The Noble House, Évora

Pros

• You'll be located amid Évora's UNESCO-listed historic center,  just steps from landmarks like the Cathedral and the Roman Temple.
• The hotel is housed in a building with roots dating back to the 15th century when it was built atop the remains of ancient Roman walls.
• Each of the hotel's 24 rooms is distinct, with vaulted ceilings and wooden floors, and some feature private terraces and views over the Cathedral and the Alentejo plains.
• The on-site Noble Bistrô serves authentic regional cuisine with a menu that highlights seasonal products.
• A sunny terrace offers a peaceful spot to enjoy the hotel's excellent breakfast or a glass of wine at sunset.

Cons

• This isn't the most convenient spot for those with rental cars; the hotel's parking is very limited, and other options are located outside the city's UNESCO-listed center.

Authenticity

The Noble House is the oldest hotel in Évora, and its historic pedigree runs deep. Built upon Cerca Velha, the ancient Roman wall circling the city, this was the home of a count in the 15th century before it was turned into a hotel in the 1920s. More recently, architect Fernando Coelho's award-winning renovation preserved remarkable original elements like the Roman wall, glazed tiles, and vaulted ceilings, blending them with modern comforts to create a small boutique hotel filled with character. 

Location

Situated within Évora's UNESCO-listed historic center, the hotel is an ideal base for exploring the city on foot. It's a 3-minute walk to the Romanesque Cathedral and the famous Roman Temple, while you can reach the Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones) in an easy 10-minute stroll. The train station is a 10-minute taxi ride south. The hotel's on-site parking is limited and at an additional charge, and parking, in general, can be tricky in Évora's historic center—you'll likely need to park outside the city walls and traverse cobblestones and stairs with your luggage.

Rooms & Bathrooms

Each of the property's 24 rooms is unique, with original features like vaulted ceilings, wooden floors, and traditional tilework. All are decorated in a simple, modern style, and some include balconies or terraces with views over the Cathedral or the Alentejo plains. Larger suites add seating areas and sofa beds, and the atmospheric Garden Suite is built within portions of Évora's Roman-era city walls. Bathrooms are bright and new, clad in white tile with walk-in showers, and all rooms include air-conditioning. There are some accessible rooms on the ground floor, but upper-story rooms are reached via somewhat steep stairs.

Amenities

The property's former 17th-century kitchen is now home to The Noble Bistrô, which serves traditional Portuguese dishes with an emphasis on regional and seasonal products. Guests dine under a vaulted brick ceiling, surrounded by original features like a stone chimney and glazed tiles, or spill out onto the sunny terrace in warmer months. An optional breakfast buffet is offered here in the mornings, complete with a lovely selection of local products, including freshly baked Alentenjo breads, regional cheeses, hams, and sausages, and homemade fruit jams. 

Family-Friendliness

The Noble House welcomes families, though you won't find any specific amenities for younger travelers. Children under 10 stay free, and there are cribs and extra beds available at no extra cost. The larger Charming and Cathedral suites are the best bet for families, with extra living areas and sofa beds to accommodate up to four.