Hotel Quinta das Lágrimas is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World set inside an 18th-century palace and its 17 hectares of botanical gardens on the southern bank of the Mondego River in Coimbra, a short drive from the historic university and city center. The estate is tied to the legend of Inês de Castro, whose tears are said to have formed the on-site Fonte das Lágrimas (Fountain of Tears), lending the property a romantic, literary weight rare among Centro region hotels. Guest rooms span Classic, Superior, Junior Suite, and Palace Suite categories, many in the original palace wing with period furnishings and garden or pool views, while others sit in a modern annex. The hotel's Arcadas restaurant holds a Michelin star and serves contemporary Portuguese tasting menus, complemented by a more casual poolside dining option and an extensive wine cellar. Facilities include a spa, two outdoor pools, and a nine-hole pitch-and-putt course, appealing to leisure travelers and couples. Concierge service is polished and geared toward guests seeking a quiet luxury base for exploring Coimbra's university and old town on foot or by taxi.
| Price | €€€€ (€120-350/night, approx $139-406) |
|---|---|
| Address | Rua António Augusto Gonçalves, 3041-901 Coimbra, Portugal |
Room types
- Classic Room
- Superior Room
- Junior Suite
- Palace Suite
Amenities
- spa
- two pools
- gardens
- restaurant
- bar
- pitch-and-putt course
- free parking
- wifi
- minibar
Weather through the year in Portugal
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Portugal.
Location
Rua António Augusto Gonçalves, 3041-901 Coimbra, Portugal
40.1975, -8.4193 View on map
Highlights
- Michelin-starred Arcadas restaurant on site
- 18th-century palace set in 17 hectares of botanical gardens
- Tied to the historic legend of Inês de Castro and the Fountain of Tears
- Spa, two outdoor pools, and a pitch-and-putt course
- Short drive to Coimbra's historic university and old town
Tips for visiting
- Reserve a table at Arcadas restaurant well in advance, as the Michelin-starred dining room books up quickly
- Ask for a palace-wing room rather than the modern annex for period character
- The gardens are worth a slow morning walk before the day's heat sets in
- A taxi or short drive is needed to reach central Coimbra, as the estate sits outside the walkable old town
- Spa treatments should be booked ahead, especially on weekends
Accessibility
Public areas and the modern annex offer step-free access, but parts of the original 18th-century palace wing have stairs without elevators, so guests with mobility needs should request a ground-floor or annex room when booking.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Hotel Quinta das Lágrimas within walking distance of Coimbra's old town?
It is close but not walkable for most guests; a taxi or short drive of about 10 minutes connects the estate to the university and historic center.
Does the hotel have a Michelin-starred restaurant?
Yes, the on-site Arcadas restaurant holds a Michelin star and serves a contemporary Portuguese tasting menu alongside an à la carte option.
What is the legend associated with the property?
The estate is linked to Inês de Castro, a 14th-century noblewoman, and its Fonte das Lágrimas is said to mark the spot where she was killed, a story woven into Portuguese literature.
Are the pools open year-round?
The two outdoor pools operate seasonally, typically from late spring through early autumn, weather permitting.