Pousada Geres-Caniçada – Charming Hotel

We loved this place as soon as we arrived with the fabulous views and the lovely smell of wood smoke as soon as you walk inside. We booked a superior room with balcony view which was great as even though it was cold and we weren’t outside much, the glass doors let in lots of light. The room itself was well designed with good storage, a very comfortable bed and cosy décor including some rugs to use outside on the balcony. There was also a couple of plants in the room which was great. Staff were fabulous as well and we really enjoyed the few days we spent here. Highly recommended.

Excellent views, with an excellent welcome package. Staff very friendly and knowledgeable of their surroundings. A place where you can accomplish a well deserved rest and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Plan to return for extra time.

We felt a million miles away from the heat wave, tourists and traffic once we arrived. It felt like a cozy cabin, very fresh with an exceptional view. Our room was so cozy, with a fantastic bed. The a/c was excellent and quiet. I loved that the long halls had windows that opened and were refreshing. The breakfast included had a french feel and was amazing! The staff was very attentive and lovely. We were busy touring each day- but when we return, we will take time in the lounge with a beautiful view, fireplace and bar. We loved this location as we were up and away from crowds, but close to many towns we wanted to visit.

We weren’t wowed by this place, I think an average rating is fair. Check in was fine, the price of the room I think is too much but choice of hotels is more limited in this region. The room was a little dated but the bathroom was better, everything was clean. A minibar fridge with not much in it which is helpful for bringing your own drinks. The bed was two singles put together, but also the sheets and duvets were for single beds put together which is always a bit strange when you’re a couple. Be careful with the room you book, I didn’t pay enough attention. We booked a superior terrace room with view to the dam. The view can’t be seen from the room really, our view was of the back of the kitchen. The terrace is a balcony like section with a short wall and then a road, which is an access route it seems for some guests and staff. I just didn’t feel like there was much privacy in the room with the door open or sitting out on the terrace, I’d have preferred a balcony if I was doing it again. I did check if I could upgrade and unfortunately nothing was available, so my fault but study the rooms carefully. We spent a lot of time listening to next doors TV through the wall, we complained but ultimately its poor sound insulation and even when the guy turned it down a bit we could still listen along to Sky News headlines. The breakfast was quite good, wide selection in the buffet, restocked regularly. The glasses are stupidly small so you get about theee sips out of them and you’re up to refill again, these should be changed. We found the dinner not as good, and very expensive. €4 for a single slice of bread and some olive oil, service was patchy. The ambience isn’t amazing and the guests skew a bit geriatric. The restaurant choice close by is quite small and all really require a drive, but we had a better time elsewhere. The pool is nice, there are numerous areas to sit and admire the very good view. The pousada itself is an interesting venue. Of all the places we visited on our northern Portugal trip we found this hotel the most disappointing - not because there’s anything massively wrong with it but just the little things I’ve mentioned here dragging the experience down. We may have been the wrong clientele, the guests mainly seemed to be older groups and couples who perhaps enjoyed the older style hotel on offer.

When me and my girlfriend decided to take a summer trip to Geres and we saw the pictures of the Pousada da Canicada we were straight away convinced. The location is great with amazing views over the lake. The rooms are a bit outdated and we had some trouble with the smell on our room, normally I would rate lower the hotel due to this, but the service and specially Mrs Maria from the reception (I wish I got her last name) turned a not so nice situation into a memorable experience. With her attentive and proactive attitude no matter what trouble guests might have, it will always end on a positive note. My sincere thank you to her!! The only possible improvement point in my view would be the restaurant, which I was not convinced by the quality of food, nonetheless the hotel is 30 min away from Braga with great food options.