Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
than Luso's other in-town lodgings. Replete with period touches, its large doubles boast
plush drapes, decorative plaster ceilings and polished period furniture. Its appeal is en-
hanced by an elegant entryway, formal parlour and pretty vine-draped garden with pool.
HOTEL
€€€
Palace Hotel do Buçaco
( 231 937 970;
www.almeidahotels.com
;
Mata Nacional do Buçaco; s €120-150, d €150-200; )
This
sumptuous royal palace sits in the middle of the forest and offers a delightfully ostenta-
tious place to stay. Common areas are stunning - particularly the tilework above the grand
staircase - though some rooms feel a little musty and threadbare. Don't expect flatscreen
TVs or period furniture, but do expect stunning marble bathrooms.
Some of the furniture around the place is a little disappointing, there's lots of stuff from
the mid-20th century that's neither comfortable nor historic, just outdated. Nevertheless,
the opulent beauty of the building and its fairytale location make this worth the stay, and
meals here are truly memorable. Significant discounts are sometimes available for book-
ings via the hotel's website.
Eating
Restaurante Imperial
( 231 937 570; Rua Emídio Navarro 25, Luso; mains €7-11; lunch & dinner)
The grilled meats and
other simple Portuguese fare are good value, but steer clear of the vinegary house red.
PORTUGUESE
€
Pedra de Sal
( 231 939 405;
www.restaurantepedradesal.com
;
Rua Francisco A Dinis 33, Luso; mains €10-16)
Winningly
done out in dark wood, this is the best restaurant in Luso by quite a distance. It specialises
in succulent cuts of pork from the Iberian pig, has some excellent wines to wash them
down with and top service to boot. Book ahead at weekends.
PORTUGUESE
€€
Palace Hotel do Buçaco
( 231 937 970;
www.almeidahotels.com
;
Mata Nacional do Buçaco; 7-/8-course meal €35/40; lunch & dinner;
)
For a truly memorable dinner, it's hard to beat the elegant spread at the Palace Hotel's
dining room. Better come hungry - the meal spans seven to eight courses: appetisers,
soup, pasta, fish and/or meat, salads, local cheeses, dessert trolley and finally a
cafezinho
(espresso). The dining room itself is a work of art, with natural light pouring over the par-
PORTUGUESE
€€€
