We are planning a trip next year about this time, flying in and out of Lisbon and hoping to choose a town or two in the Algarve area as well as spending time in Lisbon, and perhaps the Douro valley region. We will likely stay between 16 and 18 days and plan to have a rental car. We are mid-sixties and enjoy good food and wine and walking and exploring various cities/towns etc. We always try to pay special attention to our accommodations. So here is my ask: can anyone who has stayed in any towns in the above areas please tell me about a really special place with wonderful people, (maybe some luxury) where you would go back to in a heartbeat and recommend to, your friends. (Clean, quiet and comfy beds are non-negotiables).We were in Lisbon a little over a year ago and stayed at Palácio Príncipe Real. It’s a small boutique property and a beautiful walking area. The owners are lovely. It is rated number one “boutique hotel” on Tripadvisor. And has a rating of 4.9 on google. We know we can’t duplicate this experience everywhere we go, but certainly the bar is always set pretty high. Our aim is to stay below 500 €, unless the place you are recommending is once in a lifetime experience. Anyway, sorry for the long post. Thank you so much to anyone who can help.
Posted by
San Diego, California
4758 posts
Perhaps check out booking.com, as only folks who actually stayed in these lodgings can write recommendations. That's not the case in other forums. And once you find a special place, book directly for the best prices.
Have a wonderful trip!
Posted by
OP
63 posts
Thanks Pat. We ALWAYS do. Usually do a cross reference or aggregate check of TA, Booking, Google and also check Facebook Groups and Fodor’s forum and of course here. Steves’ forums people tend to be the kindest, and most thoughtful and helpful. I do try to take all reviews with a grain of salt but if I see the same type of thing coming up often (positive or negative) I definitely pay attention.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
6569 posts
Not a place you mentioned, but because you plan on having a rental car, I’ll suggest checking out the Hotel Parador Casa da Ínsua, 3550-126 Penalva do Castelo, Portugal. It is an 18th century house. It is off by itself, but you can walk into town, or drive if you want. It is well within your budget.
We spent two nights there and took a day trip to Lamego. To us, the main site in Lamego is the Santuário de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios and the 600 steps leading up to it.
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1676 posts
If you have any interest in the Cascais area, there are a couple of pretty spectacular hotels in this area.
The Albatroz in downtown Cascais is right on the water and in a great location. It was remodeled about three years ago and is lovely.
Even more spectacular IMO but not right in town is the Vintage Hotel Monte Estoril. It’s only been open about a year and is gorgeous. It has a great sea view and view of Cascais Bay.
Both were originally mansions that have been repurposed as hotels.