World > Europe > Portugal > Castelo Branco > Covilha > Cortes Do Meio > Hotels in Penhas da Saude > HI Serra da Estrela - Pousada de Juventude

HI Serra da Estrela - Pousada de Juventude

Penhas da Saude , Covilhã, Nacional 339, Serra Da Estrela (Show on Map)

8.4

Very Good

➔

Please select your travel dates to see rates and availability

Check In

Check Out

1 room2 guests 1 room, 2 guests

Info

Summary of reviewsHI Serra da Estrela - Pousada de Juventude offers a remarkable experience for those visiting the breathtaking landscape of Serra da Estrela. This hostel's prime location makes it a highly desirable choice for mountain enthusiasts and nature lovers. Guests appreciate the stunning panoramic views from the rooms, some featuring private balconies, and the proximity to picturesque hiking trails. Despite its serene mountain setting, the hostel is conveniently near various amenities, including local dining options and easy bus access. The modern facilities provide clean and comfortable accommodations, enhanced by friendly and accommodating staff, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere.

The breakfast experience is lauded for being delicious and hearty, offering a generous spread that boosts energy for a day of exploration. Though there could be more variety and earlier serving times, the overall satisfaction with breakfast is high. Dinner also receives positive feedback for its quality local dishes and reasonable pricing, although improving reservation communication could enhance the experience further. The facility's bar offers light snacks, and nearby village restaurants provide additional dining choices.

The rooms at the hostel impress with their spaciousness, cleanliness, and comfort, featuring warm beds and efficient heating. Despite minor issues such as mattress firmness and noise from bunk beds, the overall room quality surpasses expectations. Private rooms are particularly praised for their excellent condition and stunning views.

Cleanliness is generally praised, especially in private rooms, though shared restrooms and common areas could benefit from more frequent maintenance. The exceptional staff stand out for their friendliness and helpfulness, significantly enhancing the guest experience. Overall, the combination of excellent service, location, and amenities makes HI Serra da Estrela - Pousada de Juventude a highly recommended stay for those seeking adventure and tranquility in the heart of the mountains.
Show more

Categories

Hostel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

This hostel has a third-party sustainability certification, specifically Biosphere Certification, and is rated at Sustainability Level 2. It is part of a global network of accommodations focused on sustainability. The hostel promotes the conservation of local cultural and natural heritage and creates alliances with local companies.

Dog Friendly Hostel

This hostel allows pets and offers a budget-friendly accommodation option. It has a balcony/terrace and is located in the Serra da Estrela Natural Park.

Cheap Hostel

As a hostel, it typically offers the most budget-friendly accommodation option. It provides a social atmosphere, ideal for budget travelers looking to connect with others.

Hostel with EV Charging Stations

Hostel with Swimming Pool

Outdoor Pool

Accessible Hostel

Hostel with Outdoor Pool

Room Types

Classic Twin Room with Private Bathroom This room features 2 single beds and a private bathroom.

Bunk Bed in Male Dormitory Room This male dormitory room comes with access to shared bathroom facilities.

Bunk Bed in Female Dormitory Room This female dormitory room comes with access to shared bathroom facilities.

About HI Serra da Estrela - Pousada de Juventude

License: DECRETO-LEIN.

Guest Reviews

8.4

Very Good

Location

Nestled in the breathtaking landscape of Serra da Estrela, 'HI Serra da Estrela - Pousada de Juventude' boasts an unparalleled location, making it a prime choice for mountain enthusiasts. This hostel serves as a perfect gateway for those looking to explore the majestic peaks, situated only a short drive from the renowned Serra da Estrela tower. Guests can revel in the stunning panoramic views from the comfort of their rooms, some featuring private balconies. The surrounding area is a haven for nature lovers, with plentiful hiking trails, offering a true escape into the serene beauty of the countryside. Despite its serene mountain setting, the hostel enjoys proximity to various amenities, including excellent local dining options and convenient bus access. The new, modern facilities provide clean, comfortable accommodation, complete with essential amenities such as room heating, making for a warm and welcoming retreat after a day of exploring. The on-site staff is notably friendly and accommodating, adding to the overall pleasant experience. For those seeking both adventure and tranquility in the heart of the mountains, this hostel's exceptional location and value make it an ideal choice.

Breakfast

Nestled in the scenic beauty of Serra da Estrela, HI Serra da Estrela - Pousada de Juventude offers guests a breakfast experience that largely delights visitors. The breakfast is often praised for its excellence, being described as delicious and providing ample energy for a day of exploration. Many guests appreciate the hearty meals and find them to be a pleasant surprise, especially given the reasonable price. The breakfast typically includes a generous spread with good variety, though some reviewers note that there may be limitations on quantity per person and suggest that more variety could enhance the experience further.

While some guests wish for an earlier serving time to accommodate early commitments, the breakfast generally meets expectations and complements the remarkable location of the hotel. The controlled portions are largely seen as generous, contributing to a satisfying start to the day alongside the friendly and helpful staff. Although there are some calls for additional fruit options or the inclusion of local specialties like Serra da Estrela cheese, the overall feedback on breakfast is positive, leaving many guests with good memories of their stay.

Dinner

The dining experience at HI Serra da Estrela - Pousada de Juventude offers guests a convenient and satisfying option. While the dinner service is based on a reservation system, which may require better communication, guests appreciate the reasonable pricing and quality of the meals provided. The local dishes served are considered very good, enhancing the overall experience of travelers who choose to dine at the hostel. Despite some logistical aspects, such as occasionally insufficient seating, guests find the food to be satisfying. The hostel's location near typical village restaurants offers more choices, although many are happy with the meals that the hostel provides, citing a good quality and price balance. The facility also includes a bar for light snacks, rounding out the dining options available for guests during their stay.

Rooms

HI Serra da Estrela - Pousada de Juventude offers a variety of room options that consistently impress guests with their spaciousness and comfort. The twin rooms are praised for their coziness, while some guests have enjoyed upgraded accommodations featuring excellent views of the mountains and sunsets. Many reviewers have highlighted the warm, comfortable beds as a standout feature, ensuring restful sleep. The bathrooms also receive positive mentions, with large showers providing great pressure and ample amenities such as free bath products and towels. Heating within the rooms is efficient, aligning with the pleasant ambient temperature.

Guests note the impressive quality and cleanliness of both the private rooms and the new building, surpassing expectations set by photographs seen online. The rooms are well-equipped with essential facilities, including private bathrooms, televisions, and heaters, contributing to a quiet and relaxing environment. Despite minor critiques regarding mattress comfort and a lack of safes, the majority of reviews emphasize the excellent cost-benefit ratio, describing the rooms as a perfect blend of comfort and practicality.

Overall, the accommodations at HI Serra da Estrela - Pousada de Juventude offer significant value, combining spaciousness, cleanliness, and comfort, complete with stunning views that enhance the guest experience.

Beds

Travelers visiting the HI Serra da Estrela - Pousada de Juventude have shared varied opinions on the bedding experience. While some guests have praised the beds for being super comfortable and providing a restful night's sleep, others have noted areas for improvement. A few reviews highlighted the comfort of private suites and clean, warm rooms, clearly appreciated by guests seeking relaxation and coziness.

On the downside, inconsistencies with mattress firmness were observed, ranging from overly soft to excessively hard. Several guests mentioned issues with bed structures, including swaying and noise, linked to loose or old components. This contributed to a less stable sleep environment for some. Moreover, bunk beds reportedly produced noise, which could disrupt sleep, and the mattress quality sometimes left guests wanting more in terms of comfort.

Additional feedback suggested practical improvements, such as the need for support within shower cabins and better safety features for cupboards. The bedding experience raised mixed feelings, yet overall, the rooms themselves were described positively as comfortable and clean, offering a favorable respite for travelers after a day exploring the scenic surroundings.

Cleanliness

HI Serra da Estrela - Pousada de Juventude receives mixed reviews when it comes to cleanliness. Guests frequently commend the cleanliness of the private rooms, noting their immaculate condition and the comfortable, warm accommodations. Many point out the stunning mountain views from their windows, contributing to a peaceful stay. The surrounding environment, staff, and breakfast add to the positive experience, with staff being described as attentive and helpful.

However, bathrooms are an area needing improvement. Shared restrooms are often noted as outdated and lacking regular maintenance, with some guests experiencing delays in cleaning services for bathrooms and showers. Common areas occasionally receive mixed feedback about cleanliness, with suggestions for more frequent cleaning sessions. Despite these issues, the hostel’s location, affordable meals, and the overall ambiance are often praised, providing a pleasant stay for those who appreciate the breathtaking scenery and well-kept private quarters.

Staff

Nestled in the tranquil surroundings of Serra da Estrela, HI Serra da Estrela - Pousada de Juventude is widely praised for its exceptional staff. Guests have consistently highlighted the friendliness, attentiveness, and helpfulness of the employees as a standout feature of their stay. Whether at the reception or the cafeteria, the warm and welcoming demeanor of the staff contributes significantly to the overall experience. Many reviews point out the staff's willingness to exceed expectations with helpful gestures such as accommodating late check-outs and providing useful local information. The polite and humble manager also receives commendations for fostering this inviting atmosphere. Despite one mention of a receptionist displaying a less favorable attitude, the overwhelming feedback emphasizes a high level of service and hospitality. The combination of excellent staff, a beautiful location, impeccable rooms, and convenient amenities like a good breakfast and proximity to restaurants, an ice rink, and the majestic mountains makes a stay at this hostel remarkably pleasant.

Yes, HI Serra da Estrela - Pousada de Juventude has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Outdoor Pool.

No, a spa isn't available at HI Serra da Estrela - Pousada de Juventude.

Yes, HI Serra da Estrela - Pousada de Juventude welcomes dogs.

No, parking facilities aren't available at HI Serra da Estrela - Pousada de Juventude.

No, HI Serra da Estrela - Pousada de Juventude doesn't have a gym.

Location Show Map

More Options