Casa das Penhas Douradas
HSDE1, Manteigas, Portugal
Mountain design hotel with splendid views of the Serra da Estrela
A breath of fresh, mountain air, this delightful small hotel-spa at the heart of the Serra da Estrela is full of surprises and is everything a mountain lodge should be, and more.
At 1500m above sea level, this architect-designed hotel is truly integrated in its surroundings bringing the spectacular sierra views right into every room – but it's the customer service and attention to every detail that really make this a unique and special experience. Rarely have we come across such a friendly and enthusiastic team.
The owners have taken a crumbling health retreat and, using natural materials such as cork, birch wood and wool, converted it into a boutique hotel with a decidedly Scandinavian feel. They have also saved the local wool mill from closure and many of the furnishings and decorations employ the stylish textiles the mill now produces.
There's a spa with saunas and massage facilities and heated pool with views straight to the mountain as well as several cosy lounges and a dining room, each with stylish decor and a welcoming fireplace, and again those stunning views!
Direct from the hotel you can enjoy lovely walks through the boulder-strewn sierra to the lake at Rossin, for which full instructions and a picnic can be provided of course, even a kayak to take out on the lake. Or you can visit the owners' wool factory in nearby Manteigas – definitely not to be missed.
At the very centre of the Serra da Estrela it's a practical base to visit the mountains of course, which reach their highest point at Torre (2000m), as well as the historic towns and villages below; Belmonte, Sabugal, … if you ever do venture out!
Accommodation
1 suite
2 'mansard' (dormer) rooms
1 superior room
7 cork rooms in the newest part of the building
7 balcony rooms, each with their own small terrace
Hotel Features
Stunning mountain location at the heart of the Serra da Estrela
Architect designed
Indoor pool and spa
Picture windows make the most of the views
Free, on-site parking
Restaurant
The hotel’s excellent restaurant uses local and homemade products wherever possible and serves daily buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Hotel Facilities
Tour Booking ServiceWiFi all areas
Garden/Patio/Terrace
Shared Lounge / TV Area
No smoking in hotel
Luggage storage
Laundry Service
Air Conditioning
Sports and Wellbeing
Swimming pool (indoor)Spa
Ski service
Room facilities (all rooms)
En-suite bathroomHeating
Air conditioning
WIFI
TV
Bathrobes
Desk
Dining
Restaurant, open to the publicBar, open to the public, serving drinks and light snacks
Packed lunch service
Accessibility
Facilities adapted for guests with reduced mobilityRoom(s) adapted for guests with reduced mobility
Parking
On-site parking (free)Electric vehicle charging station
Pets
No pets allowed
Manteigas, Portugal
The only town in the high mountains of the Serra da Estrela, Manteigas serves as a market town for the region and a centre for the local sheep farming and wool industries. With glacial valleys and highlands strewn with immense granite boulders all around, Manteigas serves as the best centre for walking and mountain activities and nowadays it is a centre for tourism in the Serra.From here you can dip into the glacial Vale do Zêzere or take in the stunning views from the Penhas Douradas peaks and there are a series of well marked and documented ‘green trails’ or ‘Trilhos Verdes’ which make this the ideal base for visitors to get the most out of the area.The Burel wool factory is a must for anyone spending time in Manteigas. Faced with closure, the factory has been rescued and now produces a wide range of products from blankets, scarves and hats to structural textiles and wall coverings, mostly using wool from the local mountain sheep. The machines date back to 100 to 150 years old and are a marvel to see in action.
