Vila Gale Collection Alter Real

We had booked a two-day stay in “Alter do Chão” at the hotel “Vila Galé de Alter do Chão and stayed in the Solar of the hotel. Both the main building and the Solar have an outdoor swimming pool with plenty of sun loungers. The room was very clean and spacious, the beds were comfortable, and we were not bothered by noise from the people at the pool. The breakfast was buffet style and there was more than enough choice, something for everyone. We had booked half board and in the evening this was also in buffet form, for people who want it differently, they can also eat á la carte, which of course can take a little longer. The reception is a bit on the slow side, but all in all not too bad, the staff is super friendly, the only downside is the road from the reception to the Solar, which has no pavement and is very uneven. Result with the high temperature, a lot of dust is stirred up, which can be a problem if you have to walk to the restaurant, and certainly when it rains (5 minutes on foot), there is also more than enough parking space at the solar. This hotel is certainly worth recommending, it has horses and a allot of birds of prey with museum.

Great location amidst very scenic countryside surrounds, in a remote Lusitano horse stud with 400 horses. Some rooms are really great, we unfortunately had a noisy one overlooking the restaurant and pool, with an overpowering sewerage smell from our toilet. We reported it but they couldn't fix it. They do daily tours of the stud farm and falconry centre, very interesting, but don't often accommodate non-Portuguese speaking visitors. Even though our tour leader speaks English, she firmly told us that on that day it was only in Portuguese and then proceeded to ignore us, which made us feel quite unwelcome. In other encounters we definitely got the feeling that the resort is aimed at Portuguese speakers and that foreigners are 'tolerated'. Excellent dinner buffet on weekends. Service levels could do with a bit of improvement.

The hotel overall is pleasant with good facilities. Sevice is something that definitelty needs improvement, waited for ever to be serviced at bar area. Had to wait in line for breakfast, as tables were not clean. In conclusion slow unprofessional service, something not to be expected at a higher end Vila Galé Hotel. Rooms are in two seperate locations, being the one further from the main building unpleasant for those less open minded. As you have to walk through gravel and quite dark areas at night. Hotel has a good country feeling but needs improvement if it wants to excel.

Myself and my husband spent 2 nights here and we were enormously impressed by the quality of the hotel and the polite, attentive way we were treated by every member of staff. The surroundings are fascinating, as it is set in the grounds of the national stud and the tour is a must. We stayed in the building which is a walk away and whilst it is a bit of a distance, I loved walking past all the interesting buildings that form the stud and falconry. We ate dinner and breakfast, both were delicious. Including homemade jams and chutneys and fabulous breads. I enjoyed a very pleasant afternoon by the beautiful pool area and an excellent full body massage at the spa. It's a very special place and I can't wait to return!

Wonderful place to spend marvelous time with or without family. Many activities offered for all of us to explore the customs and traditions of this breathtaking region. The MUST place to visit for horse lovers- what a design masterpiece - congratulations. We visited these famous stables 15 years ago just to see the Lusitano horses, now we were welcomed in this rather luxury recently built charm hotel - a jewel!!! Stayed 3 nights with 10,13 years kids who loved it as well. Definitely not one of those mega luxury boring hotels, in contrary incorporated in the wilderness of Alto Alentejo yet with 5star standards! Highly recommended especially in winter and spring time.