We arrived late at the hotel - gone 9.30 pm - and though having rung to give notice that we were running late, were rather worried that the restaurant may be closing...

No problem. Reaching the restaurant at just after 10, the service and food were faultless. There was no sense of being hurried - in fact on the contrary, the chef's tasting menu was both lesiurely and excellent.

We had asked for a room with a view as a suite was unavailable... and what a view. The balcony was around 30 feet by 18 overlooking the (illuminated by night) town square. Through the mist at night, it was magical... and the views further down the river during daylight perfect.

Service and surroundings throughout were charming... as is the old part of Amarante itself - just a few minutes stroll across the stone bridge immediately in front of the hotel.

Recommended.

We recently stayed at this hotel for 3 nights as part of a Page & Moy Tour. Expecting the hotel to be the best hotel of the tour, we were disappointed at the outset when we found that our coach was not able to drive up to the hotel. We therefore had to carry our hand luggage approx 150 yards to the hotel. Once at the gates, we then faced a steep uphill climb of approx 25 yards to the hotel entrance. As the average age of the tour was probably in the 60's no one was amused. Passing through reception quickly we located our room. Our room was painted dark maroon and as there were no ceiling lights, just 3 table lamps, the black hole of Calcutta sprang to mind, We were unable to read comfortably in this room. Asking around it seems that all the other rooms were painted in dark colours Prices in the tiny bar were found to be high ( highest by far of the tour). We found the food at this hotel barely acceptable
As the town of Amarante has nothing of note to offer the tourist we would definitely not stay at this hotel again.

We stayed here for 3 nights in Sept 04. Staff friendly, the suite we had was wonderful with old period furnishings. Bathroom large and beautiful.
The hotel itself is really nice and gives you a feeling of peace of tranquillity.
The pool area is private and quiet.

The restaurant was the best for us. The food was superb and the setting wonderful. I just loved the red glasses for the drinking water.
We tried a local restaurant for one meal that was in one of the guide books, but cannot recomend it. Stick to the hotel, you won't be disappointed.

Go for a walk along the river and cross over on the stones. A lovely walk.

All in all, a stopover of a few nights here is well worth it.

On Christmas day we had lunch at the restaurant in Casa de la Calcada. We did not spend the night there, but we liked what we saw. Beautiful lobby and seating areas upholstered with rich fabrics which make them very comfortable and inviting. The restaurant was also beautiful, and what's more important the food was great. There was a four course Christmas menu which our family enjoyed very much at a very reasonable price: 25 per person. I'm looking forward to staying a weekend there and explore the old village and the surroundings.Rosalía Inglés