HI Alcoutim – Pousada de Juventude

I stayed in a small double with en suite bathroom. The balcony faced the river. Would have been excellent were it not for the swallows nesting on the balcony. Bird droppings everywhere. The pool is not heated. Still nice. Looked really clean. Breakfast ok, but I also had extra food with me (banana, croissant, nice bread). Unfortunately, the bed was extremely hard and uncomfortable. There was no mattress topper or extra padding — just a basic box spring or metal spring mattress that offered no support or softness. I woke up with back pain and did not sleep well during my stay. Bathroom ok, shower cubicle really tiny. Other guests were a bit dodgy but that is the joy of hostelling.