The Pousada de Guimaraes (Portugal) is a majestic former Augustine convent dating from the 12th century, set on a hill overlooking Guimaraes. This hotel is just two miles from the Guimaraes Castle and the Olivieras Church and a 30-minute drive from the Porto Airport. The stunning Pousada Santa Marinha has furnished rooms furnished with antiques and rich Portuguese fabrics, vaulted ceilings and azulejos, the multi- colored tiles which are Portugal's inheritance from the Iberian Moors who ruled the area from 711 through the 12th century.

Guests can start the day with complimentary breakfasts, then relax on the terrace, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the gardens, have a refreshing dip in the pool or take one of the 15 daily trains to Porto for sightseeing. In the afternoon or evening, regional cuisine complimented by Portuguese wines can be sampled in one of the three classic antique-decorated dining rooms of the hotel.

This hotel is an excellent choice for business travelers, as the conference facilities are enhanced with audio visual equipment. Each of the 49 rooms and two suites offer a mini bar and cable TV. All accommodations have a private bathroom with a bidet, but not all rooms are air-conditioned.

Room Types:

Standard twin/double room:   One double or two twin beds. Heavy antique furniture and rich Portuguese fabrics. Bathroom with handheld shower, bidet and hair dryer. Air conditioning, cable television, direct-dial phone and minibar.

Single room:   One double bed or two twin beds. Cable/satellite TV. Minibar. Hair dryer.

Driving Directions: Porto Airport (OPO): Approximate driving time is 30 minutes Approximate distance is 54 kilometers (34 miles) 15 trains daily make the 2hr trip between Porto and Guimaraes