Staying here for our 20th anniversary. We drove in today, fighting through construction in the middle of the city. GPS could not locate it and we spent extra half-hour driving atop of the mountain, we stumbled onto the right path. Hotel staff says that this is more of a norm, so drive slowly as there are plenty of signs. We ended up on the windy narrow road that took us up to the very top of the hill, and found it difficult to find a way back.
Once inside St.Marinha, we found ourselves very well taken care of by wonderful staff: There was a plate of fresh beautifully arranged fruit waiting inside our monastery room, as a gift from staff for our celebration. They had a map with highlites of this and nearby cities, and recommendations for anything we needed. The desk personnel is extremely friendly, warm and inviting. Nicola, a student working here at night, could not be more welcoming (the name is probably misspelled). The room is not huge, but feels very special with deep niches within, widely open for imagination, as mentioned by previous reviewers. So far, it is living up to every expectation. Can't wait for breakfast tomorrow and will explore the town below. The views from the room are breathtaking!

This is an impressive and interesting place to stay overlooking the city and should be as you are staying in a former convent. The public rooms are very large with old paintings, furniture and large artworks of Portuguese tile both inside and outside by the fountain. Our room was not large as it had been one of the original bedrooms however it was comfortable. The front desk staff was very helpful especially with directions into Guimaraes as we were driving ourselves the next day. We had dinner there the one night as it was raining and we chose to stay in. We didn't have a reservation even though we were staying there, arrived as it opened with 2 other tables of two wanting to be seated but the waiter seemed put off that we didn't have a reservation. By the time we finished dinner, only a table of 8 had come in to this fairly large restaurant. It seemed odd that he questioned us about not having a reservation when it was certainly not crowded on this particular evening. I don't remember what we ate just that thinking the restaurant staff could have been more attentive. The breakfast however was good and there was plenty to choose from. The pool was located such that it overlooked the city and would have been lovely on a warmer, less rainy day. All in all, it was a really interesting place to stay and I would recommend it. I love imagining myself living in the past and what it would have been like and this hotel certainly inspires ones imagination - I'd love a trip in a time machine provided I knew I could get back to the 21st century.

The setting is breathtaking as it used to be a monastery overlooking the city- there are grand halls and wonderful Portuguese 17th-century tiles everywhere. The rooms are ok, I found them a bit on the monastical side and the four-poster beds not the most comfortable but that is understandable considering the building's background. Did not have dinner there but breakfast was very decent and served in a stunning vaulted hall. Extremely friendly and helpful staff, nothing seemed to be a nuisance for them. Actually, I found that people tend to be genuinely friendly in Northern Portugal. Did not use the pool as it was raining.

This Pousada makes the most of its architectural heritage - set within a 17th century monastery. There is an excellent ambience - cool and calm. The cloisters are beautiful and the dining hall full of atmosphere. The service was first rate - nothing was too much trouble for any of the staff, who were always very pleasant and professional.

On arrival, we had a free tray of fresh fruit and water in our room, which was very welcome. Our large room had a spacious sitting area one step up from the bedroom area. There was an electronic safe, fridge, satellite TV, and some good bathroom toiletries. Everything was spotlessly clean. We were treated to a four course buffet with plenty of fresh local and regional produce, including soup, salads, meats and fish dishes and a broad range of tasty desserts. At breakfast, there was a large selection of continental fare, including yoghurts, fresh fruit, cheese and meats, bread and rolls as well as scrambled eggs and bacon.

The Pousada is located on a hill overlooking Guimaraes and is a few minutes taxi ride from the centre.