Convento do Espinheiro Historic Hotel & Spa

This place is amazing! Dinner was booked full but the bar was open. Definitely get the burger, even if you’re American and traveling through. Breakfast was the best in Portugal so far. The even offered a free art class which was fantastic.

Dining at the restaurant in Convento do Espinheiro was a memorable experience. The setting is stunning with dining inside a former convent adding a unique and peaceful atmosphere that is both elegant and historic. The food was refined and beautifully presented with flavours that highlight the richness of Alentejo cuisine. The service was professional and attentive without being intrusive. It is the perfect place for a special meal whether you are staying at the hotel or visiting Évora. A truly unique and high-quality dining experience in a magical setting.

This is by far the worst hotel I’ve ever stayed in, both in terms of service and room quality. It absolutely does not live up to its so-called “five-star” rating. The rate was €278 per night, yet the room lacked even the most basic amenities—no kettle, no wine glasses, no cutlery. I called the staff to request them, but they told us we had to go to the bar ourselves to get these items, or pay an extra €7 to have them delivered to the room. These should be standard amenities and not subject to additional charges. What’s worse, we initially went to the front desk as instructed, and were told the items would be sent to our room. I walked 10 minutes back to the room, only to receive a call saying we had to pick them up ourselves at the bar. When we got to the bar, the staff there said they had no kettles and told us to call reception again. It takes 10 minutes to walk between the room and the front desk, and we ended up walking back and forth multiple times just to get basic supplies. The entire process was disorganized and inefficient. To make matters worse, several lights in the room were not working, which shows a clear lack of maintenance. For €278 a night, the room quality and service were completely unacceptable and nowhere near five-star standards. Overall, this was a terrible experience. I will definitely not return and do not recommend this hotel to anyone.