Vila Galé Cascais

The Vila Gale Cascais attracts a variety of leisure travelers looking to spend their vacation in a quiet setting overlooking the ocean. Interiors are bright and contemporary, if a bit generic-looking. Red and plum hues are found throughout, from carpeted hallways to sponge-effect lobby walls to curtains, lampshades, and ottomans at the bar. Floors painted to resemble cobblestone in the lobby and restaurant add some charm, as do large pool photos in the latter. Outside, terrace seating and a large circular swimming pool provide leisure options, but guests will have to go to higher-level rooms for beautiful views of the sea and town center. 

The hotel is set slightly back from the Atlantic, with a road and a few buildings between it and the coast. The center of Cascais, which is home to a number of shops and restaurants, as well as sights such as Palace of Cascais Citadel, can be reached in 10 minutes on foot. Praia da Rainha, a sandy cove in the center of town, is about a 15-minute walk away. It's a similar distance to Cascais Station, which has a direct line to the center of Lisbon. It takes roughly 40 minutes to drive to Bairro Alto, Lisbon’s historic center, or 70 minutes by train. Cascais is set at the foot of the Sintra Hills, and there are a number of scenic walks that can be taken around the area. Expect transfer times to Lisbon Portela Airport of roughly 30 to 40 minutes by car, or 90 minutes by public transport.

Rooms here are spacious, contemporary, and well-decorated. Wood furniture and floors, beige walls, and plum accents in headboards, curtains, sofas, and bed runners combine for a streamlined, pleasant look. Armchairs and benches in striped fabric, and shadow box wall art with silver buddha busts add some personality. Furnished outdoor spaces come standard, with land or sea views, the latter of which most guests agree is worth the extra cost. Standard amenities consist of desks, sitting areas, flat-screen TVs, minibars, air-conditioning, and closets with electronic safes (fee). Suites, meanwhile, have separate living spaces with two sofa beds and four-person dining tables. Bathrooms are modern across the board, equipped with shower/tub combos, bidets, hairdryers, and free toiletries. 

Vila Gale Cascais offers enough amenities to keep guests occupied on-site, starting with its medium-sized circular outdoor pool. Off to one side is a separate kiddy pool, and the stone deck is lined with loungers, but just a handful of umbrellas. A seasonal pool bar serves drinks and snacks. A small spa offers a range of massage and wellness treatments, but there's no gym here. All rates include a well-regarded buffet breakfast with all the expected continental fare, plus hot dishes such as beans, bacon, and made-to-order eggs. Buffet meals are also served for lunch and dinner, but these receive mixed reviews. Light meals and snacks are available at the indoor bar all day. Children are catered to with a kids’ club and an outdoor play area. Parking and property-wide Wi-FI are both free.