Pousada de Viana do Castelo – Historic Hotel

I loved this hotel and thought I had gone to heaven. Ask for a room with a view. National Geographic said it was one of the top views in the world. It is a stunner. Good bed, nice linens, beautiful decor, and everything was super clean. The breakfast was amazing. Wonderful hotel!

Probably the most beautiful breakfast spot on earth. All other aspects of the hotel were average/all right. Food was okay (we had dinner and breakfast), rooms were okay, and the lounge and pool were both pretty decent. I do however feel that the rooms could use a makeover since they seem a bit old and outdated. I highly recommend visiting the hotel, but wouldnt stay for more than 1-2 days.

The hotel is beautiful. The room was clean and very comfortable. The price of food and drinks were on the expensive side. There were no snacks or lunch time menu only continental breakfast (which was lovely) and an evening meal menu. I would say the hotel is not lgbt 🏳️‍🌈 friendly due to the nature of its location and clientele. My partner and I definitely got some awful stares and comments, this was NOT down to the hotel though. The staff treated us perfectly however we did book a double room and they put us in a twin room and couldn’t change it due to being fully booked (this is not uncommon for us though unfortunately).

Bait and switch I thought was beneath Pestana Hotels but I reserved a 'Superior Room' and was given a basic 'Classic Room' on arrival.  Ultimately Suzi "upgraded" me to what I had paid for.  Unfortunately this ordeal tarnished my early impressions of the hotel. Otherwise my room was smaller and more plain for a Pestana property, but was comfortable and offered spectacular panoramic views.  Dinner and breakfast was delicious. Staff were extremely attentive.

Friendly staff, amazing views of the city and the ocean, comfortable rooms and nice bar.

Terrific view, fantastic food, great service! My husband and I stayed here for three days in April and everything was terrific. I wouldn’t be put off by the negative reviews, they are from my point of view, completely unfounded. The staff was helpful and very professional and the head waiter in the restaurant was exceptional. Very helpful with suggestions. We were driving, so the free parking was a plus. Although we walked everywhere once we arrived. The location is very unique and the view of the Basilica and the Atlantic are really breathtaking. If you can, ask for a room with a terrace and a view. Well worth it. The pool is very nice, we swam one day, although it was a bit chilly in April. But the view from the pool is also worth going there. It look out over the city and is right next to an ancient ruin. You can walk from the Hotel to the Basilica and then take the stairs down to the town. We did that everyday and even walked up, because the funicular was closed for repairs. Not a bad walk and we are in our late sixties and early seventies. I had originally booked another hotel in town, but changed it when we decided to drive instead of using the train (there were rail strikes in April). So glad I changed hotels to this one. It is extremely unique. One of the most beautiful locations and views I have ever seen in Europe. The crowd is very European, I heard German, French, Spanish as well as Portuguese being spoken and English, but the English speakers tend to be Brits. Even if I weren’t using a car, I would stay here. The location is not that remote, you would need a taxi upon arrival, but you could walk easily to the charming town. We actually were there on April 25, which is a celebration of the Carnation Revolution, and everything was closed in the town, except restaurants. It was actually very delightful, it was a beautiful day and there were bands playing and everyone was out strolling with family and friends. I will come again, and stay here!

The hotel sits at the top of a little mountain and has spectacular views. The service is great. Food is delicious and they serve a wonderful breakfast buffet. I hope to stay here again. You can take a funicular to go into town.

Beautiful, elegant common areas . Very comfy bed and bath. Great breakfast, lots of variety.

Lovely historic rooms and building in amazing location with the old fort and 360 degree views