Monte dos Apostolos

Sr. e Sra Falcao really do put themselves out to make you feel welcome in their delightful property in the north Alentejo. This is a fascinating property in a rural village just south of Portalegre and lies on the edge of the village of Urra looking south over the Alentejo plain. The property is charming and the accommodation is comfortable but the food is just wonderful! Come with a healthy appetite as Sra Falcao produces the most marvellous home cooked, fresh food and her portions are prodigious!! Our four course meal started with a plate of freshly gathered mushrooms (from the fields around the house) and egg, followed by freshly made vegetable soup followed by an amazing fish course of bacalhau! all topped off with a mouth watering chocolate mousse/cheesecake round (as light and smooth as a really good mousse but sufficiently firm to be a cake - we were so well fed that much as we would have like to do so, we were unable to finish the whole cake! (by the way there were just three of us staying in the house at the time (last Monday the 2nd Nov.). There was even a really delicious local white wine to drink too called Casa de Urro which is highly recommended. 10/10 and a gold star!!

Beautiful family owned Manor House setting in wonderful peaceful Alentejo surroundings. Very comfortable large rooms with all the facilities you need. Salt water swimming pool with wonderful views over the adjoining open countryside. Goats and sheep are the closest neighbours. Excellent breakfast with home made jams, several varieties of bread, home made cakes, fresh orange juice, teas and coffee included in the price of the stay. Our hosts José Falcão, (the manager and son of the owner) and Paula exceeded our expectations as far as service was concerned. Nothing was too much trouble. Well worth a detour if you happen to be in the area.

Set in an amazing setting if you´re a nature lover. We stayed at the suite in the main building, spacious but lacks in detail and comfort. As does the whole hotel in general. It seems the owner just wants to rent out rooms not really valuing the guests and making them feel welcomed. At least this was the treatment we got from the owner himself. Having in mind this is a rural hotel where you would be expected to feel at home our experience was far from that. So definitely think twice before you book!