have any more questions.

Jen

lmernal

Jen,
I don't know if you're still following this thread, but if you are, where did you pick up your rental car- in Lisbon proper, or at the airport? We will be following in your steps from Lisbon to Salema.
Thanks,
Leslie

lobo_mau

I was not asked, but I vote airport.

henryandcasper

i was not asked either but I also vote airport.

lmernal

Thank you. Any and all votes will be welcomed. Does this mean I have to drive back through the city to head to Salema? That was my only real concern,

lobo_mau

Wrong!!! picking to the airport means you don't need to drive through the city. From the airport it's a quick drive to Vasco da Gama bridge, and from there it's straight ahead to the Algarve.
You may choose a short drive or a long drive. Short means motorway all the way and within 3 hours we are in the Algarve. Long drive is more scenic and interesting, but you need a full day. Tell us your preferences

lmernal

Airport is is, then! I think we will choose the motorway so we don't have to spend the whole day on the road. We will leave sometime on the morning of 12 October. But, we can settle driving details when the time is closer. Even I am not quite that obsessive!

bailey6325

Sorry it's taken me so long to reply, but I did as Lobo suggests. Picking up at the airport went very smoothly and the rental agents were very helpful in giving us very good directions to the Algarve.

csandoval

Hi Bailey and everyone else,

My wife and I just got back from our vacation, and we had a great time in Portugal. We ended up picking up a rental car from Budget. Good thing I made a reservation ahead of time, because every rental company was sold out on rental cars and were only holding cars for people who had reservations. Unfortunately, my experience with the rental car staff wasn't as great as yours, but overall renting a car was a fantastic decision, we covered so much ground and we change our itinerary as we pleased. With the only exception of Lisbon for our last two days, we never had reservations anywhere else. The most that we've paid for a room was 25 euros in Nazare, and the most the paid was 75 euros in Sintra. We mostly stayed in rooms at family houses, B&Bs. It was hot hot hot, and after reaching Porto we ended up driving thru the center of Portugal thru the mountains and escaping from the forest fires. Had a fantastic time while in Portugal and ....yes we brought tons of pottery from Sao Pedro Do Corval and never had a problem with getting a room during high season. As a matter of fact we were under budget, and still have money left to do another trip.

Thanks again to everyone!

bailey6325

csandoval - I just noticed your post, glad you had a great trip!

peppermintpatti

Hi Bailey, First of all, selfishly bookmarking this report, because it is so well done, and we are using it extensively! Also, have a question about the Estalagem de Convento in Obidos. It gets some pretty rough reviews on tripadvisor, but I see from your report, that you quite enjoyed it. Anything we should be hesitant about in choosing it? Thanks again for all the work put into your report--so helpful to other travellers! pp

bailey6325

Hi Peppermint!

I just took the time to read some of the tripadvisor reports about the Convent and our experience was very different than the recent reviews. I thoroughly enjoyed the ambience of the hotel, including our room, our beautifully tiled bathroom, lobby, and the area surrounding the hotel (there was a very cute cafe just across the small, cobblestone street). The hotel is also in a very convenient location, right next to the town wall and within walking distance of everything. We didn't have any problems with the staff, but we only came in contact with them for checking in and checking out. The only thing that I agree with from some of the reviews is that our bathroom did have a sewer-like smell towards the end of our stay. If our stay was longer, I would have said something to the staff about it. It's a hotel (I use the term loosely) with loads of character and charm, but I don't think it's right for travelers looking for the comforts that a Marriott offers.

So, I can only tell you about our experience with the Convent. The other reviews are a bit alarming and I wouldn't want you to stay there just based on my review and end up not enjoying your stay. If you do choose to stay there, I'd like to hear about your experience.

peppermintpatti

Thank you Bailey! I am embarrassed to say how far away our trip is! I like to think and dream ahead. After we actually make our trip I will definately let you know how we like it! What size room did you stay in? pp

bailey6325

PP: We stayed in a double room. Good luck - You'll have a wonderful time in Portugal and I look forward to hearing about your trip.

bailey6325

topping

bailey6325

topping for Dukey

peppermintpatti

Hi Bailey, Just wanted to let you know that we did indeed enjoy the Estalagem do Convento! We had no problems with the bath, and the family really liked it there. Also, thanks so much for passing on the tip about the pottery stop between Alcobacha, and Batalha. I brought an extra suitcase--good thing--for souveniers, and wish I could have bought even more! The owner is such a great guy! He got out all his supplies, and gave us a demonstration on pottery making, which was one of the highlights of out trip. He told us it was his "joy to share his job with us" I will try to post a trip report! Thanks again for your report, and all your tips! pp