Albergaria Do Calvario

Set in a repurposed olive oil press dating back to 1639, the Albergaria do Calvario's whitewashed buildings with goldenrod door- and window-frames are kept immaculately and interiors place a great emphasis on comfort and coziness. Evidence of the hotel’s past life can be seen in the sunny, terra-cotta-paved courtyard, where a giant millstone sits among greenery and cafe tables shaded by large umbrellas. Inside, the hotel’s bright lobby with exposed stonework on the walls, antique furniture, and a wood-burning stove leads to the breakfast room with rustic wooden chairs and marble-topped tables. The bar feels more like a homey lounge, with comfy couches, board games, and a wall of bookshelves. The hotel attracts a crowd of mostly senior couples looking to explore the city of Evora and the surrounding countryside without sacrificing comfort and peacefulness. Guests also consistently praise the staff for quality and friendly service.

Located a 10-minute walk from the center of Evora, the Albergaria do Calvario is ideally placed to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site’s medieval walls, the ruins of a Roman temple, and its remarkable cathedral. It's also close to shops, bars, and restaurants that serve excellent food and local wine. In the surrounding Alentejo countryside are a number of vineyards, which offer tours and tastings, as well as several impressive Neolithic monuments. Lisbon is between an hour and two hours’ drive away, depending on the route, and approximately two hours and 15 minutes by public transport. 

The same historic nature that makes the shared areas and sunny courtyard of this hotel so attractive lead some of its rooms to be compact and dark, with tiny windows. To the hotel’s credit, the rooms are never less than spotless, and are decorated tastefully, with crisp white linen, jazzily colored, hand-woven headboards, whitewashed wooden furniture, dramatic antique armoires, terra-cotta flagstones on the floor, and dove-gray accent walls. A few higher-category rooms have lovely furnished terraces. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, safe, and mini-fridge that can be filled on request.

Classic Rooms manage to fit a double bed and an armchair, as well as a miniature desk and chair, but it’s a bit of a squeeze, and their windows are far from expansive. Superior Rooms have more space for a full-sized desk, but their windows are still small. Meanwhile, Premium Rooms have a separate bedroom with a double bed, desk, and chair, and sitting room with a sofa, coffee table, and sofa bed in muted neutrals. Marble bathrooms are sleek and equipped with a shower or shower/tub combo, bidet, hairdryer, and free toiletries. 

The Albergaria do Cavalrio is light on amenities, but guests appreciate what is on offer. In particular, they rave about the free buffet breakfast, which includes cheeses and charcuterie from the surrounding Alentejo region, honeys from a local supplier, and a range of hot dishes made-to-order. Although the hotel does not have a full service restaurant for lunch or dinner, a range of coffees and tapas are available in the sunny courtyard terrace, and drinks are served in the bar. Additionally, guests are given a free welcome drink of either regional wine, Sagres beer, or tea. Given that the summers can get quite hot, the lack of a pool is a downside. The hotel can help organize day trips around the region, including to nearby vineyards, and they work with a local archaeologist to offer guided excursions to the Neolithic megaliths in the Alentejo. There is a small business center tucked away in the corner of the bar, plus there are board games and books for borrow. Wi-Fi is free throughout and there's free secure parking. Pets are allowed for a fee.