TOfranc

We are trying to decide on whether to stay in Lisbon or Sintra when we are in that part of Portugal. We definately want to see both but are wondering where the best place to stay is???

hopscotch

If you are still on line, Turner Classic Movies TCM has a Sidney Greenstreet and Peter Lorie b/w on tonight with scenes of Sintra in the 40s. They are showing Peter all night.

RichardSpitzer

We just returned from Sintra in September and it was a great place to have as a focal point to explore the beaches, costal towns and Lisbon. Sintra is rather touristy in the center of town, but go up to the Moorish Castle and of course the Pena Pallace. There are two Tivoli Sintra hotels, one over 300 Euro a night in a stunning, absolutely gorgeous castle and the other at the end of the center of town with balconies or beautiful valley views. We got an Internet deal (we actually booked it while we were in the Dordogne) on the 8th floor with a balcony for70 Euro a night and that was with balcony and breakfast sent to your room (2.5 Euro service charge). It was called the Tivoli Sintra. The staff was extremely helpful, very friendly and parking in their underground garage was free. The hotel has had some wear and the carpets were a bit worn, but the rooms were clean and the housekeeping staff went out of their way to make it accommodating. It was a great place and only 20 kilometers from Lisbon. Trains run from Lisbon to Sintra every 20 minutes and are cheap.

Tere

Well, here go the two cents from someone who lives between both places: stay in Cascais. Sintra is tooo far from Lisbon , trains from Sintra to Lisbon aren't great and if you have a car the traffic is awful between them.
In Cascais you will be near Sintra and Lisbon, you can easily take the train to go to Lisbon , it's much better than the Sintra/Lisbon train, and you will enjoy a grat scenery of the ocean.
I sugest that you rent a car for a day or 2 and visit Sintra and the nearby Colares, Praia das Macas, and Guincho. In Sintra you could stay for a night or 2, just to wonder around ( I would follow Richard's sugestion and stay at Tivoli Palacio dos Seteais . It's lovely ( actually I got married there

In Cascais I sugest you to stay at Hotel Albatroz or Casa da Pergola. Both excellent.
But do not stay in Sintra all the time, it will be more difficult to go to Lisbon.

bobthenavigator

I agree--stay in Cascais for easy access to both.

TOfranc

Thanks for that. We'll be on our honeymoon and will likely be staying 3 nights in the area. We're starting in Porto for 3 nights, driving to Lisbon/Sintra/Cascais for 3 nights, on to Evora for 3 nights, and on to the Algarve the remaining 5 nights (strictly for relaxation). Bob/ Tere-- what are your recommendations for the Algarve? We want to stay in a really nice place to cap off our honeymoon. Or, should we even bother with the Algarve? Those last five days are going to be spent shopping, playing golf, tennis, hopefully lying in the sun, etc. No 'touristy' stuff. Just relaxation.

Tere

Tofranc, firstly congratulations on your upcoming wedding
Then, if it's your honeymoon do stay at Hotel Tivoli Palacio dos Seteais, at least for one night, it's lovely.
And in the Algarve stay at the Hotel Quinta do Lago or Hotel Vila Vita Parc. Both are excellent, they have great raves (see at tripadvisor.com) and are members of the Leading Hotels of the World. I would prefer the Hotel Quinta do Lago, though, I like the location better.And you will have the best facilities on tennis, golf,wonderful restaurants, etc. Even if you don't get any sun it's beautiful to stay in that area. Upscale and not too touristic. And who knows? Maybe there will be some sunshine for a memorable honeymoon. The Algarve is a great place to relax all year round (except in summer months). Don't skip it. It's better now than in July and August months.
Feel free to ask me if you need any more information.

Teresa

Scotia

Question for Tere:

I was reading about your recommendations for hotels in the Algarve. Is either of these properties near a small town or village where one could walk? If not, do you have a favourite spot that is within walking distance of a town? Thank you.