Quinta do Louredo

When we first arrived, we found it hard to check-in in the evening on arrival at the key-pad entry gate to the property, and on calling their contact number several times, eventually someone answered and said someone would come and meet us to let us in. We waited and no one did. Eventually we were able to get in as someone else left the premises so the gate was opened. We managed to find the external kitchen and the chef who was very friendly said he would show us to reception, which was empty and that he would get someone to come and meet us. The lady who met us at reception was friendly enough and took our details and showed us to our room. We spent the best part of the evening swatting the dozens of mosquitos that were inside the room as the lights had been left on and windows open for us arriving. We were all still bitten through the night. We never got to experience the evening dinner but breakfast had plenty options available for the full family, but again - the welcome and service was non existent. The staff who were behind the counter barely offered a breath of friendliness and our Obrigada's and attempts to engage with them was met with a wall of indifference. The pool was unusable, dirty and covered with bugs. The kids were in no way happy to go into that. There was no one at reception or available to speak to about it. Sure, it's October and things are a bit quiet but we expected at least some sort of experience and engagement from staff. Final point was sadly among the farm animals there was a kennel with 4/5 dogs, all of which never left the kennels at any point in the 2 days we were there. They were running about in their own excrement and had no bedding or anything. Just a tiny enclosed space. They all seemed very friendly and wanted to be out playing with us. Quinta do Ghost-Town

We wanted to love our stay here and were looking forward to something diferent from a traditional hotel so we booked this farmstay but were unfortunately dissapointed. The positives: the grounds are nice as are the building and the concept is great. The pool is lovely and a nice amenity on a hot day. The onsite restaurant is nice to have so you don't have to go into town. We had 2 rooms in the main building and the rooms themselves were nice, comfortable and well decorated. The included breakfast was fine. The negatives - there were tiny ants all over the rooms. The next morning we found them in our luggage, clothing, everywhere. We had to wash everything afterwards. They completely oversold dinner at the restaurant. While some of the dishes were good, they recommended way too much food for us and it was extremely heavy, all meat with very little vegetables. I appreciate the work and passion of the chef, but they need to offer more options and reconsider their pricing. It was our most expensive meal in Portugal and I can't say that it was anywhere near our best.