If the old saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" is true, then a stay at the Solar do Castelo should do wonders for the health. A fresh apple is placed on a tray every day outside each room for the disposal of guests. A nice quirky touch.

But the Solar do Castelo is much more than this. It is also about refinement and history. It started off life in the mid 18th century when a mansion was built within the walls of St. Jorge's Castle, on the site of what was formerly the Alcáçova Palace kitchens. For this reason it is still sometimes known as the "Kitchen Mansion".

Now, however, it has been turned into a smart new hotel decorated under the auspices of Graca Viterbo, one of Portugal's leading interior decorators. Care has obviously been take to preserve as much of the medieval remains, such as the cistern, which are thought to have formed part of some of the original Palace's outbuildings, whilst the inner courtyard and garden retain all their past glory.

Yet these elements of tradition go hand in hand with a feel that is up to date, modern and boutique. In fact, one of the many aces up the Solar do Castelo’s sleeve is that it has effortlessly incorporated these two seemingly contradictory elements – the old and the new - with great skill. Rooms are somewhat on the smallish side (quite often the case in historic locations), but that takes nothing away from the superb decor and romantic feel.

This goes for all the accommodations whether you choose the standard or superior rooms. A word of note, no cars are allowed in the castle walls and parking is very difficult in the vicinity.