Forrester Essence Douro Hotel

4.0 star property
Pousada in Alijó with free breakfast and coffee shop/cafe

Photo gallery for Forrester Essence Douro Hotel

Outdoor pool, pool loungers
Junior Studio Suite
Exterior
Lounge
Front of property - evening/night

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Room service
  • Breakfast included
  • Pool
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping
The current price is AU$183
includes taxes & fees
6 May - 7 May

Explore the area

Map
Rua Comendador José Rufino, Alijó, Vila Real, 5070-031
  • Jardim da Avenida Doutor Francisco Sa Carneiro
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Jardim Publico Doutor Matos Cordeiro
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Adega de Favaios
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Vila Real (VRL)
    ‪30 min drive‬

Room options

Junior Studio Suite

Highlights

Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
LCD TV
Bidet
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Free bottled water
Minibar
  • 32 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Classic Double or Twin Room

Highlights

Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
LCD TV
Bidet
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Free bottled water
Minibar
  • City view
  • 32 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed OR 2 Single Beds

Deluxe Double or Twin Room

Highlights

Air conditioning
LCD TV
Bidet
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Free bottled water
Minibar
Cable channels
  • City view
  • 32 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Single Beds

Premium Double or Twin Room

Highlights

Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
LCD TV
Bidet
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Free bottled water
Minibar
  • 35 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Single Beds OR 1 Double Bed

Superior Double or Twin Room

Highlights

Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
LCD TV
Bidet
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Free bottled water
Minibar
  • 35 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Single Beds

About the area

Alijó

At Forrester Essence Douro Hotel you'll be within steps of Igreja Matriz de Alijo and Jardim da Avenida Doutor Francisco Sa Carneiro. Highlights at this pousada include a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool and free daily breakfast. .The restaurant, O Barão, serves Regional cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bar is the pousada's own bar, serving drinks along with light fare. Enjoy the outdoor tennis court and pool loungers. Added amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas, a coffee shop/cafe and laundry facilities. Each morning free breakfast is served. There's also the convenience of free self parking. .With a stay at this 4-property class Alijó pousada, you'll be 0.3 km (0.2 mi) from Jardim Publico Doutor Matos Cordeiro and 2.9 km (1.8 mi) from Bread and Wine Museum.

What's nearby

  • Jardim da Avenida Doutor Francisco Sa Carneiro - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Jardim Publico Doutor Matos Cordeiro - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Adega de Favaios - 4 min drive - 4.0 km
  • Ujo Viewpoint - 8 min drive - 8.3 km
  • Quinta da Roêda Winery - 20 min drive - 18.1 km

Getting around

  • Tua Station - 25 min drive
  • Vila Real (VRL) - 30 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Restaurante Cepa Torta - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Café Teixeira - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Restaurante Vinha D'Oiro - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪O Pipas - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Mercado Bar - ‬3 min walk

About this property

Forrester Essence Douro Hotel

Pousada in Alijó with free breakfast and coffee shop/cafe
Forrester Essence Douro Hotel offers its guests an outdoor tennis court and an outdoor pool. Along with a restaurant, there's a coffee shop/cafe on site. You can enjoy a drink at one of the bars, which include a poolside bar and a bar/lounge. Free breakfast is available daily. WiFi is free in public spaces.

A terrace, multilingual staff, and tour/ticket assistance are also featured at the business-friendly Forrester Essence Douro Hotel. Self parking is free.

This 4-star Alijó pousada is smoke free.

  • 1 building
  • 21 guestrooms or units
  • 3 levels
  • Conference rooms
  • Breakfast available (free)
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Staff members are multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Newspapers in lobby (free)
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Lift
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Coffee shop
  • Bar by the pool
  • Dining venue
Forrester Essence Douro Hotel offers 21 air-conditioned accommodations with minibars and complimentary bottles of water. 43-inch LCD televisions come with cable channels.

Bathrooms include a bath, bidets, complimentary toiletries and hairdryers. This Alijó pousada provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

Languages

English, French, Portuguese, Spanish

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Free breakfast available daily 8 AM to 10:30 AM
  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A poolside bar
  • A restaurant

Restaurants on site

  • Bar
  • O Barão

Things to do

  • Outdoor pool
  • Outdoor tennis court

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • In the mountains
  • Pool loungers
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Bathroom emergency pull cord
  • Grab bar near toilet
  • Hardwood flooring in room
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Bathtub
  • Bidet
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 43-inch LCD TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • Free bottled water
  • Limited room service
  • Minibar

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Laptop workspace

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 11:00 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before noon

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 7:30 AM - midnight
Front desk staffed during limited hours

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for EUR 25.0 per day.

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Rollaway bed fee: EUR 25.0 per day

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard and American Express.

Property is also known as

Pousada Barão Forrester
Pousada Barão Forrester Alijo
Pousada Barão Forrester Hotel
Pousada Barão Forrester Hotel Alijo
Pousada Barão de Forrester
Palacete Barão de Forrester.
Forester Essence Douro Hotel
Forrester Essence Douro Alijo
Forrester Essence Douro Hotel Alijó
Forrester Essence Douro Hotel Pousada (Portugal)
Forrester Essence Douro Hotel Pousada (Portugal) Alijó

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Forrester Essence Douro Hotel?

Forrester Essence Douro Hotel offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at Forrester Essence Douro Hotel?

As of 18 Apr 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Forrester Essence Douro Hotel on 6 May 2025 start from AU$183.25, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is parking available at Forrester Essence Douro Hotel?

Yep, Forrester Essence Douro Hotel has a free self car park.

Does Forrester Essence Douro Hotel have a pool?

Forrester Essence Douro Hotel has an outdoor pool. Grab your bathers and lounge poolside while enjoying on a lounger and with a coldie from the bar.

Does Forrester Essence Douro Hotel serve breakfast?

Yeah, free breakfast is on offer daily between 8 AM and 10:30 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Forrester Essence Douro Hotel?

No, Forrester Essence Douro Hotel does not offer an airport shuttle service.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Forrester Essence Douro Hotel?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant that serves Regional cuisine. Pre dinner cocktails anyone?

What time are check-in & check-out at Forrester Essence Douro Hotel?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is noon.

Are pets allowed at Forrester Essence Douro Hotel?

No, pets are not allowed.

Forrester Essence Douro Hotel Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 25 out of 45 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 17 out of 45 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 45 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 45 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 45 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Marcia

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very personal, friendly and helpful staff! The room was even larger than anticipated and very lovely views//////11
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Eugene

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Loved the hotel
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Emilio

Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andrea

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful estate home converted into a hotel. Had a lovely overnight stay. Their restaurant is fabulous. Room was very comfortable. Since we were here in the Fall, the hotel was very quiet. Only a few guests. Service was excellent.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Julia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful, beautiful hotel with stunning views and excellent restaurant.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023

8/10 Good

Karen

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Too cold to use pool but wonderful to walk the grounds and around town. Staff are so helpful and kind. Especially a shout out to David who treated us very well.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

donald

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
David at checking was very helpful & spoke good English. Explained a bit of the history of the area from Roman times. Great bar / restaurant in the hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

SUSAN

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very relaxed and welcoming atmosphere right in the heart of this small town. Attentive service, very good restaurant
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022

6/10 Okay

Sue

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
No heat in our room. Got moved to a new room, but not very good there, either. Manager was very helpful with tourism info. Breakfast okay, not great.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020

8/10 Good

Barbara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Lovely Historic Hotel

Large rooms with comfortable beds. Lovely grounds and gathering spaces. Our one dinner there was excellent. Complimentary breakfast very good. Beautiful drive to hotel with amazing views.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Close by Centro walked to a very nice local restaurant. Staff were very friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The rural setting was relaxing and refreshing. The staff went above and beyond to provide quality service. The restaurant was excellent
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We had a pleasant stay in lovely location. The hotel was very good but the garden, swimming pool and grounds need a lot of work done.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2018

8/10 Good

Verena

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Quiet pousada in the middle of Alijo

This is a very comfortable hotel with friendly staff and an excellent restaurant. I would recommend it to explore that area of Portugsl.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Comfort in the country

A bit of luxury after exploring the wonderful region around the Douro Valley
Stayed 1 night in May 2018

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2017

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Lovely hotel near Douro Valley

Comfortable hotel in a historic building. Good location when touring the Douro Vally

10/10 Excellent

Selwyn

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Vittorio

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The Host David was so Kind and ready to solve all problems and request. The Restaurant a plus.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Isabelle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Tres belle expérience. Merci.

2 nuits dans cet hôtel élégant et calme. Grande chambre avec vue sur la piscine. Literie un peu ferme. Salle de bains grande et fonctionnelle mais meritetait d'être rénovée. Restaurant très bien lors des 2 diners à la carte : mets savoureux, bien présentés, service impeccable.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Maria Isabel

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023