About Us
Who and what is BotaRota?
We are 3 siblings who started BotaRota as a combined project of creating a hostel, a herbal medicine garden, and a site to learn about permaculture and natural building (although family, friends and neighbours have been a big part of the project, too). Step one has been the hostel. The other projects are a work in progress, but by supporting us you are helping to make them a reality. Thank you 🙂
Booking & Payment
Can I book directly with you?
Yes, please do! It’s our preferred way for you to book.
You can contact us via:
WhatsApp / Phone – +351 932 313 851
Email – hello@botarota.pt
Please remember that your booking is not confirmed until we send a confirmation message.
What type of payment do you accept?
At the moment, we accept cash or bank transfer only.
Can I reserve when I arrive?
If we still have beds available you are able to book on arrival. Check-in is after 2pm. If there are no beds left we can recommend some other albergues for you to try within 30 minutes walk.
Can I cancel the reservation?
Yes, but please give us as much advance notice as possible!
I’m not a pilgrim. Can I still stay?
Of course! We would be happy to welcome you. BotaRota is a meeting place for all types of tourist and traveller.
Do you offer a group discount?
We do offer a discount for groups that would like to book the entire hostel.
Please get in touch at hello@botarota.pt for more information.
We are travelling as a group and want to stay together?
If we have availability at the time of booking, we will do our best to accommodate you in the same room.
Arrival & Departure
When are check-in and check-out?
Check-in is from 2pm. If you arrive before this, you can rest at Cafe Favorito (a 2 minute walk – closed on Tuesdays) or Roulote Bar (a 10 minute walk – closed in low season). Reception is open until 7pm for check-ins.
Check-out is before 10am. If you would like to stay later than this, please let us know before so we can store your luggage and find a space for you to relax while we clean.
Can I enter and exit the hostel at any time?
See the question above regarding check-in and check-out. You can enter and leave the building at any time of day, however we encourage you to avoid making noise between 10pm and 7am, so our other guests can get a good night’s sleep!
Can I leave my belongings in the room?
The private rooms are lockable and in the shared rooms you have lockers.
You are responsible for your belongings and we advise you to keep anything valuable in your locker.
Food & Drink
Do you provide breakfast?
Yes, breakfast is available for 4 EUR. It is set up in the evening, so can can help yourself from the buffet table and from the breakfast fridge. It includes bread for toast, butter, jam, peanut butter, cereals, egg, yoghurt, cheese and fruit. Tea and coffee are also available.
Where can I eat dinner?
For dinner: Cafe Favorito is a 3-minute walk. Open every day until late, except Tuesdays.
We have a kitchen where you can prepare your own meal. We have some frozen options that you can purchase if you do not have your own groceries, or you can buy some basic supplies at the shop attached to Cafe Favorito (3-minute walk).
On some nights we may offer a community-style dinner for guests. This is subject to demand and staff availability.
Do you provide oil & salt for cooking?
We provide olive oil, salt, pepper and spices. You are also welcome to take anything left in the “Free” boxes by previous guests.
Do you have tea & coffee available?
We have free tea and coffee available for all guests.
Services
Do you provide bedding? Is it necessary to use a sleeping bag?
We have a soft duvet and pillow on every bed, with extra blankets for colder nights. All are washed in eco-friendly, non-allergenic detergent between guests. Please use these rather than your own sleeping bag.
Are towels provided?
Towels are available for an extra charge of 3 euros.
Do you wash clothes (laundry service)?
We have a washing machine and a dryer controlled by the Bota Rota team between 3pm and 7pm. Please provide your washing as early as possible within this window of time. Washing and drying cost 3 euros each or 5 euros combined.
Other
Is BotaRota a pet friendly space?
If you rent a private room, you are welcome to bring your pet. Just be sure to contact us in advance so we can check that the pet won’t be a problem for the other guests.
I’m travelling by car or campervan. Where can I park it?
There is a field at the back of the property with a marked space to park. Please let us know in advance if you need to use it so we can ensure we’ll have enough parking space for all guests.