Hotel D. Luis

Hotel D. Luis is a straightforward city hotel for visitors who want a private room, a private bathroom and a front desk without paying for extras they will not use. It is aimed at the simpler, lower-priced end of the market, which tends to make it popular with independent travellers, rail passengers and anyone passing through Coimbra on the way to the north or south of Portugal. A simple hotel in a city like this one asks you to think about what you really need: a clean, quiet room, a decent bed, hot water and a helpful reception are the essentials, and the rest of your budget can go to the sights. Rooms in hotels of this class are usually compact, with a bed or twin beds, a small desk or table, a television and a bathroom with a shower. Breakfast may be a simple continental spread, and some rates leave it out altogether, so check what your price includes. Details such as air conditioning, a lift, parking and access for guests with limited mobility differ between buildings, and they matter in a hilly city, so confirm the ones you need before you reserve.

Think of the hotel as a base for walking and for day trips. Coimbra is compact, and the main sights, the Baixa, the Santa Cruz Monastery, the Old Cathedral, the river promenade and the university, can be seen on foot over a day or two, with a steady climb to the top of the hill.

The Roman city of Conimbriga, the Bussaco forest, Aveiro and the Bairrada wine country make good day trips by tour, train or car, and a simple hotel with an early breakfast makes those starts easier. Look at the map when you book to see the walk from the hotel to the river and the station.

Practical points. Choose the room type with care, especially the number of beds and the floor, since rooms at the back or on higher floors are usually quieter. Ask about luggage storage if you arrive before check-in or leave after check-out, which is common for train travellers. If you are driving, ask about parking before you arrive, because spaces in the centre are limited and the streets are narrow. Cards are widely accepted, but carry a little cash for small cafes.

Who is it for? Solo travellers, couples and friends on a modest budget, students visiting family, and anyone who wants a central, uncomplicated stay. If you want a pool, a spa or a historic palace, look at the larger or more characterful hotels in this list; if you want a clean room and the freedom to spend on fado, food and tours, this kind of hotel is a sensible choice. Compare prices on the dates you need, since rates rise in May during the student festivities.