Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
PRICE RANGES
Throughout this guidebook the order of accommodation in listings is from lowest to highest and by author prefer-
ence within each category. The following price ranges refer to a double room with bathroom in high season. Un-
less otherwise stated breakfast is included in the price.
€
less than €60
€€
from €60 to €120
€€€
over €120
Guesthouses
Guesthouses are small-scale budget or midrange accommodations, with a personal feel that can be lacking in larger ho-
tels. Most are family -run places.
There are various types of guesthouses; prices typically range from €50 to €90 for a double room with private bath-
room (and as little as €35 for the simplest lodgings with shared bathrooms).
»
The
residencial
is generally the most expensive type of guesthouse, with breakfast usually included.
»
The
pensão
(pension) is a slight step down in comfort and quality. These typically offer some rooms with shared bath-
rooms or rooms with only a shower or sink.
»
The
hospedaria
or
casa de hóspedes
is at the bottom of the heap, with low prices and very basic rooms, usually with
shared bathrooms; breakfast is not typically served here.
Hostels
Portugal has scores of hostels, particularly in Lisbon and Porto. If you're thinking bare-bones smelly backpacker
lodging, think again. Lisbon's hostels are among the best in Europe, with stylish design in heritage buildings and excel-
lent amenities.
»
High-season dorm beds typically cost around €20. Many hostels also offer simple doubles with shared bathrooms, and
some have small apartments.
»
Bed linen and breakfast are usually included in the price. Standard features are kitchens, lounges with wi-fi access,
and computers for guest use.
»
In summer, reserve ahead, especially for doubles.
»
Many of the hostels outside Lisbon are part of the
Pousadas de Juventude
(youth hostels;
ht-
tp://microsites.juventude.gov.pt
)
network affiliated with Hostelling International (HI).
»
If you don't have a HI card, you can get a guest card, which requires six stamps (€2 per time) - one from each hostel
you stay at - after which you have paid for your membership.
Pousadas
In 1942 the government started the
pousadas network
(
www.pousadas.pt
) , turning castles, monasteries and palaces in-
to luxurious hotels, roughly divided into rural and historic options. July prices range from €120 to €250; prices in
