The Sao Jose Hotel (was Pensao Braganca) on Av Sa Carneiro,set at the top of the old town near the Theatre, shopping centre and underground car park may not look from the outside anything more than a concrete box. So why does it remind me of what I like about Portugal. Totally unprepossessing. Once you have found it the entrance beside the cinama is new, glass and not particularly welcoming. The lift to the floors is small, but once into the building where the decor needs a bit of work but is reasonable, where the rooms need a bit of work, where the restuarant may not be open, it is so relaxing. Admittedly the twin beds are squeezed into the sleeping area, the double beds fit much more comfortably. The
rooms are very large with seating and lounging space. Even the concrete balconies are relaxing. Not somewhere to laze, somewhere to stand and lean and watch. The staff were very friendly and helpful, breakfast functional the whole experience for me and my colleagues was good value and no hassle. Once you are in it is ok. Unloading the car and getting in was hassle but travelling around with an 81 year old and a 79 year old was never going to be a doddle. Maybe not
for the exclusive minded traveller, not for the party animal, but I will get back there now that once again I know where it is. Maybe next time they will have re-arranged the streets again.