Hostel Nature — Hotel in Odemira

Last week, I did a reservation at 15 o'clock for the evening of that day and I paid 64 euros fot he night. In the options when u can choose the hour that u will arrive i wrote between 21.00 and 22.00 because I had that option to take and I didnt read about check in was until 20.00 o'clock because in other hostels is until 22 o'clock. The guy of the hostel phoned me to tell me that he cant check in at 21 o'clock. He didnt give me options or any kind of understanding. (Next day I discovered he lives upstairs in the hostel) or even if i know you are not working at this time, just give us the keys in one minute or put the keys in one place where we can take. I mean...there solutions,but not for him. So i made a cancellation of the reservation through booking and my surprise was that he kept the half part of the reservation (32 euros). Soooo....he didnt help us to make check in with whatever solution and he take 32 euros because he didnt acept the free cancellation. Finally we slept in other hostel really nice in the town. Next days I went twice to speak with him about that and the first time he "couldnt" see me, even if he was upstairs and in the receptiom phoned him to say that i was there, and the other time he wasnt at the reception....he never wrote me or phoned me again. I have never lived one experience like that before and I have been in quite a lot of hostels all over the world. Always people try to help each other. For me, this is not fair that he just took 32 euros without trying to offer us any kind of solutions, that there are for sure. Any solution better that just to keep that money and dissapear....there are other hostel very nice in Zambujeira and without any kind...

Staying here was a highlight of our trip to Portugal. This is a very friendly and cozy hostel with great amenities. But it's really the staff who make it so special. Diogo is the man! Upon arrival, he showed us around town and around the coast where he (a man much more courageous than myself) likes to dive for fresh fish, crabs, and octopus. Beyond that, he also helped us with some of the issues we were having (when we were there, Portugal really tightened it's COVID restrictions which basically forced us to leave the country early). Printing out forms, making calls on our behalf, etc etc.

He's just a guy who actually wants his guests to be happy, which is why the reviews are all so positive. Also he's got two absurdly cute kids including a newborn 2 week old baby.

I happen to know that tourism in Portugal is currently taking a really big hit with the rise in COVID cases, which is devastating to hostels, given that this is the peak tourist season. Diogo would kill me for saying it, but you should stay here and support this lovely dude and his lovely family during these tough times! Oh also the town is outrageously gorgeous and the location is is perfect and there is one the best pizzerias I've ever seen a block away. Don't question it...

If you're looking for a home away from home on your travels, Nature Hostel in Zambujeira do Mar is the perfect place. The atmosphere is unbelievably friendly, as the owner and his family run the hostel with warmth and care that make you feel like you've found a second family. They are authentic, kind, helpful, and have an incredible sense of humor. Their hospitality is so remarkable that it's worth visiting this charming little town just to stay at this hostel. It's a cozy and welcoming haven that makes your journey unforgettable.

It was, without a doubt, the best and most welcoming accommodation on our Rota Vicentina journey. We regretted not booking more nights so we could stay longer and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere of this incredible...