Situated in Portugal's Évora province in the countryside surrounding Estremoz, Estremoz Hotel offers views of vineyards and nearby Evoramonte Castle, a 15-minute drive away. Each air-conditioned room has a balcony. Imperador's light rooms are simply furnished and include satellite TV. Each room has a private bathroom with bathtub and shower. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. Breakfast is served in the breakfast room with its large windows offering views of the surroundings. Guests of The Imperador can benefit from free Wi-Fi in the lobby, which also has a fireplace for winter evenings. The bar offers a pleasant setting for a game of billiards. The reception at Estremoz Hotel is available 24 hours per day and there is free parking. Badajoz Airport is a 1-hour drive away. Most people who visit Portugal and make to the Alentejo (which everyone should!) get to the regional capital of Évora, with its dramatic Roman ruins and haunting chapel of bones, or maybe to the rugged Vicentina coast, with its dramatic beaches and surf friendly waves. But few push as far east as Estremoz. Then there are the clay figures that the city is known for, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The Bonecas of Estremoz date from the 17th century, when they were used to represent Christian themes. Now they're colorful and interesting, regardless of your beliefs. Just a few doors down from the museum, Mercearia Gadanha is a shop selling regional food products and wine but also a surprising restaurant. It's a departure from the traditional Alentejo gastronomy, with its big portions and hearty dishes. Rather, chef Michele Marques and her kitchen team turn out inventive and memorable dishes with local ingredients. An item listed on the menu as "fantastic soup” turned out to be just that, a tomato-strawberry gazpacho with the sweetest little prawns and basil granita. ......................................................................................-