We booked this Pousada 2 weeks beforehand, booking a double room. We arrived at 11am, and was told that our room wasnt ready. We therefore returned at 2.40pm, to be told that our room was indeed ready - which was a twin!! We weren't happy as we had specifically requested a double. We were shown a double room (which wasn't ready - bed unmade etc) which was tiny! With this in mind we opted for the twin room.

On reflection, it wasn't too bad a choice! The room was clean, spacious and had a lovely view. The beds are extremely comfy and the staff were helpful, if a little unorganised!

The breakfast was the crowning glory of our short stay at the Pousada; served overlooking the magnificent views from Marvao.

My husband is Portuguese and whenever we have visited Portugal (this was my 5th trip), I have always wanted to stay in a Pousada. The Pousada Santa Maria was my first Pousada and I think will be my last as I loved it and I don't think any other Pousada will compare for service, quality and location.

Whenever we go to Portugal, we always stay in the Algarve with family, but generally always do a trip north to sight see and see other family. In April I received a newsletter from Trip Advisor titled "Shhh! Top 10 travel secrets" in which Marvao was featured and we decided that we had to visit there. None of my family were disappointed as Marvao has to be one of the most spectacular places in Portugal. If you ever get the chance I highly recommend a visit.

Upon arrival at the Pousada Santa Maria, we were told by the lovely clerk that we had 'the best room in the house' and he wasn't lying. My family were amazed at the views we had from our spacious, clean and beautifully decorated - in traditional Portuguese style - room. When we booked for dinner, he also recommended the best table in the house which shared the same view from our room. Those who have been to Portugal will know that customer service can sometimes be wanting, however we didn't find that at the Pousada Santa Maria. All the staff were keen to help and very friendly and obliging.

Dinner was lovely as expected, but unfortunately the stay in Marvao and at the Pousada Santa Maria too short. I could quiet happily have stayed another night and explored the town further. Unlike other 'walled' towns in Portugal that I have visited (i.e Obidos), Marvao is not overrun by tourists (probably because it is a little off the beaten track and not on any major through roads nor near the coast) so still retains a quiet sleepy town atmosphere.

The photos of the hotel will tell the story, better than I can, but if you ever get to Marvao, I highly recommend this hotel.

Really a great place... The room was extremely comfortable, a small suite actually. Charming, with an incredible view. The manager was extremely kind and helpful. Compare with the other hotels, the price is very reasonable for the quality of the service, the comfort of a (big) room.

The food at the restaurant was not exceptional however. But the service was very kind and the view terrific too!

You can park your car not too far from the hotel, even if driving into the village can be scary if you have a big car - the streets are very narrow.

This is a beautiful Pousada in a quaint and charming hill village in the Alentejo. Unfortunately we arrived the day before the coffee festival (don't ask!) so getting into the village was difficult. By sheer luck we found where the Pousada has a few parking spaces. Our room was lovely, had an amazing view looking towards Spain. We strongly recommend putting the security chain on at night because thanks to that chain the person who tried to break into our room early in the morning was thwarted. We were in the section of the Pousada across the narrow road from reception. Dinner at the Pousada was just okay, the view, though, incredible. Breakfast was wonderful.