Palacio Estoril Hotel Golf and Wellness

Palacio Estoril is one of the grand old hotels of the Portuguese coast, a landmark in Estoril that has hosted royalty, diplomats and travellers since the early twentieth century. The building has the long corridors, high ceilings and formal public rooms you expect from a historic palace hotel, and the atmosphere is one of understated elegance rather than modern minimalism. Estoril sits between Lisbon and Cascais along the same railway line, which makes the hotel a calm base for exploring the whole area.

Location and getting around. The hotel stands close to the Estoril casino gardens and a short walk from the train station, where frequent services run to Cascais in one direction and Lisbon's Cais do Sodre in the other. The beach at Tamariz is within easy reach on foot, and a coastal promenade leads along the shore towards Cascais.

For Sintra, plan a bus, taxi or organised tour, as the hills are a separate excursion from the coast.Rooms and facilities. Rooms and suites vary in size and view, with some overlooking the gardens or the sea, and the best categories are worth requesting when you book.

Guests can expect a restaurant and bar, an outdoor pool, spa and wellness facilities, and gardens that give the hotel a calm, resort-like feel. Golf is part of the setting, with courses in the wider area and packages that appeal to players. Check the details of facilities and seasonal opening times before you travel.Who it suits. The hotel is ideal for couples, golfers, spa lovers and travellers who like a traditional grand hotel with space and history.

It suits those who prefer a quieter coast to the lively centre of Lisbon, and who are happy to use the train for day trips. It is less suited to travellers who want to stay in the heart of Sintra for early palace entry, or who prefer a contemporary boutique feel.

A stay here pairs well with a day trip to Sintra, an evening walk along the Estoril seafront and a morning exploring Cascais old town.Practical tips. Book early for summer weekends and for event dates at the nearby casino and golf courses, when rooms in Estoril fill quickly.

Ask about parking if you are driving, since the old centre of Cascais and Estoril has limited spaces. The sea air and the hills mean evenings can be cooler than you expect, so pack a light jacket. Breakfast is a good time to enjoy the dining room and the gardens, and the hotel's setting makes it a natural spot for a quiet afternoon between excursions. Travelling by train from Lisbon takes under an hour, which makes arrival and departure straightforward without a car.