"This was definitely a game of two halves. So the hotel is an ugly concrete bunker from outside but inside it is beautifully decorated and modern.The room and bed were large and comfy but sparsely furnished and the windows were tiny so the rooms are quite dark. Soundproofing is non existent. Despite being a couple of rooms away from the lifts you could hear them whining and screeching all day and night. The only way to drown out the noise was to have the loud air conditioning on in the room
The pool area is a definite highlight, large and warm pool and lots of sunbed areas. The indoor pool and gym looked nice as well.
The food in the restaurant was pretty good. Breakfast was also good,nicely presented with a wide choice.
With the exception of a couple of standout staff members (the main waitress with glasses in the restaurant was incredibly friendly and helpful and efficient), the service was incredibly poor at times. Either there was no staff in the bar and you had to seek them out or there were four all talking together and avoiding eye contact.
Spacious parking was available inside and outside.
Lamego is walking distance,about 15 minutes, mostly flat. Unfortunately Lamego is not a pretty town to stay in,full of ugly concrete apartment blocks and run down older buildings. The sanctuary was definitely worth a visit but I wish we'd just done a day visit instead of staying overnight in Lamego."