Our monthly party venue
Stay in São Martinho Do Porto
Storytellers' Palace
Please mention that you know Carl & Good Morning Portugal!
Antonio Da Baia
Concha (central)
Hotel Atlântica (& Carvalho Restaurant)
10-05-22 - MAKE A BOOKING
Had an enquiry, from friends who are "big fans of small 2-star Portuguese hotels, often family run", about the Bay's Atlântica establishment. Apparently they have a 2-night B&B offer for about €100, and my pals want to know if the location is good for the pair of them to enjoy a short stay in the bay.
I too like this type of accommodation, so gladly gave them my assessment, if only from outside. Reception was unmanned and staff sounded busy elsewhere so left them to it. But family-run and intimate is definitely the vibe here. This, on my way to the hotel's integral restaurant - 'Restaurante Carvalho' - or Mr Skinny Legs' cafe as my kids call it (see pic).
As far as location goes, it's hard to be more centrally located than Hotel Atlântica, positioned in the heart of town, less than a minute from the beach, and across the street from SMdP's tourist information office.
Likely to be 'atmospheric', i.e. charmingly noisy at all hours at the height of the season, it is a great location. Here you'll feel the town's pulse and be well positioned for baia, bars and buzz.
Incidentally, I really enjoyed my lunch at their ground-floor eatery Carvalho. Me delighting in a well cooked Dourada (golden bream) with fresh veg and boiled potatoes, and the kids sharing a pizza, the remains of which went home 'para levar' (one of my favourite Portuguese phrases).
Chatting to the waiter, seems the hotel and restaurant are under recent, new management. This bodes well if they are eager to please and I'd say the "sea view room with balcony at €115 for 2 nights bed and breakfast" will make for a fun break, if not an entirely relaxing one.
For tranquility and solitude, check out a B&B between SMdP and Nazare, just off the Atlantic ridge road perhaps. But for all the fun of a buzzing beach break, this looks like a great deal and choice once the car is parked up and the flip-flops are on.
Casa Grande - extended family accommodation (20+)
SMdP is a lovely place to visit and if you want to come with a larger family or friendship group, here's the perfect venue.
I was lucky enough to see Casa Grande when we returned to the town in late 2021, and were invited to join a gathering there.
"This amazing and spacious house was specifically modernised in 2014 to accommodate up to 20 people in comfort," say the owners.
"Originally built in a traditional Portuguese style, it is constructed over three levels and has been totally adapted with great care to offer comfort and zones for entertainment and relaxation.
Rest assured there’s nothing quite like it in the area to beat its space, thoughtful layout and level of equipment no matter what you are looking for."
I agree and would like to celebrate a significant birthday there some day with its close proximity to town, yet with a great deal of seclusion and sense of comfortable luxury.
The BIG House for FUN Times
Book this unusual and very special location for a family or retreat stay on Portugal's Silver Coast. 8 bedrooms, swimming pool, hot tub and walking distance to delightful São Martinho Do Porto.