Alte Hotel (Alte, Portugal)

Not only was the hotel and the nearby village like something on a postcard, it was also a great place to really unwind. Crickets might be the only thing you hear at night, as you catch up on some sleep, or read that book you've been meaning to crack open.

Staff made guests feel right at home. They also worked very hard, and guests witnessed or experienced many occasions where an extra effort was evident. Guests also found front desk staff to be knowledgeable about the area, and said that they didn't hesitate to engage guests in friendly conversation.

When the locals can be seen dining amongst vacationers, that's always a good sign. Guests were glad that they stopped into the restaurant, where they found Portuguese comfort food that was expertly prepared. Big portions and plenty of selection made this a highlight for many.

Many guests loved the charming location of Alte, perched atop a hill above a village. However, some guests said that walking back and forth from the village could be challenging in the heat, and particularly bad for those with mobility issues.

While a minor gripe with an otherwise lovely stay, a few hungry guests were left waiting too long for their meals. At peak times, the restaurant can get extra busy, and guests noticed that their fellow diners all seemed to visit the restaurant at the same time. To avoid overtaxed waiters, guests advised skipping the busy 8:00 p.m. dinner hour.

Most guests of Alte were satisfied with rooms that they described as basic or no-frills, but a few thought that rooms could use an update. A bit of wear and tear was evident to some guests, but the good news was that rooms were found to be clean as can be.