Convento do Carmo

Frommer's Review

Finally Pelourinho has the boutique hotel it deserves. Located at the top of a steep cobblestone street leading up from largo Pelourinho itself, the Convento has the perfect location on the outside, and luxurious accommodations inside. Indeed, considering the original 17th-century convent was designed to shield its residents from the pleasures of the flesh, the conversion carried out by the Portuguese Pestana group did a remarkable job leading the old girl back into the lap of luxury. All rooms come with a large comfy queen fitted out with softest of linens and piled high with a cornucopia of pillows. (For those tempted into working, there's also a big wooden desk, free high-speed Internet, and flatscreen TV). Bathrooms -- converted monks cells, still with massive walls and thick wooden shutters -- feature delightful rainfall showers, l'Occitane beauty products, plus a frosted window looking onto the cloister, where at night the fountain gushes quietly. The conversion respected the original architecture as much as possible, and for that reason there is no standard room layout. That said, the deluxe rooms are certainly all larger -- the deluxe rooms on the third floor are a particular bargain; at no extra charge you get more space for a small sitting lounge plus a higher ceiling raftered with ancient wood beams. The hotel's common areas -- the round tiled pool and restaurant in the cloister, the lounge tucked into one of the arcades, the large library -- are a delight; at night, subtle lighting is used to show off the convent to lovely effect.

Facilities:
Restaurant; bar; outdoor pool; small health club; library; spa; concierge; tour desk; car rental; business center; 24-hr. room service; massage; laundry; nonsmoking rooms

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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