Hotel Universal

★★★☆☆Avenida Manuel Francisco Da Costa, Gerês, Portugal

Nudging the Spanish border and situated within Portugal’s only National Park, Peneda-Gerês, Hotel Universal features an internal courtyard with hanging gardens. It also offers an outdoor pool garden. Hotel Universal’s bright rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and a private bathroom with bathtub. Each is air conditioned and includes a satellite TV and a radio. Guests can swim in the pool in the garden surrounding the hotel. The poolside deck with plenty of loungers offers a pleasant spot to soak up the sun. Universal serves a daily breakfast buffet. Traditional food from Portugal’s Norte Region is offered at the à la carte restaurant, while the Jardim Bar offers lunch snacks and a fine selection of local wines. Geres village is an excellent base for exploring the national park’s archaeological and natural highlights. The Albufeira Da Caniçada Reservoir is just 5 km away and the hotel provides a mountain shuttle service.