White-washed Algarve boutique hotel balancing minimalism and eclecticism

Hospedaria / Tavira / Algarve / Portugal

All the hotels posted here are unique in their own way. But some places are just next level. Like this one, Hospedaria, located just outside Tavira in the more rural part of the Algarve in Portugal.

We were actually supposed to stay at Pensão Agricola, one of the three hotels owned and run by Rui Liberato de Sousa and Nuno Ramos. But due to some urgent refurbushing needs there, we were asked to move to nearby Hospedaria. These guys first opened Pensão Agricola back in 2015. It was originally planned to be a private Summer house but they didn’t get the right permits for this which gave them the idea to open it as a hotel instead. Soon after they got to work on the second hotel, Hospedaria. And in 2022 the doors opened to the third hotel, Casa Quinta de Cime, down the road, closer to the beach.

Hospederia used to be a gathering place for the local community dating back to beginning of the 20th century and one of the most unique things about this place is that it is built in the craziest place, a road crossing. It is basically a triangle lined by three country roads where no sane person would ever think of building a hotel. But boy am I glad they saw the potential since the result that they have created with architect Luís Costa Valente is nothing short of amazing. You enter from the small car park at the back and it is like entering into some kind of sacred garden. The hotel is lined by a thick, white wall creating a sanctuary of white buildings, greenery and tranquility.

The main building, which used to house a post office and a grocery store, has a number of rooms in file filled with the most wonderful selection of vintage furniture, old light signs mounted on the walls, industrial lamps and some quirky little knickknacks. It truly looks like someone is living there and we are house guests. Maybe it is fitting that Hospedaria means guest house in Portuguese.

There are only five rooms and we stayed in the Figueira Suite. You enter through a red door and behind it you’ll find a small private courtyard with an old, gnarly fig tree and a patio shaded by a rustic bamboo roof. And behind yet another red door, you’ll find the spacious, stunning suite. The floors are polished concrete and the ceiling raw concrete. This industrial grey frame is softened by white washed walls, vintage wooden wardrobe doors, vintage furniture, art work and some carefully selected accessories to make the space feel warm and welcoming. The look is so up my alley I could have just moved right in. I kind of now regret that I didn’t.

This used to be a kind of community hall where you would find the post office, the only telephone in the area and a bar to socialize in. This is no longer the entrance. It is on the other side of the building…

…next to the car park. I wish this was how we arrived, with this vintage Vespa that was parked by the entrance.

We were a little early so Alex who is managing the place hadn’t arrived yet which gave me an opportunity to explore the place with camera in hand. So let me take you on a tour of the place.

Everywhere you turn there is something beautiful to look at. This is the living room in the main building.

The mix of vintage items is, dare I say it, perfect!

Rui, who owns this hotel has a love for vintage signs, so here and there you’ll find pieces like this one.

Heading outside. In the background you can see the outdoor dining area.

Time to check in. We stayed in the room called Figueira, named after…

…the old fig tree standing in our courtyard, giving it some much needed shade.

Our own private little outdoor patio, shaded by a bamboo roof.

I love how the red color is something of a connecting design element in the hotel.

Our room, framed by polished concrete floors and raw concrete ceilings. The canvas is, just like the rest of the hotel, filled with carefully curated vintage pieces.

The vanity is so beautiful. I love how they have taken an old side table and repurposed it.

Ok, let’s head back out and I’ll show you…

…the pool. Here you can see part of the wall that frames the property helping to create the sense of a private sanctuary.

M is getting ready to go into the water.

And right next to the pool there is a honesty bar. Or maybe I should say **the** honesty bar since I don’t believe I have ever seen one looking this good.

And just help yourself to oranges from the orchards belonging to the hotel. And yes, I am matching my Birkens with the oranges.

The sun is setting on Hospedaria and the inner courtyard.

Morning has broken, filling the Hospedaria with light.

And after a good night sleep, this is what awaits. Breakfast is taken very seriously at Hospedaria.

If you want to do something there are bikes to loan and the…

RG inside info

This place is perfect if you…

…are a lover of impeccable design hotels. If you want your boutique hotel to ooze of personality and an eclectic mix of vintage furniture, framed by eternal Portuguese sunshine and affable service, then I know you are going to love staying here.

My favorite thing about this place…

…is the location. It is totally bonkers. The hotel is literally located in a road crossing. Three country roads create a triangular intersection and it is in this space where you’ll find Hospedaria. To be able to create something this beautiful and peaceful in such a setting is pure magic.

What not to miss when staying here is…

…nothing. Don’t get me wrong, there is plenty to do and see in this part of the Algarve but Hospedaria is the kind of hotel that you don’t want to leave once you have checked in. It is just too damn cozy, relaxing and beautiful to part with. So take my advice and postpone the sightseeing to another day.

If you like this hotel you might also like…

Masseria Moroseta, Ostuni, Puglia, Italy

Casa Modesta, Olhão, Algarve, Portugal

Tuba Club, Marseille, France