Lavradores Boutique Guesthouse, Évora

Pros

• The Lavradores is at the edge of the historic core inside the medieval city walls, just over a 10-minute walk to important landmarks, like the Roman Temple and the cathedral (Portugal's largest).
• Public parking is nearby, making it convenient if you're traveling by rental.
• Families or larger parties can take advantage of the one- and two-bedroom apartments with kitchenettes.
• Breakfast is delivered in a Portuguese basket to your room or, if you prefer, to the communal dining area.
• You'll have access to a communal kitchen, terrace, reading room, and TV room.
• Up-level your stay with a scheduled alternative medicine treatment or, at the very least, a therapeutic massage at Inclinic, on the ground floor.

Cons

• Check-in starts at 4 pm, so if you arrive early, you might have to wait a bit before accessing your room.
• The breakfast ordering process requires you to fill out a form by 6 pm the day before, which might be inconvenient for late arrivals.

Authenticity

After thoughtful renovations, the former centuries-old farmer's inn reopened as a guesthouse in July 2018 (you'll find historic details like the Alentejo chimney—a predominant feature of the region—from 1720 in the Double Standard Room No. 3). Note that while the guest rooms follow the original building's architecture, the apartments are more contemporary. Personalized breakfasts are made up of regional products, and the handwoven baskets they come in are a nod to Portuguese heritage.

Location

Situated in a quiet, residential area of whitewashed buildings within the medieval walls that encircle Évora's historic core, you'll be about an 8-12-minute walk to its center and popular sites like the well-preserved Roman Temple—allowing you to easily explore the city on foot. Public parking is around the proverbial corner, and you'll have quick access to pick up a street to explore farther afield if you're visiting the UNESCO-protected city by car. It's a 5-minute walk to a couple of restaurants and a nearby grocery store.

Rooms & Bathrooms

Guestrooms and apartments are bright and contemporary, if not minimalist, following a calming aesthetic brought on by white walls, furniture, and linens, natural fibres like wicker furniture and light fixtures, and wood accents. Most en-suites have glass-enclosed showers with patterned tiles (apartments have bathtubs). There are one- and two-bedroom apartments with full kitchens that sleep 4-6 guests, while guestrooms accommodate 2-3 people.

Amenities

Lavradores touts itself as a "health resort," and with its partnership with Inclinic, you'll have access to alternative medicine, treatments (acupuncture, osteopathy, homeopathy, carboxytherapy, diathermy, etc), and therapeutic massage. After a treatment, you can relax in one of the many common spaces: head to the reading room for a quiet read, watch a movie in the TV room, or enjoy the communal kitchen and dining spaces (for room guests) and terrace. Breakfast is a highlight, with personalized options delivered to you in a traditional basket to your room or dining room at your requested time (all determined via a form you fill out the day before).

Family-Friendliness

Most rooms can accommodate at least three guests, but the one- and two-bedroom apartments are your best bet. They're great for longer stays thanks to the fully equipped kitchenettes, added space, and separate living areas with pullout couches; the latter sleeps up to six people. You'll also have the option to request a crib, infant tub, and highchair.