Pousada Convento de Évora (Convento dos Lóios) - Image 1
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Pousada Convento dos Lóios Évora

4.3
·577 reviews·Évora, Portugal

Stay in a historic 15th-century convent in Évora, blending ancient charm with modern comfort.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant weather for exploring

CrowdMedium
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Pousada Convento de Évora (Convento dos Lóios) - Image 1

Pousada Convento dos Lóios Évora

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant weather for exploring

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Stay in a historic 15th-century convent in Évora, blending ancient charm with modern comfort.

4.3
(577 reviews)

"A truly unique stay in former monk cells, steeped in history and perfectly located."

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TIP

🎯 Embrace the History

Rooms retain original features; appreciate the historical charm!

🍽️ Restaurant Notes

Great service, but vegan/veg options are very limited.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Convent Cells

Historic Convent Cells

Guest Rooms

Sleep in former monk cells, updated for comfort while preserving historical character.

Refined Restaurant Ambiance

Refined Restaurant Ambiance

Cloisters

Dine in a beautiful setting, though vegetarian options may be limited.

Central Évora Location

Central Évora Location

Exterior

Step right out into the heart of Évora's historic UNESCO World Heritage site.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the History, Manage Expectations

This former convent offers a unique stay, blending historical charm with modern comfort. While some rooms retain original features, others might feel dated. Manage expectations regarding modern amenities and consider the restaurant's limited vegan/vegetarian options.

Location is Key, Book Ahead

Pousada Convento dos Lóios boasts an unbeatable location within Évora's historic center, making it easy to explore on foot. Given its popularity, especially with tour groups, booking well in advance is highly recommended to secure your preferred room and dates.

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall mornings
Why
Pleasant weather for exploring
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday evenings
Why
Fewer tour groups
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Hoy vamos a descubrir un enclave bastante curioso a la par que aterrador. Se trata de la Capela dos Ossos, en la Iglesia de San Francisco (Évora, Portugal) #arqueología #historia #capilla #évora #ossos #huesos #haloween #octubre #viejatierra
@viejatierra
6.4K likes • 72.7K views

🎯 Embrace the History

Rooms retain original features; appreciate the historical charm! Instagram+1

🍽️ Restaurant Notes

Great service, but vegan/veg options are very limited. Reddit

The former Convent of Lóios, Évora, also known as Convent of São João Evangelista today a luxury hostel, was built in the 15th century on what was left of the Arab medieval castle. Having been badly damaged by historic events and during the 1755 earthquake that rocked Lisbon the building is a mixture of diferente styles and periods. In 1487, the first Earl of Olivença, Rodrigo de Melo, Governor of...
pedro_ismyname
321 likes • 0 views
#musicmemories Concert with Ensemble Eborensis in 2014 in the church of S. João Evangelista, Convent of Lóios, Évora #eborensisensemble #performance #polyphony #evora #cantummensurable
luiscfhenriques
86 likes • 0 views

🚶‍♀️ Prime Location

Perfect base for exploring Évora on foot. Reddit

💧 Pool Area

Pool area can feel a bit dated, manage expectations. Reddit

Convento de Évora, consistem nas antigas celas dos monges Lóios, que foram cuidadosamente atualizadas em termos de conforto, mas mantendo todas as suas características originais e histórica! Pequeno Almoço topppp 🩵🩵🩵
viana.lilia
27 likes • 360 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Embrace the History

Rooms retain original features; appreciate the historical charm! Instagram+1

🍽️ Restaurant Notes

Great service, but vegan/veg options are very limited. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Prime Location

Perfect base for exploring Évora on foot. Reddit

💧 Pool Area

Pool area can feel a bit dated, manage expectations. Reddit

📅 Book in Advance

Popular with tour groups, secure your stay early. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(577 reviews)

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

Incredible historic location
Unique convent rooms
Professional and friendly staff

What People Dislike

Dated rooms/facilities
Limited vegetarian options
High prices for quality

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Instagram

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. Reddit

🎫 🧭 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. InstagramReddit+1

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

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. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Pousada itself offers beautiful architectural shots, especially the cloisters and the exterior. The surrounding historic streets of Évora provide endless picturesque opportunities. Instagram

Yes, guests are welcome to take photos inside their rooms to capture the unique historical ambiance. Instagram

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. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Pousada's historical setting can be fascinating, it might be more suited for families with older children who can appreciate the unique atmosphere. The former monk cells, while charming, might not offer the space or amenities typically desired by families with very young children. The pool area, though present, has received mixed reviews regarding its upkeep. Reddit Consider the limited dining options for picky eaters, especially if they have dietary restrictions. However, the central location is a huge plus for exploring Évora's many child-friendly attractions like the Roman Temple and the city walls.

💰 Budget Travelers

Pousada Convento dos Lóios is positioned as a higher-end accommodation, so it may not align with a strict budget. The 'free breakfast' is a perk, but the restaurant prices can be steep, and the limited vegetarian options mean you might need to seek cheaper eats elsewhere in Évora. Reddit If budget is a primary concern, exploring guesthouses or smaller hotels within Évora's historic center might offer more affordable alternatives while still providing good access to attractions. Reddit

💖 Couples Seeking Romance

The historic ambiance of the former convent, with its unique cell-like rooms and cloister restaurant, can offer a romantic and atmospheric escape. Imagine quiet evenings exploring the ancient city or enjoying a meal in the serene setting. Instagram The central location allows for intimate strolls through Évora's charming streets after dark. While some rooms might feel a bit dated, the overall historical charm can be a significant draw for couples looking for a memorable and unique getaway.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Stay Steeped in History

Pousada Convento dos Lóios offers a truly unique accommodation experience by transforming a 15th-century convent into a hotel. Guests sleep in what were once the monks' cells, each updated for modern comfort while striving to retain its historical essence. This means you might find original architectural features, vaulted ceilings, or stone walls, offering a tangible connection to the past. Instagram+1 It's an experience that appeals to travelers seeking more than just a place to sleep, but a chance to immerse themselves in history. However, it's worth noting that the historical nature of the building means rooms can vary significantly, and some guests find certain aspects, like bathrooms or furnishings, to be dated. Reddit

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. Reddit 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. Instagram

Dining at the Convent

The restaurant at Pousada Convento dos Lóios is situated in a beautiful cloister setting, offering a refined ambiance for dining. The service is frequently praised for being professional, attentive, and making guests feel well-cared for. Reddit Complimentary appetizers are often highlighted as generous and delicious, setting a positive tone for the meal. Reddit

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. Reddit 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. Reddit

Exploring Évora from Your Doorstep

The Pousada Convento dos Lóios boasts an exceptional location right in the heart of Évora's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This prime positioning means that many of the city's most iconic landmarks are just a short walk away. You can easily access the Roman Temple of Évora, the imposing Cathedral, the fascinating Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos), and the charming medieval streets without needing transportation. Reddit

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. Instagram 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. Reddit

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