The Albatroz Hotel

Once the Palace of the Dukes of Loulé in the late 19th-century, Hotel Albatroz has a relaxed, sophisticated atmosphere. The hotel is characterized by natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows and a mix of old-fashioned and contemporary decor. The lobby has parquet wooden floors with dark-toned couches near a broad fireplace. Other common areas feature lovely elegant floral wall tiles and antique pieces like desks and lamps. The vibe is calm and quiet, and though the hotel claims a five-pearl status, it lacks the polish of a luxury property or luxe features like a spa and gym. Couples are the main clientele, particularly older travelers looking for a relaxing vacation next to the sea. 

This beachfront hotel is located on a cliff next to the Praia da Conceicao, and is a two-minute walk to neighboring Praia da Rainha. Surrounding the hotel are shops, bars, and restaurants, and the train station is just a two-minute walk away. The city center is a six-minute walk away, while the marina can be reached in 16 minutes on foot. Casino Estoril is a nine-minute drive from the property. Sintra is about a 20-minute drive, where guests can also explore the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park with its stunning views. Lisbon and its airport are about a 30- to 40-minute drive, or about an hour by train.

Rooms at Hotel Albatroz are charming and though they’re all individually decorated, they all tend to have an old-fashioned decor that some might find dated. Floral prints, soft blues and greens, beach or floral art pieces, and antique furniture decorate the spaces, creating a homey vibe. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, minibars, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, safes, and a welcome bottle of port wine. Though the suites have Nespresso machines, most rooms don’t have any type of coffee- and tea-making facilities. Some rooms have balconies and lovely ocean views. Bathrooms are generally sophisticated, though some are more elegant than others. They include shower/tub combos or separate tubs and showers, toiletries, hairdryers, and bidets. 

For a property that bills itself as a five-pearl hotel, it’s a bit surprising that the Albatroz lacks a gym or spa. Still, there are many features that take advantage of the hotel's beautiful oceanfront, like the lovely outdoor pool and sundeck lined with loungers -- though it's small and some guests complain that there's not enough sunbeds. The hotel bar has an outdoor terrace that jets out over the ocean, while the Albatroz Restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine and a free breakfast buffet for guests in the morning. Half- and full-board options are available and there’s a limited room service. Travelers can book cooking classes with the chef and a kitchen for an event, as well as five other fully equipped meeting rooms. Free Wi-Fi and a public computer and printer are available. Parking is free.