We chose this pousada to finish our tour of Portugal, as we wanted to find a peaceful location. This is definitely it. To a foreign eye it looks like it is situated right in the middle of nowhere, next to a dam which provided a nice view.Actually, for us it was a relief to be in such a quiet location, but this is definitely not a place for people who need noise and activities all day long.

The reception is situated at ground level, restaurant and lounges on first floor and guest rooms on second. There is also a pool area on a lower level, within a small garden overlooking the dam. We spent several pleasant hours there, as it is a rather secluded and very sunny, perfect for relaxation.

We had a room with a nice view and nice fittings. It was smaller than the one in the Pousada do Infante, but also spotlessly clean and tastily furnished.

The lounges and bar are quite pleasant, with furnishing in pale green and pink in the main lounge and pastel colours in the bar. There is also a very large terrace, where guests can sit and have breakfast or a drink, but the terrace should be equipped with better outdoor furniture, as it looks a bit neglected.

Breakfast was OK, but dinner unfortunately not so much. This is the only negative remark I have. Since the pousada is very isolated, guests are almost forced to have dinner there, unless they want to drive quite a long way. Consequently I would have expected an interesting menu. Unfortunately it is very limited menu of and everything is overpriced, not only to Portuguese levels, but even to European.

For instance, the first night we were charged 12 Euro for the “cheese, fruit and dessert buffet selection”, even if I had just a choice of dessert and fruit salad and did not even touch the cheese. They also have the bad habit to serve olives, bread and a small appetizer to guests for 3,5 Euro. I do not mind to eat olives or an appetizer every now and then, but I object to be charged for it even when I do not want it.

This seems a scheme to add with minimum effort a nice 3,5 Euro for each person consuming dinner. There were only two waiters serving and staff seemed to be down to a bare minimum, which made a poor impression compared to the Pousada do Infante.

My husband and I stayed at the Pousada for one night only...
Pousada de Santa Clara a Velha is set in a beautiful location, with the greatest of views over the dam and the mountains.
First of all I must stress that during our stay the hotel was almost empty and so lacking the atmosphere that a full bar and restaurant would provide to their guests as there was only another 2 or 3 couples staying at the time.
The room was simple but clean and the view was magnificent towards the mountains!!
Check in and check out was ok, helpful and quick.
Dinner was expensive but enjoyable, and the only option since there is no other place to eat in the vicinity. The view from the restaurant was an amazing sunset over the tree covered mountains...
Breakfast is usually served as buffet but due to the lack of guests we had a great variety of bread, cheeses, cold meats, pastries, fresh orange juice, etc...brought to our table by a wonderful lady that could not do more for us...
The surrounding area is beautiful and the dam is a great place for a relaxing walk before dinner.
We did not use the swimming pool.
We thoroughly recommend this hotel if you are looking for wonderful scenery, relaxation and a great romantic getaway.

Makes a perfect quiet retreat before heading to the Algarve coastal resorts or as a place to recover from the bustle of tourist resorts on your way home! Views from all parts of the Hotel are amazing, the rooms overlooking the Barragem are particularly stunning. Staff have always been most helpful and friendly even though not always able to speak English (why should they!!). Food excellent and varied, wine cellar interesting and drinks delivered willingly to the swimming pool, Good walking around the lake and water sports activities available. Can hardly wait for our next visit.

We stayed at this lovely hotel where the staff were friendly and kind. Unfortunately service was very slow and one evening there was a two hourr wait for food. There was no explanation given and some people got very angry. It was a shame as the setting and hotel amenities are very good. There was also no internet access and it was not possible to borrow an iron meaning you need to pay for ironing. However this was cheap and of good quality.