See all properties

Forrester Essence Douro Hotel

4.0 star property
4-star pousada perfect for exploring Alijó

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Forrester Essence Douro Hotel

43-inch LCD TV with cable channels
Premium Double or Twin Room
Exterior
Junior Studio Suite | Terrace/patio
Daily buffet breakfast for a fee

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
Rua Comendador José Rufino, Alijó, Vila Real, 5070-031
  • Place, Jardim da Avenida Doutor Francisco Sa Carneiro
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Jardim Publico Doutor Matos Cordeiro
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Igreja Matriz de Alijo
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Airport, Vila Real (VRL)
    ‪37 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Classic Double or Twin Room

Classic Double or Twin Room

Classic Double or Twin Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • City view
  • 32 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed OR 2 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Deluxe Double or Twin Room

Deluxe Double or Twin Room

Deluxe Double or Twin Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • City view
  • 32 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Superior Double or Twin Room

Superior Double or Twin Room

Superior Double or Twin Room

  • 35 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Premium Double or Twin Room

Premium Double or Twin Room

Premium Double or Twin Room

  • 35 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Twin Beds OR 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Junior Studio Suite

Junior Studio Suite

Junior Studio Suite

  • 32 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

About the area

Alijó

Heart of Alijó.With a stay at this Alijó pousada, you'll be steps from Igreja Matriz de Alijo and Jardim da Avenida Doutor Francisco Sa Carneiro. Also, Jardim Publico Doutor Matos Cordeiro is within half a mile (1 km) and Bread and Wine Museum is within 2 miles (3 km).
View more Pousadas in AlijóOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Jardim da Avenida Doutor Francisco Sa Carneiro - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Jardim Publico Doutor Matos Cordeiro - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Igreja Matriz de Alijo - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Duoro River - 15 min drive - 13.1 km
  • Quinta da Roêda Winery - 27 min drive - 21.0 km

Getting around

  • Tua Station - 25 min drive
  • Vila Real (VRL) - 30 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Quinta Da Avessada - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Cêpa Torta - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Vista D'Ouro - ‬23 min drive
  • ‪Solar 1 - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Maria da Glória - ‬5 min drive

About this property

Forrester Essence Douro Hotel

4-star pousada perfect for exploring Alijó
Forrester Essence Douro Hotel offers its guests an outdoor tennis court and an outdoor pool. Along with a restaurant, there's a coffee shop/cafe on site. You can enjoy a drink at one of the bars, which include a poolside bar and a bar/lounge. WiFi is free in public spaces.

A terrace, multilingual staff, and tour/ticket assistance are also featured at Forrester Essence Douro Hotel. Self parking is free.

This 4-star Alijó pousada is smoke free.

  • 1 building
  • 21 guestrooms or units
  • 3 levels
  • Meeting rooms
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Umbrellas for the pool
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Staff is multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front-desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Elevator
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Coffee shop
  • Bar by the pool
  • Dining venue
Forrester Essence Douro Hotel offers 21 air-conditioned accommodations with minibars and espresso makers. 43-inch LCD televisions come with cable channels.

Bathrooms include bathtubs, bidets, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers. This Alijó pousada provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Housekeeping is provided daily.

Similar properties

Outdoor pool
Quinta de la Rosa
Sabrosa
  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
4.8 out of 5, Exceptional, 525 reviews
The price is CA $395
CA $418 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 6 - Jun 7
Quinta de la Rosa

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Soundproofed rooms

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Daily buffet breakfast available 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM for a fee: EUR 15 for adults and EUR 7.50 for children
  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A poolside bar
  • A restaurant

Things to do

  • Outdoor pool
  • Outdoor tennis court

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Bathroom emergency pull cord
  • Elevator
  • Front entrance ramp
  • Hardwood flooring in room
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 43-inch LCD TV with cable channels

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Bathtub
  • Bidet
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Espresso maker
  • Free bottled water
  • Limited room service
  • Minibar

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Laptop workspace
  • LED lighting
  • Soundproofed rooms

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime

Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before noon

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets: EUR 25 per pet, per day
  • Maximum 2 (weight limit: 44 lbs per pet)
  • Food and water bowls are available
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for EUR 20.0 per day.

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for buffet breakfast: approximately EUR 15 for adults and EUR 7.5 for children
  • Pet fee: EUR 25 per pet, per day
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Rollaway bed fee: EUR 20.0 per day

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room. This property accepts Visa and Mastercard. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher in each accommodation.

We should mention

  • The seasonal pool will open May 01 and close October 31.

Property is also known as

Pousada Barão Forrester

Pousada Barão Forrester Alijo

Pousada Barão Forrester Hotel

Pousada Barão Forrester Hotel Alijo

Pousada Barão de Forrester

Palacete Barão de Forrester.

Forester Essence Douro Hotel

Forrester Essence Douro Alijo

Forrester Essence Douro Hotel Alijó

Forrester Essence Douro Hotel Pousada (Portugal)

Forrester Essence Douro Hotel Pousada (Portugal) Alijó

Frequently asked questions

How close is Forrester Essence Douro Hotel to the airport?

Forrester Essence Douro Hotel is 24.6 mi (30-min drive) away from the Vila Real (VRL) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Forrester Essence Douro Hotel?

As of Jun 3, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Forrester Essence Douro Hotel on Jun 28, 2026 start from CA $149, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does Forrester Essence Douro Hotel have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Forrester Essence Douro Hotel.

Does Forrester Essence Douro Hotel offer free breakfast?

Free breakfast isn’t provided at Forrester Essence Douro Hotel, but buffet breakfast is offered for a fee of EUR 15 for adults and EUR 7.5 for children. It's available every day from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM.

Is there a casino at Forrester Essence Douro Hotel?

No, there is no casino at this pousada.

What time is check-in at Forrester Essence Douro Hotel?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime.

Is there free parking at Forrester Essence Douro Hotel?

This pousada offers free self parking.

Does Forrester Essence Douro Hotel have a pool?

Forrester Essence Douro Hotel features an outdoor pool.

Does Forrester Essence Douro Hotel have a restaurant?

Forrester Essence Douro Hotel is home to O Barão, which features Regional cuisine.

Does Forrester Essence Douro Hotel have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this pousada.

How close is Forrester Essence Douro Hotel to downtown Alijó?

Forrester Essence Douro Hotel is 0.1 mi away from Alijó.

Forrester Essence Douro Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 30 out of 57 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 21 out of 57 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 57 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 57 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 57 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful, beautiful hotel with stunning views and excellent restaurant.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Eugene

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Loved the hotel
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

dennis

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was extremely friendly and very helpful. Dinner was delicious every night!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Friendly, helpful staff. Comfortable, spacious room with windows on two sides. Good breakfast. Nice area outside for eating al fresco in the evening. Centrally located.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marcia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very personal, friendly and helpful staff! The room was even larger than anticipated and very lovely views//////11
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

donald

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
David at checking was very helpful & spoke good English. Explained a bit of the history of the area from Roman times. Great bar / restaurant in the hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

Liz

Room clean but would benefit from a bathroom update. Commented on noise because election rally went on till late across road from hotel both nights of our stay. Realise we were just unlucky to have this. Staff friendly and also knowledgeable about Port and where to buy it cheaply. Would love to come back overall.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Vittorio

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The Host David was so Kind and ready to solve all problems and request. The Restaurant a plus.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrea

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful estate home converted into a hotel. Had a lovely overnight stay. Their restaurant is fabulous. Room was very comfortable. Since we were here in the Fall, the hotel was very quiet. Only a few guests. Service was excellent.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Too cold to use pool but wonderful to walk the grounds and around town. Staff are so helpful and kind. Especially a shout out to David who treated us very well.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2022
Verified

6/10 Okay

Ton

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Good service. Not working airco. Bathroom was a bit outdated.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Thomas

Disliked: Cleanliness, room comfort

Not impressed with our stay.

We arrived at the hotel and found that the room did not correspond to the pictures on the website. Renovation work was in process. The room was very dusty. The floor is scratched and the furniture has seen better days. Te bathroom is old style and needs renovation. The air-conditioning did not work. The sleeping with open window was not a good choice as the room was giving on a busy street. Wi-Fi is patchy. After making a complaint, we were not able to change the room, as apparently the hotel was fully booked. The ray of sunshine of our stay was the good evening meal and the breakfast that is served in a nice ambience. Free parking is available at the hotel grounds. Let´s hope that after renovation the hotel gets back to a decent standard as advertised.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Isabel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Os funcionários muito simpáticos, atenciosos, prestáveis.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Marco

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
La struttura bella e il servizio adeguato. Purtroppo ci hanno dato una camera a nostro giudizio comfort e non de luce come avevamo prenotato e pagato.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Estelle

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Le personnel donne un service impeccable par contre l’hôtel est désuet et ne répond pas aux attentes vs le site.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Isabelle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Tres belle expérience. Merci.

2 nuits dans cet hôtel élégant et calme. Grande chambre avec vue sur la piscine. Literie un peu ferme. Salle de bains grande et fonctionnelle mais meritetait d'être rénovée. Restaurant très bien lors des 2 diners à la carte : mets savoureux, bien présentés, service impeccable.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

SUSAN

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very relaxed and welcoming atmosphere right in the heart of this small town. Attentive service, very good restaurant
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

Rainer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Armaturen in der Dusche – Badewanne müssten erneuert werden. Sehr schöne Lage und gutes Restaurant
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

HUMBERTO

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A repetir.

Excelente. Serviço profissional, simpático e disponivel. Boas condições de higiene, quer no quarto, quer nas zonas comuns.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sophie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Magnifique endroit calme, personnel très à l’écoute et très agréable, cuisine raffinée d’excellente qualité: bravo à la cheffe et à son équipe.
La terrasse qui donne sur la piscine
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

6/10 Okay

Sue

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
No heat in our room. Got moved to a new room, but not very good there, either. Manager was very helpful with tourism info. Breakfast okay, not great.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020
Verified

8/10 Good

Barbara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Lovely Historic Hotel

Large rooms with comfortable beds. Lovely grounds and gathering spaces. Our one dinner there was excellent. Complimentary breakfast very good. Beautiful drive to hotel with amazing views.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Close by Centro walked to a very nice local restaurant. Staff were very friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Claude

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Soirée très agréable aussi bien le logis que la table !
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The rural setting was relaxing and refreshing. The staff went above and beyond to provide quality service. The restaurant was excellent
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2019