Pousada Convento Évora

The most charming hotel I had the pleasure to visit in Portugal, this is a gem. ||What they have done to the place is keep all the good parts from the convent architecture & historical features, and then modernise exactly what you might wish to be modern. What a success. ||The restaurant at the cloister has a unique atmosphere, completed with an excellent choice of Portuguese cuisine dishes.||Ideal location right in front of the superb ruins of the ancient Roman Temple of Diana (view from my room), plus a few minutes walk from the historical centre, including the famous Chapel of Bones (absolutely not to be missed). ||Last but not least, the staff could not have been more professional -- they did everything possible to create a relaxing and friendly experience.

An excellent Pousada situated in the centre of Evora. Reception team and all the other employees were highly professional. Many of the hotel buildings are hundreds of years old and if you have time, it is interesting to explore the public areas of the rambling campus. Our bedroom was in a “cell” of the old monastery or convent (?). Furniture and decorations were a bit out of date and faded and there was not a straight wall in the place but this is not a bland, corporate, chain hotel!! On the other hand our bedroom window looked over a Roman temple of Diana.||For those concerned about star ratings this is a three star rather than a four star. However, it is highly recommended and we would stay again if in the area.

This pousada (Portugal’s equivalent of Spain’s parador) was once a convent with rooms ranging from spacious to cells. We got a cell — so small that there was no room to open our suitcases except on the beds. One might hope that the management would make up for the small size with quality decor or amenities, but in fact the aged carpet had a two-foot-square stain right inside the door and the closet doors were enclosed by tattered curtains. The large bathroom was adequate if austere (showers in claw-foot tubs are always a challenge). The included breakfast was good if not as plentiful as we had at other hotels and paradores.

The hotel is living off its past. |It needs to be revamped updated and new facilities put in especially for the premium rate that is being charged.|We stayed in room 119, a corner room. It was shabby, the paint was in poor repair. The windows were dirty. The lamps were of poor quality and the lampshades were old and torn.|The aircon unit did not run correctly and I presume the filters have never been changed since it was installed. |The bed sheets and cover were damp to the touch.|In order to stay warm the aircon had to run overnight however the noise made it difficult to sleep. ||The bathroom was not of today’s standards. ||The shower was in the bath which did not have easy access and the taps were broken, the water could not be controlled correctly and there was a shower curtain!|I would consider the shower and bath to be a danger to anybody with any disability or movement disorder.|The corridors had old tacky carpets and old used furnishings.|Dinner was only OK but to charge a premium was not acceptable.|Breakfast offering was very poor:|Scrambled egg, spicy sausage and beans. Some basic ham/turkey and cold cheeses also.|Certainly not in keeping with the cost of overnight charges.|The staff were very polite but they are trying to “ make a silk purse out of a sows ear”|Everything in the hotel was tired old used dated and needs revamping.|We would never stay here again or recommend others to stay in this hotel.

Lovely location in the historic centre. Rooms show wear and tear with stained carpets and minibars with moldy contents. Breakfast is comprehensive and delicious. Staff are helpful. Access to private parking is through a narrow maze of historic roads - street parking may be an easier option.

Excellent service in an historic monastery dating from 1348. The food was very nice in the restaurant and quieter than the bustling restaurants in the old town. Our room was a suite with plenty of space with old style furnishing and bathroom.

Service:|Front desk staff was extremely friendly and cheerful. Same goes to the food & beverage guest facing staff. We were treated well throughout the hotel with no gaps in service or attention.||Breakfast selection was fresh and having the opportunity to try traditional “convent cakes” is a real treat.||The lobby bar is very quiet but it’s a good place to come for an afternoon snack (sandwiches, toast with butter, potato chips/crisps).||Facilities:|Wanted to use the outdoor pool but the weather was too cold to go swimming. No fault of the hotel.|- does not have an elevator, not good for elderly guests.|- parking is limited, call in advance to get a spot or drive around the city to find an empty spot like we did.|- driving to the hotel is tricky as the location is in the historic city center with very steel and narrow roads. |- free WiFi and good connectivity throughout.||Hygeine (overall):|Although the convent is centuries old we find the common areas very clean and full of sunlight. Only area we find to be dark are the interior corridors towards to swimming pool and another set of hotel rooms. Antique furniture and the display of azuleju and tapestries were very well done and well preserved.||Rooms:|We stayed on the 2nd floor and had a nice view to the Cathedral. The rooms were clean and very basic. Loved the hotel using local Portuguese brand Castelbel for shampoo/soap and the body lotion. |- does not have hot water kettle (some hotels you need to call to have it delivered to the room, we did not do that this time)|- acoustics are quite powerful especially the noise from the corridor to the room. |- need to confirm a breakfast time slot the evening before. ||All in all, our stay was pleasant and I had one of the best sleeps. It was so close to major landmarks and will certainly come back to stay.

Beautiful historic charming hotel and fantastic location; right in the middle of the historic centre. The staff were incredibly friendly and polite. Very peaceful environment and also very clean. Loved staying at this hotel and definitely will stay there again in the future !