Great location right beside the university. It’s very comfortable and homely. Staff in the restaurant especially Joel and Carolina are absolutely brilliant people who were so friendly and helpful and offered advice about the town and where to visit etc. They were exceptional hosts who should be highly commended for their guest hospitality!! Our evening meal in the hotel was also excellent.

The two ladies minding reception whilst we were there not as good as restaurant staff by a mile and didn’t seem to get the term hospitality. For us, as we found them a tad standoffish and somewhat uninterested. However not the worst we’ve encountered on our travels. The shower door in our room leaked badly leaving our bathroom floor soaking and it would take very little to repair it. The doors onto the outside patio could also not be opened as they were also faulty.

The hotel building is definitely one that stood the time but the inside is beautifully renovated and excudes warmth. The rooms are very clean and spacious and their midnight stories concept is quite unique! The rooftop view is definitely a must and the restaurant food was incredibly delicious! And the location was perfect, so close Coimbra’s University. But best of all was the service! Everyone is incredibly welcoming! Thank you Joel for taking care of us!

The breakfast & dining space is a bit small but that understandably so due to the characteristics and limitations of the building. Definitely not something worth being upset over!

A beautiful hotel in the old part of Coimbra by the universities, and close walking distance to the city centre. The spaces are meticulously clean and beautifully decorated, inspired by the literary greats of Portugal. There is a rooftop bar with views of the river, city and the old Law university - great for drinking a glass of wine in the evening and watching the sun set. Breakfast was fresh, delicious and ample, and the staff kind and welcoming. Should I go to Coimbra again, I would consider returning here as well!

Not something that I disliked, more of a word of warning: if you're going on foot from the train station, you're in for a steep walk on uneven terrain! It is a short walking distance, but the route can be difficult. Taking a taxi to the hotel is recommended, especially if you have heavy luggage.

The hotel is located just downhill from the Joanina Library at the University of Coimbra. This puts you right in the heart of the historic university. My room had a stunning view over the river. It was an easy walk into old town, to the Botanic Gardens, and to the river. It is a steep uphill back, though I suppose you could catch a taxi or Uber back to the hotel. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful--when I mentioned a small issue, they took care of this in minutes. Breakfast looked wonderful, though I didn't have a chance to try it. A free glass of their wine in the evening was a nice touch as well. There are a small number of parking spaces just outside of the hotel. I luckily found a spot each time I needed it, but there are no guaranteed spots. There were clear instructions on how to avoid the narrow old town streets when driving away from the hotel.

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The hotel is in an excellent location, especially for those interested in the university area. Parking issues should be taken into account, the hotel only has five parking spaces on a free basis. The food at the hotel is excellent, except for the lack of vegetables at breakfast, the hotel staff is courteous and exceptionally helpful. We must mention one of the waiters, Joel, who served us at dinner, which was particularly delicious and his service was extraordinary, kind, humorous and helpful. In conclusion, it is recommended wholeheartedly!

lack of vegetables at breakfas

Staff - first and foremost. Very friendly and super efficient. The staff at the restaurant were a perfect 10/10. A special mention to Joel, he always had a smile on and ready with a witty joke or statement. Bruno at the reception too👍. Apologies for not remembering others names. Location - Fabulous. The famous university is just across the hotel. The old cathedral and the rest of the attraction just round the corner and of course you are already in the historic city. The hotel by itself. Excellent. The rooms each named after a Portuguese writer are tastefully done. The rooms are big with a kitchenette. 👏👏👍

Can’t think of anything and I did think hard

The location is perfect for visiting the University - just a 3 minute walk to the library. We were lucky to get one of their coveted parking spots right in front of the hotel. We had dinner at the hotel and it was excellent as was the service - thanks Joel. Also the staff helped with our arrival and departure and provided a welcome glass of wine. We especially liked Anisio, who is the one that assisted us the most. Breakfast was adequate and of high quality. We were able to utilize the rooftop patio for a Birdseye view of the city, both in at night and in the morning.

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Room) our room was a studio, which must be the smallest, but it was huge. Due to the way the building was constructed, our unit has 2 areas - a very spacious living & kitchen area and a very spacious bed room. We enjoyed our little rest in the middle of the dat after a big walk etc. It really was pleasant to be there. Each room is named after a local legend, which really is lovely. Our bed was very comfy. Location) it is located right behind Coimbra University. Very convenient to go anywhere in Coimbra. And, if you go to/from Coimbra Railway Station, the taxi fare should not go over €10. Breakfast) unfortunately, we did not try dinner there, but the breakfast they served us amazing. Various types of bread & yummy pancakes. I would like to tell you how nice their scrambled eggs and veggies were! I had their breakfast 3 times, but they never disappointed me. In fact, I always looked forward to their breakfast. Staff) all the staff were very friendly and helpful. As one of them told us, they were professional with a human touch. All in all, we loved our stay wholeheartedly. When going back to Coimbra one day, we will definitely go back to Sapiential.

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We have luckily stayed at this glorious hotel several time and decided to enjoy a 3 night mini break to include the New Year’s Eve dinner. And a few friends joined us so we were a table of 9. The food, wine pairing and staff serving were all 5 star. Such a well organised and very happy event. Our 3 night stay was excellent. Every attention to detail with so many human touches and we are treated like family. My husband was very unwell for a while and Joel could not have been more caring or kinder. He is a wonderful ambassador for this hotel. Margarida played her part too and was anxious to help. All the staff who helped and served us deserve a mention as they really know what true hospitality means. We are planning to stay again in May. We can nit recommend Sapientia Boutique Hotel highly enough. Thank you to the whole team.

A great boutique hotel and the highlight of our tour of Portugal. Totally exceeded our expectations. Amazingly helpful and friendly staff. Obviously a well respected restaurant (be sure to book a table). Excellent breakfast included. Thoughtfully decorated, clean room with very comfortable bed and balcony. For us the location was fine.

If and when we stay again, we would book a larger room or studio. The room we had was fine for a short stay but a bit difficult with our large luggage. The location was close to the University, so high over the city with great view from the rooftop terrace but might not suite visitors preferring a more lively nightlife.