My husband and I have just returned from a lovely stay at the Stroganov. Photos don’t really do this place justice. Everything is an expression of playful creative genius that keeps insisting “Why not?!” For example: you could just have a normal chlorinated pool and spa area, like any other hotel. But why not turn it into something like a miniature botanical gardens, featuring a rocky wall cascading with icy fresh water and planted with lush greenery? Why not throw in a few Grecian columns? Why not add some little ceramic figurines of fat ladies having fun? The rooms are decorated with exquisite taste and attention to detail, and the beds are soft and comfortable. The hotel is in such a quiet location that we would have slept well even if we hadn’t drunk all that delicious wine. From the spacious roof terrace (of course there is a roof terrace!), there are 360° views that (of course!) include the impressive Serra da Estrela and Caramulo mountain ranges. Outside, it’s like a mini Versailles with a formal rose garden, a large pond with fountain and (of course, why not?!) a function area complete with covered stage. In an environment as opulent as this, you might expect to be too scared to breathe. But Marina is the perfect hostess and has chosen her staff wisely. We felt comfortable, relaxed and welcome from the moment we arrived to the moment we reluctantly left. One of those exceptionally rare places that you leave feeling completely refreshed and happy, glowing with the pleasure of having enjoyed yourself somewhere that has a good heart. I feel very lucky to have been able to experience this eccentric palace, which I hope will be preserved for ever with the same love and care that has been lavished on its creation.

We travelled to celebrate an anniversary and staid at the "Azulejos" suite, which cope all me expectatives and more. The pool and spa is very nice and the terrace at the roof surprising. The only negative point is the event pavillian, totally out of the place ans style with respect to the main building

We loved this most unusual hotel in a small Portuguese village in Fais da Beira. The decor is elaborate and almost over the top, but it works.No expense has been spared and it is a mixture of frida kahlo meets russian kitsch, fabulous tiles and colours. The breakfast was wonderful and we had a great meal in the restaurant. The highlight for us was the dolmen near the hotel. We found it very hard to locate..it is next to the vineyards with no path to it. We walked past it twice. Really reccommend this place.

The hotel is located in a village with interesting things to see (not to miss: "palheiros" e "anta", hotel staff will help you locate them) and a very quiet and picturesque scenery. One can view "Serra da Estrela", the majestic Portuguese mountain! Staff was very attentive, there were comfortable rooms, fantastic bed, bed sheets and pillows. The decoration worths a visit! Only one thing to really improve: breakfast. It was not up to a five star hotel standard; really needs investment, either in terms of quantity and variety, hot offers, breads, juices... This really needs to be improved.

This is an unusual, elegant, quaint hotel, which is filled with fluids passionate romantic love between Russian lord and Portuguese lady. If you want to spend time in silent place, to enjoy the views, to have an excellent cuisine, to relax in the spa, then you need to visit this hotel in the center of Portugal. You will receive a real pleasure.