Paço de Calheiros - Turismo de Habitação

This is an isolated grand estate, owned by the same family for centuries, which undoubtedly enchants many people, especially those staying overnight. The Count is very enthusiastic and welcomes people into his home with a very relaxed atmosphere. However, scratch beneath the surface, and there are numerous deficiencies that mean it falls well below the standards reflected on their website and, indeed, many reviews. Firstly, there is no reception until 2pm and even after 2pm people were wandering around for ages trying to find someone to check in. Secondly, the 'spa' is not in service and appears to have been so for a long time. It should be taken off the website. There are no pool towels, and the changing area is not clean. Indeed, the weekly rota for checking the pool's cleanliness was last signed weeks ago. The rooms are very basic and very dark. Not even a kettle was provided. The taps dripped constantly, and broken bulbs had not been replaced. The linen was clean and the beds were comfortable. The common room was dirty and again no kettle was provided. We were not provided with information regarding dinner times, which were inconsistent, and the food was poor, obviously rehashed. Much potential here but, unfortunately, it seems, at the moment at least, to be heading one way.

The location, views and surroundings are spectacular, especially from our room and the pool. Staff are friendly and helpful, as is the owner. The house is beautiful from the outside. We were disappointed with the cleanliness - there were cobwebs all over our room, and a film of dust on furniture. Daily cleaning services were limited to making the bed. Our room was furnished sparsely and, although the bed was comfortable, everything else was rudimentary. There was a kitchenette where the most basic things were missing and with very old or malfunctioning equipment, i.e. microwave and kettle. There's no concierge or reception, so it's unclear how or whom to ask for information or activities mentioned at the time of booking. Equally, a spa is mentioned but apparently not in use. On our last day, the venue hosted a wedding, which took over parts of the estate. Loud music went on well into the early hours, making it impossible to sleep at all. On the whole, a place with potential, but in need of a lot of improvement, and quite disappointing.

Pleasant place to stay although a little tired in places. Bathroom toiletries very poor and difficult to get at the plugs in the bedroom. Food was very basic and simple. Swimming pool was lovely. Would have liked more history of the house and estate.

Pluses Spectacular views all around including Ponte De Lima and the Roman Bridge. Beautiful grounds to explore. The Count was present when we stayed, who was very informative about the history of his family and the local area. Negatives This place was restored about 40 years ago, there is not much evidence of upkeep since. Our room was basic and small, this is not a place of luxury, no fridge or TV. Lack of plug sockets-we had to unplug the bedside lamps to charge our phones. The ceiling lamp had a dead bulb, so the room was quite dark. Cleanliness-the windowsill in the bathroom had a film of dust, complete with dead spider, so not sure the room had been prepared well. The towel rail in the bathroom was loose. The food is basic. We were here for 2 nights and desert on the 2nd night was what was left over from the 1st night. We had breakfast at 9am, however, the large group who ate earlier, had eaten most things including all of the toasting bread. This was not replenished for us or guests after us. Of all the places we stayed at during our walking holiday, this was the most disappointing in terms of expectation and reality.

What a treat to spend a night here on the Camino Português! This lovingly restored manor house sits in the hills above Ponte de Lima. Surrounded by acres of vineyards, orchards, and gardens, it offers a commanding view of the Lima Valley. The friendly Count warmly welcomed our group and gave us a tour of the Calheiros family home. Meals are enjoyed with other guests in the large dining room (there was a group from France the night of our stay). This is not your typical hotel, so be prepared for a unique experience and perhaps a few quirks (wi-fi works best near the office). I am not complaining! Enjoying a glass of Vinho Verde, I was thrilled to be in such a delightful place.

A magnificent country estate enclosed by an ancient wall . It exudes history and tranquility. Many fountains in the gardens with relaxing places to st and relax . A very pleasant swimming pool on the top terrace overlooking the valley. Rooms are full of antique furniture . The count is a wonderful and caring host and makes you feel like a valued visitor to his home .