Valverde Santar Hotel & SPA - Relais & Châteaux

Nice hotel, beautiful and comfortable rooms with a lot of potencial but service could be improved. Only one person serving breakfast and lunch. Pool water was really cold but they told us it was heated. In the SPA it was the same, room temperature was good but pool was cold so couldn’t enjoy it.

We booked last minute and the only negative was that we were told that we couldn’t park in the secure car park within the hotel gates, which was empty except for one car when we arrived. We were told it was reserved for electric vehicles and disabled clients only despite the fact that there was one marked disabled space and one charging point and at least three further spaces. We were asked to park in the village car park outside the gate! Once we explained that we had a convertible, classic car and had chosen the hotel for its advertised, secure, on-site parking we were permitted into the gated parking area. A disappointing start for a Relais &Chateaux establishment. However, once that was sorted we were then treated with the utmost professionalism and kindness. We were given a superb room in one of the outbuildings which was beautifully designed, very spacious and so quiet. We were shown around the main hotel which was a lovely Manor House, beautifully restored. The whole place is set in a sleepy village in green, rolling countryside with very little traffic. A peaceful, lush and restful setting with nothing to disturb except birdsong and the church clock chiming. The pool area is gorgeous, quite exceptional. The staff bought drinks and provided towels. It was a Sunday so the restaurant was closed but we were still given a beautiful evening meal served in the library although others chose to dine on the balcony or terrace. Despite the car park issue, I would return here if we ever found ourselves in this lovely part of Portugal again. I would just call first to confirm space in the gated car park. The staff, rooms, pool and grounds are all exceptional.

From the moment I arrived, the staff went above and beyond to make me feel welcome, offering warm hospitality and impeccable service. The room was beautifully designed and equipped with every amenity I could need. The nighttime snack was a great detail. The hotel's facilities were top-notch, from the relaxing spa to the well-maintained pool area. Every detail was carefully thought out to provide guests with the ultimate comfort and luxury.

The Hotel is tucked away in a remote corner of Portugal and it was enjoyable to drive and to find the place. Very nice and elegant facilities, friendly staff, and interesting interiors and ambience. So quiet and refreshing, enjoyed strolling through the village, swimming, spending quiet hours reading. Recommend this place to everyone wishing for a quiet and elegant place to rest. historical building makes it even more wonderful.