Pousada Forte da Horta – Historic Hotel

Stayed here for 4 nights and were taken aback by the fact that during our stay the dining room was shut in the evenings. We were advised we could have lunch but we were on a walking holiday and out all day. We were further disappointed by the news that on the Saturday breakfast had to be taken in our rooms due to wedding preparations which seem to take over all the hotel. Initially we were advised that we would have a list of breakfast items to chose from and we could have use of the pool. However come the breakfast it was a basic bread roll, pastry and cake breakfast and coffee was black. Milk and fruit were eventually provided when I requested them. If the pool was really open we would have had to have swum in front of all the wedding guests who were sat at the tables for hours. It was clear that the staff on reception were not giving us the full story and there seemed very few non wedding guests in the hotel. We were very annoyed about this as it was our 40th wedding anniversary that day. It was also awkward when we came back to our room mid morning in our walking gear to come across the bride and her father in the corridor outside our room sorting out her train before going to the chapel which was directly infront of our balcony. We were given a complimentary bottle of wine and cheese board late that evening as a goodwill gesture but only after constant complaining on my part. On a positive note normal breakfasts were outstanding and could be eaten poolside looking across to Pico. Our room was beautiful as was the rest of the hotel.

Amazing idea to build the hotel, inside a 16 century fort. My room had a balcony outside and when you come outside you have a great view to the walls of the fort and of the biggest mountain in Portugal the island of Pico. he staff are very warm and helpful.