The Literary Man Obidos Hotel

Is This a Hostel or a “Four-Star Hotel”? This “four-star hotel” gave me a filthy, unsanitary suite. There was feces left in the toilet; the bathtub contained hair and foul-smelling grime; the mirror, windows and walls were dirty; the air-conditioning remote was stained; dirt surrounded the lower door and window; and two large flies were inside. After I removed the bathtub hair myself, the foul odor remained on my hand. Unacceptable for any hotel, let alone one claiming four stars. The receptionist’s response was appalling. She merely said she would “tell cleaning”: no apology, urgency, timeframe, immediate cleaning or room change. She then asked why I could not wait until the next morning, effectively expecting me to sleep in a filthy room. I found other accommodation and checked out within two hours. Only after I had dragged my luggage downstairs and clearly stated I was checking out did she offer to brush the toilet. Cleaning one toilet could not fix an entire filthy suite. Far too little and far too late. The hotel then rewrote the facts, falsely claiming it had offered cleaning or a room change and that I refused. Neither was offered when I first reported the problems. This was a blatant attempt to shift responsibility onto the guest. It also refused to refund the nine unused nights and gave no help with two large suitcases to the third floor. This is a “four-star hotel” charging four-star prices while acting like a badly managed hostel. Disgraceful hygiene, disgracef

The room was lovely and the bed super comfy. The room however smelled like a sewer. Whoever installed the plumbing did not seal it correctly. We had to buy a candle to help cover the stench, and use the defuser that was already in the room. The hotel itself is amazing and the books on the shelves..what a collection very cool. The staff at the reception desk where fantastic, friendly and helpful! Breakfast is supposed to be served until 11. However, we got there around 10ish most of the items had been picked over and the hot eggs where gone and didn't get replenished until we left. What we did have was okay.

This was a hidden gem and a very interesting property in Obidos. It was fun to see all the books on every wall, nook and cranny ! Very unlike anywhere we have ever stayed. The restaurant was closed on Tuesday and Wednesday evening so we had to go out into the walked city which actually turned out very well. Breakfast in the Literary Man was really good with an amazing assortment of pastries! The property is definitely older and a little worn but had a lot of character .

The hotel was disappointing. I chose it because of the books, but between the books and the old carpet, the common spaces have a strong musty smell like a secondhand store. I was also excited about browsing the books, but found most were just crime novels and thrillers, e.g. multiple copies of Dan Brown, Clive Cussler, Ken Follett and the like. It was more expensive than other much nicer places we have stayed at in other cities in Portugal. The room was ok, but nothing more. It didn't feel like a four star hotel.

Great location. Beautiful restaurant. Loved the style of the hotel.