Fodor's Expert Review Sheraton Cascais Resort

Hidden away in an exclusive woodland setting just a stone's throw from the beautiful beaches of the Lisbon-Estoril coast, Sheraton Cascais Resort attracts a mix of business and leisure travelers, as well as golfers keen to enjoy the world-renowned courses nearby. A noteworthy gastro-bar and fine dining restaurant, bicycle hire and seasonal entertainment for kids means families can really settle in and relax.

With smart rooms and apartments set in lovely grounds with a large outdoor pool area and a plush spa, the hotel feels a world away from the busy city streets, but is a short hop from downtown Lisbon by road or rail. Service is excellent across the board, from reception and housekeeping to the staff at the restaurants and spa, and a major makeover in 2016 means that everything is sparkling new.

Should you be in the market to buy property in Portugal, the Sheraton Cascais has serviced apartments for sale within the resort, and owners are able to make use of all the hotel's facilities. Naturally, they're not cheap.

Photo: Bien arrivés à Cascais #portugal #lisbonne #sheratoncascaisresort / @avaandco

room

Rooms at Sheraton Cascais are spacious and immaculately-maintained, with living areas, kitchenettes and large balconies or private terraces overlooking the hotel grounds and/or the scenic Quinta da Marinha park. Suites have well-equipped kitchens, and the Panoramic Suite has a huge roof terrace with hot tub and sun loungers . Guests at the hotel are welcomed with little treats such as pasteis de nata and miniature bottles of port, and the beds are extremely comfortable. Decor is modern, with neutral colors on the walls and lots of dark wood furnishings, and all rooms have LCD TVs with cable channels, in-room WiFi, and Nespresso machines.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Wi-Fi and Nespresso capsules are charged in many rooms, but may be offered free under certain promotions.

Photo: Bien arrivés à Cascais #portugal #lisbonne #sheratoncascaisresort / @avaandco

bathroom

The bathrooms have deep tubs and powerful overhead showers, high quality Shine by Sheraton amenities, double sinks, shaving/makeup mirrors and extremely comfortable robes.

In some larger rooms and suites, the robes and slippers are hidden away in a walk-in wardrobe near the bathroom.

lobby

The large lobby at Sheraton Cascais is a bright, modern space with colorful flower displays competing for attention with the large screen televisions that broadcast golf and sports events around the clock. Check-in is available 24/7 and is a speedy process thanks to very efficient staff. Guests can store luggage before check-in or after check-out. Adjoining the lobby is a glitzy new gastro bar, separated from the reception area by clear glass walls.

Photo: Juste pour le rêve et sans filtre on fait connaissance avec les lieux #sheratoncascaisresort #lisbonne #portugal / @avaandco

pool

Guests at Sheraton Cascais may be just a couple of miles from the beach, but may find themselves reluctant to leave the comfort of the outdoor pool area at the resort. Two large pools, separated by a wooden walkway and surrounded by sun loungers and shade-providing trees, offer respite from the heat on sunny days, while a plunge pool in the indoor spa area is the place to take a dip when temperatures are cooler. A poolside bar serves drinks and light meals throughout the spring and summer.

Photo: Juste pour le rêve et sans filtre on fait connaissance avec les lieux #sheratoncascaisresort #lisbonne #portugal / @avaandco

spa

The Serenity Spa at Sheraton Cascais makes the most of the hotel's wonderfully tranquil location. The spa is located inside an indoor garden, and as well as offering treatments to soothe mind, body and soul, has a heated pool with hydro-massage, and a relaxation room with views over the landscaped gardens. Many beauty and body treatments are specially made using ingredients sourced from the local area, and a hammam and hot tub add to the relaxing experience.

Families can involve the kids in their pampering session, with packages such as mother/daughter massages and manicures using child-friendly products.

gym

Guests can work out at the hotel's modern, well-equipped fitness center, with a good standard of cardio equipment and weights, as well as very necessary water cooler.

dining

Sheraton Cascais caused something of a stir on the local dining scene with the April 2017 opening of Kimya Gastrobar, a jazzy space dedicated to pairing miniature molecular gastronomy dishes with their perfect boozy counterparts. Both food and cocktails are prepare with scientific precision, and staff can advise on the best combinations. It's a sophisticated yet fun spot for a little culinary experimentation.

For more substantial, and traditional, meals, the formal dining restaurant serves Portuguese and Mediterranean dishes in an elegant space with a large outdoor terrace, which is also the setting for a seriously lavish breakfast buffet. On Sundays, a popular Sunday brunch combines several food stations, kids' entertainment and cocktails, allowing parents to relax by the pool as younger guests burn off some energy racing around the large gardens.

The tasting menu at Kimya is a good way to sample several of the inventive dishes at one sitting. These are small plates, so there's little danger of walking away stuffed.

drinking

Guests should make a point of sampling the killer cocktails at Kimya at least once during their stay, but can also visit the informal Lounge Bar relaxed tea, coffee, wine or spirits, or enjoy a drink from the poolside bar during the spring and summer. The bars also serve light meals and snacks.