Colmeal Countryside Hotel

Unfortunately, my visit didn't even happen, so this review is about the service I experienced that ultimately led to a decision of not booking my stay. After a total of 10 calls, the only one where I got the initial information was answered by the reception, and I was informed about the options available at the hotel and overall facilities, which sounded lush! I thought we were on to a winner. We were not. As I wanted to clarify an aspect of the room prior to making a payment, over 2 days, I tried to call 9 times, and didn't have an answer, a call back, only an email telling me the quiet room I'd asked for would be mine if I made the payment that day. I wonder if with it being the "land of silence" if the phone is also on silence, too. I have then emailed the hotel with the MD in cc confirming that my booking was not going ahead, explaining why, and you guessed it!!!!! I got nothing back, silence... maybe they don't really need guests! Who knows? I would not feel safe being at a place where if I needed something, urgent or not, only maaaaybe the phone would be picked at the other end. Have that in mind prior to booking, please.

Colmeal is placed on a large property with plenty of nature; from long walks to birdwatching, visiting nearby locations including the Douro River and marvelous Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo and enjoying the SPA. Staff is extremely competent and helpful. Even though it was beginning of December (which is usually cold), the whole building was always warm. Kitchen duty was on Paulo - the manager - and he managed to surprise us with his very good skills; excelent food, taking every opportunity to use local, fresh products. We will surely return.

Let me put my cards on the table. My wife and I are both in our 70s. She is super-fit and would return to the hotel like a shot. I have stiff hips and a back injury that limit my mobility, and I would not. I get around well enough, it’s seating and steep stairs that can be an issue. At Colmeal they were, specifically the seating. I couldn’t sit on either the low armchairs or the hard dining room chairs that are found everywhere in the hotel. The deck chairs were also beyond me, although I was fine on the stairs. (There are no elevators to the lower floor.) Só, if you have mobility issues or a herniated disc, you might want to consider whether the venue is suitable for your needs. Other thoughts, The steady Wi-Fi signal in our cottage was welcome. So we’re the multiple electric sockets (plug points) Unless the TV has been used recently, it may require setting up. You may see/hear hunters banging away in season. The (early October) swimming pool is not for the faint-hearted. (We swam very briefly.) While the nights were cool, the days were hot. The cottage air conditioning units turned themselves silently on and off. The staff were lovely.

On Father's Day, my son treated me to a delicious dinner in one of the most beautiful places in Portugal. Colmeal is an old abandoned village in a beautiful natural area, close to the Spanish border. The village had about fifty inhabitants ten years ago, but they all left and then the owners of this excellent hotel-restaurant restored the old houses and established their business there. Highly recommended, especially for its delicious homegrown wines and ingredients.

Espetacular!!! Absolutamente fantástico! Desde o espaço para estacionamento, pensado para veículos elétricos, espaço interior muito acolhedor, com uma mistura de modernidade com o rústico. Todas as cores que rodeiam são pensadas com a natureza circundante, assim como os materiais utilizados em todo o ambiente, não só dos quartos como dos espaços comuns. Todo o Staff condiz com a envolvente, muito atencioso e simpático, sempre disponíveis e com um sorriso na cara. Assim vale a pena! O pequeno almoço tem de tudo um pouco, e sobretudo de muita qualidade. Voto no sumo de laranja, naturalmente à séria e um pão caseiro com marmelada. Definitivamente um local a voltar. PARABÉNS!

Um espaço extraordinário com uma atenção extraordinária. Quarto amplo com vistas à tranquilidade. Excelente pequeno almoço com deliciosos produtos saudáveis. O hotel tem uma grande piscina e espaços exteriores desde os que respirar o ar mais puro, ver as estrelas e escutar o canto dos pássaros.