Review: Pousada Mosteiro de Guimarães, Small Luxury Hotels

After two nights at the Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa and a day of sightseeing in the Douro Valley, I decided to stop at the Pousada Mosteiro de Guimarães, located 2 kilometres from the historic center of Guimarães.

Guimarães is a city rooted in the identity of the Portuguese nationality. It has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Pousada Mosteiro de Guimarães is located in the Augustinian Convent dating back to the 12th century. It is part of the group, Pousadas of Portugal.

What stands out upon arrival is the architectural richness of this World of Hyatt member hotel.

The hotel’s reception was beautifully lit at the time of my recording near the day’s end.

A large chandelier hung above the reception area with couches located below.

To reach my assigned room, I passed through several large reception rooms. We were immersed in Portugal’s history and that’s what made this hotel so charming.

We were in a former convent: making rooms appear rather stark at first sight.

Being with a friend, we chose a room with 2 single beds, which limits the possibilities of upgrading.

The two four-poster beds were quite comfortable. However, don’t expect to work at the desk under the TV: the work surface is far too high (or the chairs too low). And the room’s dull lighting of the room doesn’t inspire one to hang around.

The bathroom had all the modern conveniences with a bathtub shower, bidet, and toilet.

The hotel’s restaurant is located in a beautiful historic room.

This room is only used for dinner. Breakfast takes place in another room, which is just as imposing as the dining room.

Note the bar (we were offered a cocktail upon arrival) in the main living room of the hotel. A room that must be very pleasant in winter, near a good fire.

The hotel also offers several terraces such as this one with a solid fountain, allowing you to relax while enjoying the landscape.

The hotel offers a buffet breakfast with many Portuguese specialties.

The options encompass the full range of breakfast foods, from sweet to savoury. All topped off by beautiful porcelain.

The hotel offers several indoor/outdoor gardens and a rose garden.

If you’re visiting with your children, there is a small playground.

Finally, the hotel also has a swimming pool. This one was closed when I came.

I found that it didn’t fit in well with the general architecture of the hotel. I would have liked to see more of a stone pool rather than slabs like these.

I have added a photo from the hotel to give you a better idea of the area when it is open.

During your stay at Pousada Mosteiro de Guimarães, don’t forget to explore the city and its castle.

We enjoyed an excellent dinner in the main square and took in the local springtime atmosphere.

The Pousada Mosteiro de Guimarães is great for those who want to get away from the big hotel chains while still enjoying some comfort.

A feeling of calmness came over us when we entered this establishment and walked through its gardens. It is not equipped with the latest technology, but the value for money is excellent.

This hotel made me want to discover others that are members of the Small Luxury Hotels brand of World of Hyatt.