H2otel Congress & Medical Spa — Attraction in Covilhã

We have family within the area and frequent the spa often. We LOVE the spa. We had set up some family to stay at the hotel in August as we were staying 20 minutes away in our families village. The spa is a 10/10 however the front of house hotel staff were shockingly rude. Portugal is known for their forest fires and every summer season it is not surprising to hear about them -- however, as a guest of the hotel when a blazing fire broke out one late afternoon I was shocked to hear the hotel staff were rude to my family when they asked questions about the hotels safety plan or what to do in case of emergency. Listen, the threat of forest fires are serious and should be taken as such if a guest asks. I couldn't believe my family when they told me they had asked not one but three front staffers this question that all yielded the same results - shrugs and 'I don't know'. So I went myself and asked. A male front staff manager was there along with two other females. He called me American (I am not) and said the same thing 'we just evacuate, there is no issue here' and turned away back at work. The other two female staff shrugged and echoed that they didn't know. Meanwhile, 3 helicopters were less than 2KM away putting out a fire. I know this because (thanks Google) and I walked down. This is a very specific situation but it does yield a very concerning truth -- this hotel proved it doesn't actually care nor have the decency to train their staff in what to do in case of an emergency - i.e a blazing fire (again, something that occurs often in Portugal and is a serious threat). I look forward to the hotel's response below and I will report back. We are staying there again next season so I will ask the question. P.S I hope the staff enjoy their much needed training. It shouldn't have come down to a review to make this happen.

UPDATE; I knew the hotel would respond like this. 2 days ago in September 2024 Portugal declared a State of Calamity due to the amount of fires in the country currently …. this is a disastrous...

Simply divine for those who want to relax, there is no better place. The Hotel has two water pools (indoor and outdoor), 2 bath rooms, 2 saunas, a wide space of jacuzzis, among other things. You must wear a cap and you can bring it from home. The breakfast is magnificent, with huge variety. The space is super well decorated and conveys an energy of calm, that provides a sensation of well-being. For two people, the bedroom has a super spacious bed, a flat tv and a bathroom with a very large bathtub as well. All rooms have a balcony. There are always activities during the day, which i recommend for thoso who stay several nights. I will definitely return! I give 6 stars because it deserves more than the maximum score.

Simplesmente divinal. Para quem quer relaxar uns dias, não há melhor. O Hotel tem duas piscinas aquecidas (interior e exterior), 2 banhos turcos, 2 saunas, um espaço só de jacuzzis, ginásio e outras coisas. É necessário touca que podem levar se casa. O pequeno-almoço é magnifico, com enorme variedade. O espaço é super bem decorado e transmite uma energia de calma, que proporciona bem-estar. Para duas pessoas, o quarto tem uma cama super espaçosa, uma tv plana e uma casa da banho com uma banheira muito espaçosa também. Todos os quartos têm uma varanda. Há sempre atividades durante o dia, que recomendo a quem fica várias noites. Com certeza vou regressar! Dou 6 estrelas, pois merece mais que a...

Bring the family for the "spa"n come for dinner, but do not stay over.

This is NOT a Congress NOR Medical Spa Hotel. Expect running kids, jumping in all pools and be loud. More like something between Butlins and Centre Parks.

The receptionists are dreadfully trained and so is the supervisor. There is never a director available... we were given a room smelling of cigarettes right at the door entrance, when mentioned the answer was they couldn't force people to smoke outside and that the room wasn't duly inspected; yet no apology.

Covid safety is mis-aligned. Sometimes very strict such as no papers nor signatures except if you order drinks at the bar then you owe to sign the bill (only place they ask). They check people's temperature at breakfast in the restaurant, but not at check in to the hotel nor so called Spa.

Breakfast at a "Medical Spa" for this place constitutes a bunch of cakes, pancakes and viennoiserie, full english breakfast, 2 fruit options and 3 juice options...

On the positive side, the receptionists at the spa were really good, polite and attentive. The hotel reception could learn a great deal from them! We also paid ahead of time €40 for both of us as half-pension (meaning dinner). Great staff and really good food.

At €270+ the night for a double room you would expect the service to be impeccable and the promise...