HI Geres - Pousada de Juventude do Gerês

The location is wonderful, and you can just get on foot to the mountain and do some hiking. The stay was great, and the staff was very helpful and even accommodated earlier breakfast to make sure I eat before an early bus. The location is remote, however, that adds to the charm. There is a bus stop next to the camp if you need it!

The only issue there was is that the bed doesn't have any clothes. There is only 1 blanket, and during the night, temperatures drop a lot, and in my case, I slept uncomfortable with the cold. This is something easy to fix. Other than that, it was a good stay.

The hotel offers free parking, making it convenient for guests who arrive by car. Additionally, the location is great for traveling around, and there is a bus stop next to the camp if you need it.

Breakfast was the best thing! The breakfast was big and good, and the hostel was at the heart of the Geres area, with some hiking trails close by within walking distance. The breakfast was all-you-can-eat, with a very good selection, and again a very helpful and friendly staffer.

The staff is incredibly accommodating, flexible, and helpful. They provided us with breakfast outside of breakfast hours since we had to leave so early. The staff speaks English, and they are the best and saved my skin. After checking in, I went for a late day, rainy, trailless hike up the rocky hill behind the pousada. Coming back, I stupidly let my phone slip to the ground from layers of clothing. On arrival in my room, I discovered the loss. On my computer, I could see exactly where it was, but without another GPS-equipped phone, I couldn't navigate precisely back to it -- and it was now dark. In the morning, I rehearsed ideas for convincing someone to rent me their phone so I could go back out and try to recover mine. When I explained my situation to Maria at the front desk, she simply handed me her phone and said, "Go". I used it to find the lost phone and saved a lot of money and grief replacing and restoring everything.

Several guests mentioned that the views from the rooms were spectacular. Opting for a room with a balcony facing the fountain comes highly recommended.

Some guests noted the lack of a kitchen for guest use and limited dining options nearby. Bringing your own food or snacks may be helpful, especially for longer stays or during low season when dining options are scarce.

If you're sensitive to noise, consider requesting a room away from high-traffic areas or communal spaces, as some guests reported issues with sound insulation and noise from neighboring rooms.

Guests highlighted the limited dining options in the vicinity, particularly during low season. It's advisable to plan meals in advance or consider bringing some food supplies, especially if you have dietary restrictions.

If you require access to a power socket near your bed, consider requesting a lower bunk bed, as some rooms were reported to have limited sockets, particularly in the upper bunks.

Some guests mentioned issues with the automatic lights in the shower area, which occasionally led to moments of darkness. Packing a small flashlight or using a smartphone flashlight may be helpful in such situations.

As the hotel is located in a remote area with limited public transport, guests suggested renting bikes for easier access to nearby attractions. Alternatively, having a car or arranging transportation in advance could enhance the overall experience.

Due to reports of thin walls and sound carrying between rooms, bringing earplugs may help ensure a peaceful night's sleep, especially if you're a light sleeper.

Many guests appreciated the beautiful outdoor space with mountain views. Consider spending time in the outdoor areas to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Numerous guests praised the helpful and accommodating nature of the staff. Don't hesitate to seek their assistance for local tips, hiking trails, or any special requests during your stay.