Palace Hotel Do Bussaco

I loved the history and the architecture. Totally worth it for the experience of staying in a palace. Duarte checked us in and was wonderful. Wish we had more time to explore the grounds because they have a lot of walking trails.

The rooms need to be updated. Part of its charm is the sense that it¿s historic but the room they gave us was in need of updates for sure. The carpets, the wall paper, the AC and the bathrooms.

Beautiful setting and rooms full of character

The restaurant had a rather limited menu (although the included breakfast was excellent). The building is in need of restoration with cracks in plaster and windows.

The Palace setting, the quietness, availability of hiking trails.

Staff were not so friendly except some exceptions. Manager of restaurant/ bar lovely man. But staff in dining room harried, looked stressed, marginal service, food just ok We were disappointed in dining room. And we were not alone. Fact this is 5 star

Building, culture, food, all good. But ...

WIFI is the problem. There is no WIFI in the room so I have to come to lobby. This is no good traveler that needs WIFI access. If not it's perfect.

This hotel was perfection for us. The staff were exceptional, the food good and the building out of this world with a lovely antique patina and lots of character. Add to this the beautiful walks in the arboretum and it just doesn't get any better.

location &history

It¿s history

Was not a luxary hotel at all, the room was very simple.

What’s not to love? It’s a palace! It’s amazing in every way shape and form. I loved the history lesson upon arrival as well. This place is run truly well. Also… OMG THE HIKING! I wish my legs and body were younger, I wanted to get lost in all the national park glory!

Would have loved a blow dryer in our room and air conditioning might have been really important had we not had a nice cool evening to leave our windows open.

Great staff, location and history. Quiet and in the middle of Nature.

Dinner is not as good as I expected. Too pricey.

check in was simple and easy. Staff was very helpful and professional. Room was large and clean. Breakfast was decent. Dinner at restaurant was top, food was great and service was very good.

You will have the opportunity to stay in a palace that was built for a king. The beds and embroidered linens are very comfortable. If you need to be in a quiet place for isolation, inspiration, relaxation, or to write the next great novel, nobody will bother you there. The architecture is beautiful, with antique furniture inside, intricately ornate columns, and gargoyles in the façade. There are lots of walking space in the garden that surrounds it, and you will find many angles for exterior pictures to reminisce. The surrounding forest provides plenty hiking opportunities.

The property is in sore need of love and care. Common areas, bedrooms and bathrooms are dated. Tiles, carpets and wallpapers look worn out. Interior walls need a coat of paint, and the beautiful exterior of the building is screaming for a restoration job. Don’t expect modern accoutrements such as swimming pool or an exercise room. If you bring electronics, beware that wifi is functional only in the lobby area, barely… You’ll find only two free electric plugs to recharge your phone in the bedroom: one in the bedroom near the floor, and another at 6 ft from the ground in the bathroom, with no safe surface nearby.

Property was gorgeous- and walking around the grounds was very peaceful and enjoyable.

Didn’t like that we weren’t given a heads up about making a dinner reservation, we were traveling and assumed it would be no issue to get into the restaurant. Instead we weren’t able to have dinner. The staff in the bar area were less than friendly and welcoming to us. We both work in hospitality and was disappointed by this service.

Location, style, service, breakfast

terrible plumbing, leaky faucets, bathtub that doesn't close

The building is stunning and it is a piece of history; however I don't think this installation has had any upgrades since its foundation in 1903; or maybe yes, in the 70s, but using the cheapest and most horrendous materials. The building is literally falling apart; the carpet is old, ripped everywhere, dirty, smelly. You had to wait for 15 minute for the hot water to come. the water pressure was a disaster. Any motel 6 would be a luxury compare to Bussaco's rooms; yet, they charge you a 5-stars nightly rate that is absolutely and unquestionably unjustified. Please do NOT stay at this hotel; just go for a visit to see the stunning neo-Manuelian piece of art that it is; don't spend the night there, don't waste your money.

Plastic falling apart shower head; hot water took forever to run, poor water pressure, the paint in windows and doors was peeling, the wallpaper was falling off, the carpet was ruined down, smelly, dirty, bad linen, bad towels, the bar area was the only spot with wifi, the resto of the building did not have anything, the bar area was smelly, poorly kept, let go, not maintained, the hotel was understaffed, staff was not attentive, it is an ABSOLUTE DISASTER.

Staying at this palace hotel was truly an unforgettable experience.This is not just a hotel, it’s a destination on its own. Every moment felt magical, and we left with memories that we will cherish for a long time.The stunning architecture, lavish décor, and exceptional service make every moment unforgettable.Thank you!

It’s impressive building and with perfect location for hiking the forest. Pedro was welcomed us in the reception and was very nice and friendly. Thank you Pedro

The room was small and not comfortable and so is the bed. We had a dinner which was not good, cold and dry steak, even the second one that I had.

The hotel is located in a beautiful forest with amazing views. The architecture and history of the palace earn ten stars. Gardens and trails were spectacular. The room was large and comfortable, but walls are thin so neighbour noises are audible. Breakfast choices were varied with fruits, cheeses, breads and a few hot items. Dinner in the bar was great! Restaurant dinner experience see below.

Although the restaurant setting is out of this world beautiful, the price of the food doesn’t match the quality. Wine list prices seemed to be backward starting at 3200 Euros, with even the lowest priced wine very expensive. Since we aren’t big eaters, we split two dishes (one a 37 euro steak choice); however, the head waiter seemed annoyed with our wishes. Our 7 euro couvert was one piece of bread and a third of a glass of sparking wine! Dining room was understaffed for number of guests. In spite of this, we would stay again.

Beautiful setting surrounded by forest with lots of hiking trails. The restaurant food was excellent.

This is a fairy tale palace in a fairy tale setting. The palace is a romantic stunner with marble staircases, tile murals, arched dining room and formal gardens set inside a forest. The rooms are smallish but spending the night in a palace was magical.Because it's located inside a forest, there were no hordes of tourists and we felt the place was ours.

At first I was put off by the lack of any wifi. However, that feeling soon disappeared once we started exploring the place and the wifi wasn't missed at all.

Spectacular location, stunning architecture - expert service

Breakfast & all dining moments in the spacious room