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Summary of reviewsThe Literary Man Obidos Hotel, nestled in the heart of Óbidos, offers a remarkable experience that marries location, charm, and a love for literature. Its prime positioning next to the historic city walls provides guests with easy access to the quaint medieval town and its attractions, making it an ideal base for history enthusiasts and casual travelers alike. The hotel itself, housed in a structure that embraces the charm of an old monastery and ancient palace, is celebrated for its unique literary theme, offering an eclectic collection of over 50,000 books that transforms the space into a grand library-like environment.
Guests consistently praise the hotel's setting, describing it as an enchanting slice of history adorned with both modern comforts and intriguing architecture. The literary theme resonates well, particularly with bibliophiles, thanks to book-lined walls and a cozy ambiance that instills a sense of wonder and relaxation. The rooms are noted for their spaciousness and comfort, with many visitors enjoying quiet retreats complete with charming decor and, in some cases, picturesque views.
The dining experience at The Literary Man Obidos Hotel stands out as a high point, with breakfast remembered for its abundant variety and quality, featuring items like freshly made pastries and fruits. Dinner doesn't fall short either, with many guests lauding the delicious, varied menu and the enchanting setting of the book-lined dining area, often enhanced by fine wines and live music. The attentive and friendly service of both the restaurant staff and the hotel's broader team contributes to an inviting atmosphere, elevating the overall guest experience.
Despite its many highlights, the hotel faces criticisms, particularly concerning outdated facilities and maintenance issues that detract from its purported four-star rating. Some rooms suffer from moisture-related problems and require modernization to ensure a consistently high level of comfort. Nevertheless, the staff's exceptional friendliness and helpfulness often offset these concerns, leaving guests with a positive impression.
In summary, The Literary Man Obidos Hotel is a distinctive boutique hotel that excels in delivering a literary-themed experience and is ideally situated for exploring the historical beauty of Óbidos. While it shines in several areas, continued attention to maintenance and updating amenities could further enhance its allure. Nonetheless, it remains a beloved destination for those seeking a unique stay enveloped in the charm of books and history. Show more
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Categories
Historic Hotel
This charming literary hotel was initially built around the 1830s as a convent. However, since all religious orders were abolished in Portugal in the beginning of the 19th century, the convent was never really inhabited by any nuns, and was much later turned into a hotel named Estalagem do Convento. Its current owner turned it into the hotel that it is today in 2015, maintaining its old charm and historic atmosphere.
Family Friendly Hotel
This hotel is a unique accommodation option with a literary theme. It may appeal to families who appreciate books and reading.
Hotel with Free Wi-Fi
This unique hotel offers free Wi-Fi throughout the property, allowing guests to stay connected while enjoying its literary-themed ambiance. The Wi-Fi service supports both casual browsing and more demanding tasks.
4-Star Hotel
Situated in a former convent dating back to 1965, this hotel is themed around literature, offering a unique and immersive experience for book lovers. The hotel's design and atmosphere are tailored to create a relaxing and inspiring environment.
Boutique-style Hotel
Former Monastery Hotel
Hotel for Honeymoon
Romantic Hotel
Business Hotel
Room Types
Deluxe SuiteThis room features an eco-chic decoration with wood and concrete or traditional wrought-iron beds and tiles in the bathroom as well as carpeted floor. In addition, there are free toiletries, air conditioning, a minibar and cable TV.
Superior Deluxe SuiteThis suite is comprised of 1 living room, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and free toiletries. Featuring a terrace with garden views, this suite also offers air conditioning and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. The unit offers 1 bed.
Superior Double RoomThis room features traditional wrought-iron beds and tiles in the bathroom or eco-chic decoration. Tiled/marble floor. Free toiletries, air conditioning, minibar and cable TV. Some rooms have a balcony.
Double or Twin RoomThis air-conditioned twin/double room includes a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a private bathroom as well as a balcony with garden views. The unit offers 3 beds.
About The Literary Man Obidos Hotel
License: 3354
Guest Reviews
8.2
Very Good
Location
The Literary Man Obidos Hotel is nestled in a prime location that draws frequent praise from its guests. Positioned right against the ancient city walls of Óbidos, it offers unrivaled proximity to the historic center, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the magical atmosphere of the medieval town. The hotel provides easy access to popular attractions such as the Óbidos Castle, making it an ideal base for tourists eager to explore the rich history and quaint charm that Óbidos has to offer.
Guests appreciate the hotel's advantageous setting, which makes getting around the picturesque village extremely convenient. Those who stay here are mere steps away from the enchanting streets lined with local shops and restaurants. The proximity to the main entrance of the walled city ensures that exploring this beautiful part of Portugal is both effortless and memorable.
Beyond its excellent location, the hotel is renowned for its unique literary theme. The building, an intriguing blend of ancient architecture and book-filled decor, offers an inspiring environment that feels more like a grand library than a traditional hotel. The inviting atmosphere and the concept of being surrounded by books create a fascinating experience that resonates with bibliophiles and casual visitors alike.
Overall, The Literary Man Obidos Hotel provides not only a strategic spot to enjoy the historical charm of Óbidos but also an engaging literary experience for all to relish. Guests frequently highlight its excellent location, cozy ambiance, and convenient access to the village's main attractions as part of a delightful stay in this extraordinary setting.
Breakfast
Nestled within the enchanting confines of The Literary Man Obidos Hotel lies a breakfast experience that captures the imagination of its guests. The majority of reviewers extol the hotel's breakfast as exceptional, with many describing it as a lavish, abundant, and varied feast. Guests frequently note the wide selection and quality of offerings, which include freshly made pastries and eggs prepared on request, alongside a rich array of fruits, yogurts, breads, and jams that make each morning a delightful indulgence.
The breakfast buffet exhibits an impressive assortment that comes across as a work of art—beautifully presented and plentiful enough to satisfy all palates. Despite occasional remarks about slow replenishment and small breakfast room size, the general sentiment is overwhelmingly positive about the tasty and diverse options available. Guests speak highly of the buffet’s completion with high-quality ingredients and well-organized service, creating a wonderful dining atmosphere.
Complementing the sumptuous breakfast, the hotel's restaurant receives accolades for both its delightful dinner offerings and a staff characterized by friendliness and helpfulness. Many reviewers highlight the hotel’s cozy environment and charming restaurant setting, which enhance the overall dining experience, making it a place where breakfast and dinner become memorable parts of the stay.
For travelers seeking a magical ambiance combined with a gastronomic treat to start their day, The Literary Man Obidos Hotel provides a breakfast experience that consistently wins over guests, promising a splendid beginning to their adventures in Obidos.
Dinner
The dining experience at The Literary Man Obidos Hotel is generally well-praised for its excellent cuisine and charming setting. Many guests found the food at the hotel's restaurant to be delicious, often remarking on the quality of the dinner and the varied, tasty menu. Signature dishes accompanied by fine wines enhance the culinary offerings, contributing to a memorable meal. The restaurant, noted for its unique ambiance, features a dining room lined with books, adding to the allure and romance of the dining experience. The atmosphere is complemented by the option of live music, creating a cozy and intimate environment. The restaurant staff were frequently commended for their attentiveness and politeness, adding to the overall positive experience. Although a few guests noted issues with food temperature and wait times, the consensus remains that dining here is a delightful and worthwhile part of the hotel stay.
Rooms
Nestled within the charming town of Obidos, The Literary Man Obidos Hotel offers a unique blend of historic allure and modern comfort. Guests consistently rave about the hotel's spacious and comfortable rooms, which are often described as large, quiet, and beautifully decorated. Many find the mix of old-world charm and contemporary touches to be remarkable, with some rooms featuring outdoor patios or balconies with picturesque views of the village.
One of the standout features of the hotel is its literary theme, as reflected in the abundance of books adorning the common areas and rooms, creating a cozy atmosphere perfect for relaxation. The staff garners praise for their friendly and efficient service, contributing to a pleasant and welcoming experience for visitors. Additionally, the hotel’s breakfast receives high marks, enhancing guests' stays with delicious offerings.
Despite the predominantly positive feedback, some guests note areas for improvement, such as the outdated bathroom fixtures and occasional maintenance requirements. A minority mention issues with noise or decor that doesn't quite match their tastes. Yet, these concerns are often overshadowed by the charm and comfort the hotel exudes.
Overall, The Literary Man Obidos Hotel stands out as a unique destination, where guests can enjoy a spacious and comfortable room, immerse themselves in the literary ambiance, and appreciate the blend of history and modernity.
Beds
Nestled in the picturesque setting of Óbidos, The Literary Man Obidos Hotel offers a unique experience for guests, extending its charm right into the comfort of its beds. The majority of reviewers highlight the beds as comfortable, describing them with terms like "very comfortable" and "beyond comfy." Many guests found the mattresses supportive enough to ensure a restful night’s sleep, complemented by soft and welcoming pillows.
However, opinions on the bedding varied, with some guests noting that their preferred level of firmness wasn't met, describing mattresses as somewhat hard or overly soft. Despite this, several visitors still enjoyed restful sleep. The size and spaciousness of the beds also earned positive feedback.
The ambiance of the hotel, enhanced by friendly staff and a diverse breakfast offering, seems to contribute to an overall pleasant experience, but for those particularly sensitive to mattress firmness, it may be worth discussing preferences when booking. Overall, the beds at The Literary Man Obidos Hotel contribute significantly to the comfort of a guest's stay, with a largely positive reception.
Cleanliness
The Literary Man Obidos Hotel boasts a unique, charming atmosphere that is reminiscent of a vintage library, with books prominently featured throughout the decor. Guests appreciate its excellent location, making it easy to explore the nearby city center. The property is noted for its beautiful and thoughtfully decorated rooms, with particular praise for its outdoor patios and spacious bathrooms.
However, reviews highlight a discrepancy in cleanliness standards across different areas of the hotel. While some rooms and communal spaces maintain a clean and tidy atmosphere, others seem to suffer from issues such as musty odors, old carpets, and outdated and poorly maintained bathrooms. Reports of mold and moisture stains further suggest that the hotel requires significant maintenance and modernization to bring about a more consistent level of cleanliness and comfort.
The staff at the hotel receive mixed reviews, with some guests commending their welcoming and friendly demeanor. Yet, others report insufficient service quality that falls short of expectations for a purported 4-star establishment. Overall, while the hotel captures the imagination with its literary theme and historic character, attention to cleanliness and service is essential to enhance the guest experience fully.
Staff
Nestled in the charming town of Obidos, The Literary Man Obidos Hotel stands out not only for its beauty and exquisite taste in decor but also for its remarkable staff. Guests consistently highlight the staff's exceptional friendliness and willingness to assist with any request, whether directing visitors to local attractions or ensuring a smooth arrival and departure.
The reception team is particularly noted for their warmth and attentiveness, making every guest feel genuinely welcome. Efficient and knowledgeable, they provide valuable assistance and go above and beyond to accommodate guests' needs, from navigating the area to handling luggage. This high level of personalized service is mirrored by the restaurant staff, who also leave a lasting impression with their courteous and cheerful demeanor.
In addition to their professionalism, many guests are touched by the staff's genuine goodwill, which adds an unforgettable personal touch to their stay. The consistent praise for the friendliness and quality of service provided by the entire team—from reception to the kitchen—underscores the hotel's dedication to hospitality. With attentive and gracious service, The Literary Man Obidos Hotel provides an inviting atmosphere where guests feel pampered and at ease, making every stay a delightful experience.
Family
The Literary Man Obidos Hotel offers a charming ambiance and a literary-themed environment that families with a love for books will appreciate. The hotel's unique atmosphere is ideal for a weekend getaway, whether it's a quiet retreat for adults or a special outing for grandparents with young children. While the focus is not specifically on activities for kids, the overall setting is enchanting and provides a delightful experience for families exploring the beautiful village of Obidos. However, certain practical details, like self-closing doors and open bathroom designs, could be less suitable for families with young children. Despite these minor aspects, the stay promises a memorable time immersed in a book lover's paradise.
4 Star
The Literary Man Obidos Hotel presents a unique concept that appeals to literature enthusiasts, characterized by an innovative and intriguing theme. However, there are notable discrepancies in how it fulfills the expectations associated with its four-star rating. Guests frequently mention issues such as outdated facilities and maintenance problems, including mold, humidity, and malfunctioning showers. Many visitors feel that the condition of the rooms does not align with the hotel's star rating, as some rooms appear dated and noisy, with a notable smell of dampness. The inconsistency in room experience is highlighted by reports of receiving rooms smaller than described and in need of repair. Despite the overall experience falling short for a supposed four-star establishment, the hotel's restaurant receives high praise, often described as reaching a five-star standard in terms of quality and service. The concept may captivate those seeking a literary ambiance, but the hotel seems to have areas in need of significant improvement to meet the four-star expectations it advertises.
Historic
Nestled just outside the city wall of Obidos, The Literary Man Obidos Hotel stands as a tribute to the area's rich history, offering travelers a unique blend of charm and character. This historic hotel, housed in an old monastery and ancient palace, boasts an exceptional atmosphere that captivates guests as soon as they step inside. Filled with books and beautifully decorated common spaces that embrace authenticity, the hotel provides all the modern amenities without sacrificing its medieval allure.
Its privileged location means that the stunning walled city and the historic area are just steps away, allowing guests easy access to explore the beauty of Obidos. Visitors rave about the welcoming staff and the spacious, beautifully appointed rooms that contribute to an unforgettable stay. The hotel's setting within the old village enhances its appeal, providing a serene yet vibrant backdrop to a delightful getaway in this beautiful historic town.
Boutique-Style
Nestled in the heart of the enchanting town of Obidos, The Literary Man Obidos Hotel captivates guests with its distinctive book-themed charm. This boutique hotel, described as a real gem, boasts a unique structure that resonates with book lovers and travelers seeking an unusual experience. The moment one steps inside, they are greeted by an astonishing array of over 50,000 books, creating an ambiance akin to a cozy library. The shelves lining the walls, even extending into the rooms, enhance the hotel's identity, ensuring it stands out with its remarkable decor.
The atmosphere is not only described as special but is considered a highlight of the stay, with reading spaces inviting guests to unwind amidst the magnificent decoration. The hotel's personality, enriched by its literary theme, leaves a lasting impression on visitors. Its central location in the small town of Obidos allows for easy exploration on foot, adding to the convenience and allure of this wonderful boutique retreat.
No, The Literary Man Obidos Hotel doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at The Literary Man Obidos Hotel.
No, The Literary Man Obidos Hotel doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at The Literary Man Obidos Hotel.
No, The Literary Man Obidos Hotel doesn't have a gym.