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We stayed one night after a day of exploring beautiful Peneda-Geres. Coming from the Lindoso area, our GPS took us to two different dirt roads as routes to Rio Caldo; one more rugged than the other. Thankfully we had a “real” map and figured out the best way on paved roads. This is one thing to look at before your visit. There were no dining options within walking distance of the hotel at the hour we arrived. The hotel restaurant was open, but a bit too formal for our tastes. A casual lighter meal would have been a nice option in the lounge area. We ordered the ‘Fish meal for Two’ which could feed a family of five. It would have been courteous to mention the size of the meal after we had ordered two salads and a bread basket. The meal was very good, but half was probably thrown away. Hotel is very unique and the surroundings are beautiful. We had a huge room with balcony and separate sitting area. This would be perfect for a family or extended stay. Everything was clean and comfortable. Breakfast was dreadfully basic in a stark cafeteria setting, nothing noteworthy. Parking right outside the hotel is convenient as well as location to cathedral and outdoor activities. This hotel is a good value, has lots of rural charm, but the dining experiences take away some points.

We weren’t wowed by this place, I think an average rating is fair. Check in was fine, the price of the room I think is too much but choice of hotels is more limited in this region. The room was a little dated but the bathroom was better, everything was clean. A minibar fridge with not much in it which is helpful for bringing your own drinks. The bed was two singles put together, but also the sheets and duvets were for single beds put together which is always a bit strange when you’re a couple. Be careful with the room you book, I didn’t pay enough attention. We booked a superior terrace room with view to the dam. The view can’t be seen from the room really, our view was of the back of the kitchen. The terrace is a balcony like section with a short wall and then a road, which is an access route it seems for some guests and staff. I just didn’t feel like there was much privacy in the room with the door open or sitting out on the terrace, I’d have preferred a balcony if I was doing it again. I did check if I could upgrade and unfortunately nothing was available, so my fault but study the rooms carefully. We spent a lot of time listening to next doors TV through the wall, we complained but ultimately its poor sound insulation and even when the guy turned it down a bit we could still listen along to Sky News headlines. The breakfast was quite good, wide selection in the buffet, restocked regularly. The glasses are stupidly small so you get about theee sips out of them and you’re up to refill again, these should be changed. We found the dinner not as good, and very expensive. €4 for a single slice of bread and some olive oil, service was patchy. The ambience isn’t amazing and the guests skew a bit geriatric. The restaurant choice close by is quite small and all really require a drive, but we had a better time elsewhere. The pool is nice, there are numerous areas to sit and admire the very good view. The pousada itself is an interesting venue. Of all the places we visited on our northern Portugal trip we found this hotel the most disappointing - not because there’s anything massively wrong with it but just the little things I’ve mentioned here dragging the experience down. We may have been the wrong clientele, the guests mainly seemed to be older groups and couples who perhaps enjoyed the older style hotel on offer.