The Literary Man is one of the most distinctive hotels in Óbidos. It occupies a former convent building, just outside the medieval walls of the town, near the castle — a quieter, less crowded setting than the streets within the walls.
The hotel's defining feature is books. Tens of thousands of volumes line the walls of the rooms and common areas, a tribute to the literary identity of Óbidos, which was recognised by UNESCO as a Creative City of Literature. The hotel presents itself as the largest literary hotel in the world.
The building keeps the character of its convent origins, with rooms ranging from traditional to a more modern, ecological style. Beyond the rooms, there is a restaurant serving Portuguese cuisine, a gin bar, a lounge with an old fireplace and a quiet garden. It is a strong choice for travellers who want their stay in Óbidos to have a sense of place and story.
Highlights
- Book-themed hotel billed as the world's largest literary hotel
- Set in a former convent just outside the town walls
- Tens of thousands of books through rooms and common areas
- Restaurant, gin bar and a lounge with an old fireplace
- Quiet garden, a calmer setting near the castle
Amenities
✓ Free WiFi
✓ Restaurant
✓ Gin bar
✓ Library and books throughout
✓ Garden
✓ Lounge with fireplace
✓ Air conditioning
✓ Heating
✓ Massage on request
✓ Breakfast
Frequently asked questions
What makes The Literary Man unusual?
The hotel is filled with tens of thousands of books and presents itself as the largest literary hotel in the world, reflecting Óbidos' literary identity.
Where is the hotel located?
It stands in a former convent just outside the medieval walls of Óbidos, near the castle — quieter than the streets within the walls.
Does the hotel have a restaurant?
Yes, there is a restaurant serving Portuguese cuisine, along with a gin bar and a lounge with an antique fireplace.