Carmo's Boutique Hotel - Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Pleasant
Traveller Type: Traveling as Couple
  : The location of the hotel and the view of the tent rooms was very nice. The room itself was comfortable and the spa treatments that we had booked were good. We only could enjoy a dinner on the first night since the cook was sick the second night, but it was good. Nothing spectacular but a solid meal, in particular considering the very reasonable price ( Euro 39/pp). The ladies that are helping at the restaurant are very nice and efficient and make a real effort to make you feel at home. This in stark contrast to the lady at the reception the day we arrived....
  : The lady at the reception put us off. She welcomed us in a very robotic and business-like manner without any warmth. Also, the tour around was brief and quick, ending with the usual "if you have any questions, please let us know " It almost felt if it was an honour to be allowed to stay at this small luxury hotel...! The hotel is located next to a relatively busy road and the noise of the cars is constantly present at the background, at the terrace of the room and on the terrace of the restaurant. Overall, the place begins to look rather stuffy and dusty, and some parts are in need of maintenance. If you pay Euro 400 /night you expect and should get more.

Good
Traveller Type: Traveling as Couple
  : The room was very clean, well equipped, nicely furnished and comfortable. The pool area was a nice place to sit an relax in the late summer sunshine. Lots of chairs, loungers and shaded areas too. Pool and gardens were well maintained. The modern rather brutalist-style building is architecturally interesting and the decor eclectic (but is now looking tired in places). Some people will like it, others not. Plenty of free parking is available.
  : The experience overall was not good enough to be listed in the Small Luxury Hotels directory. Others SLH's we have used have been exceptional. The major problem. The evening catering was very poor, and most certainly did not meet expectations, and blighted our stay. We wonder if Carmo's has a major kitchen/staffing problem, post-pandemic? The food is expensive, had to be chosen by 18.00 each day, and there is no atmosphere in the dining room. On day 1, Thursday, we were contacted to be told the "for logistical reasons" only sandwiches were available in the evening. There was a choice of about 5-6 and when served the quality was very poor (we told staff at time). On evening 2 (Friday) the "logistical problems" continued , with a limited menu of dishes offered. We chose from the light meals menu and had a very expensive, but nice, small dish. On evening 3 (Saturday), unsurprisingly, we ate out. As the hotel, and others, say the decor is eclectic, which is fun. However, some now looks old and shabby. It needs a refresh. As others have said, the hotel is next to a moderately busy country road. The front terrace can be noisy, but elsewhere is OK, but do not expect rural peace. No noise issue in our room (4).

Wonderful
Traveller Type: Traveling as Couple
  : Decent sized room with comfortable bed. Comfortable and welcoming public areas. Very good dinner. Friendly helpful staff. Quirky interior decoration.

Good
Traveller Type: Traveling as Couple
  : comfortable with great food and facilities.
  : Road Noise

Good
Traveller Type: Traveling as Couple
  : The view from the room and its privacy. The simplicity and kindness of the staff.
  : The car park its not big. For the room price payed, I don't understand why to pay and extra for the sauna.

Fair
Traveller Type: Traveling as Couple
  : Nothing in particular.
  : Location on a busy road, which you could hear constantly when dining outside or from the pool.Continuous loud music from neighbouring property.Concrete construction was very gloomy and oppressive.

Very Good
Traveller Type: Family with Young Children
  : The breakfast was great and the overall quality of everything is above average.
  : Although it feels very secluded, it can't get quite noisy during the day due to the proximity to the road. I also did not like the fact that there was no bathroom in the pool area. Extremely expensive for what you get in my opinion, although top quality. It is great, but too expensive for a vacation in the north of Portugal.

Very Good
Traveller Type: Traveling as Couple

Wonderful
Traveller Type: Traveling as Couple

Pleasant
Traveller Type: Traveling as Couple