Casa Shanti Niketan

This quaint, family-run hotel was first a doctor's office established in 1939 by an Indian immigrant who later moved to Portugal. The house has been in the family ever since, and while it was rebuilt in 1954, it was more recently converted into a bed-and-breakfast that reflects its Indian heritage. According to the website, the house's original name, "Shantiniketan," means a home of peace and joy. Expect a homey setting with a living room housing antique rugs, framed family photos, old-fashioned seating, and parquet wood flooring. An indoor dining area is more contemporary, with colorful Indian tapestries, elephant decor, and plastic wicker seating, plus there's an adjacent outdoor terrace and a garden with plastic dining sets. The vibe here is cozy and relaxed, thanks in part to its location in Lisbon's outer suburbs, though Estoril is a town very much in its own right. Staff are wonderful, full of information and really friendly. 

This property is located in Estoril, set a 10-minute drive (30-minute walk) from Cascais. Casa Shanti Niketan is under a 10-minute walk from the nearest beach, as well as a handful of restaurants, bars, and supermarkets. There are two other local beaches within about a 10-minute drive. One of the most popular day trips from Estoril is the town of Sintra, which has a gorgeous, biologically diverse forested mountain upon which are perched the ruins of a Moorish castle, the famous, architecturally bizarre Palacio da Pena, and a Capuchin convent. It's only about 20 minutes away by car (the train will take about three times as long). The town is bustling too, with several museums, lots of restaurants, and plenty of bars. The hotel is about an hour and 20 minutes minutes from Lisbon Portela Aiport, and about 40 minutes from Lisbon proper by car or train (about double what's advertised on the website). The train station is about a five-minute walk from the hotel. 

The property has just seven rooms that are individually decorated with antiques and Indian influences. Antique rugs on top of wooden floors, old-fashioned wood furniture, and tapestry bedding combine for a cozy, homey feel, enhanced by artwork and standing floor mirrors. Rooms fall into Standard, Superior, or Attic categories, and some have a balcony or terrace, which most find are well worth it. Each large room has a flat-screen cable TV, tea- and coffee-making facilities, an in-room safe, and minibar. Happily, given the summer sun in Portugal, rooms have thick blinds that shut out the rays well. There's also thick glazing on the windows, so even rooms facing the main road are quiet. Bathrooms are fare more up-to-date looking than most spaces, equipped with rainfall showers, toiletries, and hairdryers. 

The hotel's amenities are what you'd expect to find in a lovely, welcoming home: a place to take in the sun, a lush garden, and even a conservatory. The patio makes for a pleasant spot where guests can have a drink or breakfast, and sunbeds and chairs are spread across the property. Speaking of breakfast, the continental buffet is included in the room price. The spread is wonderful, with homemade cakes baked fresh every day, fresh fruit, and yogurt, plus well-reviewed coffee. A hot breakfast is available for a small extra fee. Inside, there's a lounge with a bar and fireplace. However, there are no pool, gym, or other wellness facilities here. Towels for nearby beaches cost extra. Wi-Fi is free and available throughout the property, and private parking is available on-site.