Vila Gale Collection Braga: Pool & Location

Name: Vila Gale Collection Braga
Address: Largo Carlos Amarante, 150 Sao Joao do Souto, Braga, 葡萄牙

Vila Gale Collection Braga: Pool & Location

At a glance: 4-star · Since 2018

Near: Palácio do Raio · 1 min walk

Guests love: Location · Dining

Braga is one of Portugal’s oldest cities, with more than 2000 years of history, and it blends tradition with modernity in a way that takes visitors through the architecture and stories of many eras. This northern city, at the heart of the Minho region, holds traces of the Roman period, when it was known as Bracara Augusta in honor of Emperor Augustus. The country’s first Cathedral was built here in the 12th century and remains open to visitors. The municipal stadium, designed by Eduardo Souto Moura, who received the Pritzker Prize in 2011, is another landmark worth seeing. For those following religious routes, climbing to Bom Jesus do Monte on foot is a challenge for the bold, while others can take the picturesque funicular from 1882, the first of its kind in the Iberian Peninsula. Braga is known for its many churches and sanctuaries, sacred art, Baroque influences, and a historic center that draws pilgrims and travelers alike.

The city stays lively all year, keeping a young and energetic character thanks to its student population, the university hub, and the technological activity centered around the Iberian Laboratory of Nanotechnology. Cultural life is rich, with countless annual events and local dishes such as Frigideiras, Bacalhau à Braga, Sarrabulho porridge, roast kid, and Pudim Abade de Priscos or the tempting Fidalguinhos.

The hotel is tied to the history of convents and the founding of Portugal, and it follows the Collection concept, known for its attentive service. Vila Galé Collection Braga was created through the rehabilitation of the old hospital of São Marcos, a property of public interest that dates back to 1508. That site once held a chapel dedicated to Saint Mark, a hostelry, and a Templar convent. The renovation respected the building’s historical and architectural character, keeping the existing structure and restoring original elements like the vaulted ceilings. From the hotel, the Palácio do Raio is a one-minute walk, the historic center of Braga is two minutes away, the Chafariz da Praça da República is three minutes on foot, and both the Santa Maria de Braga Cathedral and the Santa Barbara Garden are four minutes away.

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Portuguese

Check-in requirements: The main guest checking in must be at least 18 years old.
Children: Children 4 year old and over are permitted to stay in some room types at this hotel. Additional fees may be charged for children using existing beds. Add the number of children to get a more accurate price.

Amenities

Property amenities

Bar
Restaurant
Room service
Spa
Swimming pool
Children's meals available
Wi-Fi in public areas
Elevator
Garden
Multi-function room
Parking
Laundry detergent

Room types

Double rooms
Twin rooms
Single rooms
Family rooms
Suites

Guest reviews

4.6Excellent(2,477)

Excellent1,810
Good

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Reviews from

mehrdadnb

5/5

Tripadvisor· 4 months ago

This is a delayed review. We stayed 3 nights at this beautiful hotel. we were in Braga for a wedding ceremony with the whole family. The hotel itself is a historic monument so be prepared to have a tour inside! The building's castle like structure is really amazing. Our rooms were generously large with all necessary amenities, nice air-conditioning, comfy beds and spacious bathroom and shower area. The check-in was fast and the staff in reception were welcoming. Breakfast was superb and the staff were offering their best. The location adds more advantage to the experience as it is centrally located with walking distance with all you need. Kids enjoyed the pool area. Overall, we enjoyed extremely. Hope you do too. Highly recommended and Yes, we'll be back.

Maitravels66

5/5

Tripadvisor· a month ago

So happy we booked this little gem for our last night in northern Portugal.|We loved the central location and the free car parking.|Reception was very efficient and friendly and the receptionist recommended an excellent local restaurant for dinner.|Our room in the new annex was spacious, with a very large and comfortable bed, it was quiet at night and we had a good sleep.|Pool looked lovely when we arrived very early Saturday afternoon, but later in the afternoon it was very busy with kids splashing and jumping so we gave it a miss.|The one thing we were a bit disappointed with was breakfast.|It was very very busy and I felt the room was far too small, luckily we managed to get a seat outside which was quieter. There was a decent selection of breakfast items but the coffee was not very nice.|Apart from that we were very happy with our stay and would definitely return if we came back to Braga.

Maija L.

5/5

Google· 2 months ago

Unique hotel in a former monastery (and later hospital). Friendly service, varied breakfast. Lots to see within a short walk. There would have been a buffet for dinner, but we didn't use that option because we had eaten elsewhere. This place is a must-try!

Response from the property

Dear Ms. Maija, Thank you very much for taking the time to share your wonderful feedback following your stay at Vila Galé Collection Braga. We are delighted to know that you enjoyed the unique character of our hotel, housed in a historic building that served as a monastery and later as a hospital. The building dates back to the 16th century, more precisely to 1508, and we are very proud to preserve its history and character through the architecture and decoration of our spaces. It is also a pleasure to hear that you appreciated the friendliness of our team, our varied breakfast, and our privileged location, allowing you to discover many of Braga's attractions within walking distance. Thank you for recommending our hotel so enthusiastically. Your kind words are a wonderful recognition for our entire team. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back to Vila Galé Collection Braga on your next visit to Braga. Kind regards, José Oliveira Martins, Manager

Trip.com Member

5/5

Trip.com· a year ago

Great hotel and facilities right in the centre of Braga.

Hsmx

3/5

Tripadvisor· a month ago

First the positives. It is in a great location, the building is beautiful and most of the staff are friendly and helpful. The negatives: rooms are large but didn’t like the decoration. Our room had a painting of a priest which was a bit odd and never seen that in a hotel before. We ran out of tissue and for 2 days it never got replenished. We asked for a box and it turns out they ran out. The friendly cleaning lady got us a stack from somewhere but that doesn’t seem like something she needed to fix. Couldn’t see the value of what we paid for either, which was on the higher end of what I usually pay for in Portugal for a 4 star hotel. The worst part is the parking. The hotel could offer us no parking space other than on the street. We spend several days and kept asking about where to park and I kept getting the answer that hotel parking was full. I pointed out that the parking lot says they have parking available and kept seeing cars coming in and out but no space was ever available for us. One day I just went to the parking lot and they had several spaces available (see attached pic), I walk in and ask and they said no parking was available. That was extremely annoying and disappointing. At the end we were very disappointed in the hotel and would never stay there again. I am sure the hotel will respond to the review with some kind of excuse. The pic says it all. Others were offered parking and we didn’t. Not sure what the basis was.

Suzana Michalak

5/5

Google· 3 months ago

This hotel is beautiful and very convenient located to explore Braga downtown. The staff is excellent, the breakfast is amazing bedroom clean and good size. We enjoyed very much and recommend.

Response from the property

Dear Mrs. Suzana Michalak, Thank you for writing about your stay at the Vila Galé Collection Braga for our Guests comments are, for us, very important and we were very proud to read that we provided you a very good experience specially on what our Team and breakfast are concerned. Thank you for recommending us and hope to welcome you again soon. Best regards José Miguel Oliveira Martins General Manager

andr_srU6498JG

2/5

Tripadvisor· 3 months ago

We reserved 10 days in advance 1 Junior Suite and upon checking in we received a Standard Double Room.|The room – after 2 long corridors – was approximately 400 meters away from the Hotel Entrance.|The bathroom had no doors (nearly as if to say “open plan” with the room).|The shower…. Careful !!! it’s an ice rink. We had to use a towel on the floor to avoid slippages and shower carefully with all movements.|No utilities whatsoever anywhere.|Reception was theoretically manned by two persons, but half of the time no-one was present.|And the worse was to come: Upon check in, my credit card had been requested to perform the customary “guarantee” process.|After 2 days of stay we announced at Reception we would be leaving the next day. The reply was that the Hotel already had processed the charge of 4 days stay “in advance” and that no refund could be made. A 4 star hotel charging the theoretical stay in advance? What is this?|The hotel is situated right in the center of town. Granted. And it has a spa and 2 swimming pools (besides plenty of conference rooms). This entitles it to the 4 star category.|But if you are looking for a comfortable and nice 4 -star hotel stay… abstain using this one.

Sooner7

5/5

Tripadvisor· 6 months ago

A gem of a hotel. Located a great part of a wonderful city. Lots of history with the hotel, a great breakfast with wonder staff. The rooms are really nice but a big shout out to David at the front desk who make certain we got a room like we needed. If you want to talk football/soccer he's a huge Porto fan so you can ask him!

Where can I eat near Vila Gale Collection Braga?

You can start with the hotel's own Versátil and Inevitável restaurants, plus the Fidelio bar for a drink. Just outside, Cantinho Do Carmo serves traditional Portuguese food, and Nut' Braga offers healthy dishes. For local flavors, try Lareira do Conde Restaurante or Velhos Tempos. If you want tapas, Mercado Das Tapas and Twine Wine & Tapas are nearby, and 28 Wine & Gin is good for wine lovers. For a modern take, Alma d'Eca focuses on seasonal Portuguese cuisine.

What is the area around Vila Gale Collection Braga like?

You are right in the heart of Braga's historic center, with the cathedral, Santa Barbara Garden, and Palácio do Raio all within a few minutes' walk. The area is a mix of medieval streets and baroque architecture, with the lively Praça da República and its fountain just around the corner. The hotel itself has a restaurant and bar, and the surrounding streets are filled with cafés and shops. It is a walkable, central spot to soak up the city's atmosphere.

How do I get to Vila Gale Collection Braga from the airport or main train station?

From Porto Airport, take the GetBus direct transfer to Braga, then it is a short walk or taxi ride to the hotel. Alternatively, take the metro to Campanhã station and catch a train to Braga; the station is about a 16-minute walk from the hotel. If arriving by train from Porto or Lisbon, Braga station is roughly 920 meters away, an easy walk through the historic center. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are available at the station for a quick trip to Largo Carlos Amarante. The hotel is centrally located, so you will pass the cathedral and other sights on the way.

What's there to do near Vila Gale Collection Braga in the evening?

In the evening, you can start with a drink at the hotel's Fidelio bar or the Splash bar for snacks. For a night out, the historic center is just a 2-minute walk away, where you'll find spots like 28 Wine & Gin for wine and gin, or Twine Wine & Tapas for a fusion menu. The Santa Barbara Garden, a 4-minute walk, is a pleasant place for a stroll after dinner. The hotel's own restaurant, Versátil, also serves dinner if you prefer to stay in.

Is Vila Gale Collection Braga a good base for exploring Braga?

Yes, Vila Gale Collection Braga is an excellent base for exploring Braga. The historic center is just a 2-minute walk away, and you can reach Palácio do Raio in 1 minute, the cathedral in 4 minutes, and Santa Barbara Garden in 4 minutes. Park Avenida Central and the Museum of Archeology D. Diogo de Sousa are both within a 5-minute walk. For sights further out, like Bom Jesus do Monte, you can take a taxi or ride-hailing service from the hotel. The central location means you can easily return to the hotel between explorations.

Vila Gale Collection Braga

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