5 Best Hotels in Coimbra and Central Portugal, Portugal

The approach down a tree-lined drive to this magnificent four-story Art Nouveau hotel is like the beginning of an old movie; in fact, parts of The Buster Keaton Story were filmed here. The centerpiece of 15 acres of gardens, vineyards, and orchards all supply the kitchen. The marble-floored reception area transports you to the 1920s; corridors with names such as Avenue of the Roses lead to large guest rooms. Relaxing in the indoor pool, wandering in the aviary or the park, taking the children to the petting farm, and dining on outstanding Portuguese fare at Belle Époque, are just some of the activities here.

Opened in 2023, Aveiro's first five-star hotel occupies a beautifully restored 18th-century palace that was once the family home of esteemed Portuguese writer Eça de Queiroz. Sitting just back from the busy center, it blends historic grandeur with sleek contemporary design; polished parquet floors and luxurious textiles complement the building's elegant neoclassical architecture. A literary theme runs throughout—rooms are named after characters in Queroz's books, and a cozy library doubles as a meeting room. The excellent spa includes an innovative pool design with an exterior pool positioned directly above the heated indoor pool. The courtyard features a striking mural portrait of Queiroz by superstar Portuguese street artist Vhils, and the fine dining restaurant on site is another major selling point. The helpful staff can arrange canal tours with knowledgeable local guides.

Designed as a royal hunting lodge and set in a 250-acre forest, this bizarrely ornate hotel is an architectural hodgepodge with elements that run the gamut from neo-Gothic to early Walt Disney. There's an elevator, but who can resist walking up the grand, red-carpeted stairway, its walls lined with azulejo panels, and past the suit of armor? Guest rooms are large, high-ceilinged, and luxuriously furnished with antiques. It's worth the steep price at the Mesa Real ("Royal Table") restaurant just to sit at a finely laid table and take in the carved-wood ceiling, inlaid hardwood floors, and Manueline windows. An elegantly prepared leitão (suckling pig) perfectly complements the renowned Buçaco wines stored in the hotel's immense cellars.

On the slopes of the Serra da Esperança, this sumptuous stone-clad pousada occupies a restored Franciscan monastery founded in 1563 by a descendant of Pedro Álvares Cabral, the first European to reach Brazil. The blend of ancient and modern has been accomplished with finesse. Rooms are well equipped, handsome, and have balconies with views of the surrounding hills. The outdoor pool also has stunning views, and there's a small poolside bar serving drinks and snacks. The interior cloisters are a delight. The restaurant here is widely renowned as the best in town, with a seasonal menu and regional variations such as stuffed partridge with wild mushrooms.

Part of the Pestana hotel group's string of pousadas (hotels and guesthouses in notable historic buildings), this handsome neoclassical building dates back to 1793 when it served as the town's hospital. The large, tastefully decorated rooms retain rich architectural details like high ceilings and huge windows. Suites have spacious living areas and huge bathrooms. There's a large outdoor pool, small but well-equipped gym and indoor pool, a small spa, and a stylish internal courtyard with a trendy cocktail bar.