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Besides the normal star rating that is granted to
Hotels to internationally accepted standards there are certain other
Portuguese categories which are helpful to be known when considering
a tour of Portugal. Below are some simple descriptions that we
believe will act as a guide to a traveller.
 Agroturismo
Integrated in an agricultural project this is accommodation of a
country and often of a basic nature.
Albergaria
This type of accommodation offers very comfortable 4-Star Guest House
quality.
Aldeamento Turísticos
A holiday complex with different types of accommodation. Varying from
an apartment to a villa, and normally offering special facilities such
as sports and entertainment. They are rated in three levels, 2nd Class,
1st Class and Deluxe.
Apartamento
Usually an individual apartment, or a group of apartments within a
block and seldom without a useful reception. The owners contract with
a managing agent for their apartments to be rented to holidaymakers
during the season.
Apartamento Turísticos
A block of holiday apartments specifically built to rent to tourists.
These are rated from 3rd Class to 1st Class.
Aparthotel
This category offers the same facilities as a Hotel with an important
difference - there is no room service and self-catering within the
suites is provided. Depending upon the range of facilities they are
rated from 2-Star up to 4-Star.
Camping
These camping and caravan sites are scattered mainly along the
Portuguese coastline. They can be privately or municipally owned and
are rated from 1 to 4-Stars. As they are very popular a prior booking
in season is recommended
Estalagem
These are privately owned Inns and usually rating at 4 or 5-Stars.
Hotel
The word De-Luxe or 5 Star gives the top rating. The Stars then
decrease down to the 1-Star as appropriate with the service and
facilities that are available.
Hotel Apartamento
This is the same category as "Aparthotel" above.
Motel
These are of either 2 or 3-Stars.
Pensão
Equal to low cost boarding houses offering bed, breakfast and main
meals. They are also rated on a 1 to 4-Star scale.
Pensão Residencial
A boarding house offering only bed and breakfast.
Pousada
This is the name given to a web of State owned and run Hotels. They
are located throughout Portugal in beautifully restored old historic
buildings, or, specifically built to benefit from a special location
and its views. Some can be rated on par to a 3-Star Hotel but the
principal ones tend to be equal to 4 and 5-Stars.
Pousada de Juventude
These are State owned and run Youth Hostels open to to young people
of all nationalities.
Residencial
An accommodation that provides an adequate bedroom en-suite and that
often includes a breakfast.
Turismo de Habitação
These are private properties that provide accommodation and are
considered of national architectural value.
Turismo no Espaço Rural (TER)
Privately owned locations and homes providing accommodation and
activities (not always), for a limited number of paying guests.
Turismo Rural
This is type of country Inn and usually found in a convenient location
or in a picturesque area. Often, the property is also the permanent
home of its owners and guests may find they can dine with the family in
selected meals.
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