Hotel Londres

Hotel Londres is housed in a modern, somewhat nondescript building on landscaped grounds. While decor in some common areas is a little bland, most of the hotel is well-designed. A chic, colorful cocktail bar and lounge that has a balcony overlooking the pool is the hotel's true standout. Guests often head to Estoril for the beach and for the casino, and tend to congregate around the outdoor pool when they're at the property. While there aren't a bevy of kid-specific facilities, the hotel does draw families with children for its convenient beach access. Couples make their way here, too, and business travelers benefit from the hotel's meeting rooms and proximity to Estoril Congress Center. 

Hotel Londres is located in the residential district of Estoril, just south of the Teatro Municipal Mirita Casimiro performing arts venue. Tamariz Beach is Estoril's main beach -- just a five-minute walk from the hotel -- while the more rocky Moitas Beach is about 10 minutes on foot. Both have sun umbrellas and loungers for rent. The center of Cascais features shopping and dining, and it's about a 15-minute stroll along the promenade from Moitas Beach. Casino Estoril and the Estoril Congress Center are roughly a three-minute drive, or a 10-minute walk. Estoril's train station is a two-minute drive or a 10-minute walk away. Driving to Lisbon takes between 25-40 minutes, or 45 minutes by train from the station. Expect the same amount of time in the car to reach Lisbon Airport. 

Guest rooms and suites at Hotel Londres are streamline and sport minimalist-chic decor. The white-on-white aesthetic is punched up with colorful, striped pillows and throws on beds, and hardwood floors add warmth. Units are enhanced by ample natural light, and they feature minibars, wall-mounted desks, safes, AC, and free Wi-fi, but flat-screen TVs are small and you won't find kettles and coffeemakers. Units in higher categories have separate seating areas, balconies, and pool views. Bathrooms in some basic rooms are tidy but substantially less attractive, with tile grout that could use spiffing up, while others have marble vanities, walk-in showers, and bathtubs. All have bidets, toiletries, and hairdryers. Rooms are non-smoking, but guests are permitted to smoke on balconies. 

Leisure facilities at the hotel are a bit limited compared to other Estoril hotels, with no fitness center or kids' activities except for a small playground. That said, the lineup of amenities offer value and are extensive enough for a comfortable stay. The hotel serves an affordable breakfast buffet for a fee, with a range of hot and cold items of fairly good quality and variety. Traditional Portuguese cuisine is dished up for the a la carte lunch and dinner buffet, and there's a swish cocktail bar and lounge for pre- or post-meal drinks, with live music on weekends. Meeting and event space is also available with catering.A small outdoor swimming pool -- about 50 feet long -- is open year-round, with a shallow end for children, and a surrounding patio that has plenty of loungers. Hotel staff can help arrange activities such as golf, surfing, windsurfing, and sailing. Other amenities include a computer workstation in the lobby, a salon (hotel guests receive a discount), a car rental agency, and a minimart. There is free limited on-site parking, and Wi-Fi is free throughout.