Ive just been reading a small article in the 'Portugal' magazine about pousadas.
It states that " This much-loved national chain of state-run hotels based in castles and palaces " are announcing 2 more pousadas to the network.
These are going to be near Faro and in Tavira.
Other rural tourism projects are planned for Alcoutim-Aljezur and Tavira and Portimao.
I was wondering if anyone has stayed in a pousada..whether you liked it....as its something we are contemplating?

We have stayed in some of the pousadas in northern and central Portugal and have found them to be very nice and well run. The only problem is they tend to be a bit pricey. There is an advantage for senior citizens, if you stay in them Monday thru Friday there is usually a 30 to 40% discount, I'm assuming this rule is still in affect. I hope that I am not putting you off on staying in a pousada, it might be just what your looking for. It's just a matter of taste, but I prefer the smaller locally run hotels, or a good B@B.

Never stayed at a pousada, but visited a couple. And enjoyed excellent lunch in the most amazing surroundings. The ultimate day out

http://www.pousadas.pt

Last year, we drove north from CVO to Lisbon and, along the way, stayed at Pousadas in Alvito, Estremoz, and Alcacer do Sel. Except for Estremoz, they were quite inexpensive as we qualified for the Golden Age Passport and this was in March. Breakfasts were excellent. Only dined at Estremoz and we were disappointed; they seemed overwhelmed and unprepared. A beautiful and interesting place to stay however. We plan on visiting the one at Beja this year and, one day, Evora. We have dropped into the one at Sagres for refreshments and might try it one day too. Also, Sao Bartolemew.

Thanks for website Digger!
and to Will and Showwwy for your info and sharing your experiences.
I would really like to try one..if only for a special treat!

I've stayed in Bragança, Marvão and another near Serra Da Estrela. I loved them especially the one in Marvão. If you belong to A.C.P you get 10% discount, which is nice! They are great for sampling the regional food. In Bragança I tried alheiras with grelos salteados and in Marvão Migas com entercosto. The service is great and I even got a chá at 03.00horas when I was feeling unwell. I reckon they are well worth the exta.

Okay, Pinkie, frogive my ignorance, but what is a 'Cha'
presumably its a doctor?
please enlighten me

chá is tea!!

HA! of course, thanks

Picking up on the 'Cha'...Pinky and Tricky..d'you remember the restaurant used to be opposite where the 'Skoobe doo 'was ?
Am I right in recalling it was called 'Cha' ? I can see the sign in my mind..and we would sometimes have breakfast there..did wonderful sarnies and huge cups of 'Cha' ! ?
I miss places like that
Mind you..still get a nice one at Smilers(lovely egg sandwich) or Colombos! .....Ellie

By way..how do you get those 'accents ' over the words like the A in cha please? Ellie

Yes it was called casa cha, and if I remember correctly, Paolo went to live in Cornwall with his english wife. The other guy who worked in the kitchen is now at cafe fino, sorry don't know his name.

k

Thanks for that Kteee!
I remembered it was there somewhere....next to the little grocery shop where you had to bend your head to go down into it? The old chap who owned the little shop was very fussy about people not touching the veg on sale outside!
Incidently..I mentioned the 'Scooby doo' place ....is the chap who used to run it...running Smilers with Geraldine?
Another question....where can you buy a really big cup of coffee now..you know...like you used to get ..remember..cups the size of a small soup bowl?

Sorry..that was me above

The coffee cups in matabixo are really big and the coffee is good too, you also get a good view of everything going on in the square - recommended!