Amazonia Estoril Hotel

Hidden behind tall leafy trees and large stone walls on a residential road, the Amazonia Estoril Hotel has a charmingly secluded feel. The crisp white building itself stands tall and fresh on a little hill, accessed by a steep driveway and several sets of stairs. Though there are ramps and elevators, coming and going on foot may be difficult for elderly guests or those with limited mobility. Large sepia-toned artwork reflects the hotel's name and depicts the Amazon River and its indigenous residents. The marble-floored lobby is bright and airy, and often the only sound is the soothing trickling of the lake where turtles swim. There are comfy sofas and chairs, a TV and a nice library area, plus superb views from the balcony over the town -- with the ocean in the distance. Rooms are spread between the main building and a second building on the grounds. It's a peaceful boutique hotel that feels like a contemporary home, and appeals mostly to young couples. 

Amazonia Estoril Hotel is set on a quiet, mostly residential road that's a few minutes on foot to Casino Estoril. It's a pleasant five-minute walk down to the beachfront strip -- via the railway underpass -- to sandy Tamariz Beach. Restaurants and bars line the beachfront and the main road Av. Aida which runs parallel to the hotel. Estoril Station is a five-minute walk away, and trains from there link to the neighboring town of Cascais for shopping and more beaches in just 10 minutes door-to-door. The station has regular connections to Lisbon with a journey time of about 4 -minutes. It's about a 25-minute drive into the city and 30 minutes to Lisbon Airport. 

Rooms at the Amazonia Estoril are split between two buildings. Units in the main building are Doubles and Suites, most with balconies, and offer the best views across town to the sea. Decor throughout is simple and modern in white, with rattan-style feature walls behind the beds. Rooms in the main building have a slightly softer finish with decorative palms, natural colored armchairs, and traditional-style furniture. All rooms have air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, safes, minibars, and free Wi-Fi. The second building houses spacious -- though a bit sparse -- Studios and Apartments which have kitchenettes with sinks, burners, microwaves, and fridges. Dining and living space features second flat-screen TVs. Some Apartments add balconies. All bathrooms are similarly decorated in white, with counter-top basins, rainfall shower cubicles, and hairdryers. Due to the turret-shaped building, some rooms have large circular balconies, and Suites have impressive curved living areas with circular daybeds. 

Features are aimed squarely at tourists. Amazonia Estoril has a small seasonal swimming pool in a nice decked setting, enclosed by trees and foliage, with a handful of loungers and chairs around. The breakfast room overlooks the pool area in a sunny conservatory. A continental breakfast buffet is available, though guests have been disappointed by the lack of variety, and by the coffee which is provided in flasks. During high season, lunch snacks and dinner options are available, though it's worth double checking as sometimes pre-booking is required. There's a bright lounge in the lobby which is on the first floor, so has views across the pool to the sea in the distance, and there's a small library area with a few games. Though there is no bar, there is drink service both in the lobby and beside the pool. The front desk is open 24-hours. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.