Reviews of Pousada Convento de Arraiolos – Historic Hotel

Had a wonderful stay at the Convento de Arraiolos, even if a slightly eventful. Arriving late at night, we found the reception empty and had to wander though the hotel grounds - which are not small - searching for someone to talk to. Eventually we found the restaurant and a member of staff sent word to the receptionist. I couldn't help but wonder if we weren't interrupting the young lady's dinnertime... She was very apologetic for the absence, and even told us to use the internal pool and sauna, even though it was already well beyond operating hours. Both pools are excellent, and the sauna soothing after a very long day. The bed was super comfortable and breakfast quite good - don't miss the local cheeses and bread! Even though the hotel seemed to be running quite short staffed - which may account for the fact we found uncollected trash in the bathroom bin - the staff were impeccable and highly professional. Moreover, the tennis court is in a state of disarray, the pavement sure looks in need of a makeover. All in all definitely recommended for a wonderful stay and relaxation, just some management decisions seem baffling, at a place run by a brand of such reputation as the Pestana group.

Staff was very kind and useful. Breakfast buffet was very good. The only negative point were the mattresses (way too hard) and pillows (way too soft) that were very uncomfortable.

The hotel was good but a bit not in a best conditions. Some of small things might be better (cleaning swimming pool, some small fixes doors, floor etc). But overall experience is good!

The location is very good, very peaceful to rest and recharge your batteries. The inn is a historic place, a very old building but well adapted to receive guests. As for breakfast, there was little variety, fruit from previous days was not replaced and the same went for the food that ran out!!! They must improve this aspect!

Fantastic views. Fantastic indoor and outdoor pool. General maintenance in poor condition. Common parts without much cleaning. Basic breakfast with poor quality products.

A hotel reused in an old monastery, a special experience. The surrounding natural environment is very good, and it feels great to walk to the town of Arraiolos! A group of our friends checked in, and there was only one staff member at the counter. They handled the check-in patiently and the service was good!

In November 2025 I booked a stay 1-3 February 2026 On 7 January 2026 I was told that the hotel would be closed for "seasonal maintenance" from 11 January to 11 February 2026. A month's closure for maintenance is something that should have been known much earlier.

We loved this place from the moment we arrived. It’s a lovely building in lovely grounds. We had a classic room, no balcony but we loved it from the minute we opened the door. A small entrance area, a couple of comfy chairs with a table overlooking the fab view outside and a separate sleeping area. A huge tv which came in handy when the weather was bad. The hotel also has several lounges and seating areas to hang out in, inside and out. Staff were friendly, helpful and efficient. Breakfast was the only sore point. For a handful of people, it veered from an enormous buffet including hot options the first day to whatever they decided to bring to your table the next day. There was nothing left out aside from drinks, jam and butter. No cereals, breads, milk or any hot options and we weren’t given any choices at all so sent back cheese and pastries we didn’t want. We were given pre cut fruit we may not have wanted either. There has a to be a happy medium to save food waste, like simply providing guests with some options and providing what they prefer, as happens elsewhere. The pousada has great views of the surrounding countryside, the village and the castle with several places to eat in the village. Highly recommended with a top score downgraded over the silly breakfast arrangements.

Generally we were somewhat disappointed with this Pousada. On arrival, the receptionist was very severe and unwelcoming which was not a good start. Some might call the Pousada simple but I would call it basic. Sparse furnishings and in fact our bed was very hard indeed….very uncomfortable. I asked receptionist if we could have a topper on the bed and she said she would “see” which was not very reassuring. However they did put a topper on the bed and it made a significant difference for which I was grateful. The room was cleaned to a good standard each day. The breakfast was fairly good as well. However the dinner menu was very limited (1 or 2 starters, 3 main courses and 2 deserts, one of which was ice cream) and we were advised that the menu was the same every day. You can imagine how disappointed we were to be told that the main course we chose had run out…there were only 8 diners in the restaurant!

A fabulous hotel - one of the most beautiful, comfortable and peaceful we have ever stayed in. It offers a wonderful blend of stylish modern interiors, an elegant historic building and a calm and picturesque rural setting.

We hosted a family wedding at this Pousada. We were looked after very well by the reception and restaurant staff. Our guests praised the tranquil setting and historic character of the venue. The village also offers a couple of restaurants and is walkable if you fancy a change. Our wedding meal including traditional duck with rice was first class and the wines were highly rated by our thirsty guests. The bedrooms are large and airy and can be kept cool with the heavy shutters. Well done to all the staff.

A labyrinth of adventure and possibilities included in a magical place. The former male convent has an absolutely beautiful chapel. The view outside from the terrace looks upon agricultural terrain to fortresses castle to a small whitewashed village.

Very good location with a phenomenal view and framing where we can see a 360º view with a view of the castle. Excellent for resting, relaxing, great conditions of the hotel. In terms of 5-star service. The staff always very attentive, professional, available, and very friendly. Being a historic inn, it has many corners and very beautiful areas such as a church, large rooms, cloister with fountain, swimming pool is very generous, pet friendlly, etc.

Very peaceful place. The renovation of this convent is simply Amazing ! Each detail so nice. Amazing breakfast. Inside and outside swimming pool, sauna, just for the 2 if us at that time of the year. Very sympathetic employees. Just Magic. I highly recommend.