The Hotel Rural Refúgio da Vila is a very comfortable and friendly Hotel located in the central area of the Alentejo district of Portugal and 25 minutes drive south of Évora.
The Hotel is located in the very centre of the small historic town of Portel which is crowned with the distinctive walls of its ancient castle.
The original building dates back to 1830 when it was a Manor House of a wealthy farmer and has been quietly modernised to meet the comforts of today's traveller. We would personally recommend this Hotel for its charm, comfort, and friendliness.
The Hotel reflects the Alentejo architecture typical of the period . All of its 30 rooms and suites are air-conditioned and have a room safe, mini-bar, and satellite TV.
It’s Restaurant provides both local Alentejo favourite dishes together with a Mediterranean cuisine. There is a outdoor pool, a snooker room, TV room and parking.
One of the special attractions of the Hotel is that it runs a 'Catering School'.
Throughout most of the year there is a weeks course for visitors in groups of four which will impart the secrets of traditional Portuguese dishes together with recipes composed by the nuns using special herbs. There is also a one-day course which will include the meal with local wine.
The Hotel is also a excellent base to visit local wineries, visit the nearby impressive Alqueva Dam, or to explore the area by car or on horseback.
