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Besides the normal star rating that is granted to
Hotels to internationally accepted standards there
are certain other Portuguese categories which are
helpful to be known when considering a tour of
Portugal. Below are some simple descriptions that
we believe will act as a guide to a traveller.
Agroturismo
Integrated in an agricultural project this is
accommodation of a country and often of a basic
nature.
Albergaria
This type of accommodation offers very comfortable
4-Star Guest House quality.
Aldeamentos Turísticos
A holiday complex with different types of
accommodation. Varying from an apartment to a villa,
and normally offering special facilities such as
sports and entertainment. They are rated in three
levels, 2nd Class, 1st Class and Deluxe.
Apartamento
Usually an individual apartment, or a group of
apartments within a block and seldom without a
useful reception. The owners contract with a
managing agent for their apartments to be rented
to holidaymakers during the season.
Apartamentos Turísticos
A block of holiday apartments specifically built
to rent to tourists. These are rated from 3rd Class
to 1st Class.
Aparthotel
This category offers the same facilities as a Hotel
with an important difference - there is no room
service and self-catering within the suites is provided.
Depending upon the range of facilities they are rated
from 2-Star up to 4-Star.
Camping
These camping and caravan sites are scattered mainly
along the Portuguese coastline. They can be privately
or municipally owned and are rated from 1 to 4-Stars.
As they are very popular a prior booking in season is
recommended
Estalagem
These are privately owned Inns and usually rating at
4 or 5-Stars.
Hotel
The word De-Luxe or 5 Star gives the top rating. The
Stars then decrease down to the 1-Star as appropriate
with the service and facilities that are provided.
Hotel Apartamento
This is the same category as "Aparthotel" above.
Motel
These are of either 2 or 3-Stars.
Pensão
Equal to low cost boarding houses offering bed,
breakfast and main meals. They are also rated on a
1 to 4-Star scale.
Pensão Residencial
A boarding house offering only bed and breakfast.
Pousada
This is the name given to a web of State owned and
run Hotels. They are located throughout Portugal
in beautifully restored old historic buildings, or,
specifically built to benefit from a special location
and its views. Some can be rated on par to a 3-Star
Hotel but the principal ones tend to be equal to 4
and 5-Stars.
Pousada de Juventude
These are State owned and run Youth Hostels open to
people of all nationalities. There is no age
restriction but the tendency is for them to be used
by younger persons.
Residencial
An accommodation that provides an adequate bedroom
en-suite and that often includes a breakfast.
Turismo de Habitação
These are private properties that provide accommodation
and are considered of national architectural value.
Turismo no Espaço Rural (TER)
Privately owned locations and homes providing
accommodation and activities (not always), for a
limited number of paying guests.
Turismo Rural
This is type of country Inn and usually found in a
convenient location or in a picturesque area. Often,
the property is also the permanent home of its owners
and guests may find they can dine with the family in
selected meals. | 
