We have just come back from Portugal and stayed here for 2 nights. It was a bit tricky to find in Lousa but when we asked a local where to go he simply jumped in the back of our car and took us straight there.
We stayed in the new wing and found the rooms large and very comfortable. The old wing has lovely big rooms where we were able to stretch out. There are some great eating places in Lousa although we had to search them out. Really good Chinese restaurant near the Lidl store when you come into Lousa and our cheapest meal in Portugal in a small place just behind the church.

I would really have enjoyed our 2 nights here if we had stayed out of the restaurant. The public rooms in the hotel are nice and the bedrooms very clean and well appointed. We had a room in the new block (incredible value!) looking out over the gardens and pool which themselves were well kept and very welcome on a hot day. The location is good - just 25 mins drive from Coimbra and in a friendly and attractive village with several bars and a couple of restaurants. On our first evening we were excited at the prospect of dining in the beautiful old dining room - what a let down! Service was sloppy and I was brought the wrong order. I then sat watching my companions wrestle with their meals which were overcooked and poorly executed. Finally my fish arrived so dry that it was inedible so I sent it back and went hungry. The table next to us also were unhappy with their food. The restaurant manager simply did not know how to handle the situation.
Next night we ate at a local restaurant near the square; El Gato served excellent food (huge portions) at half the price of the Melia. Service was excellent.

We spent two nights in this wonderful hotel.
. A refurbished mansion ,not too distant from Coimbra (about 30 km) .
Certainly Lousa is a small village not too much to offer,but the 20 miles to make in terms of locaton are definetely worth the trip!
We had a junior suite in the new added area. Quiet spacious and well furnished in an elegant modern designed style..
We enjoyed the swimming pool and the reading areas ,all cozy and luxoriuosly furnished.
The restaurant is situated ,according to the season :inside in a wooden anscient medieval roomwith woden case ceiling ( a cassettone) ,outside in an open terrace above the swimming pool.
A perfect location for those who love peace and the sescluded environments hating the turistic branded hotels.
Food & service were superb. Dishes inspired by territorial flavors.
Reception attentive .A specific mention merits the Manager who was very kind and ready to help offering suggestions on itinerary and sites in the northern area.
Last ,but not least he speaks english and italian fluently.
We definetely recommend it to anyone,the quality /price ratio is very good

Giacomo and Elena Cassotti.

PS .Un consiglio speciale per gli italiani: é davvero un gran bel postoe vale la pena farsi i 30 km da Coimbra,utilizzando questo hotel come base per le escursioni nell'area!

From the time we checked in, during our stay and checked out. The staff and management were wonderful and very helpful. We stayed in the palace, the room was lovely and clean. The pool was nice and refreshing when the temperature was 37! Breakfast was fantastic and the staff were always on hand if you need anything extra! We had an evening meal in the restaurant, first class chef deserve the Michelin star. We will be back in September.