
Forte de São Francisco
Stay in a 14th-century fortress! Forte de São Francisco blends history with modern comfort, offering a unique hotel experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy the pool before crowds

Forte de São Francisco
Best Time
Enjoy the pool before crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Stay in a 14th-century fortress! Forte de São Francisco blends history with modern comfort, offering a unique hotel experience.
"Truly magical - rich with history. The staff was amazing and the bartender, Rodrigo, by the pool was incredible."

🎯 Room Views Vary
Some rooms overlook a less-than-ideal roof; request a view of the town or courtyard if possible.
☕ Coffee & Tea Woes
Machine coffee is reportedly poor. Bring your own tea bags; hot water may not be readily available after hours.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Fortress Architecture
Throughout the property
Step back in time within the ancient walls of this 14th-century fortress, beautifully converted.

The Grand Pool Area
Outdoor pool
A spacious pool area offering a refreshing escape with a unique historical backdrop.

On-site Art Gallery
Gallery space
Discover local and regional art within the elegant confines of the converted fort.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the History, Manage Expectations
Pool & Sauna Seasonality
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Room Views Vary
Some rooms overlook a less-than-ideal roof; request a view of the town or courtyard if possible.
☕ Coffee & Tea Woes
Machine coffee is reportedly poor. Bring your own tea bags; hot water may not be readily available after hours.
📶 Wi-Fi Caution
Public Wi-Fi is unsecured and throttled. Use a VPN or your mobile data for safety.
🏊 Pool & Sauna Season
These amenities are typically summer-only. Confirm operating dates before booking if they are a priority.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Room Views Vary
Some rooms overlook a less-than-ideal roof; request a view of the town or courtyard if possible.
☕ Coffee & Tea Woes
Machine coffee is reportedly poor. Bring your own tea bags; hot water may not be readily available after hours.
📶 Wi-Fi Caution
Public Wi-Fi is unsecured and throttled. Use a VPN or your mobile data for safety.
🏊 Pool & Sauna Season
These amenities are typically summer-only. Confirm operating dates before booking if they are a priority.
🍽️ Restaurant Food Praised
While other aspects may be criticized, the restaurant food often receives positive mentions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Forte de São Francisco offers a truly unique stay within a historic 14th-century fortress, praised for its incredible location and architectural charm. While the setting and restaurant food are highlights, some guests find the rooms and amenities dated, not quite meeting 4-star expectations. It's a choice between historical immersion and modern luxury.
"All looks but little substance. That is to say the location, the setting, the pool and the building conversion are incredible to see. The rooms, the breakfast, and general maintenance are sadly lacking.
The rooms (we were in a double premium in the converted building) have changed little in 30 years, with hardly any updates (despite a supposed extensive renovation 6 years ago), for example our room still had light brown stucco walls, a design touch from the 80’s. The shower was just a hose off the bath taps, which needed cleaning. The furniture is Ikea style flat pack, and falling apart. The bed was particularly hard, which I can deal with, but might be a problem for many. The hairdryer is a 1 star hotel type, that overheats in 30 seconds. The cold tap runs hot because of plumbing layouts.
The carpets in public places desperately need a proper clean… outside our room the carpets smelt of sick, the stains were clearly visible.
The breakfast is only okay, but the machine coffee is the worst I’ve tasted in 40 years, that’s after the first press came out mixed with chocolate too! As for the orange juice, that’s just slightly flavoured water, not even an orange colour, appalling. During my stay the pastries were undercooked one day. Orange segments were dry & curling as they’d clearly been out at least two days running.
For many of the upstairs rooms in the converted building, they look out over the delapidated roof of the restaurant, which has noisy air-con running until 10pm, then again from 6am. It provides a loud background hum for the pool area too.
The Wi-Fi coverage is good, it has no password to restrict it to just guests that have been given the password, and it is throttled to 20Mbps maximum. Anyone with the right app & tools, guest or malicious actor, can see every device on the network and its IP address & MAC ID, and everything that is done on that device. So you must use a VPN at all times, without fail, to protect you & your device, or preferably don’t use the Wi-Fi at all, favouring phone shared 5G signal.
The hotel is majorly resting on its cache of being a converted fort, but only being run day to day like a 2 star hotel that is struggling to balance the books. It will but only get gradually worse.
I have also stayed at the competitor hotel in town, the Castelo de Chaves, which as a hotel, is leagues better in almost every way. It depends entirely what you want from your stay."
Chris Dowd
"My family and I stayed at Forte de Sao Francisco Hotel in Chaves for a wedding. This place is truly magical - rich with history. The staff was amazing and the bartender, Rodrigo, by the pool was incredible. The breakfast had such a wonderful variety with an awesome view. We wish we had more time at this hotel.
We will be back and would definitely recommend family & friends."
Lindsey Rodrigues
"Beautiful location and very unique hotel style in an old fortress. However, I feel like the prives are for a 4 star hotel but the service and Rooms could be improved. The shades in the room didn’t work properly so you wake up with the sunlight, and also after 23:30 they couldn’t serve any hot water for my mom to have a tea with her medicine. Neither in the reception nor in the room was any machine to heat up some water and get a simple tea. The only solution offered was buying water (cold) from a vending machine. Weird for a 4 star hotel."
Tiago Santos
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Forte de São Francisco is centrally located in Chaves, making it easily accessible. If arriving by car, there is parking available nearby. Public transport options to Chaves include buses from major Portuguese cities. Once in Chaves, the fort is within walking distance of the town center.
Yes, its historic fortress structure makes it a prominent landmark in Chaves. It's situated in the town center, so it's hard to miss once you're in the vicinity.
While the fort itself may not have extensive parking, there are typically public parking areas available in the vicinity of the town center. It's advisable to check local signage for the closest and most convenient options.
Absolutely! The fort is very centrally located, making it a pleasant walk from most points in the Chaves town center.
Yes, taxis are generally available in Chaves and can easily take you to Forte de São Francisco. It's a short ride from most parts of the town.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Forte de São Francisco is primarily a hotel, so entry to the grounds and common areas is generally accessible to guests. If you are not staying at the hotel, it's best to inquire directly about access for non-guests, especially for specific areas like the art gallery or restaurant.
As a hotel, the property is accessible to guests at all times. However, specific facilities like the restaurant, bar, or art gallery will have their own operating hours, which are best confirmed directly with the hotel.
The art gallery is part of the hotel's amenities. While some guests may have access included, it's advisable to check with the hotel reception regarding admission fees or if it's exclusively for hotel patrons.
Typically, hotels allow external visitors to use their dining and bar facilities. It's recommended to make a reservation, especially for the restaurant, and confirm their opening hours.
Forte de São Francisco operates as a hotel, so pricing is based on room types and availability, not separate 'tickets' for entry. Prices can vary significantly based on the season and room category.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Wi-Fi is publicly accessible but reportedly unsecured and throttled. Travelers strongly advise using a VPN for security or relying on mobile data.
The pool is generally a summer-only amenity. If visiting outside of the summer months, confirm its operational status as it may be closed.
Rooms vary; some are described as dated with 80s-style decor and basic amenities, while others might be more updated. Some rooms have views of a less appealing roof.
A sauna is mentioned, but like the pool, it seems to be primarily a summer amenity. A gym is not explicitly mentioned in reviews.
Absolutely! The hotel is a converted 14th-century fortress, offering a unique historical ambiance that history enthusiasts will appreciate.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Breakfast receives mixed reviews. While some find it has a good variety with a nice view, others describe the coffee as poor and pastries as undercooked or dry.
Yes, the food in the restaurant is often highlighted as a positive aspect of the stay, even by guests who were critical of other hotel features.
Some guests have reported difficulty obtaining hot water for tea, especially after 11:30 PM. There may not be in-room kettles or readily available hot water.
Forte de São Francisco is centrally located in Chaves, offering easy access to numerous restaurants and cafes in the town center.
The coffee is reportedly from a machine and has been described as the worst some guests have tasted, with one instance of it being mixed with chocolate.
📸 📸 Photography
The historic fortress architecture itself, the pool area with its unique backdrop, and the art gallery offer great photographic opportunities. Capture the blend of old and new.
Room aesthetics can be inconsistent. While some might be photogenic, others are described as dated. Focus on architectural details and common areas for more striking shots.
Depending on your room's location or specific vantage points within the fort, you might be able to capture views of the surrounding Chaves cityscape.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) will likely provide the most dramatic lighting for the historic stone structures. Midday can be harsh.
Generally, photography for personal use in common areas should be fine. However, always be mindful of other guests' privacy and hotel policies, especially in private rooms or during events.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, be mindful of room conditions; some may be less suitable for families if they are dated or lack certain conveniences. The restaurant is generally well-regarded, which is helpful for family meals. Ensure you confirm the pool's operating status if traveling with children during shoulder seasons.
💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
Be aware of potential extra costs or limitations with amenities like the pool and sauna (seasonal). The unsecured Wi-Fi also means you might need to factor in mobile data costs. Prioritize the unique experience of staying in a fortress over expecting top-tier modern amenities to get the best value.
💑 Couples Seeking Romance
Opt for rooms with better views if possible, as some overlook less appealing rooftops. While some amenities might be dated, the overall atmosphere of history and grandeur can create a memorable romantic escape. Consider visiting during a time when the pool is open for added relaxation.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Conversion: Forte de São Francisco
However, the charm of the historic setting comes with its own set of challenges. Some reviews indicate that while the common areas and exterior are well-maintained, the interior of the rooms may not have kept pace with modern hotel standards. This can manifest as dated decor, basic furnishings, and amenities that feel less luxurious than expected for a 4-star establishment. It's a delicate balance between preserving history and meeting contemporary guest expectations.
Despite these potential drawbacks, the unique atmosphere and the sense of stepping back in time are undeniable draws. For travelers who prioritize historical immersion and a distinctive stay over cutting-edge luxury, Forte de São Francisco offers an unforgettable experience. The blend of historical significance and its function as a hotel creates a narrative that is both fascinating and memorable.
Navigating Amenities: Pool, Sauna, and Wi-Fi
The sauna is also mentioned, but its operational status, like the pool, seems tied to the summer season. This seasonality can be a point of disappointment for guests visiting during cooler periods who might expect year-round access to such facilities.
Regarding Wi-Fi, the hotel offers it publicly, but with significant caveats. Reviews consistently warn that the network is unsecured and throttled, posing potential privacy risks. Travelers are strongly advised to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for any online activity or, preferably, to rely on their own mobile data. This is a critical point for digital nomads or anyone needing reliable and secure internet access.
Dining Experiences: Breakfast and Restaurant
In contrast, the restaurant often receives positive feedback for its food. Even guests who were critical of other aspects of their stay frequently praised the quality of the meals served. This suggests that dining at the hotel's restaurant is a more reliable positive experience compared to the breakfast buffet.
A peculiar point raised by guests is the potential difficulty in obtaining hot water for simple beverages like tea, particularly late at night. This lack of readily available hot water, even for medicinal purposes, has been noted as unusual for a hotel of its purported star rating. It's advisable to be prepared for this possibility or to inquire about it upon check-in.





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