8 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.

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.

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. 

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.