Hotel Monverde — Hotel in Amarante

I paid for the “wine experience suite” on the travel site I booked through and paid more than I usually would for a hotel room. However, when we got to the hotel they put us in the “family suite” which is a cheaper suite without a pool. This was supposed to the the “splurge” last night of vacation with my family and it was disappointing to have the manager stubbornly say the travel site had booked it that way and they would not offer any upgrade without paying over priced extra fees (which was offensive as it was cheaper to just book a room on the website that night had we not already paid, so we actually paid almost $100 more than what we should have for the family suite we ended up with). After calling the travel site, they agreed it was a mistake and offered a small monetary refund but it was disappointing that the hotel wouldn’t work with their booking partner to make things right and instead had me waste 2 hours of my vacation time on an international call trying to figure things out myself. Especially as they had the suite we wanted available and unbooked. The family suite was big with lovely views but of course no private pool and quite dated (rugs were worn, garbage can broken, tiles in the floor and fixtures broken, flickering lights etc) The properly itself is lovely and private with beautiful flowers and vineyards (except the staff do zip around in cars and golf carts very fast down the lanes which made me a little nervous for my 5 year olds safety). The public pool was nice although didn’t have any chairs etc set out until well after 10am and indoor pool requires you to wear a bathing cap (of course if you don’t have one they offer that you can buy one from them lol). The best experience we had was at the restaurant. The food and service was genuine and lovely. Our server was the best. The food and wine recommendations were great and he was so amazing with my 5 year old. Very charming and the food was 5 star, some of the best of the trip. The morning brunch was amazing too. Lots of selection and extremely tasty. Mimosas too with their own sparkling wine. When we checked out I again mentioned the mixup with suites when they asked how the experience was, and instead of taking any money off for pool drinks or anything they just nodded and said they were sorry to hear and sent me on my way. I wouldn’t recommend this place for the price as it’s not great value but I would def go for a visit to...

We stayed in Room 15, a Wine Experience Suite with a large balcony offering views over the vineyard. |The room was one of the best we have stayed in. Huge windows and lovely decor and design.|The grounds are expansive with the central building housing the reception, restaurant, bar and spa. It might not look much on the outside but it's a big and beautiful building inside. The pictures perhaps don't do it as much justice as it deserves. |The hotel rooms are in different parts of the grounds, a short walk away from the main building. Some are a little further away than others, but the furthest away was a pleasant 7min walk. For us, the size of the site was all part of the charm as it felt quiet and isolated a lot of the time.|The staff said they will happily pick you up in a golf cart if you wanted, but we didn't need to utilise it so not sure how reliable/quick it is. There is a large car park near the main building as well as smaller car parks at each of the other buildings. ||The staff in general were fantastic. We had booked a wine tasting experience but on the day my wife was ill but they let us cancel without charging which was really appreciated as they didn't have to.|We took the half board option. Breakfast was really good with a variety of different foods, hot and cold. The dinners were good - without being exceptional. There was a choice of 2 or 3 options for each course so as long as you aren't fussy, you'll probably find something you like.|The spa was great. The first day we were there it was really busy (and really hot) and hard to get a chair outside and the pool was full. Worth noting that you need to wear a swim cap for the indoor pool (I didn't as I have no hair). They do sell caps there if needed but at a premium.|The next 2 days were much quieter outside and we easily managed to get a chair with umbrella/shade.|FYI. The sat nav in our hire car didn't take us to the door, but there are blue signs directing you when you get close. You will certainly need a car to get there but the roads aren't that bad... I've certainly driven on much worse! |Overall we had a fantastic time at Monverde and it's great for a peaceful and...

Beautiful location set amongst vineyards this hotel is a collection of modern buildings. We stayed in suite 15 for 3 nights in April.

Having booked and paid online, check in was easy. Upon checking in we inquired as to what there was to do locally, and if we wished to take the famous train from Regua to Pinhao how to go about it..if reservations were required. Reception summoned the activities manager who didn't have a clue and kept flipping through his folder until we finally asked him to leave times and cost details at reception. No details, no excuses, no apology forthcoming.

Having left the clueless activity manager we headed to our rooms in another building...to find that we had to climb one floor struggling with our heavy bags. No lift, no offer of concierge services. The next morning i discovered however, a lift in the main building. Which serves to take guests one floor down to the restaurant. I wonder how many people take heavy luggage to the restaurant?! When I expressed this disbelief to reception I was informed that the hotel does have a bell hop. But thst he was on holiday the day I arrived. Hahaha! Five star hospitality indeed.

I believe this hotel merely mouths its ecolabel philosophy and doesn't put any thought into how it can be done. If a hotel wants me to save water by reusing towels, it is obliged to give me a rail on which to hang my towels dry. Much as I'd like to help I don't relish drying off with a damp towel after a shower.

So. To book or not to book? Good looking rooms, public areas and grounds. Lovely restaurant offering up a very decent breakfast. Dinner a la carte offerings are not remarkable but ok to eat after a long day out. Didn't use spa or spa services. If all you need is a room with a bed and you don't need front desk or concierge services it'll be a great stay. The Wine Experience Hotel bit is just marketing. Better do your homework before arriving. They have no idea. And no initiative to be helpful. This beautiful hotel sadly has neither...