Camões Apartments

My family and I booked 4 separate rooms at Camões Apartments 6 months in advance of our trip. At the time of booking, there were two room types available: one with a city view and one without. We specifically chose the city view rooms, and each booking allowed us to select either a double bed or two single beds. We all selected double beds. When I later contacted the property via Booking.com to confirm, their response was: “It’s depending on the availability but we take it into account.” This was very confusing, as we had booked far in advance and selected our preferences during booking. When I questioned this, their reply was even more disappointing. They said they could not guarantee a double bed due to multiple bookings for the same dates and suggested that we upgrade to a “premium” room if we wanted a guaranteed double bed — even though this option was not available at the time of booking. This made it very clear that this was about trying to make extra money, not about honoring confirmed reservations made well in advance. Due to their completely unhelpful and dismissive attitude, we decided to cancel and informed them accordingly. Their response? “Perfect, thank you.” An absolutely disgusting and disgraceful way to treat potential guests. We ended up booking another hotel that was slightly more expensive, but at least they were professional, respectful, and knew how to treat their clients. I definitely do not recommend Camões Apartments and would never consider staying there.

The hotel is well located on the main square of the old town. We had a wonderful experience as this was the centre of all the Vaca dos Cordas festivities. (Some could complain it was too loud to sleep! It depends on your preference.) Unfortunately for us, we had the attic room and the air conditioner was not operating properly so we had to open the sky lights to allow in fresh air (and all the festival music). The room is spacious and the bed was comfortable. However, the room lacked a proper dining table and seats, even though there is space enough for those. It would be good if the hotel installed places to hang wet towels. The staff were helpful. Breakfast is served in a nearby cafe by arrangement with the hotel. The breakfast offering was good.

We enjoyed so much our stay at Camoes Apartments. The original plan was one night at Ponte de Lima, but we had no second thought at all to book another night when arriving this town and this cozy apartment. The location is superb. We can appreciate the bridge directly through our room window. The interior design is just the style we like. Room is spacey and the bed is so far the best we had during our Camino way. Bed linens and towels provided are of quality. Everything is new. Most of all, Fernanda at the reception desk is super helpful and we love her so much. Given all of these plus the rich and yummy breakfast, Camoes Apartments is no doubt the best place to stay when visiting Ponte de Lima.