Search Best Hotels in Valado De Frades

I was in the most famous SPA of the moment in Portugal (1st February weekend), a chaos, a overpower of people, some disorganization in check-in, distorted information sharing by some officials. When the main reason is to enjoy a space that provides relaxation and well-being, they should be more careful in the hygiene and cleaning of swimming pools, because this particular point is about public health. The complex was not cleaned between 03/02 and 04/02. Check-in only at 16:00, when you access the SPA is already full. No sprinklers, no place to put towels, a chaos. As it's all organized, I think it's not far. There are many spas spread across Portugal, smaller but with excellent hygiene and comfort.

We booked hotel and spa for a weekend for 2. The positive points: The suite was nice with a good view, the lady managing the spa was friendly and helpful. The negatives: housekeeping below standard, guests expected to fetch bath robes and towels at the reception at the other end of the hotel, although the women working there were mainly chatting with eachother. Access to the spa via a public road. Mold everywhere in the spa. After turn down of the room we had to crawl under the bed to retrieve the plastic sandals for the spa that were carelessly pushed below. Breakfast was about OK (eggs from powder) if someone would care to refill empty containers…. All that shows a profound lack of management. We might enjoy the chocolat treatment in the spa again, but certainly without the hotel.

First I'd like thank the lovely receptionist who checked us in and later offered us a ride to the village as we were walking there. I didn't get the chance thank her again. We decline as we love to walk and wander but we were very appreciative of her gesture. The hotel has a lovely view over the beach and the cliffs. We took advantage the dinner buffer which had a lot choices and all were delicious. Breakfast was also great, the bed comfy and the room cozy. We will definitely be back someday.

Last time we were in a different hotel, so thought we’d try this new one, Hotel Praia. In a good location, walking distance to the bus station and a couple of blocks to the beach and the touristy restaurants and shops along the waterfront. Breakfast was included and generally, it was fine. Great Nespresso coffee machine! Eggs were sweet; maybe someone put sugar in them? Sausages and bacon were not to our liking, but we appreciated the pastries, cereal, fresh fruit and yogurts. Staff at front desk were pleasant and helpful, but anytime we needed something, there was only one person working, so always had to wait. Same happened at breakfast in that there was not enough staff for all the people trying to eat. But, everyone was working hard and were very nice. New, light and bright, big rooms. Safe not working, very spare with really no decoration and minimalist white furniture, no hooks in bathroom, no place to hang towels and stuff. Wi Fi works okay, terrible water pressure, how about putting in some hooks and shelving. Also, places to plug in devices were needed. We don’t watch tv in a hotel, but this was the smallest tv we’d ever seen; if it was 15 inches, I’d be surprised! The hotel room was unfortunately not clean when we checked in and never vacuumed during our stay. We walked in the room in white socks and they were filthy, and lots of stuff stuck to them!

The hotel is located inside a restaurant. I know this sounds strange, but, yes, it is. You get to the hotel reception by crossing a seafood restaurant. It is a small hotel in front of Nazaré beach, and not far from the funicular to get to Praia Norte from where you can see the famous giant waves. The view of the sea is beautiful. The breakfast is very tasty and is served in the restaurant. We were served by Sergio, and he was very nice. Also the people in the hotel restaurant. It looks like a family hotel. Regarding the rooms. There is an elevator to get to the rooms. We asked for a room for three people. But, in truth, it was a room with two single beds (together), and a sofa that functioned as a third bed. In addition, the bathroom is a semi-transparent opaque glass wall, which is not optimal for privacy in a three-person room. It was a room overlooking a concrete building on a small street. The room was very clean. However, you can tell it is a hotel that has been built many years ago. But, it did not have toiletries. Parking is on the street. They do not charge a parking meter between 8pm and 8am. But you have to be very attentive because at 8am it starts to count and you have to have the parking ticket. The hotel restaurant is a large seafood restaurant. For people who are animalistic it can be very violent, because there are live crustaceans to be selected and cooked. So, it is definitely not a hotel for animalists or vegans.