Named after the ancient Roman name for Braga, the Bracara Augusta Hotel is a piece of history in its own right, set within a renovated building that dates right back to the 14th century.
Like many old cities in Portugal, Braga has a relatively compact centre, and the Bracara Augusta Hotel is fortunate enough to sit in the heart of it, in the Sao Jose de Sao Lazaro area. The Nogueira da Silva Museum is just 200 metres away and the Theatro Circo, the Santa Barbara Garden, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Cathedral, and the Biscainhos Museum are all within easy reach.
Braga is best explored on foot and a hotel such as this makes the perfect base from which to do so. Braga is well served by trains and buses from nearby Porto and all over Portugal or you can arrive by car and park free of charge close to the hotel.
Like many old cities, the streets are narrow and there are many one-way systems in place to facilitate the movement of traffic, but it does mean that navigating your way to the Bracara Augusta Hotel can be a little tricky. Do print off a map before you leave as sat nav systems have been known to struggle in the area.
The Bracara Augusta Hotel is a four-star hotel in a traditional-meets-modern boutique style. A total of 17 guest rooms are attractively decorated with comfortable furnishings and featuring stone walls and hardwood floors. In-room facilities include air conditioning, satellite TV, private bathroom, hair dryer, wireless internet and safety deposit box. There is a lift to all floors and disabled guests are catered for.
Room service is available for breakfast and throughout the day, as well as a laundry service, ironing service, shoe shine, fax and photocopy service. Meeting room facilities are available for business guests and, for those visiting in order to explore the delights of Portugal’s oldest city, the tour desk provides plenty of knowledgeable information about local attractions and excursions.
One of the most eye-catching features of the Bracara Augusta Hotel is its in-house restaurant, the Centurium Restaurant, which features grand vaulted ceilings and traditional décor. The cuisine is a mix of traditional Portuguese and modern international and there is also a relaxed bar area where guests can enjoy an aperitif, an after-dinner drink or a post-sightseeing pick-me-up at the end of a long day.
Hotel prices in Braga tend to be lower than in Porto, Lisbon and the Algarve, making it a good place to splash out a little more than you otherwise might on a four- or five-star stay.
Bracara Augusta Hotel
Avenida Central, 134
4710-229 Braga
Portugal
Tel: +351 253 206 260
Fax: +351 253 206 269
Email: geral@bracaraaugusta.com
www.bracaraaugusta.com
