Andy Devaney
Tomar may be small, but it has a past that could flatten most European cities. And right at the centre of it all sits Hotel dos Templários, a four-star fortress of comfort on the banks of the Nabão river. With big rooms, proper leisure facilities, and a front-row view of the UNESCO-listed Convent of Christ, this is the hotel for anyone who wants to dive headfirst into Portugal’s Templar heartland without unnecessary fuss.
A Brush With Living Templar Lore
During my stay, I found myself in fascinating company—meeting with the Saunière Society, a group dedicated to the study of Templar mysteries and esoteric history. Among them was Hamilton White, the enigmatic collector better known to TV audiences as the “modern-day Indiana Jones” from Lost Treasures of the Knights Templar on Sky History.
Discussing relics and secrets of the Order in the shadow of Tomar’s castle was the kind of encounter that reminds you this town isn’t just history in books—it’s alive, still attracting those chasing the echoes of the Templars.
Another memorable encounter came with Sara Goldingham, visiting Tomar for the first time as part of her Knight Templar order, the OMCTH. For her, the town wasn’t just a stop on the map but “plugging into the heart” of Templar history—walking where they walked, standing in their churches, and contemplating the mysterious markers on their graves.
What struck her most was the warmth and openness she found among locals and fellow visitors. As she put it, “Tomar still carries the spirit of medieval life, offering not just history but friendship, conversation in sunlit cafés, and a beauty that lingers long after you leave”.
The Setting
You won’t need a map to find history here. Hotel dos Templários is a short stroll from Tomar’s cobbled centre, wrapped in mature gardens and overlooking the river walkway. The Convent of Christ looms just ten minutes away—though the climb will test your hamstrings if you walk. For the less enthusiastic, a taxi will do. From the pool terrace, views of the castle ridge confirm exactly where you are: smack in the middle of a town that once housed the Knights Templar.
Look & Feel
Built in the late 1960s, the hotel carries that grand provincial style Portugal does so well: marble corridors wide enough for jousting, public spaces that don’t pinch, and a design that has seen as many makeovers as a soap-opera cast. Some corners whisper “1990s conference chic,” while others gleam with fresher updates. It’s not cutting-edge minimalism—thank God—but it’s spotless, well-kept, and the kind of place where old-school service still means something.
Rooms
Here’s where Hotel dos Templários earns its spurs: size. Standard rooms are bigger than most in Portugal, with balconies on many that face the gardens or river. Soundproofing is solid, mattresses are on the firm side, and storage space is generous.
Bathrooms are functional rather than flashy, but do yourself a favour—book a higher-floor river-view room with a balcony. That’s the difference between “nice enough” and “you’ll be showing off photos for years.”
Pools, Spa & Fitness
For a town this size, the leisure kit is almost comical. Indoors, there’s a pool with classical murals. Outside, a lagoon-style pool you’ll actually want to use. Add in a gym (basic but useful), sauna, steam room, treatment rooms, and an outdoor tennis court, and you’ve got more options than you’ll realistically use between castle visits. Families and couples alike will be happy, whether you’re chasing laps or a lazy soak.
Food & Drink
Breakfast at Hotel dos Templários is the full spread: flaky Portuguese pastries, fruit, hot dishes, the works. The only catch? When tour groups descend at once, it turns into a medieval siege—so go early. A lobby bar and on-site restaurant make dinner convenient, but Tomar’s town centre is close enough that grazing from local taverns is a better bet.
One standout is the Medieval Tavern on the town square, where the atmosphere is pure Templar pageantry. Just a word of caution: the mead. It looks innocent, tastes sweet, and hits harder than a jousting lance—I discovered this the hard way during my own misadventure.
Service & Crowd
The staff draw consistent praise for their competence and warmth, and that’s no small thing in a property this size. Expect a mixed bag of guests: Portuguese weekenders, international couples, families, and weekday conference groups. Service holds up even at full tilt, though the breakfast scrum is best avoided if you value your sanity.
Practicalities
- Parking: Free on-site if you book direct—handy for road-trippers linking Lisbon, Fátima, or Coimbra.
- Rail: Tomar station is walkable if you’re spry; a cheap taxi spares you the luggage drag.
- Road Access: A1, A23 and A13 make Tomar an easy stitch into any Central Portugal itinerary.
What Could Be Better
Some corridors and rooms still carry the beige hangover of the late 20th century. And yes, conference waves and tour groups can clog lifts and breakfast tables. Neither is fatal, but it pays to time your day.
Who It’s For
- History hunters who want to walk to the Convent of Christ and still swim before dinner.
- Families who need both an indoor and outdoor pool.
- Drivers touring Central Portugal who want free parking and a solid base.
Editor’s Verdict
Hotel dos Templários isn’t trying to be trendy, and that’s exactly its charm. You get space, pools, a proper breakfast, and staff who know what they’re doing.
Sure, the décor could use a uniform update, but that hardly matters when you’ve got a balcony view of Tomar’s castle ridge.
Book a higher-floor room, eat breakfast before the bus tours wake up, and leave half a day for the Convent of Christ—it’s the reason you came.
And if you’re lucky, you might just find yourself, as I did, debating lost relics with Hamilton White by the Nabão river.
Need-to-Know (At a Glance)
- Category: Four-star, classic provincial style with conference facilities
- Opened: 1967, with piecemeal updates
- Facilities: Indoor & outdoor pools, spa (sauna/steam/treatments), gym, tennis, lobby bar, restaurant, buffet breakfast
- Where: By the Nabão river, a short walk to Tomar’s historic centre and the Convent of Christ
