A Night in a Portuguese Castle: Bussaco Palace Hotel - A Dreamlike Stay

The highlight of my trip to Portugal was undoubtedly the night spent at Bussaco Palace Hotel, a castle-like hotel straight out of a fairytale. The entire building is a work of art, adorned with intricate carvings, stained glass windows, and blue azulejos tiles. Every corner is picture-perfect, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts 📸. Unfortunately, it rained that day, so I could only take a brief stroll in the garden in front of the hotel and couldn’t explore the forested mountain area in depth. Still, even just standing on the terrace and gazing at the misty woods offered a serene beauty. Transportation requires special attention as there’s no direct public transit. You’ll need to either drive yourself or, like us, take a bus to a nearby city and then a taxi up the mountain. Be sure to plan ahead to avoid any hassle. The rooms themselves are relatively simple and modest, but the real highlight here is the hotel’s public spaces. From the high-ceilinged lobby to the ornate staircases, ancient oil paintings, and tiled walls, every step feels like wandering through a museum—it’s truly an immersive experience. Overall, if you’re a fan of classical styles with a touch of mystery and don’t mind the less convenient transportation, this is definitely a stay worth adding to your collection. It’s like living a brief moment of royal life.