Mosteiro de São Cristóvão de Lafões - Turismo — Hotel in São Pedro do Sul

The Mosteiro de Sao Cristovao is a destination in itself. We were living in Portugal at the time we went there, and were looking for an out of the way place to stay. As I understand it, the Portuguese government sold this amazing monastery, in ruins, to a Portuguese family from Porto. Over many years, the monastery was painstakingly restored. When the owners reached retirement age, and their children were adults, it became apparent that the upkeep of this beautiful place was more than any of the second generation could carry. So the idea of rural tourism was born. The former stables were turned into guest rooms, renovated to an extremely high standard, and that is where we stayed. ||||The owners were in residence the weekend we were there, and they were extremely helpful. They gave us recommendations for a good dinner and made reservations in town for us. They left the fire going in the fireplace upon our return, where we enjoyed a nice glass of port. ||||In the morning,after a terrific breakfast served by two long-time staff, the owners gave us a lengthy and very private tour of the monastery itself (which had been their private quarters). It was amazing. ||||I would recommend this place for people looking for an off the beaten path destination, maybe a good detour between Lisbon and Porto, but it was, for us a wonderful weekend. the area around the monastery is beautiful, and there are many places for walks to waterfalls/rivers/babbling brooks. This is one of my favorite...

We visited the Mosteiro in August 2016 with our family (3 kids - 17, 7 and 4 - and 2 adults) and stayed in the Casa dos Conversos. When we first drove up to the gates (dark descending, winding, narrow roads, SatNavs and phones both running out of power as we drove in) and saw the imposing Church and gates we wondered what we had gotten ourselves into. However, as soon as Walter welcomed us through the gates into the beautifully restored grounds of the Monastery, we knew we would have a wonderful stay.||||||The house was clean, very well equipped and had plenty of space for all, including the teenager (which is not always easily found in holiday homes). The grounds and surrounding area were lovely to explore with a little play area for the children and a pool with plenty of deck space. We all loved walking down to the natural pool area and exploring the monastery itself. The owners - Walter and Domingas - were fantastic. So enthusiastic about their home/business and we particularly appreciated the tour provided by Walter which included details about the restoration.||||We were made to feel incredibly welcome - with Domingas providing milk, bread and fruit for our arrival and their grandson even meeting us in Porto several days later to return an item we had forgotten - far above and beyond normal service. ||||We spent five days at the Mosteiro and would love to go back - we've been recommending to friends and family ever since our...

We stayed here for 2 nights in the suite which has also has a small kitchen. ||When we arrived it took a while before somebody showed up. It turned out that the owners were not there (away in the Algarve) and the caretaker/maid only speaks Portuguese. More surprising was the large amount of children in the swimmimg pool. This turned out to be her children and their friends, not very professional.||After that things turned out to be mostly positive. The rooms are comfortable with satellite tv and an amazing view down the river gorge. The place has been very well restored and there are lot of comfortable chairs surrounding the small swimming pool.||Best of all is a hike down the gorge to the river pool which was totally empty when we went there.||Breakfast is good although it lacked the personal touch (it is self service).||||Overall a place to recommend, the only minor note is that because the owners were not there the staff...