Estalagem do Vale

Great stay and amazing views

Pros: Although we didn’t have time to use them the mini golf, snooker, table tennis and pool were nice to have. The lady who checked us in on reception was lovely, and enjoyed the friendly cat that lives at the hotel. Breakfast was nice too.

Cons: The bathroom had a bad smell which let it down and you needed to drive into the town as it was a bit far/uphill to the hotel

Pros: I had a wonderful stay at this hotel. The staff was very friendly and helpful, the room was clean and comfortable, and the location was perfect. Breakfast was delicious with plenty of options. I would definitely recommend this place and hope to come back again.

Peaceful, relaxing stay - a great base from to explore the North of the island

Pros: We really enjoyed having a base in the North of the island from which to explore. The staff were super friendly The rooms were cosy and our balcony a bonus The view from the pool is great Great supermarket just down the road for stocking up

Cons: The beds are a little too firm for us

Pros: We only spent 1 night here because our flight home was cancelled. The bed was comfortable, the room was clean, and it was good that there was air conditioning. The breakfast was delicious and plentiful.

Cons: Unfortunately, I was injured previously and had to use crutches to get around, which was very difficult for me here at the hotel. There is an elevator, but it is a relatively steep ‘slope’ to get there and to the rooms. If someone uses a wheelchair, it is not a problem, but with crutches it can be a problem.

Excellent stay with local flavours

Pros: Very nice staff, great breakfast with fresh fruits, eggs, testy cakes and coffee, we loved the pool - even during big rains, since the pool is covered and therefore greater for any time swimming, sauna was useful in cold weather. The location is also very nice giving a local climate.

Cons: Limited parking, a bit dark in the room if you are on level 1 from the garden dive, but this is not a problem if you are out most of the time or enjoying hotel facilities.

A Little Gem In A Beautiful Setting!

Pros: Located in a lovely area, close to the sea and the mountains, ideal for walkers. Rooms & communal areas are very comfortable & clean. Great amenities, ie pool, gym, sauna, gardens, etc. Their masseur provides a great service - this is in the gym, not a dedicated spa area. Lovely staff who couldn't have been nicer or more helpful.We plan on returning!

Cons: The evening meal options were very limited & the quality was variable - when it was good, it was great, but at other times, it wasn't so great. Staffing levels were pitifully low. The poor bar man (who was great, BTW) was running around waiting & clearing tables, etc while tending the bar! The hotel was fully booked with the majority looking to book tables and use the bar all within a 3 hr time frame. We've no idea how he managed it, but somehow he did! We felt bad for the poor guy who somehow managed to maintain a cheerful demeanour while this was going on!

Very clean and comfortable stay in a beautiful location

Pros: Staff were really helpful and gave us plenty of info and advice about where to explore in the North of the island.

The hotel is decent but it has some drawbacks

Pros: The hotel is on a hill in the beautiful valley of Sao Vicente. Our room had a view of the magnificent mountains and the sea and it was amazing. The hotel and the room are pretty, the room has a small fridge, nice bathroom, and my favourite part was a balcony. The staff is welcoming and friendly. The breakfast has a good choice of food, even though it doesn’t change much from day to day.

Cons: Unfortunately we didn’t find the beds comfortable. I have bad back and my husband doesn’t but both of us had back pain after sleeping in it. The mattresses are just way too hard. Also, when we booked a room it had twin beds, which were two single beds put together. After sleeping in them for one night we realised we had made a mistake and asked if we can have a double bed. We were told it would be an extra cost. It turned out they put an extra mattress protector on the twin beds which sort of held them together but they still were moving one from the other and we could feel the space between the beds. It was still not a comfortable arrangement and they charged us 20 EUR per night for this. Not sure why charge per night when all you did is put a thin mattress protector once? We feel that the property, being a 4 star hotel, should invest in more comfortable beds. There were other things in the room which felt dated/uncomfortable, such as a wardrobe with heavy doors with no handles, or absence of proper blanket with a duvet, you have to cover with a bed sheet and a separate rough blanket. The hotel also felt understaffed when on one night we spent 2 hours on dinner in the bar waiting for food for long periods of time. The food is good and the people who work there go out of their way to do their job but clearly when the hotel is full it has to have more people in the kitchen.

A pleasant stay

Pros: Apparently this has been a tourist destination for many years but the old building has been modernised inside. At least our room, the dining area and the reception area were modern. We didn't use the lift because stairs led directly to our room. The man in charge of the breakfast rates special mention. He was very helpful both at breakfast and helped find other staff when we were leaving. There was a gentle grey cat who supervised the car park. The accommodation was signposted from the town. You drive up into the hills then at the T-junction there was nothing so we asked at the cafe. You turn left at the junction and the right turn for the hotel is shown soon after.

Cons: The weather wasn't always kind and a large puddle formed in the car park although it soon disappeared. Parking space was a bit cramped. It didn't bother us but latecomers had to be creative. I guess parking wasn't a problem in historic times!

A very nice hotel, in a very lovely house with a great garden.

Pros: A very nice hotel, in a very lovely house with a great garden. Perfect if you want to explore the trails in the area or just to relax. The pool is nice, the breakfast great and the staff friendly. Having a car is recommended. Thus it is manageable without a car.