Pousada Convento de Arraiolos - Historic Hotel

We ended up in this pousada after we were not able to get accommodation in Evora. Initially we booked for 2 nights but we were so impressed with this property that we stayed an extra day. We used it as a base to tour the surrounding countryside and the medieval towns. Would definitely recommend it and would stay here again.

A most peaceful and beautiful place with a fascinating local town

Quiet, peaceful hotel and location. I would rate it at a four star rather than five. The standard rooms are quite small so it is worth viewing the room first and consider upgrading to the larger room. No entertainment or night life. Hotel is a fantastic old building with a lovely church attached and beautifully preserved ceilings and convent cloisters. It is quite a walk to the nearest village in the heat as it is all uphill. The food was just average and as there were very few guests staying there were not many staff around. It is quite convenient to stay here and visit Evora which is about 11kms away. Stay at this hotel if you want a quiet relaxing break and a very different experience to a chain hotel.

I traveled to Arraiolos to attend the annual festival that celebrates the eponymous tapestries. The festival was amazing and I'm so pleased that I had the opportunity to attend! This Pousada is not in town but set about 1 mile out of town. The location is pretty spectacular with beautiful views, an extraordinary little church and a beautiful kitchen garden on the property. I made my reservations late and the only room left was the smallest. It was small and the bathroom was a litle "creepy" and the view overlooking the parking garage was accessed by a small window that you couldn't open because there was no screen. The service was kindly delivered by various young professionals. A big, delicious plate of fruit was brought to my little room each afternoon which I enjoyed and appreciated. They made arrangements with the tourist office for a private tour of the town. The breakfast buffet was generous. Dinner was expensive and tasty - but service was a very slow, too slow for a person traveling alone. Internet connection was available in common areas only. If I return, I will opt for a nicer, larger room.

We very much enjoyed our stay in the Pousada de Arraiolos. The staff were exceptionally helpful and polite. We ate in the restaurant on our first night which was delicious (although on the expensive side) and the experience was very much enhanced by the knowledgeable staff who were more than happy to answer our questions on Portuguese specialities. The hotel is very calm, has been beautifully restored and redesigned and has a great view onto the castle of Arraiolos. A lovely place to go to relax, be treated well and enjoy the quiet. A good base for visiting the local wineries, Evora and the various megalithic structures.