Dona Emília Guest House & Studio Apartment Building

Lovely and comfortable in Viana do Castelo This was a lovely spot in Viana do Castelo. I was welcomed very warmly. My room was cozy and warm. There were a lot of great details. Wine and sparkling water in the room. Breakfast in the kitchen. An absolutely delightful stay.

We’ve stayed at Dona Emília Guesthouse and the Lima Studios 5 times. The hosts Sofia and Rami are warm and welcoming to visitors and Caminho de Santiago Pilgrims. All guests are made to feel like a part of the family. The guesthouse is in a historically refurbished building in the heart of the historic district of Viana do Castelo on the Praça da República. The building is old, but spectacular. The original grand wooden staircase is magnificent. A skylight over the stairwell gives Dona Emília a light and airy atmosphere. The creaky floors add character. Each room has its own personality with tasteful mid-century modern decor. Some rooms face the Praça and others face Santuário de Santa Luzia - Sanctuary of Santa Luzia. The 3 suites have private ensuite bathrooms. The three rooms have private bathrooms but not in the rooms. Two of the rooms have a balcony. There is no central heating or air conditioning, but each room have individual electric heat, heated bed warmers and a fan. All of the beds and pillows are very comfortable. There is a shared fully equipped kitchen with an exceptional pod coffee maker. The machine can even froth milk for a latte or cappuccino. There is a large living room and cozy reading room off from the kitchen. Both have large glass windows that overlook the Praça. In the summer, you can open the window and experience the sights and sounds of everything going on in the Praça da República. For breakfast, each room has a designated drawer in the kitchen with artisan bread, granola, fruit and a designated space in one of the refrigerators with cheese, yogurt, oat milk, regular milk and preserves. There is also a designated space if you want to store your own food for cooking. The Lima Studios are also in the historic district. All the studios are like apartments except for the zen room which is good for a single traveler. The interior is modern and comfortable. These rooms are good for longer stays. Both are wonderful locations, but our preference is the guesthouse when there is availability.

Dona Emilia has its special flavor. It is clean, the rooms are spacious and the employees are very courteous. They make you feel like royalty. The art-deco touch makes it more special and if you’re lucky, you’ll have a room facing the plaza and the fountain in Viana. Lively, musical and magical.

Genuinely fabulous guesthouse, right in the heart of this beautiful medieval town. Stunning building with soaring ceilings and everything any guest could ever need - and more! Sofia (the co-owner) could not have been more helpful and welcoming. Our favourite place in North Portugal so far. Thoroughly recommend..