4-star Hotel / Parador
HCOI1, Coimbra, Portugal
Historic palace with spa and pool in Coimbra
Famous throughout Portugal as the romantic setting of the tragic love story of star-crossed Do?a I?es and Prince Pedro, this monumental, one-time royal, palace has now been renovated and converted into a luxury hotel.
Set in its own grounds with pool area, arboretum (complete with a sequoia planted by Wellington during his stay) and even a small golf course, this truly is an oasis of peace whilst just a stone's throw from the bustling centre of Coimbra.
In the main house the historic rooms suites or deluxe but the modern garden or spa rooms are also delightful and some offer views to the gardens or the tranquillity of the Japanese patio.
The hotel has a spa and three pools, two restaurants and a cosy bar so whilst it is a great base to explore the city and further afield we would advise you leave some time spare to discover the palace itself and soak in the unique atmosphere – you may never want to leave!
NB Use of the sauna, hammam, fitness centre and golf are included
Accommodation
52 rooms including 10 suites, 10 deluxe and 1 room prepared for disabled use.
All rooms have private bathrooms, air-conditioning, safe-deposit, minibar, cable TV Hairdryer, slippers.
Garden rooms offer views to the botanical gardens.
Spa rooms have hydrotherapy bathtubs and views the the woods
Hotel Features
2 outdoor swimming pools (adults and kids)
Spa, fitness room and indoor pool
9 hole golf course and driving range
Extensive grounds with botanical garden, arboretum and historic fountains
Historic palace which guests can visit
On-site parking
Restaurant
2 restaurants on site:
'Pedro & Inés' for buffet breakfast and every-day dining
'Arcadas' for fine dining with a fine selection of Portuguese wines and many products direct from the grounds of the palace.
In warmer months guests can enjoy dining al fresco on the terrace with views to the grounds
There is also a cosy bar in the palace as well as a pool bar in the summer months.
Coimbra, Portugal
Home to Portugal's most ancient, most important and certainly most monumental University which sits at the city's highest point alongside the imposing Romanesque Cathedral with the Jewish Quarter just below, Coimbra, has an immensely rich history which is plain to see.
Originally founded by the Romans, Coimbra was then settled and developed by the Moors before having a stint as the nation's capital in the 12th century. Each era has left its mark but nearly 500 years as Portugal's leading university city is undoubtedly what gives Coimbra its unique character.
Museums galore, a Fado tradition peculiar to the city and walls covered with highly political graffiti are part of the legacy as much as the wonderful buildings, chapels and library of the university itself.
- Visit the University buildings around the Patio das Escolas.
- Sé Velha – the Cathedral, one of Portugal's finest Romanesque churches.
- Take in a fado show – Coimbra style of course.
- Wander around the Jewish Quarter – especially magical by night.
- Sample the local wines from the Dão region.
- Machado do Castro Museum – one of Portugal's leading art galleries built over the Roman Forum with stunning views over the city.
- Science Museum – set in an old monastery, again with stunning views.
- Take a trip to historic Viseu, centre of the Dão wine region.
- Romantic Quinta das Lágrimas, historic palace just over the river from the town centre.
- Visit the Roman ruins at Conímbriga.
