Throughout Portugal, the business 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 taste of real Portugal, with unique properties offering the best of regional cuisine, then there are other alternative types of accommodation available.

Pousadas de Portugal - a special experience

Originally state owned but now part of the expanding Pestana Group of Hotels, Pousadas de Portugal is a chain of 40 exclusive venues located throughout Portugal. They are divided into four types, Historic, Design, Nature and Charm. Backed by the Pestana Group they are small enough to care about the needs of their guests whilst part of a larger organisation able to provide the appropriate training to maintain high quality standards in all establishments.

Pousadas have established a growing reputation, amongst the 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 business and group market is beginning to realise that the Pousadas offer an alternative to the specialists conference hotel particularly for smaller groups. In many establishments it is possible to provide a greater exclusivity whilst delivering a level of service and regional cuisine that is second to none.,

Solares de Portugal - a touch of magic

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

Photographs courtesy of Images of Portugal

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).

Quality and control, booking and marketing is assured through TURJHAB – the Association for Country Tourism in Manor Houses working in conjunction with its Portuguese counterpart APCER – Associação Potuguesa de Certificação.

Visitors to 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.

Some of the properties offer meeting rooms for small groups as well as a wide range of country outdoor pursuits. Every property provides the best of regional cuisine and wines at the dinner table.