Experience the real Portugal

Throughout Portugal, the individual and group traveller will find world class hotels with fine facilities and excellent cuisine. But five star accommodation is not necessarily defined by the number of boxes that can be ticked. For those who like the thought of five star living that provides a real taste of real Portugal, with unique properties offering the best of regional cuisine, then there are other alternative types of accommodation available.

The Pousadas de Portugal were originally state owned and run but are now operated, by the Pestana Group of Hotels, as a chain of 40 exclusive venues located throughout Portugal. They are divided into four types, Historic, Design, Nature and Charm. With the backing of the Pestana Group they remain small enough to care about the needs of their guests whilst being able to provide the appropriate training necessary to maintain high quality standards in every property.

Pousadas are establishing a growing reputation, amongst tourist visitors, for providing excellent accommodation fitted out to a high standard but in keeping to the traditions of the buildings in which they are housed. The discerning traveller is beginning to realise that the Pousadas offer an alternative to the conventional hotel delivering an unrivalled level of service and superb regional cuisine.

Solares de Portugal is a unique concept that was originally set up to preserve the rich legacy of Portuguese architectural and cultural heritage.

Solares are not hotels or guesthouses; they are privately owned elegant manor houses and country estates (Casas Antigas), agricultural farms and estates (Quintas e Herdades) and rustic farmhouses in simple architectural style using regional material (Casas Rústicas).

Visitors to a Solares are treated as guests of the owners and are greeted, made welcome and encouraged to tap in to the wealth and local knowledge available from their hosts. This includes tucking into some of the best regional cuisine and wines at the dinner table with your host family.