Vitoria Stone Hotel Review: How To Best Enjoy Your Stay in Evora

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While visiting Evora, one of Portugal’s best cities to visit, we had the opportunity to stay at Vitória Stone Hotel.

Although some may consider a day trip to the capital of the Alentejo, it is wise to plan for a few extra nights. 

With its UNESCO medieval sites, delightful regional foods and wineries to visit, Évora will keep you busy for two days or more.

To get the most out of your trip, stay at one Alentejo hotel. The Vitoria Stone Hotel offers the rare combination of an immersive local culture while enjoying sophisticated design and stylish amenities.

With a gourmet restaurant serving the flavors of the region, the Vitória Stone Hotel has all your need to eat your way through Alentejo.

Add a modern spa, infinity pool and a unique bar concept, you are in for a luxurious but unpretentious, relaxing stay.

In this review, we’ll share our experience as a hotel guest and how to get the most out of your stay in Evora.

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Vitória Stone Hotel – A Sustainable Boutique Hotel

Hotel Entrance Vitoria Stone Hotel Evora Authentic Food Quest
Rustic design with a touch of sophistication (photo credit: Vitória Stone Hotel)

Staying at a hotel that offers a slice of the true life of Alentejo had us intrigued. Combined with an opportunity to taste the award winning gastronomic restaurant, we were sold.

As soon as we walked in, we were immediately struck by the sophisticated design, with imposing granite stones and rustic elements. The warm colors and subdued tones welcomed and immediately put us at ease.

The Vitória Stone Hotel goes far beyond a name. It is a beautiful sanctuary born from an immense passion for the Alentejo region. It is rooted in the traditional, without leaving sophistication aside. This boutique hotel, built with sustainable material, has 48 rooms spread out over three floors.

On the top floor, you will find the outdoor pool, sauna and the fitness center. The restaurant is located on the ground floor while the bar is on the 4th floor next to a full service spa center. 

A rooftop bar is offered during the warmer season to enjoy a drink by the seasonal pool.

AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: If you want to enjoy a luxurious and immersive stay at an affordable price, Vitória Stone Hotel is the hotel of choice. Check Vitória Stone Hotel availability and prices on Booking. See reviews on Tripadvisor.

Convenient Location

City of Evora Portugal by Authentic Food Quest
Vitoria Stone Hotel is a short walk from downtown Evora

The Vitoria Stone Hotel is a modern hotel conveniently located at the foot of the old city of Evora. Getting from Lisbon to Évora is easy. A direct train from the capital takes about 1.5 hours to get to Évora. 

From there, you can either take a taxi to the hotel or walk. It’s a short one kilometer walk or 10 minutes from the train station to the hotel.

If you come from Lisbon by car, it takes about the same time and you can enjoy free parking on site.

The hotel is located right outside the city historic walls and you can easily access the historical city center in a 10-minute walk.

It is the perfect base for your journey into Evora and the Alentejo region.

AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP:  Evora has many surprising sites to visit. We recommend taking a guided tour to learn about the stories behind the Capela Dos Ossos or the Roman temple. Check out this private walking tour and get local insights on the major events that marked the city of Évora.

Warm and Cozy Rooms

Twin Bedroom Vitoria Stone Hotel Evora Authentic Food Quest
Twin beds in our cozy room

Our room was cozy and warmly decorated. Featuring high ceilings and a private balcony, the room felt much larger in size. 

Modern conveniences of air conditioning, free wifi, cable TV, and small luxuries, like robes, slippers and L’Occitane bath products, we felt right at home. 

Among the 48 non-smoking rooms, the hotel features suites or family rooms, double, twin and singles. Contactless room service is available during your stay.

Our only disappointment is that we did not have a classic double room. The hotel had run out of rooms and instead gave us a twin bedroom. 

Our consolation was that the beds feature premium bedding, ideal for a relaxing night of sleep.

Book early to avoid the same mistake. Lesson learned!

Modern Spa Center

Almendra Spa Vitoria Stone Hotel by Authentic Food Quest
The Almendra spa offers therapeutic massage services in addition to traditional massages

The spa features modern amenities and a relaxed environment. The massage menu is quite comprehensive with relaxing spa treatments as well as therapeutic massage services offered.

In addition to the massages, facial and body treatments are also proposed. We found the staff throughout the hotel extremely friendly and helpful.

Although we haven’t had the chance to experience the spa, guests have left raving reviews about the treatments.

With mentions like: “Everything…spa at the top level” “great spa and pool…” “restaurant and spa are also fantastic!…”, we have no doubt that the spa experience is top notch.

The only complaints we’ve read are when the spa wasn’t open due to the pandemic.

Outdoor Pool & Fitness Center

Infinity Pool Vitoria Stone Hotel Evora Authentic Food Quest
Relax by the infinity pool on the hotel roof (photo credit: Vitória Stone Hotel)

To stay active and relaxed, Vitória Stone Hotel offers a fitness center, sauna, and outdoor pool on the rooftop terrace. 

The infinity pool offers panoramic views over the historic center of Évora. This is a great spot to lounge by the pool or take a dip in the hot summer months. 

Our only regret is that we did not have enough time to fully enjoy the pool. We could have lounged by the outdoor swimming pool all day!

Fitness Center Vitoria Stone Hotel Evora Authentic Food Quest
The fitness center overlooking the city of Évora

While small, the fitness center is well equipped and the perfect place to work off all the delicious Alentejo food. With treadmills and free weights and expansive glass windows, we worked up a sweat overlooking the surrounding area.

Award Winning 5amêndoas Restaurant

5amendoas Restaurant 2 Vitoria Stone Hotel Evora by Authentic Food Quest
Make sure to eat at Vitoria Stone Hotel restaurant

Finding a restaurant that is part of a hotel, with a unique character is not common. At Vitória Stone Hotel, the 5amêndoas Restaurant has made a name for itself.

With a focus on local products from the Alentejo region, 5amêndoas Restaurant prioritizes partnerships with small local producers. You will find local cheeses, sausages, olive oils, black pork, herbs, wines and much more. 

The menu offers plates dedicated to the local cuisine with fish, meat, and vegetarian options. A special menu for kids is also served.

Under the command of the innovative Chef Duval Ferreira, 5amêndoas was awarded the Best Mediterranean Traditional Restaurant in 2016. The signature dish, black pork from Alentejo, is the one dish we were most excited to try.

Dinner Highlights

Black Pork Food in Evora Authentic Food Quest
Grilled Alentejo black pork plumas at 5 amêndoas Restaurante

As the restaurant celebrates the local flavors of Portugal, we enjoyed sopa de bacalhau con Migas, a cod fish soup made with the local bread dish.

The texture of the migas or bread combined with the soft codfish was simply delightful.  The perfect blend of local Portuguese flavors.

We could not miss the signature dish black pork or porco preto, instrumental in the restaurant receiving the Mediterranean Award. 

In this dish, the black pork is grilled, served with sweet potato lightly sauteed and a broad bean puree.

The meat was literally melting in the mouth with a tender and juicy texture. The sweet and savory combination of the sides made for the perfect accompaniment.

To finish with the meal, 5amêndoas Restaurant offers a trio of traditional conventual desserts to please your sweet tooth. 

Our favorite dessert was the traditional Sericaia dessert, with a smooth texture and a nice sweet finish.

To close our evening, we were offered 5 sugar coated almonds inspired by an old Alentejo wedding tradition. Each almond represents a wish for: health, longevity, fertility, prosperity and happiness!

Local Alentejo Drinks

Drinks at Vitoria Stone Hotel Evora by Authentic Food Quest
Vitória Stone Hotel offers a nice selection of local wines

The Alentejo region has numerous vineyards that date back to the Middle Ages.  Wines from the region are very popular in Lisbon cafés and restaurants, and found on wine lists all over the country. 

Vitória Stone Hotel offers a nice selection of local wines as well as a few international features. Beyond wines, you will find mineral water, soft drinks and hard liquor as well. 

With our meal, we enjoyed a delicious bottle of red wine, Vinhas Velhas, from one of the most renowned Portuguese winemakers from the Alentejo region. The wine had notes of plum and wild berries and a slight touch of spice. Not too strong, this wine pairs well with the pork and miga dishes.

Amazing Free Breakfast

Breakfast Buffet Vitoria Stone Hotel by Authentic Food Quest
The breakfast buffet is particularly praised by all the guests (photo credit: Vitória Stone Hotel)

Make sure you don’t miss breakfast and bring an appetite. The breakfast buffet is particularly praised by all the guests and deserves a special mention. 

You will find a large spread of food on both sides of the island table aesthetically presented. A variety of fresh fruits, jam, local breads, yogurts and cakes are offered every day. Cold cut with a vast selection of cheeses and cured meats will keep you longing at the buffet.

Warm food options are also available to enjoy a typical continental breakfast or more traditional local foods. 

Breakfast is served every day from 7:30am to 10:30am. And the best part is that it is offered with your stay.

Avista Bar and Lobby Bar

Lobby Bar Vitoria Stone Hotel by Authentic Food Quest
The lobby bar

Vitória Stone Hotel has redefined the concept of the hotel bar and brings the experience to another level. 

While you can enjoy a drink and snack at the lobby bar, we recommend instead to get your drinks at the Avista bar.

The elegant Avista bar is located on the 4th floor of the hotel. This spacious bar area is surrounded by large windows from which you can admire the view of the city. 

The cozy fireplaces add to the relaxing and calm ambiance. In this pleasant setting, enjoy tasty cocktails or mocktails made with their own selection of natural fruits, herbs and homemade syrup. 

Light meals, wines, hot drinks or premium spirit are also available. We enjoyed a small glass of Pennyroyal, a light aromatic liquor served as a digestif. It’s a very popular herb that grows in the Alentejo fields.

When harvested, its essence is distilled into a light aromatic liquor. We were quite surprised by its fresh taste. In the mouth, the flavors are minty and the taste surprisingly not too strong. 

This was the perfect digestif after our tasty meal.

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In Summary

One great way to experience an area like a local, is to live like a local. The Vitória Stone Hotel offers you a slice in the life of the Alentejo region.  

With its unique decor using elements from the region and the friendly staff, you can comfortably refer to the hotel as “your home away from home in Alentejo.”

The food at the award-winning restaurant 5amêndoas Restaurante, is exceptional. With ingredients sourced from small regional producers you can enjoy the local and authentic flavors of the region. 

With a full service spa, seasonal outdoor pool, relaxing bar and fitness center, you will find everything you need for a pleasant stay.

The Vitória Stone Hotel is the best Évora hotel to immerse yourself into the local culture and gastronomy.

Book Your Stay

Vitória Stone Hotel

Address: Rua Diana de Lis 5, 7005-413 Évora, Portugal

Book Your Stay: Check dates & prices on Booking.com

Price starts at $105 for a double room.

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Disclosure: Our stay in Évora was supported by the Visit Alentejo Tourism Board. All views and opinions expressed are always our own. Full bellies and happy taste buds too!

20 Comments on “Vitoria Stone Hotel Review: How To Best Enjoy Your Stay in Evora”

  1. I love when hotels have a phenomenal restaurant. It looks like a great place to experience some of the best flavors of Portugal. My husband and I run into the two twin beds pushed together a lot! I also love the extra amenities like the gym and the pool! Looks wonderful!

    Reply
  2. This looks like a fabulous hotel … and I’m picky! What a great way to explore Evora and it’s food and cuisine. I’d love to try Vinhas Velhas, as it sounds like a Portuguese classic.

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  3. This hotel sounds amazing – give me a view like that for the pool and fitness center and I’m in! The wine looks delicious, but I’d be interested to try the Pennyroyal and see if it actually helps with digestion.

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    • A great stay indeed. The pennyroyal was quite interesting in flavors – a little minty and refreshing. Well worth the experience. Highly recommend Vitoria Stone Hotel if your travels take you to Evora. Cheers.

      Reply
  4. Any hotel that offers L’Occitane bath amenities is a winner in my books. I love the look of that fish – especially with an egg on top. I’ve put eggs on pizza and with pork, but never fish. Suddenly I’m craving Portuguese food!

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    • What’s amazing about Vitoria Stone Hotel is that the sophisticated side is always present. Those little amenities do help make the experience. The food, though is at another level. Incredible service and flavorful regional food and wine. You can’t ask for anything more! Thanks Jody.

      Reply
  5. What a lovely hotel. I might not even mind working out with those views to look at while plodding away. They are a lot better than my current gym’s views. The food looks so interesting and is presented beautifully. Great introduction to this hotel.

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    • So glad you enjoyed the article, Kathleen. I worked out at sunrise overlooking the city and it was magical seeing that perspective of the city. With the amazing food, you’ll definitively need to hit the gym! Hope you get to Vitoria Stone Hotel soon. Thanks for stopping by.

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  6. The style of the hotel looks really interesting with its granite stone interiors. We love Portuguese food and the food in this region looks great, especially like the sound of the black pork. It is good to find a hotel’s restaurant which serves authentic local food.

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    • We were quite impressed with the overall experience and especially the integration to the local culture. The restaurant was for us the best experience. Stay at Vitoria Stone on your next trip to Portugal. Thanks for stopping by.

      Reply
  7. My latest post is about Portugal, and now I’m reading a post about it. Maybe it’s really time to go visit? Évora looks perfect for me since I’m interested in heritage sites. Would love to stay at Vitória Stone Hotel too. That infinity pool looks great.

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    • That’s a sign…time to go back to Portugal. What an amazing country. And since you love culture and heritage, you must explore Evora, one of the best preserved medieval cities in Portugal. Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  8. Wow, the pool and the food look amazing! Ah, the twin bed thing seems to be common in Europe – it always happens to me! But this hotel looks lovely – especially since they have l’Occitane on hand.

    Reply
  9. I remember trying the Vinhas Velhas Alentejo Wine a few years ago in a restuarant in Lisboa. It had a very aquired taste to it. I remember the after taste. It was alright for me as I don’t drink wine often. I prefer beer. 🙂 But seeing the photo of it did bring back some good memories.

    Reply
    • There are so different kinds of wines in Portugal. I’m more of a wine drinker and really like the Alentejo wines. The craft beer scene is growing and there are lots of excellent options as well. Whatever your beverage choice, Portugal has a drink for you 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.

      Reply

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