Accommodation in Portugal is of great quality and diversity, with options for all tastes and purchasing power. For those who have been traveling for a long time, the question of booking accommodation in Portugal through the internet may seem basic, but for those who start traveling, this can be a task that raises several questions. Thus, in this post we will clarify some doubts about booking accommodation in Portugal, describe the types of accommodation, and also what you should take into account when choosing and booking accommodation in Portugal.
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How to book accommodation in Portugal
Booking.com is probably the most complete site in terms of accommodation offer, since it brings together all types of accommodation in the same space, thus constituting a great search tool, since it allows you to compare prices and make more informed choices. You have the advantage of being able to choose to book without making any prior payment and being able to manage your reservation online, canceling, adding or removing nights and even changing dates. This will obviously be dependent on the availability of the accommodation.
Accommodation in Portugal, when to choose?
The first question you will ask yourself when traveling to Portugal is whether or not to book accommodation in Portugal in advance. It all depends on the time you have available and what type of trip you are going to take. If you are going to stay in one place for a while, booking in advance is always better, as it ensures a place that, in high season, can be difficult to find. If you are going on a short trip, it is ideal to book accommodation in Portugal, otherwise you will spend a lot of time in the place trying to find accommodation that suits you. In addition, you may have to deal with the fact that it may be crowded.
Choosing accommodation in Portugal is one of the most important tasks when traveling to this country. Travellers often dedicate little time to it, and sometimes do it only at the last minute without having the necessary care. This can be a bad option because booking accommodation in Portugal in advance should be an integral part of your trip, as it can completely transform the idea that you will keep of Portugal as a travel destination.
Accommodation in Portugal, how to choose?
The choice of accommodation in Portugal depends a lot on the time you will be staying at the place and what you will be doing. The first rule is basic: take some time to explore the available options. The memories of the places will necessarily be linked to the place where you will stay, so make an informed decision.
Location
When choosing accommodation in Portugal, one of the most important factors to take into account is location. For example, when visiting a city, you should look for places in the center or close to the train and metro stations, as this will allow you to move around the city on foot, making exploration routes from the hotel, including at night. If you stay in the city center, it is more comfortable and safer to go out for dinner on foot, have a drink or even go to a bar. Of course, the degree of comfort you are looking for, or are willing to do without to the detriment of other factors, will determine much of your choice of accommodation in Portugal.
Reviews
Another of the criteria you should use when choosing accommodation in Portugal is related to the security and internal functioning of the establishment. The main accommodation booking platforms have reviews from other travellers. Read them carefully and see if there are any negative aspects in the accommodation or in the neighborhoods where they are located. Never book an accommodation in Portugal without reading the reviews of other travellers who stayed there. These reviews are generally exempt and stem from customer experiences. These are the most reliable opinions you will find.
Self catering
If you are staying at low-end hotels or hostels in Portugal, another criterion you should use is to make sure that breakfast is included in the room rate, as this saves you some money and, in some cases, you can take some fruit or sandwiches for lunch. Sometimes there are accommodations with very similar rates, but some include breakfast and others do not. This difference is important because a good breakfast is essential and if it is not included in the hotel rate it can incur an extra cost which, depending on the case, can be a little high.
If you are going to choose a hostel in Portugal, also make sure that the accommodation has a kitchen as, although restaurants in Portugal are not, in general, expensive, it is always better to have the option of being able to cook in the hostel’s kitchen, as the price of daily meals can make the price of the trip much more expensive. This option of cooking in the accommodation in Portugal itself also applies when choosing an apartment.
Accommodation in Portugal, what to choose?
There is a wide variety of accommodation to choose from in Portugal. We leave here the different types of accommodation you can find in Portugal.
Hotels in Portugal
Hotels are the most traditional accommodation when we think about looking for accommodation in Portugal. In all of them you can rent a room, single or double, or even a suite, but they vary a lot in quality and price. There are more uniformed hotels, belonging to major international groups, and there are more personalized hotels, many of them located in historic buildings.
An hotel full of charm in the Douro wine region is The Vintage House – Douro.
Hostels in Portugal
Hostels started to appear due to the fact that more and more people are travelling autonomously, with limited economic resources. Thus, the hostel offers everything the traveller needs to save money and see their needs fulfilled, with kitchen, Wi-Fi, common areas for travelers’ contact, bar and baths. In Portugal, the network of youth hostels (“Pousadas da Juventude“) is an option to be taken into account, with great quality and good location. Other cheap accommodation options in Portugal, similar to hostels, but with a more outdated design, are pensions (“pensão“) and old fashioned guest houses (“residencial“).
A great hostel, full of character and history, with great views of Porto, is The House of Sandeman – Hostel & Suites.
Local accommodation in Portugal
Another accommodation option in Portugal is local accommodation, which is divided into three types. You can rent a family home (or house), an option especially suitable for family travel, being more common in the south of Portugal, particularly near the beaches. You can also rent an apartment, another excellent accommodation option in Portugal to take into account, especially if you are traveling as a family. This option allows you to have the privacy you want, and comfort for the whole family. Finally, you can choose a room in an apartment or in a house shared with other people.
A fantastic apartment in the middle of the only portuguese national park is Gerês Village Apartment.
Resorts in Portugal
Resorts are an option of accommodation in Portugal that you should consider if you are looking for the credibility and predictability of international groups. In Portugal there are resorts of medium, high and luxury quality and, usually, are by the sea.
A great resort in the marvellous island of Porto Santo is Vila Baleira Porto Santo.
Rural Tourism
Rural tourism was a designation created to include different accommodation options in Portugal, all in a rural environment.
Residential tourism (“TH – Turismo de Habitação“) is characterized by manors, palatial houses or residences of recognized architectural value, with adequate dimensions, quality furniture and decoration.
A beautiful palatial house in the island of Madeira is Casa Velha do Palheiro.
Rural tourism (“TR – Turismo Rural“, or country houses) are private houses and shelter houses located in rural areas that provide a hosting service, whether or not they are used as their owners’ own housing.
Agrotourism (TA) is characterized by dwelling houses or their accessories integrated in an agricultural holding, characterized by the participation of tourists in works of the holding itself.
Sometimes, the designation of village tourism (“Turismo de aldeia“)is also used, when five or more country houses located in the same village or parish, or in neighboring villages or parishes, are operated in an integrated manner by a single entity.
A wonderful experience in the island of Flores, in Azores, is to stay at Aldeia da Cuada.
Wine Tourism
Wine tourism, that is, tourism related to vineyards and wine production, provides an increasingly popular accommodation option in Portugal, particularly in the main wine regions of Portugal. In addition to knowing the history, culture and traditions of the region, the wine tourist can take part in activities such as wine tasting, guided tours of the facilities and vineyards, thematic meals, grape harvest, grape treading and pruning of the vineyard. If you want to know more about wine production in Portugal, check out our page on Traditional Portuguese Food & Drinks.
A great place to stay, in the heart of Douro wine region is Quinta Das Quintas & Spa.
Thermal tourism
Thermalism, that is, the use of thermal waters for medicinal purposes is an area that has attracted visitors to Portugal since the times of the Roman empire. In many cases, the spa resorts have hotels that allow a stay that combines with the thermal activities and treatments. In Portugal, the hot springs of Chaves, São Pedro do Sul and Vidago are famous.
One of the most luxurious hotels in Portugal is a thermal spa, already famous at the beginning of the 20th century. Check out the Vidago Palace.
Campsites
Camping sites are also an excellent accommodation option in Portugal. They vary widely in location and quality, so you will find different ranges of campsites. In general, the campsites are well equipped and have electricity services, changing rooms, bar, restaurant and even a mini-market. They are a great option during the summer as they are quite economical. However, you have to travel with the necessary material and a Camping License (or equivalent).
Alentejo is a great region to explore and stay at campsites. One of the best is Parque Campismo Porto Côvo.
