cannot answer most pf your questions, but, sadly, the pools will not open before may.

I would base in Lisbon and take day trips if ypu wish. It's a small city with history, great food, wonderdul places to walk.

I would definitely base yourself in Lisbon. It's very easy to do day trips from London to Sintra and cascais etc. but for the rest of the time you can walk around and enjoy the sights of Lisbon.

We did pne day trip to Sintra, another to CaisCais, both nice, but we were glad we chose to be in Lisbon.

Definitely stay in Lisbon. Click on my name for my Lisbon TR. With that budget you might look into staying in an apartment., or you might find a deal on the Avenida Palace, which is ideally located.

Well I wanted to weigh in with a differing opinion - my daughter and I planned a trip last spring with 5 nights in Lisbon but eventually during the planning process I decided to base in Caiscais and I was glad I made that decision. Lisbon is a IMO a large, hectic city, a bit down at the heels compared to other large European cities we have visited. Cascais is much more relaxed - still plenty of nice restuarant options but not nearly as frantic. It probably did not help my opinion of Lisbon that on the first day we went into the city, within 5 minutes we were targeted by pickpockets (fortunately we stopped them) and then witnessed a tram hitting a pedestrian!

We were quite content to be a bit away from the action in the evenings out in Cascais. You can easily get into Lisbon from there by train (runs frequently and cheap!) also same train stops at Belem, and we took a bus to Sintra for a daytrip. We were at the Grand Real Villa Italia which was gorgeous (has a spa) you could email them to see if their pool is open in April. We were there in May with warm weather which also probably contributed to being glad we stayed out of Lisbon.

Thanks for the replies....we def do not mind the hustle and bustle during the day. Just in he evenings we want to unwind and we are not late night people really. We usually stay in the city centers of major cities, but now we are not sure what to do.

I'm sure that you will enjoy your trip wherever you decide to stay - in summary I would say the Lisbon is more urban and maybe? sort of like Budapest as far as being a bit worn. Cascais is more resort-like but IMO still with a Portuguese vibe (I'm from the US). I think it does cater alot to northern European visitors but it wasn't as "country neutered" as parts of the Costa del Sol, if you know what I mean! There is a great walk along the sea and it would be a very nice place to rent and ride bikes if you wanted to do that on your trip.

Ok I think we are doing in the city, now I need a hotel. I don't think we want an appt.

Price range?

Beth...I think the VIP Eden might be within your price range..it was about three years ago when we stayed there. Found it to be central, just a short walk to the train station, Praca Rossio, and pedestrian Rua Augusta..next door to the cable car that takes you to colorful Bairro Alto in a minute or two.

It has a beautiful rooftop pool with great views of the city..don't know if it would be open at Easter time. It was when we stayed there in early May. It's not the Ritz, but large comfortable rooms and bathrooms, friendly desk, clean, with elevators. It was an old movie theater with a facade that is quite unusual.
stu

VIP Eden is certainly a good location, just up from the Avenida Palace that I mentioned above. However, unlike Stu, I was not impressed with my room. It didn't look over the square and it was tired and worn.

http://www.edenaparthotelvip.com/

web pages for the VIP Eden

I love the Avenida Palace. although I haven't been there in years. I found the location and staff excellent.

Please be sure to go to a Fado one night. Enjoy your trip!

Thanks off to check that out!

Looks like Pestana hotels are offering extra special prices for Easter, according to an email I gor this morning.. Check them out if you haven't resv'ed yet!!!. They are very nice

KW..I guess we lucked out..had a large very well appointed room overlooking Restauradores and Avenida Libertad..with a small balcony. I asked as I usually do,to see a few rooms and got the pick of the day.

The Avenida Palace is much more elegant, and was full of intrigue during WW II, as headquarters for every spy in town. It plays a role in my new historical novel.
stu

Stu - I had a prepaid internet rate, so less leverage...

After looking at tons of hotels, finally booked the Corinthia Hotel Lisbon, the reviews were good, good location and a pretty quiet hotel with lots of amenities like a spa, pool, free WIFI in the rooms. Looking forward to it. Thanks for the help and advice.