Herdade da Rocha - Boutique Lodge

The location of the property in the middle of a vineyard is pleasant and it was nice to be able to see how the wines were made. The staff at the property tried their best despite the absence of the owner or any empowered manager. The decor of the communal areas was well done.

When we arrived at the property we were kept waiting on the road for 15 minutes as the reception was not manned. Like other guests we spoke to, we had to climb over the gate and walk half a mile up the road to ask them for the code to let us in. The owner of the property was totally absent and her dog, who was left directly behind the property, barked incessantly all night. As a result we got very little sleep. When we raised this the following day we were told the dog would be moved but the following night was just the same. This greatly detracted from our enjoyment of the property. Whilst the communal areas are nicely done, the small swimming pool is crowded at weekends and meals and relaxation is in close quarters with others. The rooms are comfortable but are essentially smart portacabins which open on to the communal area. This would have been fine had the property not been marketed as a tranquil and secluded retreat and had it been priced accordingly. Overall it was a disappointing stay, compensated to some extent by the efforts of the staff present and a partial refund offered by the owner. We felt that with some small changes (such as a permanently contactable reception and removal of the barking dog) and a slightly more appropriate price-point, this could be a lovely hotel.