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Writer's pictureThe Talking Bee

Review : Hotels & Resorts in Portugal

Updated: Feb 2, 2022

We had visited Portugal for our honeymoon and stayed in different cities / towns over the span of a fortnight.


Here are the brief reviews of the hotels where we stayed. This is based on our personal experience and feedback only.


HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS, LISBON  

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Well there’s a story behind why we landed up here. We had actually booked another hotel just across the street, which #booking.com had recommended and it really looked good. However, the room was extremely small with a very weird bathroom in the middle of the room ( no bathroom walls). This was the lesson no 1 to check for filter - private bathroom when you book rooms online.


So, there was no way we were going to stay there. We had arrived in Lisbon by 8 pm and for some reason, the area was quite deserted. We were quite tired from our BOM- DXB- LIS flight and had no energy for running around with our luggage. We checked a few hotels online and most hotels were sold out. Hence we thought of taking a chance right across the road where Holiday Inn was located.

Hotel has a very small lobby and a restaurant at the lobby level itself. Rooms were decently sized. No room service.

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Location is perfect. Its 4 minutes walk from Marques De Pombal which is a main square. Its very close to the happening area of Lisbon which is Bairro Alto.


Pros : Perfect Location. Clean and tidy rooms. Helpful English speaking staff. Value for money.( we paid approx 80 Eur for 2 pax for a night including breakfast)

Cons : Small rooms. Breakfast area was too small and options were repetitive.Self service.


Website : Holiday Inn

Our hotel was just two minutes walk from the main boulevard which was Avenida da Liberdade. This is city’s most central, modern part that has most 5 star hotels and high street shopping brand outlets.

 

SINTRA

QUINTAS DAS MURTAS,SINTRA

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A gorgeous heritage #villa property. Its a shame that we were staying here only for a night. Its located in the hilly terrain of Sintra hence much cooler compared to Lisbon or Lagos. ( temperature went upto approx 8 degrees at night)


We had a lovely apartment overlooking the pool and greenery. The entire property had a very rustic charm and was ideal for a romantic getaway. The main market and the bus stop is slightly away hence its recommended that one drives down in a private vehicle.

Our room had a lovely queen size bed and a daybed by the glass walls, lounger and a big LED television. It was really cold there and hence we used the in room heaters. Room also had a kitchenette with all the necessary amenities.

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We had our breakfast in their restaurant which served continental breakfast. The staff at the hotel was very polite and provided great service.


Pros : Beautiful heritage B&B. Big Rooms, Warm Staff. Free parking. Value for money.

Cons : You need a car or Uber to get here. Nothing else.


 

BELMAR SPA AND RESORT,LAGOS

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A modern Spa Retreat that overlooks the beach. Very conveniently located, it had free parking. Room was really fabulous with a sit out area overlooking garden and a pool.


We had a studio room to ourselves which was stacked up with enough things to even start living there 😉 We felt the front office staff could use a little politeness. We didn’t consume any meal here so wouldn’t comment on food. A great resort but below average service.

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Pros : Clean and spacious rooms. Big lobby. Cabs readily available with hotel. Multiple restaurants and bars.

Cons : Slightly impolite staff.

 

VILA GALE RESORT, DOURO VALLEY

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A part of chain of hotels i.e. Vila Gale, this property is on the bank of Douro River. It has wine plantations right next to it and offers a gorgeous view of the river & its surroundings. Its a boutique property, just about 30 rooms. The rooms have sit-out balcony which is huge. It has gym and indoor heated pool as well as outdoor pool and Jacuzzi.

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Restaurant had a good buffet spread and they also made some simple vegetarian food for us. They had a very courteous staff. Hotel also had a bar which was very decently priced. We booked a vineyard tour through the very helpful concierge.


Our overall experience with the property was great.  Value for money.

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Pros : Gorgeous rooms with a river view. Dual vanity in the bathrooms. Buffet with a good spread. Food and Beverages are priced at decent prices.

Cons : None.


 

VINCCI HOTEL, PORTO

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Among the hotels that we booked last minute, Vincci Porto was one of the best choices. It’s centrally located and is a designer hotel ( according to #telegraph UK and many other) It has a huge lobby. Staff was super friendly. We were simply happy to get free luggage assistance which was a rarity in Portugal (in fact entire Europe) I believe.


It has paid parking. Hotel has a restaurant. We had room service as well as a lunch at the restaurant. Food was okay, if not great.


Beautiful rooftop bar (which was closed to due winters )

Room was big enough. Especially bathroom was huge.

Here is what it looked like.



Pros : Perfect location. 24 hrs room service. Rooftop Bar.

Cons : None.


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