Palacio Sao Silvestre Boutique Hotel takes its name from the word palace, and the name tells you what kind of stay to expect: a small, characterful hotel with more individuality than the large modern properties in the city. Boutique hotels in converted historic buildings usually have a limited number of rooms, each a little different in shape and decoration, with high ceilings, period details and the sort of quiet that makes a short city break feel longer. Coimbra rewards that style of stay. Its streets are old, its buildings are layered with centuries of university and monastic history, and an evening in a hotel with a sense of place suits a city whose main attraction is atmosphere. Because room types differ widely in this kind of hotel, it pays to read the description of each room before you reserve. Ask about the floor, the view, the bed size and whether there is a lift, since older buildings often have stairs. Breakfast in a small hotel is often served at a few tables rather than from a long buffet, which is part of the appeal, and staff can usually suggest restaurants, fado houses and the best time to queue for the Joanina Library. Facilities such as parking, a garden or a terrace vary from one boutique hotel to another, so confirm what is available for your dates when you book.
Coimbra is a city of two levels, and the position of your hotel changes the rhythm of your days. In the lower town you walk out to cafes, shops and the river promenade; higher up, you are among the lanes and courtyards of the old university quarter, with more atmosphere and more stairs.
Check the map when you book to see where the palace sits in relation to the Baixa, the university and the station before you decide, and ask the hotel for the easiest route on foot with luggage. A taxi from the station is a sensible way to arrive, especially after dark.
Practical points. Boutique hotels book out first for weekends, graduation season in May and the autumn term, so reserve early if your dates are fixed. Ask for a quiet room if you are sensitive to noise, since student celebrations can run late in some parts of the city. Read recent guest comments about service and room condition, and check cancellation rules, because small hotels often apply stricter terms than chains.
Who is it for? Couples celebrating something, travellers who enjoy historic buildings, and anyone who wants to spend two or three nights in Coimbra without staying in a standard business hotel. It works well alongside a fado evening in the Coimbra style, a timed visit to the university, a walk across the river to the Santa Clara side and a day trip to Conimbriga or Bussaco.
Families and groups can stay too, but should ask about room sizes and extra beds. Expect to pay more than at a simple city hotel, and treat the extra as the price of character.
Why stay here
- ✓Air conditioning
- ✓Wi-Fi
- ✓Front desk
- ✓Breakfast available
- ✓Historic building
- ✓Quiet setting
- ✓Multilingual staff
- ✓Close to the old town
Good questions
What kind of hotel is Palacio Sao Silvestre?+
It is a boutique hotel in a palace-style building, so expect a small number of individual rooms rather than a large chain layout.
Is there a lift?+
Older buildings often have stairs, so ask about the lift and the floor of your room when you book.
Is it good for couples?+
Yes. A small historic hotel suits couples looking for atmosphere, but check recent guest comments to confirm the style and service suit you.
