Travassos 11

Simply one of the best hotel/guest houses I have stayed in my life. An incredible historic building interior, peaceful and remote from the bright sunshine outside, decorated like a royal palace, with as many stunning communal living rooms and lounges as there are guest rooms, dressed in incredible textiles and classic armchairs and side tables. Comfortable, richly furnished with antiques and art, it is like stepping back in time with the opulence of a stately home and many quiet, coy spaces to read or relax in a slice of history. The bedrooms are large and freshly decorated with deep comfortable beds and huge pillows, antique cupboards, a spacious bathroom and regular daily cleaning. Duarte and Lisa were amazing hosts. Duarte took time to introduce me to all of the house and make me feel really welcome and both he and Lisa provided a fantastic breakfast each day in their equally impressive dining room, a selection of breads and marmalades, freshly cooked eggs, freshly squeezed Orange juice, taken on antique furniture in front of a roaring fire. I did not try the terrace or the swimming pool due to the time of year, but it is truly a safe, welcoming house where it is relaxing to spend a quiet morning or evening simply enjoying the tranquility of the impressive common areas and furnishings. Outside the house, Elvas is a stunning fortified city, always bathed in sunshine, with friendly locals and steep, sleepy lanes or walks outside the town walls. The castle is a short walk up from the house and it is just far enough from the centre to be quiet but with restaurants a walk away. I was lucky to come in the off season when I rarely saw another person even for several days and felt like I was living in my own historic palace, and slept as well as in any place I have ever stayed. But I would love to return even in the summer when the house is more full as there is so much space and luxury, so much comfort, so many different places to relax, and so much care and attention spent by the hosts on their guests. A simply remarkable place to stay that deserves only the maximum rating possible from those who visit.

It’s a beautiful boutique hotel in a 18th century house in the old city of Elvas. It was opened after COVID. It is totally new with beautiful rooms, pool, terrazzo. A dream. 24/7 coffee and alcohol bar. Do mot follow Waze ot Google maps. Just park at the entry of the old city. Its the pink building.