MS Collection Arouca - Mosteiro de Arouca — Hotel in Arouca

I was truly looking forward to this visit, especially knowing the restaurant is part of a beautifully restored monastery turned 5-star hotel. The setting is remarkable, full of history and grandeur—but sadly, the dining experience was the exact opposite.||The decor feels oddly out of place: dark tables, red chairs, no tablecloths, no elegance—more IKEA than heritage. It completely lacks charm or atmosphere, a missed opportunity to match the soul of the building.||The menu left me baffled. Ceviche and carpaccio in the heart of rural Portugal, in a place known for its rich, traditional cuisine? It felt tone-deaf. The food itself was far from memorable. My Bife de Alvarenga was based on good-quality meat, but ruined by a pre-made, tasteless sauce that overwhelmed everything.||Service was poor, though I understand the restaurant have just opened. Still, that doesn't excuse the overall lack of hospitality or training we experienced.||It’s a heartbreaking contrast—such a majestic setting with so little care or passion in the food and service. I hope they find their footing soon, because right now, it’s just a sad echo of what...

Could really not fault the staff or any part of the hotel. Very genuinely friendly staff on arrival, breakfast, and any other time needed. Hotel renovation has been done to very high standard, incorporating many parts of the old monastery. (Make sure you take in the monastery museum connected, so you can see the before and after) The outside pool is just wonderful (with the right weather). It's big enough to have a proper swim, but you're still able to stand in the deep end. Again, friendly staff at the pool side bar with drinks and food available. Indoor pool and sauna are great, and again, very high standard to the finish. Some may say the location is just a bit far from anywhere, but I think this is the point of this hotel. It's about getting away from it all and just relaxing. Certainly would recommend and would return. At the moment, as it only opened a few months ago (April 2025), it's still...

Fantastic hotel: serene, stylish, great location. Five-star feel, superb breakfast, and an excellent restaurant. Everything runs like clockwork. So relaxing, peaceful — absolutely loved it all. One of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed at.

Small note: the junior pool staff are still learning (but charming). Gin is a bit pricey (€14–€18) compared to other food and drink prices. Overall, excellent value for money. Highly...