Hostel Bulwark — Hotel in Valença

I absolutely loved my stay at Hostel Bulwark.

The reception and living area was welcoming, the rooms and beds look exactly like the photos so you know what to expect, and most importantly... the very warm and accommodating Victoria, she checks you in and makes you comfortable immediately.

Hostel Bulwark is conveniently located within Valença, for pilgrims on Camino Portugués, this is the last Portuguese town before crossing the border to Tui in Spain. You'll be staying within a medieval fortress and from one end of the fortress, a wonderful view of Tui across the river. :) The check-in time is from 1500-1900 Portuguese time (different from CET), but I loved that Victoria accommodated some late arrivals because they probably wouldn't have found another place to stay given the town is on holiday and everything else is closed. (This is the heart of hospitality)

The common area is very comfortable, whether you want to use it for working (laptop out on top of the table), or for hanging out and meeting people. Tea and biscuits are free, while coffee, cappuccino and hot chocolate are available for a nominal cost.

I stayed on the 2nd floor dorm where there was a skylight (you don't have that on the basement) and you have natural light coming in during daytime, there was a shower + toilet, a separate shower room and a separate toilet so there should be enough for 10 people to use. The towel and shower gel are included in the rate. You will sleep on a legit comfortable mattress that's spacious and the blanket warm. Within your bunk, there are hooks to hang your clothes, lighting, a power plug and a USB port. You can draw your curtains to a close and it feels completely private. My stay is during winter and she turned on the heater so I felt warm even when I first arrived.

Breakfast was a generous spread of breads, ham, cheese, fruits (orange and kiwi slices), cereals, coffee, milk and orange juice, complemented by butter and jam. I had a full and...

Great location in fort, of course that means you have to walk up the hill, but the Caminho trail runs through the fort in any case. Hostel bed set up was private with curtains, plug ins and light source, though all beds (even those not bunks) were set very (too) low to easily get out. Mattress and pillow very comfortable. But upper (attic) room was too hot without sunroof open and not all pilgrims wanted it open. Shower water on metered knob, with first shower of the day requiring 4 pushes for water to begin to heat. Though hot water was plentiful after. Sufficient bathrooms on floor for no waiting. Carolina was wonderful at checkin. Had hoped for a lie in as this was my rest day, but voices from breakfast/lobby very loud very early. Very nice and welcoming place to stay on the...

I thought it was impossible to sleep through the night on the camino. It isnt! Hostel Bulwark provides the tired pilgrim with EVERYTHING!!! SOFT and amazing bed, real pillows, privacy and its so, so, so very clean! Breakfast was super!!!! Bread, butter, jam, fruit, orange juice, coffee - good quality. Not the cheap toast and butter version. The concept works: small space wisely used. Every detail works. It was my absolute best night on the camino - slept like a baby, entirely happy. Thank you for providing me with this oasis of an hostel and all the hugs and smiles. Gave me so much! Keep up the good energy and work!!! This could easily become a "must stay...