We had read great reviews about Casa Pombal and were dissapointed. It was reaaallllly frayed in the edges. The beds were the ones which fold up - army beds( maybe). Very uncomfortable. They turn off the electricity at 11:30 pm or so - the heat gets turned off too. It was really cold in the morning. The breakfast was rolls and coffee in a thermos. They do not have a kitchen in that b and b, so needless to say the breakfast is mediocre - not really deserving the great reviews. It is definite a budget/youth hostel level accomodation. The location is good.

We liked the comfy feel in this small hotel. The Dutch folks who run it were very personable and eager to help us tour the town. They went all out with their breakfast which included items we did not see during the rest of our time in Portugal. There was a computer for guests to use. I might best describe the place as friendly and cute but our room was small and a bit confining but we did book a cheap room at 40 euros a night. The bath down the hall was just a few steps away and very nice. It was also great to be in the only hotel that is really close to the famous university which puts it in the highest part of town. Easy to walk down to the rest of the city and the elevator up the hill from the Mercado left you a minute away if you did not want to hike back uphill.

We stayed at Casa pombal in Coimbra mid Sept 07, the view was amazing. The rooms were quiet, clean and comfortable. The bathroom was clean, tidy and had some lovely extras that really feel like a treat for travellers, body lotion and hairdryer. Breakfast was varied and healthy and we recieved informative, helpful and very friendly information from the lady who runs this hotel. Coimbra is a lovely town which definitely deserves a couple of nights stay and I would highly recommend staying at Casa Pombal, it was the best accomodation we had while travelling through Portugal.

The Casa Pombal is a bit frayed around the edges, but retains some charm. The owners are friendly and extremely helpful, and the breakfast was varied and generous, continental-style, in a little room decorated with lovely blue tiles overlooking the small garden area.

Our room was reasonably comfortable, with ensuite, though perhaps in need of a little TLC in the near future. TV in room with local Portuguese channels only. (The shower had a rubber mat to cover the slightly damaged floor. Unfortunately, the mat covered the drain and left me up to my ankles in water. I finally figured out that I could flip part of the mat to expose the drain better.)

I did get a glimpse of one of the shared baths, which looked quite nice with tub, so I wouldn't worry if you don't have an en suite room.

Again, I'd like to say that the owners are more than pleasant and extremely willing to help you find your way around, recommend places to eat and to hear the Coimbra-style fado. A good host can make all the difference in these things, no?

This is a good, cozy budget choice near the University, for students and those looking to spend their pennies on other things than "luxury." And Coimbra itself is well worth the visit, in our opinion.