28 Best Hotels in Coimbra and Central Portugal, Portugal

A 16th-century palace houses this elegant pousada in the quiet town of Condeixa-a-Nova, ideally situated for visiting the Roman ruins at Conímbriga, 1 km (½ mile) to the south. The hotel has undergone several major refurbishments, and now features an upscale on-site restaurant and a relaxing spa, as well as a large outdoor pool with terrific views and a poolside bar in summer. Guest rooms are spacious and decorated in sunny colors, and have small private terraces overlooking the distant hills.

This five-star property from Portuguese brand MS Collection occupies the restored south wing of the Arouca Monastery, a vast 10th-century complex that still houses a museum and church. Historical details—arched cloisters, stone walls, carved wood—have been carefully preserved and woven into a minimalist-chic design that embraces modern touches like underfloor heating in the bathrooms, and deeply comfortable beds. Landscaped gardens feature a large pool, original water features, and trails spanning out to surrounding hillsides. There’s also a serene spa, elegant restaurant, and cocktail bar, making it the region’s first true luxury stay.

The gardens of this palatial building are part of Portuguese history: it was here where Pedro, son of King Afonso IV, and Inês de Castro, lady in waiting to the royal court, met secretly and fell deeply in love. It was a tragic tale, and they say the garden's ancient fountain runs with her tears. The palace is now a grande dame hotel with a plush velvet reception area, a library and other richly furnished common rooms, and even a small chapel. There's a Turkish bath and sauna, large outdoor and indoor swimming pools, and---rarest of amenities for a city hotel---a golf course. The hotel restaurant, Arcadas, has lovely views over the gardens, and both dinner and lavish breakfasts can be enjoyed al-fresco when weather permits.

A stylish boutique option close to the university, Sapientia impresses with its attention to detail (think: a welcome glass of wine and thoughtful design elements) plus an excellent restaurant with one of the prettiest terraces in the city. Two pairs of architects worked on the project, which transformed three architecturally distinct buildings into one overwhelmingly chic hotel. A rooftop bar with lovely views over the city is another selling point, and it's a terrific place to watch the sunset.

With 29 stylishly appointed rooms, a lovely bar, and a location just steps from the beachfront, this boutique spot represents excellent value for money. Staff at the 24-hour reception are helpful and welcoming, and the buffet breakfasts are a generous spread. Each of the rooms is distinct in design and layout, but the best have balconies with sea views.

At an elevation of 4,231 feet, this granite lodge sits in the heart of the Serra da Estrela, 13 km (8 miles) from the spa town of Manteigas. The views are stunning, stretching all the way to Spain on a clear day. Redesigned from top to bottom, the luxurious guest rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and sunny terraces where you can enjoy your morning cup of coffee.

To absorb Guarda's history, book a room in this beautiful 17th-century mansion just around the corner from the cathedral. Lodgings are comfortable and furnished with flowing draperies and colorful tapestries. Don't worry, you also have TVs and other modern comforts. There's even a small family chapel.

Near some of the city's prettiest parks, this boutique hotel in an elegant town house is a little removed from the hustle and bustle. The guest rooms are small but tastefully decorated, in modern neutral tones. As you linger over the complimentary breakfast buffet, your friendly hosts can help organize activities in the region, including walks in Serra da Estrela and Serra do Caramulo.

Just inside the village walls, Casas do Campanário consists of two apartments---one can accommodate two people, the other six. Rooms have a real homey charm with antiques, low ceilings, and warm color schemes. The owners run the adjacent Bar Campanário, which has one of the most dramatic settings in town—its terrace is located on a giant boulder.

Looking a bit like a lighthouse, this hulking complex topped by a towering turret is a mishmash of architectural styles that were popular in 1945, though the guest rooms are large and airy and have sleek modern furnishings. Some also have terraces overlooking an Olympic-size pool fed by the natural spring. The hotel is adjacent to the renowned Termos de Luso (accessed via a tunnel), with its many therapeutic programs. The on-site restaurant serves a good selection of creatively prepared regional foods.

This striking Art Nouveau building on the banks of the Rio Mondego is a Coimbra landmark, and has been hosting visitors to the city since 1926. If you like your hotels with old-world charm, then this veteran fills the bill. While some of the fixtures and fittings are a little worn, the feeling of stepping back in time helps to compensate, as does the location at the very heart of town. Choose between a river view, or the rooftops of the old town. Two tower suites have the best views of all. 

In an impressive historic building overlooking the main canal, this grand hotel offers slick and comfortable accommodations. You can opt for a city or canal view, the latter punctuated by colorful moliceiro boats. There are some charming features, such as the panel of traditional painted tiles in the breakfast room that date back to 1937, when the hotel first opened. The hotel doesn't accept large group bookings, or children aged six or younger. 

With a pretty pink exterior accentuated by traditional wrought-iron balconies, this charming little guesthouse sits a few blocks from the beach. Rooms are on the small side, but pleasantly decorated with floral fabrics. The well-traveled owners can advise you on activities in the region.

The views of the Zêzere Valley and the mountains beyond are the selling point of the gleaming white Hotel Belsol. Stone terraces lead to swimming pools and landscaped areas. Local businesspeople favor the restaurant for its excellent Portuguese food, including trout fresh from local waters. The guest rooms have wooden furniture and parquet floors that make a nice counterpoint to the contemporary fabrics. The hotel is conveniently located less than 1 km from Belmonte town center on the EN18 road, making it an easy walk or very short drive to the historic village.

Named for the gondola-style boats that glide along Aveiro's waterways, Hotel Moliceiro has boutique charm and a prime location on the banks of the city's main canal, right in the heart of downtown. The elegant exterior hints at the slick Art Nouveau touches inside, and the grandeur of the breakfast room is a fitting space for lavish buffet spreads each morning. Reception staff are friendly and attentive, and guests are able to use hotel bicycles free of charge. 

One of the only lodging choices in the center of Castelo Branco, Hotel Rainha D. Amélia makes sure you don't pass by its unassuming facade by writing its name in big letters down the sidewalk. It offers good-size guest rooms that are pleasant and airy. Public areas—including Varanda Real, a small restaurant with crisp white tablecloths and subtle lighting—are inviting. Because of its proximity to the Serra da Estrela, the Dona Amélia is busiest during the ski season between November and May.

Built right into the town walls and dating to the 16th century, this stone-walled edifice exudes historic charm. The rooms in the older part of the building are the most atmospheric, with high ceilings and towering windows with views of the town. You can also enjoy the hotel's delightful garden with its 18th-century chapel, accessed via a catwalk across the top of the old town gate.

At this working winery, about 18 km (10 miles) southeast of Viseu, you can reserve either modern apartments or antiques-filled rooms in a 19th-century manor house. The historic main building has a stone-clad sitting room outfitted with chandeliers and a fireplace. The friendly owners will happily arrange tastings of the wines produced on-site. This area is famous for its birdlife: partridges, hoopoes, and red kites are just a few of the species you might spot here.

Located in the tiny village of São Lourenço do Bairro, this delightful 18th-century manor—surrounded by vineyards and pine groves— has comfortable guest rooms with wooden floors, period furniture, and modern bathrooms. A couple of rooms have antique iron headboards, and one has a four-poster bed (which is well worth requesting). Guests can make use of the library, game room, and playground.

Set in the old town, this hotel feels right at home with the city's historic buildings and is a short walk to most of the city's attractions. Split between several buildings in the immediate area, the rooms are individually decorated, with a "more is more" approach that embraces rich velvets, ornate light fixtures, and abundant use of golden tones against exposed stone walls. Breakfast is served in-room, and there are some nice welcoming touches like sparkling wine and cakes. There's a small spa and Turkish bath, and some suites even have like their own whirlpool tubs.

Syntony Hotels Paradinha offers 11 contemporary cabins and apartments with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Paiva River. Located in Paradinha village—one of the certified "Aldeias de Portugal" (Villages of Portugal), a network preserving authentic rural communities—the modern retreat contrasts with the traditional schist and slate houses of this tiny mountainside settlement. The buildings range from studios to 2-bedroom stone-and-glass houses, offering nature immersion without sacrificing comfort: each unit has a fully equipped kitchen, firewood for heating, and yoga mats. While most guests come to disconnect, limited Wi-Fi compensates for poor mobile coverage in this remote location. Shared facilities include bicycles for exploring, a barbecue area, and an infinity pool that appears to merge with the river below.

You'll find the pleasant, well-run Veneza Hotel, a classic 1930s Art Deco mansion with a red-tile roof, near the railway station. The building has a lovely sunny yellow-and-white exterior. A fat palm tree sits in front, and you enter through an old wooden door. Inside, the rooms are spacious with tasteful furnishings and well-equipped bathrooms (several rooms are named after European cities and have distinctive color schemes).

This modern hotel on one of the main approaches to the Serra da Estrela is immediately recognizable by its rosy pink facade. The ground-floor O Foural restaurant is popular with locals; service is attentive, and although the menu and prices change daily, the roast kid is always a good bet.