13 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.

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.

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.

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.

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).