Pousada Convento dos Lóios Évora
Stay in a historic 15th-century convent in Évora, blending ancient charm with modern comfort.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Pousada Convento dos Lóios Évora
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Stay in a historic 15th-century convent in Évora, blending ancient charm with modern comfort.
"A truly unique stay in former monk cells, steeped in history and perfectly located."
🎯 Embrace the History
Rooms retain original features; appreciate the historical charm!
🍽️ Restaurant Notes
Great service, but vegan/veg options are very limited.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Convent Cells
Guest Rooms
Sleep in former monk cells, updated for comfort while preserving historical character.
Refined Restaurant Ambiance
Cloisters
Dine in a beautiful setting, though vegetarian options may be limited.
Central Évora Location
Exterior
Step right out into the heart of Évora's historic UNESCO World Heritage site.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the History, Manage Expectations
Location is Key, Book Ahead
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Embrace the History
Rooms retain original features; appreciate the historical charm!
🍽️ Restaurant Notes
Great service, but vegan/veg options are very limited.
🚶♀️ Prime Location
Perfect base for exploring Évora on foot.
💧 Pool Area
Pool area can feel a bit dated, manage expectations.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Embrace the History
Rooms retain original features; appreciate the historical charm!
🍽️ Restaurant Notes
Great service, but vegan/veg options are very limited.
🚶♀️ Prime Location
Perfect base for exploring Évora on foot.
💧 Pool Area
Pool area can feel a bit dated, manage expectations.
📅 Book in Advance
Popular with tour groups, secure your stay early.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Guests praise the Pousada Convento dos Lóios for its unbeatable historic location and the unique experience of staying in former monk cells, often highlighting the professional service. However, some find the rooms and facilities dated, and the restaurant's vegetarian options are frequently criticized.
"This review is for the charming restaurant inside the convent. The waiters were nice, professional, and respectful. They make you feel like royalty. The complimentary appetizers were generous and delicious, and the main dishes were just as tasty. Highly recommend!"
M “Fam Channel” Moya
"Unfortunately we can't give a separate review for the restaurant, so here it is:
Hotel - 4 stars
Restaurant - 1 star.
As others have described, the pousada is very well located, the staff friendly, and the rooms charming. Overall, a great place to stay, smack in the middle of the historical center of Évora.
However... the restaurant is absolutely not suitable for vegans or vegetarians despite what the menu might suggest, or what the staff may tell you. There were two options on the menu: stuffed aubergine, and couscous with grilled vegetables. The "stuffed" aubergine actually consisted of aubergine peel, with poorly seasoned, grilled vegetables on top (no aubergine among them). And the couscous dish consisted of a small layer of those same vegetables, on top of a large pile of insipid couscous. And that was it. Uninspired. Unseasoned. And expensive. Absolutely not acceptable for a five star restaurant that claims to cater for vegetarian/vegan diets.
There are many, far better options elsewhere in Évora."
Pedro Fonseca
"Sadly, a 2 star hotel masquerading as a 5 star hotel...with insane prices given the quality offered.
Our room was a laughable flashback to a 1970s B&B...shabby furniture, cheap carpet, an awful bathroom, marked walls covered with cheap paint.
The external areas such as the pool look rundown and uncared for. How hard is it to whitewash dirty walls, or take weeds out ?
The restaurant in the cloisters looks nice, until you realise you're hemmed in by dirty windows, and anyway you simply overlook overgrown trees and weeds.
The location is excellent and the staff were nice, but by God does this property need millions invested in renovation.
We won't be staying in Pestana hotels again I'm afraid. This hotel is a complete rip off."
Kenny Ross
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Pousada is centrally located within Évora's historic center, making it easily accessible on foot once you're in the city. If arriving by car, be aware that parking within the old city walls can be challenging. Many visitors opt to park outside the walls and walk. Public transport options to Évora include buses and trains from major Portuguese cities like Lisbon.
Absolutely! The Pousada's location is one of its biggest advantages. You'll be within walking distance of most major attractions, including the Roman Temple, the Cathedral, and the Chapel of Bones.
Parking can be limited and challenging within the historic center. It's advisable to check with the Pousada directly about available parking options or to research public parking lots near the convent.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Pousada Convento dos Lóios is a hotel, so you do not need separate tickets to enter the public areas or your room if you are a guest. If you wish to dine at the restaurant, reservations are recommended.
Standard check-in and check-out times apply, typically in the afternoon for check-in and late morning for check-out. It's best to confirm the exact times with the Pousada when booking or closer to your arrival date.
Generally, you need to be of legal adult age (usually 18 years old) to book and check into a hotel room. Specific policies may vary, so it's always good to check with the Pousada.
Yes, the restaurant is open to the public. However, due to its popularity and unique setting, making a reservation is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons or weekends.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Rooms are often former monk cells, offering a unique historical experience. While updated for comfort, some may retain original features, leading to a charming but potentially dated feel.
Yes, the Pousada has a swimming pool. However, some reviews suggest it might be a bit dated or not as well-maintained as one might expect from a 5-star establishment.
As an ancient convent, the Pousada has historical architecture which may present challenges for guests with mobility issues. It's advisable to contact the Pousada directly to discuss specific accessibility needs and room availability.
The Pousada is housed in the former Convent of Lóios, also known as the Convent of São João Evangelista. It was built in the 15th century on the site of an Arab castle and has undergone various renovations and historical events.
While the Pousada itself doesn't typically offer formal guided tours, its central location means you're perfectly positioned to join walking tours of Évora or explore the many historical sites nearby independently.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The restaurant offers a refined dining experience with professional service. While many guests praise the appetizers and main dishes, it's important to note that vegan and vegetarian options can be very limited and may not be creatively prepared.
Yes, free breakfast is typically included for guests. Reviews suggest it's a decent breakfast, though some find it average and lacking variety compared to other hotels.
Évora has a rich culinary scene with many restaurants and cafes within easy walking distance. You'll find a variety of traditional Portuguese cuisine and other options just a short stroll from the convent.
While the staff may try to accommodate, reviews indicate that vegan and vegetarian options are very limited and not always well-executed. It's best to communicate any strict dietary needs well in advance and be prepared with alternatives.
📸 📸 Photography
The Pousada itself offers beautiful architectural shots, especially the cloisters and the exterior. The surrounding historic streets of Évora provide endless picturesque opportunities.
Yes, guests are welcome to take photos inside their rooms to capture the unique historical ambiance.
Generally, casual photography for personal use is permitted. However, for professional or commercial photography, you would likely need to seek permission from the Pousada management.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful light for exterior shots of the convent and the surrounding historic city. Midday can be harsh, but the interiors often have atmospheric lighting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💖 Couples Seeking Romance
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Stay Steeped in History
The blend of historical preservation and modern amenities is a delicate balance. While the Pousada aims for a 5-star experience, some reviews suggest that the upkeep and modernization in certain areas, like the pool or some rooms, could be improved to match the luxury price point. Despite these points, many guests find the charm and historical significance of staying in a former convent to be a major draw, appreciating the stories the ancient walls seem to tell.
Dining at the Convent
However, a significant point of feedback from several reviews concerns the limited options for vegetarian and vegan diners. Despite menu descriptions or staff assurances, guests have reported that the vegetarian dishes can be uninspired, lacking in flavor, or not truly representative of the ingredients promised. This is a crucial consideration for those with specific dietary needs, as alternatives within the Pousada might be scarce. While the setting is lovely, it's advisable for non-meat eaters to research other dining options in Évora to ensure a satisfying culinary experience.
Exploring Évora from Your Doorstep
This walkability is a major advantage for visitors, allowing for spontaneous exploration and a deeper immersion into the city's rich history and culture. You can wander through cobblestone alleys, discover hidden squares, and soak in the atmosphere at your own pace. The convenience of being able to step out of the Pousada and immediately be surrounded by centuries of history makes it an ideal base for sightseeing and experiencing the authentic charm of Évora.
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