Estalagem De Monsaraz

The estalagem benefits from the amazing location that is Monsaraz. It is easy to find although parking can be difficult in high season.

We have stayed in Monsaraz many times, both in the estalagem and other houses inside the walls. Monsaraz is a charming location always relaxing amid fabulous surrounding scenery deep in the Alentejo. In past years this relaxed quirkiness was also reflected in the estalagem. A warm, friendly welcome with staff relaxed and happy to help whatever. However, it now apparently has new management. Staff are now required to wear uniform and do not appear to smile much and, at reception, spend a lot of time on the mobile. We arrived and were warmly welcomed by a young lady, as in past years, not in uniform who appeared to be working back of house. We were shown to our room which, like most accommodation in Monsaraz is fairly basic but for the prices very good value. There was a shower which did not work and I complained to reception where the uniformed receptionist seemed almost in tears and appeared to agree that things were not good under the new management. The building is fully wired, but it seems that each bedroom has its own network address and the staff did not seem to be able to cope with giving the required network code. We were told that breakfast would be served at 8am. We had a long journey ahead to the Algarve so arrived at 7.55 only to find there was no sign of any preparation of breakfast. We left on our journey without breakfast. It is sad, because in past years when we have stayed at the estalagem, we could not really fault it.