4-star Hotel / Parador
HNBE2, Viseu, Portugal
Classic hotel on the Aveiro canal
Right on the water beside the main canal in Aveiro, this elegant, classical hotel with its modernist exterior is a fine example of the Art Nouveau architecture which is the trademark of the city of Aveiro.
The hotel's interior is charming, with a perfect balance of old and new, creating a very relaxing atmosphere. The emphasis here is very much on outstanding personal service with great care being taken over every detail.
Here you're in the very best spot of all, at the heart of the historic old town overlooking the main canal where the colourful, gondola-like 'Moliceiros' come and go. An essential part of any visit to Aveiro these boats offer the best way to discover the city's charming canals and waterways – straight from the hotel door!
The lively Mercado do Peixe, with plenty of fine eateries, is just a short walk away as is the Museum of Art Nouveau and all the wonderfully exotic architecture. The nearest beach, Playa de Barra, is ten minutes away by car or local bus and there are plenty more wild, Atlantic beaches within a short drive.
Accommodation
49 bedrooms of which there are 3 suites (with private terrace), 3 superior and 9 deluxe rooms (each with a special theme).
All rooms have en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, telephone, free wi-fi, LCD satellite TV, minibar, hairdryer and tea and coffee service
Hotel Features
Fantastic canal-side location
Bicycles "Bike Moliceiro" – 1st hour free
Late check-out as standard – 1pm
Piano bar with live pianist Friday and Saturday
Room – Service (from 08h00 to 24h00)
Pillow Menu & bathrobes – on request
Restaurant
Buffet breakfast served in the hotel from 07.30 to 11.00
Light snacks and drinks in the piano bar
A welcome drink and tea & coffee service in the room are included.
Plenty of places to eat nearby.
Aveiro, Portugal
Settled since Celtic times, Viseu came to prominence under the Romans, who built a walled city here, the remains of which can still be seen. Its position, central to Medieval Portugal, made it a natural seat of power in those times and it may be the birthplace of Afonso Henriques – the founding father of Portugal.
Nowadays the city is quite genteel and serves as the main centre for the Dão wine region – one of Portugal’s oldest and most important regions.
- The city itself has a lovely Old Town with a magnificent Cathedral, Jewish Quarter, Roman walls and a museum dedicated to the 15th Century painter Grão Vasco (the Great Vasco) whilst at the same time being a wonderful base from which to explore the Centro region. Aveiro and the Atlantic, Lamego, Trancoso and the Sierra da Estrela are all under an hour’s drive away and Coimbra is well within reach for a nice excursion.
- Visit the ancient cathedral (Sé) which dominates the old town of Viseu.
- Grão Vasco museum – next to the Sé – one of Portugal’s finest 15th century artists.
- Wander round the granite-built old town, Jewish Quarter and Roman walls.
- Sample the local Dão wines – among the best in Portugal.
- Take a day out round the historic bodegas on the ‘Rota dos Vinhos do Dão’.
- Especially recommended the bodega Casa Santar and Paco dos Cunhas de Santar.
- Go hiking in the Sierra de Caramulo and visit the Carmulo car museum.
- Head for the Atlantic and visit beautiful Art-Nouveau Aveiro.
- Visit historic Vouzela and take a bike ride down the via verde (50km of reclaimed train line).
- Make a trip to Coimbra – Portugal’s leading University city.
