My husband and I stayed at the Estalagem for 3 nights and had a fab time.

The hotel used to be the manor house of a copper mine owner and has recently been renovated and extended. The decor in both the public places and rooms is very contemporary yet it fits in with the style of the property - we did indeed feel like we were staying in a manor house, especially when sitting out on the terrace overlooking the garden.

Our fab room, which was in the new part of the hotel, was a good size with very comfortable beds and a lovely balcony overlooking the fastanstic pool area. The room had the usual fridge (minibar), safe, TV and hairdryer.

The garden, which includes a decent size swimming pool and decked area (and bar which wasn't open whilst we were there), is lovely and there are seats dotted around it, plus a couple of hammocks in which you can relax.

The restaurant was really nice although, unfortunately, as the hotel was not very busy whilst we were there, we were unable to sample the al la carte menu, as they were only offering a reduced menu. Breakfast was a fab cold buffet with fruit, cereal, yoghurts, bread, croissants, cakes, cheese and meats, and the staff were very attentive.

The hotel has an observatory which luckily we were able to visit during our stay - it was great to be able to see the moon, saturn and venus through a large telescope.

Whilst at the hotel we did visits to Mertola and Serpa, both which are lovely whitewashed towns, and are only about 20/30 minute drive to. We also ate out one night at a local restaurant recommended by the head waiter - very cheap and lots to eat!

The reception staff were very helpful and efficient and were happy to advise and assist where necessary.

Our only minor disapointment was that the hotel was so quiet so kind of lacked a bit of atmosphere particularly in the restaurant - although this was a blessing in another way as we had no trouble sleeping!

I would definately recommend this hotel if you want somewhere nice to stay whilst exploring the Alentejo.

I have stay 6 days (but have paid 7) in this hotel last year (2005) in July.
This is indead a beautiful country house in the Alentejo. The pool was also beautiful.
The bedroom was comfortable, and well decorated.
But that is all for the positive side.
They have their own observatory, but it was unavailable during the all stay.
The São Domingos in house restaurant is not a plus point. It is in fact beautifully designed. But does not offer, in my opinion, the quality service that it was supose to. There is not much choice (they offer a fish named "corvina" all the time or you can always ask for a steak with too much salt in it). I am not a gourmet, but i think the food was not well prepared. The price was to much high for the quality of the food and the service. In fact, my wife and I get sik with it and went home one day earlier.
There isn 't any activity to do. The hotel do not receive any newspaper. The called "biblioteca" does not exist. And the next town (mertola) is 17 km far away,
There is no Mountain bikes or jeeps are available to guests for excursions.
I do not recommend this place to anyone! Stay away from this place. Portugal has so much more to offer... but not in this hotel.